Missing the big screen experience?

Cinemas can finally welcome back audiences when lockdown easing moves to Step 3 of the government's route out of lockdown.

According to the government's roadmap, this third stage will be from Monday, May 17.

The coronavirus pandemic has seen the release of many big budget movies delayed, while others have gone straight to streaming sites such as Netflix and Amazon Prime or onto Sky Cinema.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The Odeon cinema at The Galleria in Hatfield.The Odeon cinema at The Galleria in Hatfield. (Image: Alan Davies)

So what films can you expect to see at the cinema when they finally reopen?

Popcorn ready?

Here's six blockbusters, children's movies and family films due for release in the coming months to welcome you back to your nearest multiplex or independent cinema seat.

1. Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway

Hopping into cinemas this month is this sequel to the 2018 live-action/computer-animated comedy adventure based on characters created by Beatrix Potter.

Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson), Bea (Rose Byrne) and the rabbits have created a makeshift family.

But bored of life in the McGregor garden, mischievous bunny Peter – voiced by James Corden – goes to the big city, where the radish-loving rabbit meets shady characters and ends up creating chaos for the whole family.

Expect plenty of hare-raising moments as his family risks everything to come looking for him.

The film can be seen at cinemas from Monday, May 17.


Welwyn Hatfield Times: Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) and Dom (Vin Diesel) in Fast & Furious 9.Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) and Dom (Vin Diesel) in Fast & Furious 9. (Image: COPYRIGHT © 2020 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. All Rights Reserved.)

2. Fast & Furious 9

Vin Diesel and Co rev up their motors for more high-octane adventures in the ninth instalment of the blockbusting Fast Saga that has taken over $5billion at the box office worldwide.

Originally due for release last year, F9 sees Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) confronting his estranged brother Jakob Toretto (John Cena), a deadly assassin and master thief.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Dom (Vin Diesel) and Jakob (John Cena) in F9, directed by Justin Lin.Dom (Vin Diesel) and Jakob (John Cena) in F9, directed by Justin Lin. (Image: COPYRIGHT © 2020 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. All Rights Reserved.)

With supercar scenes filmed in Hatfield, the movie also stars Fast franchise regulars Michelle Rodriguez at Letty, Jordana Brewster as Dom's sister Mia, Tyrese Gibson as Roman, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges as Tej, and Nathalie Emmanuel as Ramsey.

Helen Mirren and Charlize Theron are also back for the ride, and Sung Kang returns as Han, who was presumed dead.

Expect high-speed thrills, fights aplenty and ridiculous, physics-defying stunts when F9 reaches UK cinemas from July 8.


Welwyn Hatfield Times: Jason Statham stars as H in director Guy Ritchie's Wrath of Man, a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film.Jason Statham stars as H in director Guy Ritchie's Wrath of Man, a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film. (Image: © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved)

3. Wrath of Man

Fast & Furious franchise star Jason Statham reunites with Hatfield-born Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels director Guy Ritchie for this violent revenge thriller.

A mysterious and wild-eyed new cash truck security guard (Jason Statham) surprises his co-workers during a heist in which he unexpectedly unleashes precision skills.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Jason Statham stars in Guy Ritchie's revenge thriller Wrath of Man, released in the US on May 7 and due in UK cinemas in July.Jason Statham stars in Guy Ritchie's revenge thriller Wrath of Man, released in the US on May 7 and due in UK cinemas in July. (Image: MGM Studios)

The crew is left wondering who he is and where he came from.

Soon, the marksman’s ultimate motive becomes clear as he takes dramatic and irrevocable steps to settle a score.

The movie has already opened in America, and comes to UK screens in July.


Welwyn Hatfield Times: Black Widow starring Scarlett Johansson is released in July.Black Widow starring Scarlett Johansson is released in July. (Image: ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.)

4. Black Widow

In Marvel Studios' action-packed spy thriller Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff – aka Black Widow – confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) and Yelena (Florence Pugh) in Marvel Studios' Black Widow.Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) and Yelena (Florence Pugh) in Marvel Studios' Black Widow. (Image: ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.)

Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.

Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha/Black Widow in the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow in Marvel Studios' Black Widow.Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow in Marvel Studios' Black Widow. (Image: ©Disney)

Florence Pugh also stars as Yelena, David Harbour portrays Alexei/The Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz is Melina.

Also starring Ray Winstone and William Hurt, Black Widow will launch simultaneously in cinemas and on Disney+ with Premier Access in most Disney+ markets on July 9.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) and Taskmaster in Marvel Studios' Black Widow, which is coming to theatres and on Disney+ with Premier Access.Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) and Taskmaster in Marvel Studios' Black Widow, which is coming to theatres and on Disney+ with Premier Access. (Image: ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.)


Welwyn Hatfield Times: James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Dr Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) drive through Matera, Italy in No Time To Die, an EON Productions and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios film.James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Dr Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) drive through Matera, Italy in No Time To Die, an EON Productions and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios film. (Image: © 2020 DANJAQ, LLC AND MGM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

5. No Time To Die

Daniel Craig's fifth James Bond movie is scheduled for release on September 30 in the UK.

The much-delayed 25th 007 blockbuster pits Bond against villain Safin, played by Bohemian Rhapsody Oscar-winner Rami Malek.

Bond has left active service. However, his peace is short-lived when CIA mate Felix Leiter turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious baddie armed with dangerous new technology.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Paloma (Ana de Armas) in No Time To Die, an EON Productions and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios film due for release in September.James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Paloma (Ana de Armas) in No Time To Die, an EON Productions and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios film due for release in September. (Image: © 2020 DANJAQ, LLC AND MGM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

Ana de Armas plays Bond girl Paloma, while Ralph Fiennes is back as M.

The cast also sees the return of Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann, Christoph Waltz as Ernst Stavro Blofeld and Naomie Harris as Eve Moneypenny.

Will Daniel Craig go out in style? Cary Joji Fukunaga directs and the trailer promises plenty of typical Bond stunts, so seeing it on the big screen is a must.


6. Top Gun: Maverick

Now slated for release in November 2021, Tom Cruise once again feels the need for speed!

Currently filming Mission: Impossible 7, Cruise reprises his role as cocky fighter pilot Maverick in this belated Top Gun sequel.

This time, Maverick is older – well the original did come out in 1986 – and schooling a group of new Top Gun cadets.

Among his protégés in Top Gun 2 is Miles Teller as Bradley, son of Maverick's late wingman Goose.