It’s a question that might have crossed your mind if you’re anything like me, someone who loves a good song-and-dance number to punctuate a story. You might have been eagerly anticipating the next big cinematic musical in 2022, perhaps expecting a flurry of releases to rival the golden age of Hollywood or even the more recent resurgence we’ve seen.
But as the year wrapped up, and we looked back, it felt… quiet. Where were the big, splashy movie musicals that we’d perhaps grown accustomed to? It wasn't for lack of trying in the broader music-related content sphere, of course. Looking at what was happening in the world of music discussion, for instance, there was plenty to unpack. Shows like "Don't Feed the Artists" were diving deep into discographies, dissecting the phenomenon of boy bands across multiple episodes, and weighing in on Grammy nominations. Discussions about the impact of AI on musicians and platforms like Spotify were happening, alongside deep dives into specific albums and artists, from Weezer to Third Eye Blind, and even the intricacies of disco and the enduring legacy of bands like Linkin Park and Counting Crows.
This rich tapestry of musical exploration, however, didn't quite translate into a robust year for traditional movie musicals hitting the big screen. It’s not that the genre has vanished, far from it. We’ve seen incredible examples in recent years, from the vibrant energy of "In the Heights" to the poignant storytelling of "West Side Story" (though that one technically landed at the very tail end of 2021, its impact lingered). Even animated features often incorporate musical elements that resonate deeply.
So, what happened in 2022? Several factors likely contributed to the perceived lull. The lingering effects of the pandemic continued to shape production schedules and release strategies. Studios might have been more cautious, opting for projects with broader, more guaranteed appeal, or perhaps prioritizing streaming releases over theatrical ones. The landscape of film distribution itself is constantly shifting, and sometimes, certain genres take a backseat as others surge forward.
It’s also worth remembering that a truly great movie musical is a significant undertaking. It requires not just talented actors and directors, but also exceptional songwriters, choreographers, and a whole host of creatives to bring the music and the story to life in a way that feels cohesive and magical. These projects often have long development cycles, meaning a quiet year in 2022 might simply be a reflection of production pipelines from several years prior.
But here’s the hopeful part: the appetite for musical storytelling on screen is undeniable. The success of projects like "Encanto" (released late 2021 but a massive hit throughout 2022) with its infectious songs and heartfelt narrative, proved that audiences are still eager to be swept away by song. The conversations happening around music, as evidenced by the "Don't Feed the Artists" type of content, show a deep and abiding love for the art form in all its manifestations. It suggests that the pause in 2022 wasn't an ending, but perhaps just a moment of recalibration. We can look forward to the music playing on, both on screen and off, with anticipation for what the future holds for the movie musical.