Ragesh Dipu
Nora Lum a.k.a. Awkwafina shot to fame in 2012 with her hit song ‘My Vag.’ The song catapulted the lesser-known teen singer from NYC as a social media sensation. The immense popularity of the song, which picked up more than two million YouTube views, helped her to launch her career.
She emerged as a popular actor with films like ‘Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising,’ ‘Dude,’ ‘Ocean’s 8,’ and ‘Crazy Rich Asians.’ Her major works in television include ‘Girl Code Live,’ ‘Future Man‘ and ‘Saturday Night Live.’ So now you must be wondering what is the next Awkwafina movie or TV show? Well, here’s the list of upcoming Awkwafina films and TV shows scheduled to release in the near future. We can only hope that the new Awkwafina performances would be as good as some of her recent ones.
10. Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
‘Jumanji: The Next Level’ is the forthcoming sequel to the 2017 film ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.’ The plot picks up the eponymous board game with new players taking up the challenge of protecting Jumanji while conquering dangers and threats. The movie also offers the characteristic body swap of the players.
Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black return to the cast while Awkwafina, Danny DeVito and Danny Glover join as new cast members. Nick Jonas, Ser’Darius Blain, Alex Wolff, Madison Iseman, and Morgan Turner also star in the film. ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ director Jake Kasdan returns to direct the movie from a script by Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinkner. The film will be released in theaters on December 13, 2019.
9. Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens (2020- )
‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’ is an upcoming show that will see Awkwafina back in her safe zone, that is, in comedies. The series already has the potential to be an immense crowd puller and is slated to air on Comedy Central. The actress appears as Nora, in the show that is loosely based on her own experiences. In that regard, the series could go on to become important in documenting the Asian experience in the USA.
We will see Awkwafina’s character going through young adulthood. She is in her twenties and happens to be a slacker who lives with her father and foul-mouthed grandmother. With their help, she tries to navigate life, relationships, and Flushing. From what we understand, the series has the exact kind of chaotic energy that is to be expected from Awkwafina. In some parts, we can see how she fares as an Uber driver, prompting her passenger to threaten to call the cops if she does not pull over. We also see parts where Awkwafina is brilliantly clumsy in forgetting her social security number.
Underneath the laughs, we expect there to be a message of cultural differences and how to reconcile it in the USA. Knowing Awkwafina, she will have us hooked right from the start, and the series has the potential to draw more viewers to Comedy Central than ever before, when it airs on January 22, 2020.
8. The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge (2020)
The third installment in the ‘SpongeBob’ film franchise, ‘The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge’ is touted as a prequel film to the series. Based on the animated television series ‘SpongeBob SquarePants,’ the movie follows SpongeBob who sets out for a trip to Kamp Koral. He befriends some new characters on the way. Everything goes in perfect harmony until his pet snail Gary gets abducted by Poseidon. SpongeBob has to rescue Gary at any cost. He joins forces with the new friends and embarks on a rescue mission that includes penetrating Poseidon’s stronghold, the forbidden “Atlantic City.”
The voice cast includes Tom Kenny as SpongeBob, Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs, Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick, Roger Bumpass as Squidward, Jill Talley as Karen, Mr. Lawrence as Plankton, and Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy. Awkwafina and Reggie Watts are the new additions to the voice cast, according to reports. ‘The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge’ is directed by Tim Hill from a screenplay by Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger and Michael Kvamme. The animated adventure will come to theaters on May 22, 2020.
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7. Raya and the Last Dragon (2020)
Disney is all for weaving fantastical tales that will leave us starry-eyed and with a smile on our faces. The upcoming animated adventure from Paul Briggs and Dean Wellins seeks to do exactly that. Titled ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’, the plot follows a young girl’s quest for the last dragon.
We see a new realm, known as Lumandra. Here we have a reimagined earth which is inhabited by an ancient civilization. Raya is a warrior who is determined to find the last dragon. Obviously the film will document her quest and the adventures she faces along the way. As is the nature of such movies, the lesson will be in the search for the dragon itself.
Raya is sure to emerge a different person by the time the movie is over. Knowing Disney, if the film is successful, this could go on to be its own franchise. The cast members include Cassie Steele as Raya and Awkwafina as Sisu. The latter plays the role of the last water dragon, who can transform into a human. Obviously Steele and Awkwafina’s chemistry on-screen will push the story forward. Knowing Awkwafina, she will deliver her best, and make the movie a success. ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ is slated to release on November 25, 2020.
6. Breaking News in Yuba County (2020)
‘Breaking News in Yuba County’ is an upcoming comedy-drama featuring a desperate female clerk who is reeling under boredom. But when she catches her husband and his lover in a “caught-in-the-act” situation, her boring life turns upside down. The man dies of a massive heart attack in the midst of the brawl. The wife decides to bury the news of her husband’s death along with the dead body.
Instead, she circulates an empathetic story in which the husband leaves her for another woman. For a couple of weeks, she becomes the talk of the town as a pathetic woman who is cheated by her lecherous man. But soon, she is haunted by her nosy sister, an overzealous press reporter and a shrewd detective. The cast includes Ellen Barkin, Mila Kunis, Regina Hall, Samira Wiley, and Bridget Everett, among others. Awkwafina reportedly plays the character of Kavi in the movie, which is directed by Tate Taylor from a screenplay by Amanda Idoko. ‘Breaking News in Yuba County’ is expected to hit the screens in 2020.
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5. The Prom (2020)
‘The Prom’ is Netflix’s feature adaptation of the Tony-nominated stage musical of the same name. Meryl Streep leads an ensemble cast that includes James Corden, Nicole Kidman, and Ariana Grande. Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key and Andrew Rannells join the project to play supporting roles.
The movie adaptation is a part of the five-year deal between the streaming giant and creator Ryan Murphy, who serves as the producer and director. The plot follows Dee Dee Allen (Streep), a washed-out Broadway star who tries to hold on to the limelight with the help of her friend Barry Glickman (Cordon). When they chance upon Emma who has been banned from taking her girlfriend to the school prom, Dee Allen and Glickman sense a cause to rejuvenate their dying careers. Awkwafina plays the character of Sra. Sheldon in the film. ‘The Prom’ will hit theaters in 2020.
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4. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings‘ is an upcoming Marvel movie that will see the much-anticipated portrayal of an Asian superhero. Obviously, the drive towards inclusivity comes from Marvel’s new commitment to portraying superhero stories that everyone can relate to. Kevin Feige commented on it, speaking of how superheroes and their sexual orientations would be something MCU would be willing to explore.
In the ‘Shang-Chi’ movie, however, we will see the origin of the master of kung fu himself. Destin Daniel Cretton is directing and we will see how Shang-Chi grows up under his father, who is a villain. However, when he is trained, the young boy does not know that his father is evil. Later on, Shang-Chi ends up opposing his own father and takes the path of a superhero. That being said, he did not initially possess powers, but could late replicate himself. It remains to be seen what story the MCU goes with since they are notorious for keeping plot details under wraps.
However, ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ is slated to release on February 12, 2021. Knowing Awkwafina, she will do a splendid job in the movie and become more of a household name than she already is.
3. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019- )
‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ belongs to the same universe as the cult film, ‘The Dark Crystal’ of 1982. The Netflix series is a prequel to the original movie with the plot following Gelfings, Rian (Taron Egerton), Brea (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Deet (Nathalie Emmanuel) who hit the road while danger lurks in every corner. Their mission is to save the world of Thra which is reeling under the threat of the villainous Skeksis and a deadly epidemic that spreads across the land. The trio wants to discover the truth behind the unmatched power of Skeksis in order to destroy him once and for all.
The movie features an ensemble voice cast of Keegan-Michael Key, Alicia Vikander, Helena Bonham Carter, Harris Dickinson, Natalie Dormer, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Awkwafina is part of the lineup as the character of The Collector along with cast members Benedict Wong, Sigourney Weaver, Hannah John-Kamen, and Dave Goelz. Created by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, ‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ released on Netflix on August 30, 2019. Considering the response to the first season, the show could be back for more.
2. Everything Everywhere All at Once (TBA)
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ is an upcoming science-fiction movie that comes from Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who are also attached as the writers. Daniels’ made his film directorial debut with ‘Swiss Army Man’, a movie that quickly grabbed eyeballs for being uncharacteristically weird. It remains to be seen if he makes the same waves with ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’.
For now, the plot details are being kept under wraps, but we happen to know that it is an interdimensional action movie. Thus, we expect something fast-paced and trippy. For now, the cast remains unclear, but Awkwafina and Michelle Yeoh are attached to the project. They are both extremely talented actors who have worked together on ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and will be looking to recreate the magic here.
Certainly, Awkwafina will be looking to deliver a stellar performance in order to stand out in what is shaping up to be an extremely anticipated movie.
1. The Little Mermaid (TBA)
Awkwafina joins the highly anticipated live-action reboot of Disney’s 1989 animated musical ‘The Little Mermaid.’ According to reports, the actress will lend her voice to Scuttle, a seagull that Ariel the little mermaid befriends during her adventure on dry land. The plot depicts the love story between the little mermaid and a human prince.
In order to live with the love of her life, the Princess seeks the help of the sea witch Ursula. But the witch demands her hypnotic singing voice in return for a pair of human legs. Halle Bailey, who is best known for her character in the drama series ‘Grown-ish,’ has been cast as Ariel. While Melissa McCarthy plays the role of Ursula, Jacob Tremblay voices Ariel’s best friend Flounder the fish. ‘The Little Mermaid’ reboot is directed by Rob Marshall from a screenplay by David Magee. No release date has been attached to the movie.
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The Farewell (2019)
‘The Farewell‘ is an emotional comedy-drama that comes from Lulu Wang, who has also written the story. The basic premise is about a grandmother who is dying, but the family decides to keep the news from her as they all gather for an occasion.
However, the tale itself is told much more tenderly. exploring the nuances of family relationships and even attempting to contrast the culture that exists in the east and west. The best relationship, pushing the story forward, is the one between the grandmother and her granddaughter who lives in the West. Naturally, the family did not want the outspoken girl to attend because they were afraid she would tell the truth to the old woman. If you are wondering, that it is rather mean for the woman not to know about her own impending death, the cultural chasm is explained in the movie as well.
We are told that the family members bear the secret of the grief and share it with each other. Thus, the wedding has been organized to allow them to get together before the old woman passes away. For the girl from the West, this visit becomes a life-changing situation since she figures out more about her family, and herself, growing increasingly closer to her grandmother. Awkwafina appears as Billi in the movie, delivering a stellar performance. The film released on August 9, 2019.
The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019)
‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’ is the sequel to the 2016 animated blockbuster ‘Angry Birds Movie’ and the second installment of the ‘Angry Birds’ film franchise. The movie features a star-studded voice cast that includes returning cast members Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Bill Hader, Danny McBride, and Peter Dinklage. Awkwafina is part of the new cast along with Leslie Jones, Brooklynn Prince, Rachel Bloom, Eugenio Derbez, and Sterling K. Brown, among others.
Based on the characters of the popular game of the same name, the plot centers on an island inhabited by a flock of flightless birds that include the short-tempered Red (Sudeikis), Chuck (Gad) and Bomb (McBride). The trio embarks on an adventure when a villainous purple bird Zeta (Leslie Jones) threatens the Birds and their arch-rivals, the Pigs. Awkwafina lends her voice to Courtney the Pig, who is the new entrant as well as the second female pig in the franchise after Zam Wessel. ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’ is directed by Thurop Van Orman from Peter Ackerman’s script. The movie hit theaters on August 14, 2019.
Between Two Ferns: The Movie (2019)
‘Between Two Ferns: The Movie’ is bound to be a welcome addition for anyone who is aware of the show of the same name hosted by Zach Galifianakis. The talk show is marked by the host’s hostility, wherein he willingly poses uncomfortable and even confrontational questions to celebrities, in order to make them uncomfortable. In fact, the show is a riff on the mainstream talk shows that prefer mollycoddling celebrities.
In the movie, we see the same talk show host, conducting low budget interviews, despite having some of the most notable celebrities on board. His series of interviews hit a bump when the studio accidentally floods. Troubles mount for Zach when his boss reaches out, displeased at the setup being ruined. Zach is instructed to deliver a certain number of interviews in a stipulated time if he wants to be a major talk show host.
Getting a chance to achieve his dreams, forces Zach to go on the road with his crew. The movie becomes a road-trip comedy, wherein they interview various celebrities. The crew also gets to know each other better, and Zach comes to some serious personal realizations as the members grow closer. Finally, Zach does achieve his goal but gives it all up to go back to his old life. He prefers the discomforting questions and the comfort of working with his team. Ultimately he chooses them over his own dreams. Awakwafina is one of the many celebrities interviewed in the movie. Though her role is small, it is memorable. ‘Between Two Ferns: The Movie’ released on September 20, 2019.
Paradise Hills (2019)
‘Paradise Hills’ works on the premise that behind imposing walls of an institution, there is often a dark secret waiting to terrify us. It is a fantasy sci-fi movie that comes from Alice Waddington. The film taps into the human fear of institutionalization that stems from the belief that said institutions seek to exert control and keep the truth from us, in order to make others conform to their rules.
The plot follows Uma, played by Emma Roberts, who wakes up in a reform school. First off, the institute is island-bound, reminding us that there is no escape, and the people are in isolation here. The reform school is called Paradise Hills and teaches young women to be proper. The school is led by the Duchess, played by Milla Jovovich. All resources, including the island itself, are intended to provide emotional healing for those that need it. However, it is all too good to be true.
Naturally, the fairytale-like exterior hides a deep, dirty secret. Something seems to be on the island that threatens not just Uma, but the other inhabitants as well. The premise is intense and is accentuated by strong performances. Amidst a talented cast, Awkwafina does her part, appearing as Yu. ‘Paradise Hills’ released on October 25, 2019.
