The year 2020 will bring long-awaited new installments of movie franchises like “Ghostbusters” and “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” new Marvel television series for Disney Plus, and a novel that’s a prequel to “The Hunger Games.” Here’s a list of what else to expect from 2020.
Movies: What to see in 2020
It may seem difficult to top 2019 for movies, with franchise-ending blockbusters like “Avengers: Endgame” and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” dominating the box office. But there are still a wide variety of films coming to the big screen in 2020, including superhero sequels, new animated Pixar movies, and adaptations of two popular Broadway musicals.
“Dolittle”: Robert Downey Jr. takes on the title role of a doctor who discovers he can talk to animals. Release date: Jan. 17
“Onward”: Two teenage elf brothers (voiced by Chris Pratt and Tom Holland) embark on a quest to discover if there is still magic out there. Release date: March 6
“A Quiet Place Part II”: Following the events at home, the Abbott family now faces the terrors of the outside world. Release date: March 20
“Mulan”: Disney’s live-action remake of the 1998 animated film stars Yifei Liu as a young Chinese maiden who disguises herself as a male warrior in order to save her father. Release date: March 27
“No Time to Die”: Daniel Craig returns as James Bond. After leaving active service, an old friend from the CIA returns to ask Bond for help. Release date: April 8
“Black Widow”: Natasha Romanoff’s quests between the films “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” Release date: May 1
“Wonder Woman 1984”: Gal Gadot faces off against Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal in this sequel to 2017’s “Wonder Woman.” Release date: June 4
“In the Heights”: Based on the Broadway musical written by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Release date: June 26
“Ghostbusters: Afterlife”: When a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. Release date: July 10
“The Witches”: This adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book will star Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, Octavia Spencer and Chris Rock. Release date: Oct. 16
“Eternals”: This Marvel film starring Angelina Jolie will follow the saga of the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and shaped its history and civilizations. Release date: Nov. 6
“Godzilla vs. Kong”: As the gigantic Kong meets the unstoppable Godzilla, the world watches to see which one of them will become King of the Monsters. Release date: Nov. 20
“Dune”: This adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel stars Timothee Chalamet as the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy. Release date: Dec. 18
“West Side Story”: Steven Spielberg adapts the 1957 musical about the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks. Release date: Dec. 18
Television: What’s coming and going from the small screen in 2020
Television in 2020 will see the end of several long-running beloved shows, including “Modern Family” and “Supernatural,” as well as a surge in new original content from streaming services.
“Star Trek: Picard”: Patrick Stewart returns to his iconic character in a brand-new series, which will be available to watch via online streaming service CBS All Access. Release date: Jan. 23
“The Arrow”: The show that launched the CW’s shared universe of DC Comics television series is ending after eight seasons, though it will be outlived by several successors, including “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” and “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow.” Series finale date: Jan. 28
“The Good Place”: After four seasons, this NBC sitcom about life, death and what it means to be a “good” person is coming to an end. Series finale date: Jan. 30
“Katy Keene”: This “Riverdale” spinoff will follow a group of aspiring artists trying to make it on Broadway. Release date: Feb. 6
“Modern Family”: This Emmy award-winning series will be ending after 11 seasons. Series finale date: May 18
“Supernatural”: Fifteen seasons and one loyal fanbase later, this show about two brothers facing off against monsters and demons is coming to an end. Series finale date: May 18
“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”: The first of several planned series for Disney Plus set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it will feature Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprising their roles from the “Avengers” films. Release date: TBA 2020
“Lizzie McGuire”: Hilary Duff is coming back as a 30-year-old Lizzie who’s navigating life in New York City in a new series for Disney Plus. Release date: TBA 2020.
“WandaVision”: The second MCU series for Disney Plus, starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, has been moved up from its original launch date in 2021 and will be premiering sometime in 2020. Release date: TBA 2020.
Books: Notable reads coming in 2020
Utah author Brandon Sanderson’s fourth novel in “The Stormlight Archive” series will be published in 2020, as well as a new work from lifestyle guru Marie Kondo and a prequel to Suzanne Collins’ bestselling trilogy “The Hunger Games.”
“Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick: Stories from the Harlem Renaissance,” by Zora Neale Hurston, Amistad, 304 pages (f)
Gathered into one volume for the first time, this collection of stories (including eight “lost” stories) comes from one of the most influential figures of the Harlem Renaissance and modern literature. Publication date: Jan. 14
“A Long Petal of the Sea,” by Isabel Allende, Ballantine Books, 336 pages (f)
From the author of “The House of Spirits,” this novel follows two young people fleeing the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War in search of a place to call home. Publication date: Jan. 21
“The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family and Defiance During the Blitz,” by Erik Larson, Crown, 608 pages (nf)
The history of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his leadership throughout World War II, as told by the bestselling author of “The Devil in the White City” and “In the Garden of Beasts.” Publication date: Feb. 25
“The Night Watchman,” by Louise Erdrich, Harper, 464 pages (f)
National Book Award-winning author Louise Erdrich’s new novel is based on the story of her grandfather, who took the fight against native dispossession from rural North Dakota to Washington, D.C. Publication date: March 3
“Chosen Ones,” by Veronica Roth, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 432 pages (f)
The author of the bestselling “Divergent” series has written her first novel geared to adults with this story about life for five teenagers known as “The Chosen Ones” after they’ve fulfilled their prophecy. Publication date: April 7
“Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life,” by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein, Little, Brown Spark, 256 pages (nf)
Learn strategies for eliminating clutter and making space for work that really matters from bestselling author Marie Kondo and Rice University business professor Scott Sonenshein. Publication date: April 7
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” by Suzanne Collins, Scholastic Press, 528 pages (f)
Not many details have been released yet about the plot, but we do know that this prequel will take place in Panem 64 years before the events of “The Hunger Games.” Publication date: May 19
“The Stormlight Archive” Number Four, by Brandon Sanderson, Tor Books, 1,088 pages (f)
Though still untitled, the release of the fourth novel in the epic fantasy series that started with “The Way of Kings” has been confirmed for 2020. Publication date: Nov. 17
Events: What’s coming to Utah in 2020
There’s plenty happening in Utah in 2020. From Broadway musicals like “Dear Evan Hansen” and Disney’s “Frozen,” to musical superstars like Celine Dion and Cher, here’s a list of just some of the shows, performers and events that will be coming to Utah in the new year.
January
Itzhak Perlman: Grammy and Emmy award-winning violinist performing with the BYU Philharmonic. Where: BYU, Provo When: Jan. 9
“Fiddler On the Roof”: Classic Broadway musical that’s also a Tony award-winner. Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: Jan. 21-26
Sundance Film Festival: Features world premieres of films, as well as live music, virtual reality experiences and panel discussion events. Where: various locations in Park City, Salt Lake City and Sundance When: Jan. 23-Feb. 2
Miranda Lambert: The country singer’s Wild Card Tour comes to Salt Lake with special guests Cody Johnson, Randy Rogers Band, LANCO and Parker McCollum. Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City When: Jan. 31
February
“Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live”: Creator and original host of the Peabody award-winning television show comes to Salt Lake City as part of The Great Cheesy Movie Circus Tour. Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: Feb. 8
Sarah McLachlan: Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter who was recently inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: Feb. 13
“The Bachelor Live on Stage”: Hosted by Bachelor Nation favorites Becca Kufrin and Ben Higgins, one eligible hometown bachelor will be introduced to local ladies from the audience for a chance at love. Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: Feb. 21
Trevor Noah: The host of the Emmy award-winning “The Daily Show” will appear as part of his Loud & Clear tour. Where: The Maverik Center, West Valley City When: Feb. 21
Blake Shelton: Country music superstar will be joined by very special guest Lauren Alaina, as well as The Bellamy Brothers, John Anderson and Trace Adkins as part of his Friends and Heroes 2020 tour. Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City When: Feb. 27
Rob Schneider: The actor and comedian will perform a Live Comedy Special. Where: Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, Salt Lake City When: Feb. 29
March
“Dear Evan Hansen”: A Tony award-winning Broadway musical. Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: March 4-14
“Dancing with the Stars: Live!”: The popular dancing competition will feature dancers from the show on its 2020 tour. Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: March 19
Post Malone: Part of the Runaway Tour, with special guests Swae Lee and Tyla Yaweh. Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City When: March 21
Celine Dion: The pop music superstar is bringing her Courage World Tour to Salt Lake City. Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City When: March 26
Zac Brown Band: Performing with special guests Amos Lee, Poo Bear and Sasha Sirota. Where: Maverik Center, West Valley City When: March 26
Little Big Town: The Country Music Hall of Fame inductees will be performing with special guest Caitlyn Smith as part of the Nightfall tour. Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: March 27-28
April
Disney’s “Frozen”: The Broadway production of the animated Disney film, featuring songs from the original as well as a dozen new numbers. Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: April 15-May 3
Cher: The superstar singer is coming as part of her Here We Go Again tour, featuring special guests Nile Rodgers and Chic. Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City When: April 28
May
Michael Buble: Grammy award-winning singer and performer. Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City When: May 8
Mandy Moore: The actress, singer and songwriter will be performing with special guest Madison Cunningham. Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: May 8
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson: The acclaimed astrophysicist’s “Astronomy Bizarre” show will review all that bends the mind most in the cosmos. Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: May 14
Joshua Bell: The internationally renowned violinist joining the Utah Symphony for the 80th anniversary celebration of the symphony’s first concert. Where: Abravanel Hall, Salt Lake City When: May 16
Bill Maher: Known for his political comedy work on both Comedy Central and HBO, the comedian will appear in Salt Lake as part of his Live Stand Up tour. Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: May 17
Journey with Pretenders: The two ‘80s rock bands are making a Utah stop on their North American tour. Where: USANA Amphitheater, West Valley City When: May 21
June
Carol Burnett: The award-winning actress will be here as part of her tour “Carol Burnett: An Evening of Laughter and Reflection.” Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: June 1-2
Alannis Morisette: Performing with special guest Garbage, with Liz Phair also appearing. Where: USANA Amphitheater, West Valley City When: June 7
“Anastasia”: Broadway musical based on the 1997 animated film of the same name. Where: Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City When: June 9-14
Chicago & Rick Springfield: Rock and roll performers on North American tour. Where: USANA Amphitheater, West Valley City When: June 16
August
Tame Impala: Performing with special guest Perfume Genius. Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City When: Aug. 1
Kenny Chesney: Country singer with special guest Michael Franti & Spearhead as part of Chillaxification 2020 Tour. Where: USANA Amphitheater, West Valley City When: Aug. 6
Camila Cabello: Multi-platinum pop singer will be in Salt Lake as part of her Romance tour. Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City When: Aug. 14
Maroon 5 & Meghan Trainor: These two chart-topping pop artists will perform together in Salt Lake City. Where: USANA Amphitheater, West Valley City When: Aug. 24
September and October
KISS: The heavy-metal band is touring for the last time on their End of the Road World Tour. Where: USANA Amphitheater, West Valley City When: Sept. 24
Alan Jackson: Country singer coming to Salt Lake. Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City When: Oct. 2
Dan + Shay: The country duo will come to Utah as part of The (Arena) Tour. Where: Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City When: Oct. 16