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2016 was a year of mourning for many; from tragic celebrity deaths to national support of rapists to institutionally-sanctioned racism, we saw tyranny and the forces of evil win again and again. And 2017 doesn’t seem to be off to a better start—in just 15 days, we’re inaugurating a notoriously litigious, racist, sexist billionaire. Now more than ever, we the people need hope. Here are 8 things to look forward to in 2017:
1. 8th Installment Movies
Movies we’re amped about include Star Wars Episode 8 (technically not the eighth installment in the franchise—that would be Rogue One: A Star Wars Story—but chill) and Fast and Furious 8 (technically the Fate and the Furious—the F8 and the Furious?). Finally, we may learn the answers to burning questions like: What is Rey’s origin story? Can John Boyega single-handedly bring the Star Wars franchise back from those terrible prequels? Can Vin Diesel survive an evil seduction from Charlize Theron? What does Michelle Rodriguez bring to the table?
2. Dave Chappelle
Netflix announced last year that comedian and icon Dave Chappelle is bringing three new stand-up specials to the platform in 2017.
3. Game of F*cking Thrones
Not only will Game of Thrones season 7 premiere this summer, but there’s a rumor that The Winds of Winter—the next book in the series—will be released early this year. Nerds rejoice—George R. R. Martin may finish the series before he dies!
4. TV Comebacks
2017 looks like a big year for TV—we’re looking forward to the return of stellar Netflix originals Stranger Things and Master of None. Plus we're getting reboots of classics Twin Peaks and Curb Your Enthusiasm!
5. Solar Eclipse
For the first time since 1979, we’ll be able to see our friend the moon completely cover the sun in a solar eclipse! On August 21, Americans from Oregon to South Carolina can see the eclipse, and while they occur every 18 months or so, total solar eclipses like this one are very rare.
6. Holographic Porn
With the recent debut of hologram cam girls, holographic porn seems to be the way of the future. This virtual, customizable, interactive experience is supposed to turn your fantasy into reality. What a time.
7. Music Festivals
If you're lucky enough to snag tickets, music festivals Coachella and Governors Ball recently announced amazing line-ups. Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar will be headlining Coachella in Indio, California this April. And Chance the Rapper, Childish Gambino, Wu-Tang Clan, and more will be performing at Governors Ball in New York City this June.
8. Complex Con '17
If you missed our very first ComplexCon last November, you're in luck—there will be another this year! The convention and festival bringing Complex to life is where art, music, fashion, activism, and culture converge. Be on the lookout for announcements of dates, line-ups, and featured artists and brands.