Superhero movies - it's great to be a fan these days!
Deadpool (12 February 2016)
Deadpool will be the superhero movie to open 2016. The character is a pretty new one in the comics, making his debut in 1991. Still, it has won the fans almost immediately, with his rude ways, insane attitude, and constant breaking of the 4th wall.
This antihero has previously appeared in the panned X-Men Origins: Wolverine, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, who now reprises his role. And even if the fans didn't like at all his portrayal, he now has another shot.
And, frankly, this is all that was needed. After a leaked footage a couple of years ago, the fans gathered up and made some noise - the movie was soon greenlit, though it doesn't benefit from the big budget most superhero movies have. And this is a good thing - since more freedom was granted to both the actor and the entire team.
How come? This superhero movie, if proves to be bankable, may be a game changer, since it is R-rated. If it proves to be successful (and we have no doubt about that), then it will pave the way for other movies of this kind.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (25 March 2016)
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is the superhero movie everybody has been waiting for. Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman will appear for the first time, together, on the big screens. Furthermore, an epic clash will take place between the titular characters. So you cannot not be excited.
The cast is a stellar one, even if the fans may have disagreed at some time about certain actors (Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, and Jesse Eisenberg). But the trailers do look good and, for now, we don't really believe that we have to worry about anything at all.
Batman v Superman will also mark the first appearance of Aquaman and Flash on the big screens, with potential cameos from other superheroes as well (Cyborg and Green Lantern).
So even if Man of Steel divided the fans of superhero movies and of the character himself in two, we can all agree on one thing: Batman v Superman will be awesome!
Captain America: Civil War (6 May 2016)
Captain America: Civil War is the second big budget and most expected superhero film of 2016. Marvel shows now intention of slowing down, teasing this epic storyline ever since the first Avengers came out.
Sure enough, everybody knows who will be the main characters, just like everybody knows what teams will be involved. Nonetheless, some changes will be made, since this adaptation still lacks a couple or more characters which appeared in the comics.
In any way, Captain America: Civil War has all the chances in the world to break all the records: everybody knows the characters, everybody has witnessed the backstory and the motivations, and everybody enjoys the Marvel productions.
Furthermore, this movie will also mark the introduction of Black Panther, as well as of the new Spider-Man. Basically, Civil War cannot fail (it is also directed by the duo behind Captain America: The Winter Soldier, one of the most interesting superhero movies from this side of the universe).
X-Men: Apocalypse (27 May 2016)
X-Men: Apocalypse is the third and last of the Big Three of 2016. Teased at the end of X-Men: Days of Future Past (with what is called the best end-credits scene ever), this superhero movie won't just see the return of the already established mutants.
It will also mark the introduction of the new, younger version of the X-Men, as well as the appearance of Apocalypse, the most powerful mutant.
Sure enough, the fans are a bit displeased at the moment as far as the appearance of En Sabah Nur is concerned. However, his short stature and even his less than awkward appearance can be explained (until now, we didn't see him in action, we only saw him while recruiting his Horsemen).
X-Men: Apocalypse will also be the movie which closes the current X-Men trilogy, which began with X-Men: First Class, ushering in a new generation of superheroes (though we really don't believe that, since most of the young versions presented in the film have already appeared before).
All in all, Apocalypse promise as much destruction on a worldwide level as the name itself suggests. X-Men: Days of Future Past didn't disappoint - we're certain that this sequel won't either.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 (3 June 2016)
After the spectacle of X-Men: Apocalypse, fans can take it easy - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 will be the next superhero movie. What can we say about this movie, when the first one was atrocious?
It will mark the introduction of fan-favorite characters such as Bebop and Rocksteady, as well as Casey Jones. Megan Fox will return and Krang is also rumored to appear.
But yeah, Megan Fox will return. As well as Michael Bay, as a producer.
Suicide Squad (5 August 2016)
Suicide Squad is not at all a superhero movie. It is bad vs. evil, as the tagline said. In any way, this is one of the most expected movies of next year, its popularity being based on the fact that it will discard the formula of having a good guy pitted against a bad one.
Of course, the fact that fan-favorite characters will appear is also a reason for which the Comic Con trailer has been viewed more than the one of Batman v Superman. In this way, Harley Quinn, Deadshot and, rumored, Deathstroke will make their appearance for the first time on the big screens.
Sure enough, the Joker is also a highlight of the movie. Though he has divided the fans more than any other casting choices, we have faith in Jared Leto.
The movie has a huge cast, comprised mainly from A-listers, as well as one awesome director (David Ayer, mentioned especially for Fury, but who has also directed End of Watch, as well as the equally awesome Harsh Times).
It is worth to be mentioned that Will Smith is also a controversial choice. Just because.
Gambit (7 October 2016)
Gambit will be the third superhero movie set in the X-Men universe in 2016 and it will mark the first appearance of the fan favorite character on the big screens (the rumors that he will also appear in X-Men: Apocalypse were debunked by Channing Tatum himself).
The character appeared in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, portrayed by Taylor Kitsch. It failed to impress.
In any way, little is known about the movie, though it is expected to be an origin story. Furthermore, the rumor is that it will be connected in some way to X-Men: Apocalypse. Furthermore, it is also worth mentioning that it has a huge budget for a first solo outing of a rather unknown character (around $150 million).
So, given this last piece of information, we can expect for either a grand spectacle, either a huge flop (Fox has had quite a few misfires until now).
One last hot rumor: this superhero movie might see the first appearance of Mr. Sinister on the big screens.
LATER EDIT: THE RUMOR IS THAT GAMBIT MAY JUST LOSE CHANNING TATUM. NO FURTHER EXPLANATION WAS OFFERED UNTIL NOW.
Doctor Strange (6 November 2016)
Doctor Strange will be the last superhero movie of 2016 and it will mark the introduction of genuine magic in the MCU. The character has been teased in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, while it is also expected for the Ant-Man events to play an important part in the story (as in the Quantum Realm).
It is expected for Dormammu to be the hidden villain, with Baron Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) being his lieutenant.
Speaking of casting choices, this isn't the only controversial one. Tilda Swinton has confirmed that she was cast in the role of the Ancient One, though it isn't known at this moment if the character will be a female or a male one.
The director Scot Derrickson has specialized in horror movies - though this is not a reason to believe that this superhero movie will mark any change in the tone of the MCU (previously, the directors of Captain America: Winter Soldier were known for their comedies).
Having Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role is also worth mentioning - after all, he was the top choice for the role in so many fan-casts of the movie.
The animated superhero movies of 2016
The superhero animated movies all come from DC. They are Batman: The Killing Joke (obviously, an adaptation of the famous origin story - with Mark Hamill being confirmed to return as the Joker), Batman: Bad Blood (an original story, which will also mark the introduction of Batwoman in this continuity), and Justice League vs. Titans (another original story).
The release dates for these animated superhero movies haven't been revealed yet.
Bloodshot (2017)
Bloodshot is a superhero movie with plenty of crossover potential. It will be about a former soldier who has lost his memory and who is injected with nanites. In this way, he is able to shapeshift, regenerate, as well as interface with any kind of technology.
Little is known about this project, though. What we do know is that it is produced by Sony and was announced after the deal with Marvel over Spider-Man was made. Hopefully, they won't ruin this character.
It is worth mentioning that the awesome directors of John Wick (David Leitch and Chad Stahelski) are onboard.
There is no certain release date.
The Untitled Wolverine Sequel (3 March 2017)
2017 will mark 17 years since Hugh Jackman appeared as the superhero for the first time. His career was basically built around Wolverine.
However, this third film will be his last in the X-Men universe.
Little to nothing is known about the movie. However, what we do know is that it will be connected in some way to X-Men: Apocalypse and that Hugh Jackman has teased the Old Man Logan storyline at the San Diego Comic Con 2015.
If it is so, then we can see how this storyline can be adapted, since the world will be devastated by Apocalypse. Of course, major changes will be made, since Fox doesn't know the rights too many of the characters from the comics.
But, hey, if it will be so, maybe some fan-favorite characters will appear. Such as Omega Red.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. II (5 May 2017)
The follow-up to last year's (arguably) best superhero movie is also one of the most expected superhero films. The entire team is expected to return, with James Gunn teasing another addition (a female one).
In any way, it is also expected for Star Lord's father to be introduced, as well as a first clash with Thanos to happen. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. II may also mark the destruction of the Nova Corps by the Mad Titan, since they are in the possession of an Infinity Stone.
Nebula is also expected to return.
Obviously, we have no clue as to what James Gunn will do next. But given the entertaining level of the first movie, we are surely sold already. Bring it on!
Wonder Woman (23 June 2017)
Wonder Woman will be the first superhero solo movie with a superheroine taking the stage. Gal Gadot (one of the controversial choices made by Zack Snyder) will return as the titular character, the Amazonian Princess.
Obviously, there isn't too much known about the movie. Some rumors suggest that it will take place entirely on Themyscira, where we will see the Amazonians divided into 2 warring factions. It is also rumored that the movie will take place between the World Wars or, most likely, during WWII.
It is also expected for this to not be an origin story, obviously.
In any way, no other cast members have been announced besides Gal Gadot, though it is rumored that Chris Pine will play the love interest, Steve Trevor (any moment now, the rumor may be debunked, since he is also rumored for the role of Hal Jordan).
Patty Jenkins (Monster) will direct.
LATER EDIT: LOOKS LIKE CHRIS PINE WILL BE STEVE TREVOR AFTER ALL…
The Fantastic Four 2 (14 July 2017)
Like many superhero movies, the Fantastic Four reboot of this hear had its sequel announced well before the first movie was released. And we don't know if the plans will be seen through.
At this moment, this sequel seems to have too few chances to actually happen. The fans are very displeased as to how the first outing of the superhero team is going (beside the controversial casting choices).
Furthermore, the studio itself seems to have little faith in the reboot. So, yeah, we have to wait to see how the first film performs at the box office.
The Untitled Spider-Man Reboot (28 July 2017)
While the superhero will appear for the first time in the MCU during the events of Civil War, his first solo outing will be in 2017. Little to nothing is known about the plot at this moment.
However, we do know that it won't be an origin story (as Kevin Feige said) and that we won't see Uncle Ben killed again (Aunt May will be portrayed by Marisa Tomei - how old do you feel?)
Furthermore, Feige said that they will focus, for the moment, on villains this superhero hasn't faced before on the big screens - which is both a good and a bad thing, since Venom is, in this way, out. In any way, the rumor is that Kraven the Hunter will make his first appearance on the big screens in this movie.
We also know that this new version of Peter Parker will be a much younger one (which is a welcomed change) and that he will probably not get the girl (which is also a good thing).
So we do have faith in Marvel when it comes to this particular superhero. Although, we must confess, as much as we wanted him in the MCU, this will mark the 3 actor who has played him in less than 17 years (and the second one in less than 4).
Thor: Ragnarok (3 November 2017)
After Spider-Man was announced in the MCU, Thor: Ragnarok was pushed back. So there is this downside"¦
In any way, this superhero movie will mean the end of Asgard, since Thanos will most likely retrieve the Tesseract from here. Even if it wasn't him, Ragnarok will still have come as a fitting end to the Thor franchise, since this is a cyclical event.
There isn't too much known about the movie itself. However, it is expected for Loki to finally choose a side or to once again become a lieutenant of the Mad Titan. Also, it is expected for Surtur to make an appearance too.
Given that this is a cosmic event, the rumor is that some other cosmic superheroes will also appear.
We'd like for this movie to be the main event of Phase III (outside of the Infinity War), pretty much like the events described in the Winter Soldier were for Captain America. Most likely it won't be so.
However, what we do know is that this will be the last Thor movie. Maybe, just maybe, this is the chance for another heavy-hitter to appear: Beta Ray Bill.
The Justice League: Part One (17 November 2017)
The Justice League: Part One will be the main event of 2017, no matter how you put it. Little is known about this movie, except for the director (Zack Snyder) and the roster (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, Flash, and no Green Lantern just yet).
As far as the villain is concerned, the rumor is that it will be revealed at the end of Batman v Superman. In this way, an old rumor says that Brainiac has heard the beacon which attracted Zod to Earth and will come to investigate.
Another rumor will be that Darkseid will be a hidden villain (set to wreak havoc in Justice League: Part Two), with his generals coming to Earth in 2017.
We wouldn't want for the movie to follow the same beats as the Avengers did (fighting within the team, only to reunite to take down the threat), just like we wouldn't want an alien invasion yet. But then again"¦
Black Panther (16 February 2018)
Black Panther will be the first solo movie centered on a black superhero. However, Black Panther will appear for the first time on the big screens in Captain America: Civil War. There is little to nothing known about the movie, with only Chadwick Boseman confirmed in the titular role.
However, it is expected for Andy Serkis to return as Ulysses Klaue as the main antagonist. It is also expected from his to kill the current ruler of Wakanda and thus make way for T'Challa to become the Black Panther.
The Flash (23 March 2018)
The fastest superhero will open 2018. Ezra Miller was already cast as Barry Allen (who is portrayed on the small screens by Grant Gustin).
There isn't much to say about this movie yet. Phil Lord and Chris Miller (the masterminds behind The Lego Movie) are at this moment working on the script and we can expected for awesome action which can also include time travel.
Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 (4 May 2018)
Every superhero movie in the MCU has led to this: a final showdown between all superheroes and the Mad Titan. This is the mammoth of all mammoth movies so far, so we can expect for a great spectacle - it is worth to mention from the beginning that the movie will be directed by the Russo Brothers, who nailed it when making Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Plot wise, we cannot say anything now. However, the Mad Titan himself has started collecting Infinity Stones, already being in the possession of the Infinity Gauntlet. Since we believe that he will destroy the Nova Corps as well as Asgard, his final visit will be on Earth, for one last stone.
It will be the one on Vision's forehead. Most likely, the superhero will perish (or will become corrupted). Most likely, the movie will end with Thanos having gathered all the Infinity Stones.
Who will be in it? Everybody.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRIr9MNmCwU
We can expect for some major deaths"¦
Ant-Man and the Wasp (6 July 2018)
Marvel has announced the sequel to Ant-Man, titled Ant-Man and the Wasp. Given the success of the first installment, there was little to no doubt that a sequel will follow.
There is nothing known about this movie yet – other than the fact that Wasp will be featured for the first time in the MCU.
Untitled X-Men Movie (13 July 2018)
Nobody knows anything about this new superhero extravaganza. However, as everybody teased until now, it is expected to be the X-Men/Fantastic Four crossover. Or the X-Force movie. Or the New Mutants movie. Or something in between.
Aquaman (27 July 2018)
Jason Momoa will be Aquaman in the first solo outing of the superhero. The character will first appear in Batman v Superman and he is also expected to have a role in Justice League Part One.
Literally nothing is known about the plot. There are currently 2 separate scripts being developed, with the best one to be chosen. Other than the mentioned star, no other actor was revealed, though it is rumored that Karl Urban will portray the main antagonist (who is rumored to be Orm).
Captain Marvel (8 March 2019)
After the Avengers will meet defeat in Infinity War: Part 1, Captain Marvel will come to aid them. Or, at least, this is how we see it happening.
This fan favorite superhero has been teased by Kevin Feige for a while now, pretty much like Doctor Strange. It is expected for this to be an origin story too.
In the comics, Carol Danvers gained her cosmic powers when a Kree device exploded in her proximity. This could fit in easily in the MCU.
No actress was announced for the lead role, just like no director was found yet.
SHAZAM! (5 April 2019)
We do know that SHAZAM! will have Black Adam as the main villain. And that is about all. No main cast, no director, no writer.
We can expect for it to be, though, more child friendly than what we see right now in the newly formed DC Movie Universe.
Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 (3 May 2019)
This will be the culmination of all the superhero movies from the MCU. We can expect for Thanos to already have all the Infinity Stones and to become nigh omnipotent.
We can expect for the Avengers roster to drastically change and for all the known superheroes to unite in order to take the Mad Titan down. We can also expect for some really powerful superheroes to appear, though we cannot say which ones.
The Russo Brothers will return for this one too.
The Justice League Part 2 (14 June 2019)
We have no idea what this superhero movie will be about, but we can expect for all the dominos from the first part to be knocked down. As said, though, the strongest possibility (or the one that we'd like) is for Darkseid to make his appearance.
Also, the main Green Lantern (or maybe all of them) will come in Earth's aid.
Zack Snyder will direct and all the superheroes will be there.
Inhumans (12 July 2019)
What is this superhero movie about? We have no idea - but it will mark the introduction of a new kind of superheroes, the Inhumans. It was rumored that Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver are exactly that - however, we are not so certain.
Also, the rumor is that Marvel intends to make them the outcasts of the MCU, their own type of mutants. We don't know - we just say what we heard.
Vin Diesel has been bragging that he is Black Bolt. Sounds cool - and after the many lines he had in Guardians of the Galaxy as Groot, it will be a welcomed change to not hear him at all"¦
Cyborg (3 April 2020)
Victor Stone becomes Cyborg - but this isn't an origin story, since the character will appear at least in the Justice League Part One movie.
This superhero gains his powers (which means that he becomes a, well, cyborg) after being experimented on. It is expected for the New 52 origin to be kept, the experiments being made to save his life.
Green Lantern Corps (19 June 2020)
Green Lantern Corps was announced at the 2015 San Diego Comic Con. In this way, the movie won't be centered on just one Earth-based superhero, but on all the Earth-based Lanterns. There is no way for anybody to know anything about this movie.
The rumors are, though, that Chris Pine is in late negotiations with the studio for the role of Hal Jordan. Also, Tyrese Gibson really wants that paycheck - most recently, he even said that he has talked to Warner Bros about the John Stewart role.
We don't want him. And no, his fans didn't bring $6 billion at the box office - it was the entire cast of the Fast & Furious franchise who did that. Tyrese was less than a secondary character.
LATER EDIT: LOOKS LIKE CHRIS PINE IS OUT OF THE RACE, HIM SIGNING FOR THE ROLE OF STEVE TREVOR.
To be noted…
… there are some other superhero projects in development, who haven’t received a release date yet. Check out some of them in here.
