Massive, sprawling cinematic universes have been a trend in Hollywood for quite some time. While superheroes stand as a pillar of content creation in this trend, space operas have also been a mainstay in this trend for quite some time. And, if it is any indication, they seemed to be primed to take over Hollywood in the coming couple of years.
Given the success of franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars and Star Trek, it is safe to assume that a lot of film studios, foreign and indigenous, are aiming to make films set in the genre. From a reimagining of Western classics to adaptations of beloved graphic novels, here are 6 upcoming space operas that are bound to blow you away.
Ulysse
The Trojan War has always had a special place in the Western literary canon, being endlessly told and retold in new and novel ways through literature and cinema. Antonin Baudry, known for the Wolf’s Call, has decided to collaborate with Axelle Boucaï and Alain Goldman to produce a series based on the Iliad and the Odyssey, but set in space. While not a very novel idea, Hollywood lately has found itself starved for a good Hemric adaptation, and this could scratch that itch very well. Set to follow Ulysse, the show would follow his journey from going to war with Troy to his 10-year-long homecoming, reported Variety.
The Incal
Taika Waititi, fresh off his success with Thor: Ragnarok, proved himself to be quite capable of handling space operas. While the director/writer has found himself directing and creating a bunch of Star Wars content, there is another space opera that is in development under the director’s creative vision. The Incal is a French IP, a graphic novel created by writer/director Alejandro Jodorowsky, which looks at the story of an everyman, trying to save the universe. The film would be Humanoid’s first foray into film production and will have Waitit direct the film.
Elio
Slated to be released in 2025, Elio is a Pixar original that dares to venture into the space opera genre once again, despite the failure that was 2022’s Lightyear. However, Elio seems to be heading towards a more novel direction, taking Pixar back to its roots, to explore a truly original and cerebral concept from an unfilled point of view. When a child is whisked away and mistaken to be Earth’s leader by an alien Coalition, he must find a way to figure out what he is meant to do, and who he is meant to be. Given that Disney and Pixar are no strangers to franchise building, this particular film has the makings of a good franchise, similar to Toy Story or Monster’s Inc.
Also Read: Henry Cavill Can Join Rebel Moon: Part 2 if This Intriguing Zack Snyder Theory is True
Rebel Moon: Part 2- The Scargiver
Rebel Moon might have debuted with a less-than-desirable review from critics but fans of the genre and Zack Snyder cannot help but say positive things about the franchise. The second part of the duology- The Scargiver– is scheduled to come out in 2024, bringing the current saga to an end. Snyder has mentioned time and time again that he would like to turn this into an IP, with spin-offs and sequels, to perhaps make a property that could rival Star Wars and Star Trek.
Dune: Part 2
Adapting Frank Herbert’s breathtaking space opera. the second part of Dune will make landfall in cinemas in 2024, continuing Paul Astrides’s revenge, now with the Fremen at his back. The film will conclude the story of the original Dune novel, and future projects are being discussed, including a potential third film, based on Dune Messiah. A spin-off, titled Dune: The Sisterhood (titled Dune: Prophecy since November 2023) has been in production, which has been currently suspended owing to Johan Renck’s exit, who was slated to direct the first two episodes of the series.
Also Read: Dune 3: Denis Villeneuve’s Dream Has Reportedly Been Granted by WB With a Release Window (Reports)
Henry Cavill’s Warhammer 40,000 project
Ever since Warhammer 40, 000 was accounted to be getting the live-action treatment, fans are waiting with bated breath for any kind of update on the project. in 2023, it was revealed that Amazon Studios will be producing the franchise in collaboration with Games Workshop, with Cavill signing on as Executive Producer, while also having stated to be starring in the project. There is yet to be any concrete content shared for the IP, such as what will be the story of the first entry, but given Cavill’s dedication to projects such as this, it is safe to assume that whoever it takes off, it will take off spectacularly.
