Let’s not beat around the bush, most new autism films suck. Either they suck because the depiction featured is inaccurate (and only serves to promote the outdated autistic stereotype), or they suck because they are misguided and trying too hard to redefine how autism is perceived – ala whatever Sia was trying to do with last year’s flop: Music.

In truth, I’m not really sure how we got in this state; where our greatest chance to celebrate the spectrum is mishandled more than a Chris Pratt voice casting. However, if nothing, I am an optimist and so, every year, I cross my fingers and hope that just one film can right the good ship spectrum.

As such, today I wanted to cast my gaze forward and look out in anticipation to the 6 upcoming autism films which I believe stand the best chance of doing just that. So, if you’re equally hopeful about what may come next, or you are just looking for something new to check out in the coming months, here are 6 New Autism Films to look out for in 2022 and Beyond.

[Please note: where possible I have tried to include a trailer to the relevant upcoming films; whether that be a trailer to the autism film itself, or a trailer to a previous entry in its series]

1. The Unbreakable Boy

Genre: Drama

Release Date: 18th March 2022

According to most movie sites, if there is one autism centric film you should be looking out for this year it’s The Unbreakable Boy. A big-screen adaptation of the 2014 bestselling memoir of the same name, The Unbreakable Boy tells the story of Austin: a pizza-loving autistic teenager who fights to live his best life whilst suffering from a rare brittle bone disease.

Now, if like me you’re currently thinking that this sounds a little too Oscar-baity, well, I’m not going to fight you on that (it does all seem a little paint by numbers). However, The Unbreakable Boy does manage to distinguish itself from the other award-focused autism films this season by featuring a diverse pool of talent, from Zachary Levi to Amy Acker – all whilst receiving some strong word-of-mouth buzz ahead of its release in March.

Of course, not everybody attached to the film spells good things for the project though as, in researching the upcoming flick, I couldn’t help but notice that the writer/director (as well as many of the producers) all come from films with heavily religious undertones. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though, but it does make me anxious that everything is about to get a little preachy – something which the book it is based on can be criticised for.

Nevertheless, if The Unbreakable Boy can avoid becoming a story about how all you need is Faith, then maybe, just maybe, we might have a new Oscar-winning film that doesn’t make people dubious when I try to tell them that I really am ‘an excellent driver’.

2. The Flash

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Superhero

Release Date: 4th November 2022

After first being introduced in 2016’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, this year the scarlet speedster (aka The Flash) will be returning to the big screen, in his first solo outing, simply titled The Flash.

Following the now-iconic Flashpoint storyline, a story which could not only change the history of the DC universe but may also re-write what has come before (including Michael Keaton’s 1989 and 1992 Batman films), this new time-travelling adventure looks to be a bit of a mystery, posing questions such as:

  • What happens when you play with time to save someone you love?
  • What is the multi-verse?
  • And, most importantly, have they or have they not made The Flash autistic (because let’s face it, his depiction in 2019 certainly made it seem like he was on the spectrum!)?

Unfortunately, we still have quite some time until we find out these answers as the film isn’t scheduled to release until November. However, given that the film was originally scheduled for 2016 (before falling into development hell for over 5 years!), I don’t mind waiting just that little bit longer.

3. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Genre: Mystery

Release Date: Currently in Pre-Production

When it comes to depictions of autism in the media, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has always dominated the conversation where all things literature are concerned. However, if a recent casting call from Warner Bros is to be believed, it seems that now this classic autism story is setting its sights on Hollywood.

For those 3 people out there, reading this unaware of what The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is (other than a story with a really awkwardly long title), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a story that follows 15-year-old Christopher Boone: an autistic (although never actually called autistic) boy who, after waking to find his neighbour’s dog murdered, sets out on a journey of investigation and intrigue to discover the culprit – i.e. it’s about a curious incident of a dog at night-time.

With an award-winning, international theatre adaptation serving as a blueprint to success, I have full faith that a Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time film could be exactly what our community needs if it comes to fruition. Although, given that many previous attempts to bring this film to life have seen less than stellar results (see Brad Pitt’s attempt in the 90s), it may be best to set any expectation that this film will be realised firmly locked behind a mystery door (or three).

4. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Release Date:  8th April 2022

After taking a much longer hiatus than anyone expected, this year Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is set to invite us back to view the wizarding world of Hogwarts, with everyone’s favourite Magizoologist, the unquestionably autistic Newt Scaramadar, as our guide.

Following on from the events of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, this third instalment looks to be a return to form for a film that I once claimed was one of the best autistic depictions ever – as this third entry in the Fantastic Beasts series seems to be the beginning of the fabled wizarding war; pitting dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald against Professor Albus Dumbledore and his ragtag team of wizards, witches and one muggle.

Like previous entries in the series, The Secrets of Dumbledore looks to be a blockbuster in every regard with a star-studded cast, impressive effects and high stakes drama. However, don’t be surprised if the main beast everyone comes out talking about is the elephant in the room caused by Jonny Depp’s recent departure from the project – but let’s not open that Monster Book of Monsters here.

5. The Accountant 2

Genre: Action, Thriller

Release Date:  Currently in Pre-Production

It can’t be understated how much I love 2016s The Accountant. Sure, the story of an autistic savant managing the books for the world’s most infamous gangs doesn’t exactly paint an accurate depiction of autism. However, I believe this can be overlooked, as it does one thing no film has ever come close to doing before (or since) and that is that it makes autism seem SO. DAMN. COOL.

For that reason, when the director of The Accountant announced in an interview last month that he not only intends to make a sequel, but a trilogy of The Accountant films, my heart jumped for joy at the possibility of what we can expect from the autistic John Wick.

With that said though, information on this upcoming title is a little thin (outside said interview). Yet, if the director’s description of the film being ‘Rain Man on Steroids’ is anything to go by, then it’s safe to say that the film will once again be equally unprogressive but chocked full of so much style and ‘Gun-Fu’ that I won’t care, and will fall in love all over again.

6. I Used to be Famous

Genre: Black Comedy, Drama

Release Date:  Currently in Production

Releasing on Netflix at some point in the near future, the last entry on my list today is I Used to be Famous, a feature film based on a short film of the same name which tells the story of Vince, a desperate former popstar, who is the utter worst, and Stevie: an autistic man, who helps Vince become somewhat tolerable after an unlikely friendship is formed.

If the 2015 short film is anything to go by, then this larger adaption is set to be a crushingly depressing, dark comedy with subtle optimistic undertones. However, given the larger runtime, there may also be the opportunity for themes to escalate into a classic odd couple scenario (which, given the somewhat underdeveloped relationship between the two leads in the original, would be ideal).

Then again, I do hope that the new version doesn’t deviate too far from the original as, if the Netflix iteration can keep the unique dynamic of the shorter film – wherein a neurotypical character desperately needs a neurodiverse character’s help (and not the other way round as it so often is) – then this film could really be something special when it comes to autistic representation; making audiences rethink autistic social ability and the role we play in society.

Carry on the Conversation:

Which autism films are you looking most forward to? Let me know in the comments below. And, if you would like to hear more about any upcoming autism TV shows, then why not check out my roundup of 10 New Autism TV Shows for 2021/2022.

As always, I can also be found on Twitter @AutismRevised, on Instagram @AutisticandUnapologetic and via my email: AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com.

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Thank you for reading and I will see you next time for more thoughts from across the spectrum.