I would say that my two most anticipated films of 2024 would be Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” and Steve McQueen’s “Blitz.” It turns out that only one of them might make it to Cannes this year, and it’s not the McQueen.
There had been anticipation that “Blitz” might premiere on the Croisette in May, but it looks like a fall launch is now being eyed for the WWII epic, via Variety.
Surprising news, considering that Cannes head Thierry Fremaux and McQueen were both on stage, just a year ago, declaring their hopes to have the film premiere at Cannes. The reason given for Blitz’s absence on the Croisette is that it’s still in post production. How can that be? The film wrapped shooting in London back in April of 2023.
“Blitz” had test screened in December, and I heard it looks finished. Maybe McQueen has decided to go back to the editing room, or maybe, more likely, Apple finds a May premiere at Cannes is too early to show the film given that it will most likely be theatrically released in October or November.
With a resume that includes “Hunger,” “Lovers Rock” and “12 Years a Slave” (all excellent) it’s always exciting to get a new film from former-visual-artist-turned-director McQueen will do next. “Blitz,” the most expensive film of his career, stars Saoirse Ronan and Harris Dickinson and is based on an original idea by McQueen.
The film takes place during the German bombing campaign against the United Kingdom in 1940, with the events “seen through the eyes of the Londoners on the home front.”
“Blitz” will be released in 2024 and is being produced by Apple Original Studios. If Variety is correct, and it doesn’t go to Cannes, then the door is wide open for a World Premiere in early September at either Telluride or Venice.
Criterion's December lineup has some great additions to the library, but the title that jumped out at me is Werner Herzog's "Grizzly Man," which officially joins the Collection on December 8.