Fresh Fandoms: 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' 'Happy Gilmore 2,' 'Freakier Friday,' and 'Caught Stealing'

This summer's movie lineup is stacked with long-awaited sequels, buzzy indie gems, and bold new takes from some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

by Trevor Justin - Jul 23 2025
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Introducing Fresh Fandoms: a captivating series poised to reveal the emerging stars and newest releases that ignite passionate followings. 

Whether uncovering exceptional talent on the verge of stardom or celebrating the enthusiasm of growing fanbases, Fresh Fandoms invites you on a mesmerizing journey through the ever-evolving realm of entertainment.

From nostalgic comebacks and multiverse mayhem to gritty thrillers and heart-tugging indies, this summer’s hottest releases are serving up something for every type of fan. Whether you're a Marvel diehard counting down the days to The Fantastic Four: First Steps, a comedy lover craving the chaos of Freakier Friday, or an A24 loyalist ready to dive into Materialists, these new projects are sparking buzz across timelines and group chats alike. Here’s your first look at the films and fandoms about to dominate the conversation. 

 Let us know your Fan of View (FOV) of these hand-picked movies we’ve spotlighted!

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Marvel is kicking off Phase 6 with a bold reset. The Fantastic Four: First Steps reimagines Marvel’s First Family in a 1960s-set, alternate universe story – completely separate from the main MCU timeline. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach step into the iconic roles, while Ralph Ineson and Julia Garner bring the cosmic threat as Galactus and Silver Surfer. Early trailers tease a retro aesthetic, major action, and some surprising new lore— including big developments for Kirby’s Sue Storm.

Release Date: July 25, 2025

How To Watch: In Theaters Worldwide

Happy Gilmore 2

He’s back on the green – rage, putter, and all. Nearly 30 years after his underdog victory, Happy Gilmore 2 sees Adam Sandler return as the hot-headed golfer, this time swinging for a new cause: his daughter’s tuition. With original castmates Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, and Ben Stiller back in action, plus fresh faces like Margaret Qualley and Bad Bunny, this sequel blends nostalgia, new chaos, and classic Sandler humor for a wild ride down the fairway.

Release Date: July 25, 2025

How To Watch: In Theaters

Freakier Friday

The iconic body-swap comedy is back and this time, it's even messier. Freakier Friday brings Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan back as Tess and Anna, but the chaos doesn’t stop there. A new generation joins the madness when Anna’s daughter and soon-to-be-stepdaughter also get caught in the cosmic crossfire, turning a classic two-way swap into a four-person fiasco. It’s generational mayhem, heartfelt lessons, and a nostalgic comeback all rolled into one.

Release Date: August 7, 2025 (Australia); August 8, 2025 (US & UK)

How To Watch: In Theaters

Materialists

Celine Song follows up her acclaimed debut Past Lives with another emotional knockout. In Materialists, Dakota Johnson stars as Lucy, a high-end New York matchmaker who’s great at fixing other people’s love lives – just not her own. Caught between her messy ex (Chris Evans) and a picture-perfect new fling (Pedro Pascal), Lucy’s journey explores what happens when romance meets reality. With strong early reviews and Song’s signature subtlety, this A24 gem is already generating buzz.

Release Date: Out Now (US & Australia); August 15, 2025 (UK)

How To Watch: In Theaters

Americana

Sydney Sweeney leads this gritty mystery-thriller set in a dusty South Dakota town where greed, secrets, and survival collide. Americana, directed by Tony Tost, follows a cast of characters whose lives spiral into chaos as they battle over a priceless artifact. With a stacked ensemble that includes Paul Walter Hauser, Zahn McClarnon, and Halsey, this atmospheric tale mixes neo-Western tension with small-town grit.

Release Date: August 15, 2025

How To Watch: In Theaters

Honey, Don’t!

Ethan Coen is back with a twisted small-town mystery that blends dark humor, cults, and classic Coen flair. Honey, Don’t! follows a sharp but slightly offbeat private investigator (Margaret Qualley) as she digs into a string of gruesome murders linked to a suspicious church and its eerie leader, played by none other than Chris Evans in a villainous turn. Expect quirky characters, unsettling twists, and the kind of slow-burn chaos only a Coen can deliver.

Release Date: August 22, 2025 (US & UK); TBC (Australia)

How To Watch: In Theaters

Caught Stealing

From director Darren Aronofsky comes a gritty ‘90s-set crime thriller based on Charlie Huston’s cult-favorite book series. Caught Stealing stars Austin Butler as Hank Thompson, a washed-up baseball player pulled into NYC’s violent underworld. With Zoë Kravitz and Bad Bunny along for the ride, this one promises blood, betrayal, and breakneck twists—all with Aronofsky’s signature edge.

Release Date: August 29, 2025

How To Watch: In Theaters

Photo Credit: The Fantastic Four: First Steps

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