2025’s most anticipated TV series and films

A biopic about Robbie Williams wouldn’t normally draw this much attention if not for one unique detail: Williams is played by a monkey. While all the other roles are performed by human actors, the central character, from childhood to adulthood, is portrayed as a CGI monkey (in a style reminiscent of Planet of the Apes), voiced by Robbie Williams himself. The narrative follows a fairly traditional structure, but the hatred that transpire from the depiction of the music industry – first with Take That and later during Williams’ solo career – makes it stand out. The choice to portray him as a monkey adds layers of meaning and invites a variety of interpretations.

Six years after Parasite, Bong Joon-ho returns with his first American film, starring Robert Pattinson. Originally slated for a 2024 release, the film has been pushed to 2025. Based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, the story follows a member of a spaceship crew categorized as “expendables:” individuals who perform life-threatening tasks, knowing they can be replaced by an identical body into which their minds are transferred. However, something goes wrong during one of these transfers.

This biopic about Bob Dylan has the rare stamp of approval from Dylan himself. That alone is noteworthy, given his elusiveness. It’s the first attempt to portray in a conventional approach one of the most enigmatic icons of the 20^th century. Unlike Todd Haynes’ experimental I’m Not There, which fragmented Dylan’s persona across multiple actors, in this film Timothée Chalamet interprets Dylan during a pivotal moment in his career: the controversial “electric turn” and the backlash at the Newport Folk Festival.

Elio marks Pixar’s latest and last original film for the foreseeable future, following a string of underwhelming releases (Turning Red, The Good Dinosaur, Soul, Luca). The story centers on a child who gets his wish to be abducted by aliens, and his discovery of an unknown realm. With its structure and themes evoking Coco, the film taps into a growing demand for animated features that explore rich, imaginative worlds.

Although it hasn’t been a full 28 years since the last installment, Danny Boyle is set to complete the trilogy that began with 28 Days Later and continued with 28 Weeks Later. Over the past 25 years, both zombie apocalypse films and our real-world reality have significantly changed. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, many found eerie parallels between the deserted streets of London and 28 Days Later, finding them incredibly relevant. It won’t be easy for Boyle to deliver something equally haunting and relevant for today’s audience.

Though untitled, Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest project is rumored for an August release. Despite his immense critical acclaim, Anderson has struggled for years to secure funding for his films due to their modest box office returns – his last movie, Licorice Pizza (2021), being no exception. Nonetheless, his new film is sure to generate excitement, with a warm reception at festivals expected, Cannes being a likely stop on its journey.

Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel stars Daniel Craig in what many are calling one of his finest performances. The film delves into the uneasy haze of alcoholism and psychedelics that defines the novel, balancing ambitious production with a deeply sensitive portrayal of its themes.

This historical drama tells the story of a Jewish architect and Holocaust survivor, played by Adrien Brody, who immigrates to America in search of success. Brady Corbet’s third film is being hailed as his masterpiece – a minor epic of extraordinary intensity and intellectual ambition. Through its narrative, architecture and design become representations for hard-to-overcome traumas.

One of the most highly anticipated films of 2025, Emilia Perez premiered at Cannes in 2024. It tells the unique story of a drug lord who undergoes gender transition to become a woman. It is an unexpected musical: it’s a peculiar story reflecting on transformation and its consequences – a narrative not typically associated with such a genre. The result is a film of remarkable depth and sensitivity. 

Robert Eggers’ remake of Nosferatu debuts in January outside the U.S., pushing Dracula mythology into new territory. This reimagining builds upon both the original 1922 silent film (which famously tweaked Bram Stoker’s Dracula to dodge copyright issues) and Werner Herzog’s 1979 remake. As a founder of the “elevated horror” genre, Eggers takes a step forward with this deep and visually captivating work.

Among Marvel’s television productions, Daredevil stood out as one of the most compelling series, being the only one to bring something genuinely different to the genre. Beneath the surface of this superhero tale was the first modern martial arts series: each episode featured intricate choreography, highly trained performers, and action sequences that depended on both skillful staging (audio and editing) and the actors’ performance. Daredevil: Born Again is based on a beloved and acclaimed comic book series, making it one of the most exciting prospects in Marvel’s lineup.

Stephen King isn’t directly involved an adaptation of his work but Andy Muschietti, who directed the two It films. This prequel series explores the events of the 1960s, unraveling how the entity that manifests as Pennywise the Clown first came to Derry. True to King’s world, the horror doesn’t just lie in monstrous forms but in the deeper, everyday evils, rooted within men and lurking within homes, schools, and streets.

Adapted from Goliarda Sapienza’s novel, this TV series by Valeria Golino debuted at Cannes as a groundbreaking reimagining of the traditional novel. It follows a girl’s rise in a rigidly structured society, growing into a woman during the 19th century. While it incorporates elements of classic romance and feuilletons, its core is different – the protagonist is no victim but the architect of her own destiny. The typical antihero of the new series, capable of morally questionable yet captivating actions, here is indeed a woman.

Initially slated for release last year, this ambitious production was postponed to early 2025 following its triumphant debut at the Venice Film Festival. The ambitious series chronicles Benito Mussolini’s rise to power, skillfully balancing farce and drama. The result is a tragic narrative that doesn’t shy away from caricature, striking a rare harmony between comedy and gravity.

Though the title may change, Wycaro is the new series by Vince Gilligan, creator of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul. Despite filming being wrapped and it is expected to be released on Apple TV+ in 2025, the plot remains a mystery. All that’s known is that it will be a science fiction story in the vein of The Twilight Zone. The lead role is played by Rhea Seehorn, best known for her performance in Better Call Saul.