When high schoolers come home after a long day of learning, only to complete additional homework, many have their eyes set on one thing to end the night: television. From action-packed Marvel movies to comforting episodes of Gilmore Girls, teenagers often spend their free time watching engaging TV shows and movies. As fall begins, new productions of screen entertainment are set to premiere soon, leaving Gen Z all around the world eager. For the students at North Atlanta, fans of various genres like thrillers, rom-coms, horror, and more are anticipating the next wave of TV and movie releases.
For the whimsical, music-loving fans of the Broadway play Wicked and its movie adaptation starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the sequel to the first movie, Wicked: For Good, premieres on November 21, 2025. Following the second volume, the movie will highlight the consequences of the first volume, diving deeper into the character of Elphaba becoming the “Wicked Witch of the West” and Glinda becoming “Glinda the Good.” It additionally builds towards the events of The Wizard of Oz, including new characters like Dorothy, to play a key role in the story. Junior Mary Taylor Debardeleben, a musical connoisseur, is ecstatic for the release. “I am counting down the days until I am belting out the songs in the theater,” said Debardeleben.
For those who are thrilled by action and enjoy an adventure, the next chapter of James Cameron’s Avatar franchise, Avatar: Fire and Ash, releases on December 19. With a high budget and experiencing multiple production delays, the movie is highly anticipated. Returning beloved characters, new terrain, and new tribes are featured in the movie, allowing for the continuation of the admired futuristic and extraterrestrial theme. “I’m itching for this movie to come out, for I’m even dressing as Avatar for Halloween” said junior Sophia Irvine.
A common Gen Z activity is binge-watching TV shows or movie series, and for many, the Stranger Things series is something that cannot be missed. Its final season is set to release on separate dates, increasing viewers’ suspense: Volume I on November 26, Volume II on December 25, and the finale on December 31. With the Duffer Brothers teasing dark twists and turns in the story, fans are eager to see how the story concludes. The series’s reputation for mixing nostalgia, mystery, and emotional storytelling builds excitement for what is presumed to be an epic finish. “I’ve grown up with the show, so this season means a lot to me,” said junior Will Balch.
The film universe continues to grow and create worldwide thrills for audiences. What release are you most excited for?
