Sci Fi Movies This Week: Weekly column tracking what is coming in the current week in the way of sci fi, fantasy, and horror releases as well as news and updates on genre films, streaming and theatrical.
Premiering This Week:
There are no sci fi/fantasy films hitting the theaters this weekend, but there are a few genre entries of interest available On Demand. This past Monday, the sci fi comedy Weekend at the End of the World had its debut, and the supernatural romance The Serpent’s Skin (which previously had a limited release in theaters) also became available on that day. On Friday, the horror entry The Wolf and the Lamb will have its premiere On Demand. Things will be picking up at the Box Office once the Summer Blockbuster Season kicks off on May 1st, and we will be putting up a preview of that shortly. You can see highlights for the week below, and you can watch trailers and get info for all the current and upcoming sci fi and fantasy films at this link.
Weekend at the End of the World (On Demand, Apr 20): A wild sci-fi comedy-horror film following Karl (Clay Elliott) after his marriage proposal fails in an embarrassing fashion. His best friend Miles (Cameron Fife) tries to comfort him with a getaway to the mountain cabin he just inherited from his grandmother. Their hopes of flipping the cabin and starting a new chapter of their lives faces one obstacle: The end of the world.
Directed by: Gille Klabin
Starring: Thomas Lennon, Cameron Fife, Adam Ray, Sujata Day, Clay Elliott, Troian Bellisario
The Wolf and the Lamb (On Demand, Apr 24): When a devoted teacher’s son vanishes, her desperate search unleashes ancient horrors and tests her grip on reality. Will she uncover the chilling truth or be consumed by the darkness spreading through her town?
Directed by: Michael Schilf
Starring: Cassandra Scerbo, Adrianne Palicki, Angus MacFadyen, Clint Howard
Sci Fi Movie News of Note
At this year’s CinemaCon, a sequel to the 2013 zombie film World War Z was confirmed, and that is now showing up in the latest Production Weekly listings. Paramount claimed at that event that this was one of several major franchises they are currently focusing on, along with Star Trek, G.I. Joe, and Transformers (stay tuned for updates on those). The first World War Z film performed well at the Box Office, bringing in $540 million globally, though it did not count as a runaway hit because of its rather hefty budget of over $200 million. Still, there were plans in the works to produce a sequel several years back, but those fell apart when director Marc Forster dropped out. There is no word at this point on whether he will return for the second film, and while Brad Pitt is said to be involved, it is unclear at this point whether he will have a starring role. The success of the video game is credited with sparking interest in a return to the franchise, though there is no word on whether the new movie will be based on that. The original film was inspired by Max Brooks’ popular novel of the same name, though it had very little connection to the source material. Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski developed the story for the first movie, but there is no word on whether he will be involved with the sequel.
Alex Garland‘s adaptation of the A24 fantasy video game Elden Ring is being shot in IMAX, and it is targeting a March 2028 release date. The main cast of the film has been set, which includes Kit Connor (His Dark Materials), Ben Whishaw (Skyfall), Cailee Spaeny (Alien: Romulus), Tom Burke (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), and Peter Serafinowicz (Guardians of the Galaxy). Set in a dark fantasy realm known as the Lands Between, the story unfolds after a cataclysmic event in which a mystical force called the Elden Ring—the source of order and power in the world—has been shattered. Garland is directing and George R.R. Martin is helping with the script (since he has nothing else to do, like finishing The Winds of Winter).
In production news, the James Gunn-directed Man of Tomorrow is set to start filming which should have it on track for its July 2027 premiere date. The big bad in this one will be Brainiac (played by Lars Eidinger) which will be the first live-action appearance of that villain on the big screen.
In casting news, Charles Dance (Game of Thrones) will be joining Robert Pattinson in the upcoming The Batman Part II. Word is that he will be playing Charles Dent, the father of Harvey Dent (who will be played by Sebastian Stan). That film is on track for an October 2027 premiere.
At the Box Office this past weekend, Lee Cronin’s The Mummy got off to a decent start in its premiere week, landing at the Number 3 slot and pulling in $13.5 million in domestic receipts. That one has already hit $36 million globally vs. a budget of $22 million, so it is on track to count as a success. More updates on sci fi and fantasy films at the Box Office and in the streaming charts at this link.
New on Home Video
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple: Expanding upon the world created by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland in 28 Years Later – but turning that world on its head – Nia DaCosta directs 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. In a continuation of the epic story, Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) finds himself in a shocking new relationship – with consequences that could change the world as they know it – and Spike’s (Alfie Williams) encounter with Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) becomes a nightmare he can’t escape. In the world of The Bone Temple, the infected are no longer the greatest threat to survival – the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying.
Now Available: Blu-ray | 4K UHD | DVD | VOD
More new releases at this link.
Recent Trailers
Affection (In Theaters-Limited, May 8th): Afflicted by a mysterious condition that resets her memory, Ellie becomes trapped in a cyclical nightmare with a man who claims to be her husband. She soon must uncover the horrifying truth of her existence—before she forgets it all again.
Directed by: BT Meza
Starring: Jessica Rothe, Joseph Cross, Julianna Layne
Be sure to follow our Sci Fi Movie Schedule page to keep up with all the upcoming genre releases.
