"Star Wars Episode VIII" has been named the most anticipated film of 2017. It is quickly followed by "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2" and the live-action adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast."
In the 30 most anticipated films list released by Fandango, Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn's "Snatched" ranked number 30 and "Blade Runner 2049" ranked number 15. Other notable films in the list include "Cars 3," "Alien: Covenant," "War for the Planet of the Apes" and "Pitch Perfect 3."
The top three spots all belonged to Disney franchises. "Star Wars Episode VIII" topping the list should come as no surprise, however, given the success of last year's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and this year's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."
Unlike this year's "Star Wars" movie, "Star Wars Episode VIII" is not an anthology film and will bring back Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the late Carrie Fisher as General Leia Organa. The movie will feature more of Luke, who only appeared in a short cameo at the end of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
"Beauty and the Beast" appears to be the odd selection in the top three spots given it is not a superhero movie or a big fantasy or science fiction flick. However, Disney's more recent live-action adaptations such as "The Jungle Book" have been critically praised and this may explain the anticipation for the film, Screen Crush reported.
"Wonder Woman" ranked at the fourth spot and is notably higher than "Justice League," which ranked sixth. The latter is directed by Zack Snyder and both fan and critic reviews for his previous DCEU films, "Man of Steel" and "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," were mixed to negative.
In the fifth spot of the list is another Disney film, Marvel's "Spider-Man: Homecoming." The film is being co-produced by Sony Pictures and will star Tom Holland in the titular role. He first appeared as Spider-Man in "Captain America: Civil War."
The seventh spot is filled in by "The Fate of the Furious" and is followed by "Fifty Shades Darker," "Logan" and "Despicable Me 3." Films such as "The Dark Tower" and "John Wick: Chapter 2" have also made the list.
"Star Wars Episode VIII" will release in theaters on Dec. 15, 2017. The trailer for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" can be viewed below: