![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.jpg)
“Sunrise on the Reaping”
Suzane Collins broke the movie industry in the fall of 2023 with the release of the movie adaption of “Songbirds and Snakes,” an origin story of the main antagonist of the original “Hunger Games” series. Nearly two years after we watched Lucy Grey Baird and a young Coriolanus Snow’s story unfold on the silver screen, it seems Collins once again has something to say. Her highly anticipated novel “Sunrise on the Reaping” follows the second quarter quell games and Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss and Peeta’s mentor from the original series. Unlike the other games with 24 tributes, the 50th anniversary of the “Hunger Games” will have 48 tributes, bringing a new level of deadly competition.
“Elphie: A Wicked Childhood”
Following the release of “Wicked,” the movie part one, Gregory Maguire is releasing a book detailing the events of Elphaba’s childhood. The addition to the “Wicked” universe will not only help fans satiate their need for all things “Wicked” related but will also give much-needed background information on how Elphaba became the woman we know in “Wicked.” Maguire has written all previous “Wicked” books and helped in the production of “Wicked” the movie. On March 25, 2025, fans will be able to purchase “Elphie: A Wicked Childhood” at their local bookstores.
“Dream Count”: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie new book
Best-selling author of “Americanah,” “Purple Hibiscus,” and famed Ted Talk “The Danger of a Single Story,” is returning to the bookshelves with “Dream Count.” In this novel, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie brings to life Chiamaka, a Nigerian author living in America during the pandemic. The book follows four women, each with different stories, desires, and loves. Adichie tackles the complex nature of love and the internal struggles every person deals with while finding it. It has been over a decade since Adichie’s last full-form novel “Americanah” was released, and fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating a new set of characters’ stories.
“So Close To What”: Tate McRae
The long-awaited third studio album from popstar Tate McRae is a must-listen coming up. Her sophomore album, “Think Later,” skyrocketed her career in 2023. This year, McRae is coming back with a bang. Fans have gotten a peak at the album with three singles: “It’s ok I’m ok,” “2 hands,” and most recently, “Sports car.” Unofficially, McRae and her team have slowly released snippets of songs featured on the album through TikTok such as “Dear God.” The singing and dancing sensation is also going back to the stage with her new tour titled “Miss Possessive.”
“Mayhem”: Lady Gaga
The New Queen of Pop’s eighth studio album, “Mayhem,” is set to release in early March this year. Following the success of her single “Disease,” Lady Gaga is set to give the public an album that is “a transgressive journey through genres” and focuses on her personal challenges. Though “Die with a Smile” featuring Bruno Mars was originally intended as a standalone, it has been revealed that it will be featured on “Mayhem.” Gaga and her producers have described the album as something completely different from her past works. She is expected to release her second single of the album and the music video on Feb. 2 during the Grammy’s commercial break.
“Captain America: Brave New World”
Marvel fans are certainly being fed this year with a variety of new projects coming out. The first of those follows Sam Wilson as Captain America in “Captain America: Brave New World.” In traditional Avengers fashion, the movie will follow Wilson as he finds himself in an international incident. Unlike the other “Captain America” movies, many of the original cast members will not be featured in the film. Most notably Sebastian Stan, who played Bucky Barnes in the original movies and the Disney+ miniseries “Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” has confirmed he will not make an appearance in the film. The movie will feature big names like Harrison Ford, Seth Rollins, Rosa Salazaar, and Giancarlo Esposito.
“Clueless” 30-Year Anniversary
On July 19, 1995, “Clueless” hit the big screen. Follow Cher as she plays matchmaker and makeover artist to the new girl. Considered one of the best teen films of all time, “Clueless” is still a teenage favorite to this day, even as the movie nears its 30th anniversary. Many fans will be celebrating the event with themed parties and events. Return to the world of 1990s America by rewatching this fan favorite.
“Suits L.A.”
Fans of the American legal drama series, “Suits,” will be happy to know that Aaron Korsh is creating a spin-off series called “Suits L.A.” Set to premiere on Feb. 23, 2025, on NBC, the show will follow a similar path to the original series. There will be cameos from a few of the original show’s characters, and the worlds will collide with each other to create new material the fans will love. Fan favorite Gabriel Macht, who played Harvey Specter on “Suits,” will be making an appearance in the new spin-off. The show will star “The Arrow” actor Stephen Amell as Ted Black and will feature beloved actors such as Victoria Justice, Lex Scott Davis, Josh McDermitt, Bryan Greenburg, and more.
“Gilmore Girls” Turns 25
This year, a timeless classic will mark its 25th year of streaming. Step into, or back into, the magical world of Stars Hollow and follow the Gilmores as they walk through life together, tackling high school, their love lives, and the wacky town they live in full of eccentric characters. The show originally aired in October of 2000 and its last episode aired in 2007. Over its seven seasons, it collected 13 award wins and 58 nominations.
