The last two years have been less than ideal for many. As COVID cases continue to fluctuate, it is worthwhile to consider the bright sides of 2022, which has much in store for entertainment, tech, politics and sports.
1. Winter Olympics
Six months after the Summer Olympics, winter athletes will be competing in Beijing. While China’s hosting has incited diplomatic boycotts due to human rights and COVID concerns, the event is still taking place. The best athletes in events like bobsledding, figure skating, ice hockey, ski jumping and snowboarding have started competing on Feb. 4.
2. The Batman Releases
In a stand-alone reboot of the legendary franchise, DC superhero Batman will be played by former teen heartthrob Robert Pattinson. The movie trailer has been released and it shows Pattinson teaming up with Zoe Kravitz, who plays Catwoman, to save the citizens of Gotham City. Director Matt Reeves pitched The Batman as a “very psychological” exploration of the corruption behind Gotham City. It will release in theaters on March 3.
3. ABBA Reunion Tour
In 1980, the Swedish pop group ABBA toured for one last time—well, until 2022. Fresh off the success of their 2021 album Voyage, ABBA is holding a concert residency in London, but they will not exactly be performing there. Instead, they are offering a futuristic experience with holograms of the band performing a playlist of new and old songs. Members of the group have repeatedly said that they “will never appear on stage again.” The residency will take place between May and December 2022.
4. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth II of the British Commonwealth will reach a unique milestone this February, becoming one the first British monarchs to celebrate 70 years on the throne. The British government has promised a “once-in-a-generation show.” There will be a four-day Jubilee bank holiday weekend from June 2 to June 5 with celebrations in the UK.
5. NASA Psyche Mission
In 2022, NASA will take on the Psyche mission. This unique project will explore the asteroid Psyche, which contains metals that amount to 10 quintillion dollars in worth. It is very hard to study the asteroid from afar, so the mission will test astronomers’ latest theories about planetary core formation, and likely bring many surprises. It will be launched in August and arrive in 2026.
6. US Midterm Elections
The last two years in American politics have been ones to watch: scandals, impeachments, a pandemic, insurrections. Many thought that the election of Joe Biden was the end of it. But today former president Donald Trump, backed by the Republican party, again holds rallies with high attendance. The midterm elections will be significant; not only will it set up Congress and governors for the next couple of years, but also offer a glimpse of the direction America is heading toward in the 2024 presidential elections. Elections take place until Nov. 8.
7. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Hits Theaters
Black Panther, released in February 2018, broke records. The movie was universally acclaimed, receiving praise for its writing, casting ensemble, action sequences, special effects and soundtrack. It is arguably one of the best superhero movies of this century. Generally, there would be much anticipation for a sequel to such an acclaimed movie—there is always pressure on filmmakers to outdo themselves with sequels—but Marvel has an even tougher job with Wakanda Forever. The passing of Chadwick Boseman has caused many speculations about how filming and casting will continue. One thing for certain, from the end of the first movie, is that Shuri, Black Panther’s younger sister, will succeed him. The results will be revealed when the movie releases on Nov. 11.
8. FIFA World Cup
The World Cup is the most prestigious association football tournament in the world, as well as the single most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world. The best of the best will meet in Qatar to compete for the title of best national football team. The hosting choice has been met with controversy due to human rights issues but it will nonetheless continue. 2022’s tournament will see legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar take the stage for one last time, if their respective teams qualify. The tournament will take place from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18.
Article by Nour Faragallah of Walter Johnson High School
Photo courtesy of Unsplash