2024 was more than just a Brat Summer. It was full of hit music from some of the biggest and greatest—Kendrick Lamar with “Not Like Us” and Billie Eilish with “Birds of a Feather.” Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan made it mainstream. “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” dominated the box office. Two years ago, the summer of 2023 was dominated by Barbenheimer and the Eras Tour. In 2025, what will become the defining cultural moments as schools are let out and the sun shines over us all?
Music: The Return of Lorde
After a four-year hiatus, Lorde has returned with new music. With a dramatic reappearance at her impromptu Washington Square Park show, Lorde has come back with a bang. Her first fiery single, “What Was That” charted at number one on the U.S. Spotify charts. She also recently released the second single, “Man of the Year” and announced a world tour that begins in September. This summer will give Lorde a chance to drum up attention for her fifth studio album, “Virgin,” which is set to release on June 27. She is sure to be an intimidating competitor when it comes to who will claim the title of song of the summer. – Hannah Fox
“Addison” by Addison Rae might make it far
Will Addison Rae finally shed her TikToker image and truly earn her flowers in the pop music world? She already has a successful collaboration with Grammy-winning, bonafide hitmaker Charli xcx—perhaps best known for initiating the aforementioned “Brat Summer.” Rae also has a solo single that received decent acclaim in “Diet Pepsi.” In April, Rae even made her Coachella debut, appearing as a guest during Charli xcx’s set. If it weren’t for her past as a TikToker, Rae would probably be regarded as a genuine rising popstar.
A-List pop names like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Ariana Grande all put out records in 2024, seemingly taking a break from releasing in 2025. This does seem to clear the stage for someone different to break out. “Addison,” released in early June to positive reviews, may be Rae’s make-or-break moment. – Rebekah Field
Blockbuster Movie: “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”
From the casting to the unique 60s aesthetic to the musical score, this movie looks truly — fantastic.
While “Thunderbolts*” or more appropriately titled, “The New Avengers,” was a critical and audience success, the limited appeal of its characters didn’t bring burnt out viewers back to the Marvel screens. However, since the Fantastic Four are a household name, there is a lot of anticipation around this new adaptation — anticipation which will surely turn mear “First Steps” into leaps and bounds.
Firstly, the cast is stacked with known talent in proven character types. With the plot based around the birth of Franklin Richards, Pedro Pascal brings his award winning talent for playing the complex, adopted fathers to the Marvel Universe. Having won an Emmy for his portrayal of Richie in “The Bear,” Ebon Moss-Bachrach fights into the “tough but lovable” archetype that perfectly maps to Ben Grimm/The Thing. Vanessa Kirby is a proven star with an Oscar nomination to her name and Joseph Quinn is a well loved, fan favorite across multiple franchises.
Visually, the film is immaculate and unlike any live action comic book film put to screen because it does not shy away from its retro-futuristic, 60s origins. Even though only hints of the main score have been teased, if the post credits for “Thunderbolts*” is any indication, the title theme will have audiences riled up the instant the choir chants, “Fantastic Four.”
Despite a rough couple of years, on July 25, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is finally back and this film will be fantastic “First Steps” for the future of the franchise. – Gavin Meichelbock
TV Releases: “Phineas and Ferb”
For the first time in 10 years, there will once again be 104 days of summer vacation.
The iconic childhood series “Phineas and Ferb” returned for a fifth season on June 5. Despite not having aired since 2015, the show has maintained relevance as a part of the Generation X zeitgeist. Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s goofy “inators” and wild backstory managed to constantly make the rounds in the ever changing world of meme culture. Aside from the opening notes to the theme song being ingrained in the eardrums of millions, the series is filled with songs fans can still sing along to today — what mid-20 year old doesn’t know what the tip of a shoelace is called?
While these genius brothers won’t be reinventing the wheel in their fifth season, sometimes, a bonafide classic is all one needs to become the hit show of the summer. – Gavin Meichelbock
Season Three of “The Summer I Turned Pretty”
Fans of Jenny Han’s teenage romance series patiently await its finale, based on a bestselling book trilogy of the same name. Starring Lola Tung, the story follows young lovers who spend their summers in a fictional beach town. In 2022 and 2023, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” seasons One and Two produced viral scenes, memes and music. Fans might remember the audio clip “This is 100% your look, Connie baby,” or how Taylor Swift even teased the “Taylor’s Versions” of many of her re-recorded songs through the show.
This summer will see main character Belly finally decide her fate in a love triangle with two brothers, Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno) and Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney). It’s sure to be full of interpersonal drama, pastel colors and a handful of Taylor Swift songs—and it’ll draw in millions of viewers. – Rebekah Field
From music to new things to watch onscreen, there will be plenty of noteworthy moments this summer.
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