These are the Action Highlights 2025
These movies are a blast
Let's be honest: sometimes you just want movies to really pack a punch. Fortunately, there are plenty of movies coming out in 2025 that aim to deliver on this very subject. Let's bring you up to date: here are the action highlights for the coming year!
Den of Thieves 2: Pantera – January 10, 2025
Fans of tough guys can enjoy themselves in January: "Den of Thieves" returns for another installment. The heist action film starring Gerard Butler was quite a success at the box office in 2018. The action, which was reminiscent of great classics such as "Heat", was particularly thrilling. This time, the action in "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera" moves from Los Angeles to Europe. Gerard Butler, alias Nick O'Brien, changes sides to take part in a diamond heist. We will find out whether the scheme works on January 10, 2025.
Captain America 4: Brave New World – February 14, 2025
With "Captain America 4: Brave New World", Sam Wilson will finally get his own solo adventure as the new Captain America. Like "The Winter Soldier" previously, the film is set to be more of a thriller. In addition to Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Harrison Ford will also be seen slipping into the role of "Thunderbolt" Ross and transforming into the Red Hulk. This time, the fourth movie will not be directed by the Russo brothers, but by Julius Onah, who so far has been able to impress with smaller productions. "Captain America 4" will hit theaters on February 14, 2025.
The Accountant 2 – April 25, 2025
It's been 8 years since Ben Affleck won over critics and viewers alike as a battle-hardened accountant in "The Accountant". Now, on April 25, 2025, he will once again provide law and order. Part 2 revolves around Marybeth Medina, played by Cynthia Addai-Robinson, who tries to solve the murder of her boss. She receives support from the main character and his brother Brax. Alongside Ben Affleck, we will therefore also be able to see Jon Bernthal. The cast also includes actors such as J.K. Simmons, Daniella Pineda and "Jury Duty" actress Cassandra Blair. As with its popular 2016 predecessor, "The Accountant 2" will once again be directed by Gavin O'Connor.
Thunderbolts* – May 2, 2025
With "Thunderbolts*", Marvel is presenting its own counterpart to the "Suicide Squad" on the big screen. The movie focuses on a squad of mercenaries and anti-heroes who have already been introduced in previous Marvel productions. These include super soldier John Walker, played by Wyatt Russell and known from "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier", and Yelena Belova, the sister of Black Widow, played by Florence Pugh. Besides these two, other well-known characters are likewise part of the team, namely Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes and David Harbour as Red Guardian.
The Thunderbolts function as a kind of "anti-Avengers" and will probably set off on a particularly risky adventure - similar to the "Suicide Squad". They will be up against Robert Reynolds alias Sentry, a powerful character who will be making his debut in the MCU. Fans are eagerly awaiting the theatrical release on May 2, 2025.
Mission: Impossible 8 - The Final Reckoning – May 23, 2025
The "Mission: Impossible" series is set to return to theaters one last time: After part 7 ended with a cliffhanger, "Mission: Impossible 8 - The Final Reckoning" will once again focus on Ethan Hunt and his team's fight against the so-called Entity. Of course, Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell and Ving Rhames will once again be part of the cast. But a number of new actors are also joining the sequel, for example Tramell Tillman, known from the Apple series "Severance".
Part 8 was actually due to be released in cinemas in 2024. However, due to the Hollywood strikes and some difficulties during production, it came to a temporary halt. In the meantime, however, the action hit has been shot and is due for release on May 23, 2025.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina – June 6, 2025
"From the World of John Wick: Ballerina" is the first movie spin-off in the "John Wick" universe. The focus is on Ana de Armas in the role of a deadly ballerina who embarks on a vendetta against the murderers of her family. She is supported by John Wick himself, played by Keanu Reeves. He stands by her side as a kind of mentor and is also involved in some action-packed scenes.
The movie will be directed by Len Wiseman, while Chad Stahelski - the director of the "John Wick" series - will have creative oversight and provide valuable input on the finished film. After several postponements, the theatrical release of "John Wick: Ballerina" has now been set for June 6, 2025. The first trailer already promises a badass action film!
Jurassic World 4: Rebirth – July 2, 2025
Big, bigger, Jurassic World! With "Jurassic World 4: Rebirth", we are in for exciting changes when it opens on July 2, 2025 - featuring a new cast, a new storyline and a director known for visually stunning and intense movies.
The planned plot of "Jurassic World: Rebirth" revolves around Zora Bennett, an experienced specialist in covert operations, as she leads a dangerous mission. Her team is tasked with securing the genetic material of three powerful dinosaurs. Naturally, things go wrong and a fight for survival begins on a secluded island.
The dinosaur blockbuster is being directed by Gareth Edwards, known for "Godzilla", the "Star Wars" film "Rogue One" and "The Creator". The cast is certainly impressive: Hollywood superstar Scarlett Johansson takes on the leading role. We will also get to see "Bridgerton" star Jonathan Bailey, Oscar winner Mahershala Ali and "Alita: Battle Angel" villain Ed Skrein, among others.
Nobody 2 – August 15, 2025
The much-anticipated sequel "Nobody 2" with Bob Odenkirk is finally coming to the big screen. In 2021, "Nobody" captured the audience's attention with its mixture of bloody action and bitter humor. The movie is directed by Timo Tjahjanto, who was previously responsible for Netflix's hard-hitting action movie "The Night Comes for Us". Derek Kolstad is once again writing the screenplay - this time, however, he is receiving support from Aaron Rabin and Umair Aleem, who worked on the Amazon series "Jack Ryan" with John Krasinski, for example. Bob Odenkirk himself also contributed to the screenplay this time. "Nobody 2" will be released in cinemas on August 15, 2025.
Mortal Kombat 2 – October 24, 2025
Next year, we will finally be able to enjoy "Mortal Kombat 2". In the sequel to the popular fighting series, a decisive battle between Earth and Outworld awaits us: Part 1 ended with Shang Tsung having to admit defeat in the fight against Cole Young and his allies. However, he is seeking revenge and intends to return with an entire army! Another battle thus seems unavoidable and Cole Young sets off in search of new champions.
The cast from part 1 will be back, including Lewis Tan as Cole Young and Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade. Likewise returning are Tadanobu Asano as Raiden, Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion and "The Raid" star Joe Taslim as Sub-Zero. And finally we'll also get to see Johnny Cage, played by "The Boys" star Karl Urban. "Mortal Kombat 2" has already finished shooting on the Australian Gold Coast. But it seems that they are taking their time for a good post-production, as the planned theatrical release of "Mortal Kombat 2" is scheduled for October 24, 2025.
Predator: Badlands – November 7, 2025
A new hunt for the Predator! Unlike the last installment, "Predator: Badlands" is set in the near future. This time, the plot on the human side revolves around the twin sisters Thia and Tessa, both played by Elle Fanning. In contrast to the previous films, however, this time the actual villain is to take center stage in the plot and become a real main character with his own story - undoubtedly a bold experiment.
Dan Trachtenberg, who already directed the last film "Prey", is back in the director's chair. If he delivers another movie of the same quality, the majority of "Predator" fans should be pleased. Screenwriter Patrick Aison, another member of the "Prey" team, is also part of the project. The movie will be released on November 7, 2025.
Avatar 3: Fire and Ash – December 19, 2025
The third part of the "Avatar" film series finally awaits us in 2025. And although the movie is still a long time coming, there is already some information about the cast and the plot. Of course, the Sully family is still the focus of the story. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña return to their parental roles as Jack Sully and Neytiri. Their children Lo'ak and Tuk are also returning, played by Britain Dalton and Trinity Jo-Li Bliss. The same goes for their foster children Kiri and Spider, who cannot be missing. Kiri is once again played by Sigourney Weaver and Spider by Jack Champion.
In an interview, James Cameron revealed that the movie will introduce a new clan that is very different from the previous Na'vi people. The Ash people are closely linked to the element of fire. According to Cameron, they embody the dark side of the Na'vi and carry a lot of anger. The Ash People live in a barren, volcanic landscape, which is a stark contrast to the colorful forests and seas of Pandora. "Avatar 3: Fire and Ash" will be released in movie theaters on December 19, 2025. We are once again expecting a visually stunning action spectacle that only James Cameron can deliver.