With 40 superhero movies coming out within the next 5 years, there's a lot of material to take in. But I've sat and thought. This is my list of most anticipated Superhero films. These movies standout among the pantheon of new superhero coming out in the next five years. Without further adieau, let's begin.
10) Spider-Man ( July 28th 2017)
I loved Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man. However when I saw Amazing Spider-Man 2, I realized this franchise needed a new direction. When rumblings began about Spider-Man joining the MCU, I was skeptical and I didn't want it to happen. I especially didn't want Spider-Man in Civil War. The Sony Marvel was disappointing to me. It meant Andrew Garfield would have to leave the role of Spider-man. And it felt a little unnatural. But as time goes on I'm beginning to hear more things that make me confident. The rumor that Marvel is going for a young actor, which is a double edged sword to me. Personally I want Eddy Redmayne to play the role of Peter Parker.
He's one of the best actors working right now but names I've heard thrown around are also satisfactory. The names I've heard thrown around for directors are equally interesting. I've heard names from the Russo Bros. to Lord and Miller. Right now, Drew Goddard is said to be the leading man for the job of director and writer. My pick is still Phil Lord and Chris Miller, but I'm open to see where Drew Goddard is taking this taking this new version of Spider-Man.
9) Captain Marvel (November 2nd 2018)
Lot's of people have grieved Marvel for a lack of female presence in the MCU. And Kevin Feige (Our Lord and Savior) has solved this problem. I'm not too familiar with Carol Danvers but the fact that we're getting a female superhero movie by a trusted studio that always gets the right talent together to bring this character to life is enough to get me excited for this movie and put in on my top 10. I intend of picking up some Captain Marvel and doing some research to find out more about this character. It will be interesting to see a character with "earthbound adventures" and "powers based in the cosmic realm".
8) Captain America: Civil War (May 6th 2016)
The Marvel universe is about to be split in half in this sequel to one of my favorite movie of last year and by far the best movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the Russo Bros, returning I'm hoping this film will present the Civil War in a way that relates to us in modern society.
Now while I've always wanted this movie to happen but I'm in the small minority, (the VERY small minority) that doesn't want and has never wanted Spider-Man to play a big part in this film or be in it at all. Mentioned, sure. Cameo, why not? But be central to the conflict, hell no. It just feels unnatural to me at this point in the MCU. I still feel Winter Soldier should be at the center of the conflict between Iron Man and Captain America.
I just feel this is a case where it was better to stray away from the source material. It doesn't change the fact I have full confidence Marvel will deliver another AWESOME movie.
7) Wonder Woman (June 23rd 2017)
It's freaking Wonder Woman. A lot of films are this list are exciting simply on their premise. While I'm excited for Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman is well...freaking Wonder Woman; the original super heroine and at long last for the first time she'll grace the silver screen. Her movie has been way over due and with delay after delay, DC is finally bringing us the most iconic super heroine.
6)Fan4stic (August 3 2015)
While most of the movies on the list I'm confident will be good, this one I'm not sure. It's got some killer talent attached. From "Chronicle" director Josh Trank to X-Men Days of Future Past scribe Simon Kinberg. Lest we forget the talent in front of the camera. By far the most interesting member of this cast to me is Toby Kebbel as Dr. Doom. He was one of the best parts of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, holding his own against Andy freaking Serkis. But some of the deviations from source material are eye brow raising but as you probably guess I'm not too hard on creative liberties with source material. This reminds me of a little aborted superhero flick called Superman: Flyby. Flyby took many liberties with the Superman mythology but what it put in it's place was equally interesting thus the source material became irrelevant. If Fantastic Four can do something similar then this film will be success in my book.
5) Black Panther (July 6th 2018)
This is one of the most important films on this list in my opinion. Many believed this would never happen for a while myself included. As a black male, I have been concerned by Marvel's lack of strong black characters. We have 3 in total all of whom are supporting roles and all play second fiddle to the Avengers. This will Marvel's first lead black character and I believe a generation of black youth will be able to see themselves in Black Panther in a way that they probably never will in Captain America or Iron Man. The story of an African king trying to maintain his place as king and navigate the politics of the world around him can make for more than an interesting superhero but an interesting coming of age story. The only thing keeping it from being higher on the list is the fact that I really don't know as much about who's behind it.
4) Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (May 5th 2017)
I really really liked Guardians of the Galaxy. I didn't love it as much everyone but after delving Guardians of the Galaxy mythos I became excited for all the various directions this film could go; they could bring in Adam Warlock, Star Lord's Father, Thanos could be the main villain, Nebula could come back, Rom the Space Night, Devil Dinosaur, Howard the Duck, Al Paccino, the possibilities are endless. Also a little bit of speculation I think Star-Lord's dad will be played by Al Paccino.
He's said he loves the first movie, he's met with Kevin Feige, and he's one of the best actors of all time time so you know Feige is trying his damnedest to get him under contract.
3) Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 and 2 (May 2018 & 2019)
Civil War is gonna be cool and all but comparing it to Infinity War is like comparing the War of 1812 to World War 2; the stakes are higher, and the scope is greater. There's so much I'm hoping to see in this movie. I want to see the Guardians kicking ass with the Avengers, Thanos tearing stuff up with the Infinity Gauntlet, Loki's gonna come back and mess stuff up, this movies gonna be CRAZY.
We're all maximally certain Joss Whedon will not return for this film but I don't grieve even though I worship at the alter of Whedon. From what I understand both James Gunn and the Russo Bros have been considered for the role of director. I'd be satisfied with either of these choices. I am confident either on of them could handle the epic scope of this 2 part story.
2) Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice (March 25th 2016)
Now this film and my number one pick are kind of interchangeable but this is one film that I would be remiss if I didn't put this one on the list. Batman Versus Superman? You have my curiosity. Directed by Zack Snyder?!?!?! You have my money and the shirt off my back. While I wasn't the biggest fan of Man of Steel but it wasn't out right terrible,the seeds were laid for a very interesting DC cinematic universe. I am however a huge fan of Zack Snyder. Snyder is possibly one of the best visual directors. Any project he's attached to my interest is peeked. While not all of his films are great, there isn't one that I'd call out right terrible. This film has a lot ridding on it and I am confident Snyder will do this film justice (Heh, get it? Cause my number #1 is...).
1) Justice League Part 1 (November 17th 2017)
This is it. After years and years, they're finally coming to the Silver Screen. I've been waiting for a Justice League film ever since I started reading Geoff John's run on the team. It's still unreal that this film is even happening. I think what makes me optimistic is the choice of director.
What the first Avengers had that made it great was a very comic book feel. The way the film was paced in such a way that it felt like reading a comic book. What I feel Zack Snyder can bring is something similar but different. I feel he can bring the comic book pacing and visuals but combine it with a very earthbound tone. I'm also hoping to see the return of Snyder's signature style. It's one of those things that people didn't appreciate until they didn't have it. The style of Man of Steel, while fitting for the direction of the story, made the action scene incomprehensible at certain points. With all these super powers interacting with each other, this movie will need some slo-mo moments to help the audience take it all in.
Now this is my first post on my new blog. Hope you enjoy. If you have any picks for anticipated superhero films leave them in the comments below. This is Chris Davis and cinema is my crack.
