The Zeitgeist: Fall’s Biggest Pop Culture Moments
From nostalgic sequels to the return of Y2K pop icons, Rivet has rounded up the pop culture moments bound to influence fashion this fall.
Movies
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
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The juice is loose. It’s showtime for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” a sequel to the 1988 Tim Burton cult classic, “Beetlejuice.” The film stars Michael Keaton reprising his role as the infamous spirit, who is summoned once again by the Deetz family. This time, Lydia Deetz (played by Winona Ryder) and her daughter Astrid (played by “Wednesday” star Jenna Ortega) discover that the portal to the afterlife has been accidentally opened.
Joker: Folie à Deux
Moviegoers are going gaga for “Joker: Folie à Deux.” On Oct. 4, the musical sequel to 2019’s “Joker” will hit theaters. Lady Gaga stars as Harley Quinn, while Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, who becomes the Joker. The film continues Fleck’s story as a failed comedian whose descent into madness turns him into Gotham City’s main villain. While imprisoned at Arkham State Hospital, he meets Quinn, the “love of his life.” Upon his release, the two embark on a doomed romantic adventure.
Wicked
Fans worldwide will be following the yellow brick road to theaters this fall. On Nov. 22, “Wicked,” the untold story of the witches of Oz, will hit the big screen. The film stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony award winner Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman with green skin who is on a journey to discover her true power. Joining her is Grammy-winning global pop star Ariana Grande as Glinda, a privileged and ambitious young woman who has yet to find her true heart.
Music
Paris Hilton, “Infinite Icon”
DJ and media personality Paris Hilton is solidifying her icon status with her sophomore album titled “Infinite Icon.” Executive produced by singer-songwriter Sia, the 12-track disc will have guest appearances from pop stars like Rina Sawayama, Meghan Trainor, Maria Becerra and more.
Katy Perry, “143”
It’s a women’s world. On Sept. 20, pop icon Katy Perry is set to release her sixth studio album, “143,” a follow-up to her 2020 album, “Smile.” The 11-track piece features her lead single “Women’s World” which is a “celebration of womanhood” in all its forms, according to Perry. “I set out to create a bold, exuberant, celebratory dance-pop album with the symbolic 143 numerical expression of love as a throughline message,” she said. “The Magic of 143 is just beginning.” To support the album, Perry will also be headlining a sold-out show at Rock in Rio in Brazil on the same day as the album’s release. This marks her first performance at the Rio de Janeiro festival since 2015 and her first performance of her new era.
Nelly Furtado, “7”
Y2K hitmaker Nelly Furtado is back in the studio and ready to reclaim her place in the spotlight. On Sept. 20, the singer-songwriter will release her seventh studio album “7,” a follow-up to her 2017 album, “The Ride.” The 14-track album is Furtado’s most personal to date, reflecting on four years of artistic rediscovery. “I came to the studio lost and searching for my artistic identity. I had done a lot of reflection and self-work during my seven years outside of music, so I was bringing that growth into the studio with me.” Furtado said. “This collection of songs is so personal. It reflects my journey through heartbreak and finding my confidence as an artist again, into the pure joy and celebration you feel when you’re nurturing your passion and are part of a community.”
Shawn Mendes, “Shawn”
Exploring his recent travels and experiences, pop star Shawn Mendes is offering fans his most “musically intimate” and “lyrically honest” work. On Oct.18—the heartthrob’s birthday—the Grammy-nominated singer will release his fifth studio album, “Shawn.” The self-titled album was written and co-produced by Mendes, along with collaborators Scott Harris, Mike Sabath, Nate Mercereau and Eddie Benjamin. “Music really can be medicine. Two years ago, I felt like I had absolutely no idea who I was. A year ago, I couldn’t step into a studio without falling into complete panic,” Mendes said. “So, to be here right now with 12 beautiful, finished songs feels like such a gift.”
TV
Abbott Elementary
School will soon be in session. On Oct. 9, season 4 of “Abbott Elementary,” a workplace comedy show, will premiere on ABC. The show, which stars Janine Teagues as Quinta Brunson, Gregory Eddie as Tyler James Williams and Ava Coleman as Janelle James, follows a group of dedicated, passionate teachers in a Philadelphia public school. Despite the odds stacked against them, the teachers are determined to help their students succeed.
Heartstopper
Get your tissues ready. “Heartstopper” season three will be hitting screens soon, and it’s poised to be an emotional rollercoaster. On Oct. 3, the British coming-of-age series will return to Netflix, continuing the love story of Nick (played by Kit Connor) and Charlie (played by Joe Locke). This season, Charlie struggles to confess his love to Nick, while Nick grapples with his own secret.
Territory
A new six-part neo-western drama is making its way to Netflix. On Oct. 24, Netflix will release “Territory,” an explosive story about power, family, land and legacy. Some of the leading characters in the new series include Anna Torv as Emily Lawson, Michael Dorman as Graham Lawson and Robert Taylor as Colin Lawson.“Territory is the ultimate tale of big land, big money and all the high-stakes drama that come with it,” Que Minh Luu, director of content ANZ at Netflix, said. “We’re working with some of Australia’s leading creators and crew to bring to life a version of this country we’re proud to show to our members both here at home and around the world.”
This article is published in Rivet’s Fall 2024 issue. Click here to read more.
