Looking Ahead: the biggest films coming up in 2015

From Bond to Star Wars, the biggest films for upcoming release, London 2015. 

Daniel Craig returns to the screen as James Bond in 'Spectre'
With 2014 now behind us, we look ahead to some of the most anticipated films of the coming year. With several high grossing franchises returning to the big screen, plus fresh offerings from notable directors and plenty of emerging talent, 2015 looks to be a promising year for film.

Spectre, November 2015

Daniel Craig returns as tuxedo-clad British spy in this, the 24th instalment in the iconic Bond franchise. Expect characteristic fast-paced action from returning cast members Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Rory Kinnear and Ralph Fiennes (stepping into Judy Dench’s seasoned shoes for her archetypal portrayal commander-in-chief ‘M’). The film’s title is derived from the criminal terrorist organisation SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion), a fictional global terrorist organisation, which was prominent during the original Bond films and several Ian Fleming novels. Whilst further plot details remain sparse, we are told that the film will entail a trail of sinister investigations into the past of Britain's favourite smooth-talking casanova with a licence to kill. Singer-songwriter Sam Smith is rumoured to be in line to record this year's theme. 

Selma, 6th February 2015



Chronicling the tumultuous three-month campaign of Dr. Martin Luther King, and his epic march from Selma to Montgomery to secure equal voting rights for black minorities in 1965. Director Ava DuVernay leads a stellar cast in this powerful production including David Oyelowo as the world-renowned pioneer for racial equality. Expect a powerful script from Paul Webb and stunning cinematography, in this moving contemplation of an issue that remains ever troubling in terms of American civil rights. 

Far From the Madding Crowd, 1st May 2015



Thomas Hardy's classic Victorian novel is brought to life in this compelling adaptation by Thomas Vinterberg, starring Carey Mulligan and Tom Sturridge. The tale follows beautiful yet narcissistic Bathsheba Everdene as she goes on a journey of self-discovery through her love affairs with three very different men. The original film, starring Julie Christie garnered great praise when it was originally released in 1967 – with a strong cast and powerful score from Craig Armstrong this adaptation looks to live up to its predecessor.  

A Most Violent Year, 23rd January 2015



Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty, Interstellar) and Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) star in J.C. Chandor's gritty tale of corruption and violence in the early days of the New York financial crisis of 2008. Think the garbage-truck disputes of The Sopranos against the backdrop of one of the worst years for violent crime in New York's history: alternately lingering on tense, smoke-ringed boardroom confrontations and hauling us breathlessly through shootouts across the city transit network, A Most Violent Year sustains a simmering tension through a well-paced plot. An atmospheric and classy thriller that will be definitely be worth catching upon its UK release this month.

Star Wars, Episode VII, 16th December 2015



J.J Abrams brings the latest in the epic franchise to the silver screen in December. The much anticipated sequel will undoubtedly excite mainstream audiences and hardcore fans alike. Oscar Isaac returns from his January successes to star in this marvel of cinematic ambition, and the first of the Star Wars films to be produced by the Walt Disney Co. The film will form the start of a new trilogy set after the events of Return of the Jedi. Starring Andy Serkis, and Peter Mayhew as the affable Chewbacca.

Fifty Shades of Grey, February 2015



Clint Eastwood’s upcoming feat is perhaps one of the most exciting war films since 2008’s Hurtlocker. Bradley Cooper stars in this contemporary wartime drama based on the true experiences of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, generally considered to be the most lethal sniper in American Military history. Sienna Miller, Luke Grimes (Taken 2) and Kyle Gallner (Red State) join Cooper along with a number of genuine ex-Navy SEALs portraying themselves. With his keen eye for human drama and nerve-racking action, as so adeptly demonstrated in Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, Eastwood is surely the right man for this job.

The Look of Silence, July 2015



Legendary There Will Be Blood director Paul Thomas Anderson brings the first ever adaptation of a Thomas Pynchon novel to the screen, boasting an all-star cast including Reese Witherspoon, Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro, Owen Wilson and Jena Malone. The film is set to a score by prolific composer Jonny Greenwood (There Will Be Blood, Romeo + Juliet) recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. Set in 1970s Southern California, this film follows dope-smoking private investigator Sportello investigating the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend’s wealthy boyfriend in Los Angeles. Phoenix has already been lauded for the role, as has newcomer Katherine Waterson (Night Moves) for her portrayal of Shasta Fay, Sportello’s surfer-girl ex. Josh Brolin (No Country For Old Men, Milk, Labor Day) also takes a star turn in this the seventh of Anderson's film, combining elements of film noir with the surrealism of the '70s psychedelic era.

Click below to see more of our roundups of the best things to do in London 2015:
The Best Dance 2015
The Best Theatre Shows 2015
Fashion Forecast 2015
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