In recent years, musical films have begun to dominate Hollywood films again. La La Land, Hamilton, and In the Heights are examples of several musical films that are popular with audiences. The success of the musical genre makes filmmakers more productive to make similar films.

In 2023 alone, there have been several long-awaited musical films. There are remakes and live action films from legendary cartoons. Several films of this musical genre will be screened and are predicted to have great success this year. Well, about any movie, huh? Here are a series of the most awaited Hollywood musical films in 2023.

1. Wonka
This film has been long awaited since it was first announced that actor Timethee Chalamet would play Willy Wonka. Of course you are no stranger to the story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory written by Road Dahl. The film tells about Charlie who wins a golden ticket to visit a chocolate factory.

The Wonka film is a prequel to the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which was released in 1971. Based on the writings of Roald Dahl, this prequel film will tell the story of Willy’s life before he became famous as the owner of a giant chocolate factory that is mysterious and full of magic.

So far, plot details for Wonka’s film are still being kept under wraps by the studio and director, but it’s been revealed that the film features musical scenes similar to the original film.

Previously, this character has been played in films twice in the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory by Gene Wilder, and in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Johnny Depp. According to Timothee Chamalate, who played Willy’s younger version of Gene’s character, his acting combined the aspects of the two previous actors.

The Wonka film itself is a prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This film will focus on telling the story of Willy Wonka’s youth. Of course, Wonka’s film genre is still a musical with a touch of comedy. The film also stars Rowan Atkinson and Olivia Colman. Wonka is slated to air on December 15, 2023.

2.The Little Mermaids
Disney fans can’t wait to watch the live action The Little Mermaid. Although initially the selection of Halle Bailey as Ariel quite reap the pros and cons. Not a few regretted because Ariel’s depiction was far different from the animated version. However, many also support black representation.

The Little Mermaid is an American musical fantasy film directed by Rob Marshall. The screenplay was written by David Magee from a story by Magee, Marshall and John DeLuca.

This film is a production of Walt Disney Pictures and is a live-action adaptation of the 1989 animated film of the same name based on the fairy tale created by Hans Christian Andersen.

The film will star Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Art Malik, Noma Dumezweni, Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy, with Daveed Diggs, Jacob Tremblay and Awkwafina as voice actors.

The character of Ursula who is a witch will be played by Melissa McCarthy. Meanwhile, Jonah Haure-King will be Prince Eric. Disney has also released a teaser featuring Halle Bailey’s amazing vocals. The Little Mermaid is scheduled to premiere on May 26, 2023.

3. The Color Purple
Halle Bailey will again star in the musical film that will be released at the end of the year, namely The Color Purple. This film is an adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel of the same name. Previously, The Color Purple has been featured in broadway shows and managed to reap success.

This film was produced by famous director Stephen Spielberg and Quincy Jones. The Color Purple tells the story of the struggles of black women living in the south in the 1990s. The film also stars Taraji P. Henson, H.E.R, and Ciara. The Color Purple will premiere on December 20, 2023.

4. Spellbound
After successfully starring in the musical West Side Story, Rachel Zegler will return to show her voice in Spellbound. This musical film is set in a fantasy world called Lumbria. There, Princess Ellian seeks to break the curse that has divided her kingdom in two.

Spellbound is an animated film aimed at children. Several famous actors such as Nicole Kidman, Jenifer Lewis, and Nathan Lane also voiced their voices in the film Spellbound. The film is rumored to be released on November 11, 2023 on the Apple TV+ streaming app.

5. Maestros
Maestro is a musical biographical film that chronicles the life of composer, conductor and writer Leonard Bernstein. His figure has created some well-known music, one of which is for West Side Story. Apart from playing Bernstein, Bradley Cooper also directed this film.

Mestro focuses on Bernstein’s early life and his marriage to Felicia Monealegre. The film also stars Carey Mullgan, Jeremy Strong, and Matt Bomer. Until now there is no definite schedule when this film will be shown. However, the director confirmed that Maestro will air this year.

6. Trolls 3
After the success of the previous two films, Trolls will return for the third film entitled Band Together. The voice actors are still the same, namely Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake. The two of them will also be singing cover songs that are currently popular, like the previous films.

Unfortunately, there is still no further information regarding a new cast or story plot in the third Trolls film. Even so, DreamWorks has released an official poster featuring the figures of Queen Poppy and Branch. Trolls 3 is slated to release on November 23, 2023.