Summary

• Margot Robbie dives into toy movie trend with Monopoly adaptation, could bring comedic family fun.
• Sims movie announcement raises eyebrows, could explore autonomy in bizarre, meta way like Truman Show.
• Sebastian Stan taking on role as young Donald Trump in The Apprentice is surprising and could be a career-defining move.

There are several upcoming movies in varying development stages that are so bizarre that it’s surprising they’re actually happening. It’s safe to say that 2023’s year in cinema changed the industry for the foreseeable future, with the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon finally overshadowing major franchise movies. While expanded universes like Marvel, Star Wars, and more dominated the box office in the 2010s, the 2020s seem geared toward original concept movies, though there are still a slew of sequels, prequels, and spin-offs in the works.

2024’s most-anticipated movies include hits from auteur filmmakers, long-awaited sequels, and upcoming installments to the film industry’s highest-grossing franchises. Between those expected hits, there are many films that seem pretty bizarre and could feasibly be either cinematic masterpieces or total train wrecks. Many have only recently been announced, while others are set to be released later in 2024. Either way, these are some of the most riveting movies to look out for, as a bizarre concept can often result in a unique experience, whether it be great or horrible.

9 Margot Robbie’s Monopoly Movie

After Barbie, Margot Robbie Is Producing A Movie Based On Monopoly

After Barbie’s $1 billion success, film studios immediately jumped to the conclusion that the way to replicate that financial achievement was to produce several… toy movies. Margot Robbie, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture for her role in producing Barbie, has recently been attached to one of these toy movies, centered around the board game Monopoly. It’s a ridiculous idea, though not inherently a bad one. As Monopoly games between families have proven many times before, the game has the potential for great drama and great comedy.

Barbie
is streaming now on Max.

A Monopoly movie could turn out to be a fun, lighthearted family experience. After all, it wouldn’t be the first film to be based on a game, or even a board game, at that. Robbie hasn’t been announced as part of the film’s cast, simply taking a producer role for the time being. This could mean a varying level of involvement from her, though, after Barbie, it would seem beneficial for the film to have her in a commanding creative role, guiding the film to offer something meaningful.

8 Margot Robbie’s Sims Movie

The Sims Movie Could Have A Truman Show-Esque Premise

The Sims is one of the most popular video games of all time, with a recent production announcement for a film adaptation. It’s another project from Margot Robbie’s production company, and it’s set to be directed by Kate Herron. Narratively, it’s another bizarre film announcement, as The Sims game premise is that it simulates real life. It could be set with a similar premise to Barbie, following a character set in a fictional world who realizes there’s a real world beyond it.

Hypothetically, a meta Sims movie sounds a lot like The Truman Show. There are plenty of themes to explore about autonomy with The Sims, which seems strange to explore in a video game adaptation. Again, the most promising aspect of The Sims movie announcement is that it’s coming from Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment. If any film is an indicator that hits can come from surprising places, it’s Barbie.

7 The Apprentice (With Sebastian Stan As Trump)

Sebastian Stan Starring As Donald Trump Is Surprising Casting

Given Donald Trump’s place in the American cultural vernacular, it’s surprising that it’s taken so long for a feature film to be made chronicling the early years of his life. The Apprentice, which is meant to be released sometime in 2024, stars Marvel Cinematic Universe star Sebastian Stan as a younger Trump and Succession star Jeremy Strong as NYC prosecutor Roy Cohn. The most bizarre aspect of The Apprentice is its casting, which will see two beloved actors playing two controversial men.

Jeremy Strong has practically built his career with roles in movies and shows with narratives about civics. He had supporting roles in The Big Short and The Trial of the Chicago 7, along with his starring role in HBO’s Succession. His role in the film seems promising, while Sebastian Stan as Trump is slightly more questionable. The 41-year-old actor hasn’t had many opportunities to demonstrate his talent in transformative roles, so The Apprentice could be fantastic for his career.

6 The Matrix 5

Another Matrix Movie Has Been Announced, After The Divisive 2021 Sequel

Just over two years after The Matrix Resurrections, the divisive fourth installment to the beloved sci-fi franchise, Warner Bros. announced another sequel, which will be the riskiest yet. 1999’s The Matrix is undoubtedly one of the best sci-fi movies of all time and one of the most influential action movies ever made. Since then, the franchise has struggled to achieve that same level of excellence, with three sequels receiving varying mixed reactions. Despite that, fans of the franchise felt safe in the hands of Lana Wachowski, the filmmaker behind all four features.

It could be the sequel the franchise needs to get back on track, or it could taint its legacy forever.

The Matrix 5 comes as a bizarre shock because it’s the first installment going forward without Lana Wachowski or Lilly Wachowski, who co-directed the first three. Drew Goddard is set to write and direct the film instead, making it an enormous risk for the franchise. Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has expressed his intent to make the most of the company’s key franchises, leading to the announcement of the Harry Potter HBO series and, now, another Matrix movie. It could be the sequel the franchise needs to get back on track, or it could taint its legacy forever.

5 Minecraft (Starring Jason Momoa)

Aquaman Star Jason Momoa Is Set To Star In A Minecraft Movie Adaptation

Regarding popular video games turning into movies, Minecraft was always bound to be adapted, though, like with Sims, creating a narrative for such a loose sandbox game seems incredibly hit or miss. A Minecraft movie is a bizarre idea no matter what, but it was made even more surprising with the announcement of Jason Momoa’s casting, as it’s hard to imagine the Khal Drogo star in block form. On the bright side, he won’t be playing the main Minecraft character, Steve.

The lead role has been filled out by Jack Black, who continues a streak of voice-acting performances. In 2023, he starred in the $1 billion juggernaut of TheSuper Mario Bros. Movie, playing Bowser. In 2024, he just recently reprised his role as Po in Kung Fu Panda 4 and will also play a voice role in the upcoming Borderlands movie. This could be a solid indication of Minecraft’s success, but it’ll be a tough movie to imagine until footage is released.

4 The Naked Gun Reboot

The Naked Gun Franchise Are Some Of The Most Bizarre Movies Ever

The word bizarre goes hand-in-hand with The Naked Gun franchise, a comedy series from the 1980s and 1990s starring Leslie Nielsen. The satirical action saga is pure, absurd humor with zero dramatic backbone to support it. The original films were hit-or-miss, either schlock or comedic genius, depending on the viewer, and a reboot is difficult to conceive of. Its humor is perfect for its era and likely wouldn’t appeal to many modern moviegoers, though some names attached to the project make it a bit more promising.

The Naked Gun reboot cast will be led by Liam Neeson, the star known for his roles in Batman Begins, Taken, and the Star Wars franchise. Liam Neeson isn’t known primarily for his comedic work, but it’s also being produced by Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane, who’s worked with Neeson comedically before. Liam Neeson’s cameo in Ted 2 is one of the funniest parts of the movie, indicating a hopeful duo for the remake.

3 Joker 2 (As A Musical)

The Sequel To The Super Villain Movie Will Be A Musical Starring Lady Gaga

Love it or hate it, Joker was an enormous accomplishment for Warner Bros. and DC Comics, as the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time and the only one to pass $1 billion. Despite early suggestions that Joaquin Phoenix may not want to partake in a sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux is happening and will be released in October 2024. The most shocking aspect of the film is that it expands on the previous rendition by adding a musical element.

Joker 2 is happening with a far larger budget than the first, demonstrating the 2019 movie’s success. While the first was a giant commercial hit, seeing how the musical elements affect the sequel’s mainstream appeal will be fascinating. Lady Gaga playing Harley Quinn is an exciting casting for Harley Quinn that will help the film, also offering the potential for award acclaim. Joaquin Phoenix took home the Best Actor award for Joker, and it could be Lady Gaga winning for the sequel if it all works out.

2 Borderlands

Borderlands’ Casting Choices Are Surprising

Borderlands is one of the more plausible games to be adapted into a film, given how cinematic the game’s aesthetic is, to begin with. Unlike The Sims or Minecraft, the Borderlands movie is conceptually not that strange, but rather, the lead cast trio of Cate Blanchett, Jack Black, and Kevin Hart begs the question of what kind of vibe they’re going for. Not to mention, Jamie Lee Curtis is in a supporting role. Posters for Borderlands indicate a bombastic adventure movie, which could be phenomenal or totally backfire.

Video game adaptation movies have always been hit or miss, though 2023 saw an excellent year for game-based films and shows, from The Last of Us to Five Nights at Freddy’s. With Fallout now receiving spectacular reviews on Prime Video, things seem to be turning around, but Borderlands seems a riskier bet. The action movie could be a huge Summer blockbuster hit or another misfire like Assassin’s Creed.

1 Red One

J.K. Simmons’ Santa Outfit For Red One Is Hilarious

The Rock hasn’t had the best movie streak in the past couple of years, with his biggest movie, Black Adam, flopping at the box office. Red One could be a return to form for him, as well as a much-needed hit for Captain America star Chris Evans, who’s struggled in his post-Marvel career. The starring pair makes a ton of sense for an action comedy film, though the film’s premise is where the bizarre part comes in. Red One will follow The Rock and Evans as they try to rescue Santa Claus following his kidnapping.

It’s a crazy plot for a movie, especially given that J.K. Simmons is playing Santa. Set photos of the 69-year-old actor indicate that Red One will be one of his most memorable supporting roles to date, as he’s playing a muscular, swagged-out version of Santa. Red One could be an incredible holiday season adventure movie or a very mediocre action-hero film.