Disney confirms 'The Muppets 2' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean 5' release dates

Release dates of some of the most anticipated sequels and feature films hail from Disney. There is confirmation on five 2014 releases as well as one 2015 release.

To begin with, "The Muppets" sequel, which we can assume will be called "The Muppets 2" based on the image that has emerged, will be arriving in theaters on Mar. 21, 2014.

My biggest concern at this point in time is that Jason Segel will not star in the sequel, but Ricky Gervais. This is not to say that Gervais is not talented, but Segel breathed life into a franchise most people considered dead. He managed to bring back the magic of the Muppets that appeared throughout most of our childhood's, particularly my own. I'm not sure Gervais will be able to step into Segel's shoes as easily as others might believe, but hopefully he will prove me wrong.

However, I must say knowing that "Modern Family" star Ty Burnell will be apart of the cast keeps me on board with the feature. Burnell is a perfect fit for the franchise. The ongoing negotiation to include Tina Fey would also be brilliant. Perfect casting all the way, which is helping my doubts about Gervais slowly disappear.

While the Muppets franchise continues to grow, the "Pirates of the Carribean" franchise latest addition is slated for a Jul. 10, 2015 release. While I must admit I was not the first in line to see "Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides," when I finally did have the chance to view the feature in theaters I was impressed. In fact, and I can almost guarantee I'm in the minority, I enjoyed the fourth installment more than the second and third in the series.

And yes, before you have to wonder, Johnny Depp will be back at Captain Jack Sparrow. My question is if Geoffrey Rush will be back as Barbossa. As can be read in the article, Geoffrey Rush isn't rushing to exit Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" film franchise, Rush has expressed interest in continuing to play the character "if they keep shapeshifting this character." He also brought up an interesting in point by adding, "In fact, given the way things leave off in 'Pirates 4,' maybe the story will now come full circle and I'll get to play a villain again. Who knows? All I know is that - blue stocking and all -- the character of Barbossa is still great fun to play." My hopes reamin high that my favorite character will rejoin the cast.

While most people are probably looking forward to the creation of a new villain, I would personally love to see Barbossa back in the role of a villain.

In addition, Marvel fans will be excited to know that summer will come early for "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," which will be released on Apr. 4, 2014.

However, "Guardians of the Galaxy" will get the typical superhero treatment and be released on Aug. 1, 2014.

The studio has also announced "Maleficent" will be released on Jul. 2, 2014.
And the film "1952," which will star George Clooney, will be released on Dec. 19, 2014.

Finally, as audiences wait for this anticipated features, movie goers will be able to see the following Disney films in theaters later on this year.

  • "Oz: The Great and Powerful" (Mar. 8)
  • "Iron Man 3" (May 3)
  • "Monsters University" (Jun. 21)
  • "The Lone Ranger" (Jul. 3)
  • "Planes" (Aug. 9)
  • "Thor: The Dark World" (Nov. 8)
  • "Frozen" (Nov. 27)
  • "Saving Mr. Banks" (Dec. 20)

Meanwhile, if you are interested in renting any of the predecessor films mentioned, make sure to check out the titles through your local Austell Blockbuster, Videodrome, Netflix, or movie channels based upon your cable or satellite provider.

To purchase any Blu-rays or DVDs mentioned in this article please check out your local Austell Best Buy, Walmart, Target, or Kmart.

Also make sure to keep Carmike Cinemas Movies 14 and Regal Stadium 22 in Austell in mind when these features do hit theaters.

Source: Screen Rant

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, Austell Movie Examiner

Michelle Patterson, an avid movie, television, books, and art connoisseur, is a single woman with two cats (Willow & Oliver) and two dogs (Cocomo & Oreo) who lives in Georgia. A photographer/printmaker and film student from Kennesaw State University, Michelle knows what looks stunning on screen...

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