WATCH: 5 much-awaited sequels coming out later this year

The return of “Blade Runner” 35 years after Ridley Scott’s inital opus, the arrival of episode VIII of the “Star Wars” space opera, and the reunion of the DC Comics superheroes: all these are but some of the feverishly-awaited sequels likely to become box-office blockbusters when they release between September and December 2017.

Blade Runner 2049 Some 35 years after the first Ridley Scott film adapted from the novel by Philip K. Dick, “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”, Rick Deckard, once again played by Harrison Ford, returns to the silver screen. Sought out by LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), the veteran replicant hunter comes back to track down more androids. Directed by Denis Villeneuve With Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford Release dates: October 4 (October 6 in the United States)

Kingsman: The Golden Circle The elite British secret service organisation returns to the big screen two years after the initial movie, which scored a surprise success at the box-office. Taron Egerton, Colin Firth and Mark Strong reunite for a new spy adventure, accompanied this time round by Channing Tatum, Julianne Moore, Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges and Elton John. Directed by Matthew Vaughn With Taron Egerton, Colin Firth and Channing Tatum Release dates: October 11 (September 22 in the U.S.)

Thor: Ragnarok In this third installment, Marvel’s Norseman finds himself in trouble when he is imprisoned on a distant world and obliged to fight as a gladiator. That’s just the start of a story in which he is forced to return to defend Asgard, his native planet, when it is threatened with destruction. Directed by Taika Waititi With Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba and Cate Blanchett Release dates: October 25 (November 3 in the U.S.)

Justice League More than a sequel, Warner’s November release promises to reunite all the DC Comics superheroes. Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), The Flash (Ezra Miller), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) eand Aquaman (Jason Momoa) join forces to protect the planet from an apocalyptic attack. Directed by Zack Snyder With Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill and Amy Adams Release dates: November 15 (November 17 in the U.S.)

Star Wars: The Last Jedi In late 2015, “The Force Awakens” caused a sensation when it scooped up two billion dollars worth of box-office receipts around the globe. This direct sequel, the eighth installment in the epic space saga, is very likely to meet with another wildly enthusiastic international reception. Directed by Rian Johnson With Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Mark Hamill Release dates: December 13 (December 15 in the U.S.) JB

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