To paraphrase the immortal words of the great Ron Burgundy, superhero movies are "kind of a big deal" these days. Unless you're Universal Studios, you need a comic book series to compete with the big boys at the worldwide box office. That's why Disney (Marvel), Warner Bros. (DC) and 20th Century Fox (X-Universe) are all rolling out major tentpoles in 2016.
As things stand now, there are seven superhero films set to be released next year. If you're like me, you're going to be in line to see every single one. But if you're a normal person with an actual social life, you're going to need to prioritize. That's why, as HNGN's Head Geek, I've ranked the excitement levels for each upcoming comic book movie, so you know which ones are worth seeing right away and which you can catch on TV while trying to fall asleep months later.
7. "Gambit" - Fox - Oct. 7
As of now, the chances of "Gambit" actually making its release date are about as good as Donald Trump's presidential ambitions. Following a tumultuous search for a director, Rupert Wyatt ("Rise of the Planet of the Apes") finally signed on over the summer only to depart the project back in September. Never a good sign.
As of now, "Gambit" is still without a director though Doug Liman ("Edge of Tomorrow") is rumored to be closing in on the gig. While he will bring some unique humor and action sequences to the table, I'm just not sold on this project yet.
Nothing against Channing Tatum, but can he really pull of the Ragin' Cajun? Tatum stole the show in the "Jump Street" films and turned in a solid performance in "Foxcatcher," but it's unknown if he possesses the charisma, dialect skills and range to do justice for one of the most popular X-Men characters of all time.
Given the behind the scenes turmoil and the questions surrounding Tatum, I can't say I'm confident in "Gambit's" chances of sticking the landing.
6. "Doctor Strange" - Marvel - Nov. 4
Consider Stephen Strange's low placement on this list more of a testament to the quality of superhero films coming next year and less a reflection of my enthusiasm.
I love that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is going to explore a more mystical realm with different dimensions and whatnot. As we saw with "Guardians of the Galaxy," leaving Earth can make for the best stories. Plus, "Doctor Strange" has amassed arguably the best cast for a superhero movie in recent memory with Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton and more. With that kind of talent, we'd watch these guys in a movie about laundry, let alone one of the more unique comic book properties floating around.
Unfortunately, "Doctor Strange" gets dinged for being yet another Marvel origin story (despite rumors to the contrary). By now, every movie-goer knows the familiar formulaic beats: hero is happy, something bad happens, hero discovers powers, bad stuff goes down again, hero triumphs. Even when done right, that recipe is starting to feel a bit played-out for non-die-hards.
5. "X-Men: Apocalypse" - Fox - May 27
We get it; Bryan Singer's X-Men Universe isn't for everyone. But you have to give Singer credit for being one of the first filmmakers to approach comic book properties with a level of seriousness that helped legitimatize the genre.
"X-Men: Apocalypse" will bring to a close the "First Class" trilogy while likely bidding farewell to familiar faces (Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender) and introducing a few new ones (Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Alexandra Shipp). That alone gives the film a certain intrigue factor.
But the real attraction is Oscar Isaac's Apocalypse. Not only is Apocalypse the greatest villain in X-Men history, but Isaac is perhaps the most talented up-and-coming actor in all of Hollywood (which is why Sony should cast him in "The Dark Tower" adaptation). His inclusion as Apocalypse is a big plus for anyone who appreciates quality acting and high stakes.
4. "Deadpool" - Fox - Feb. 12
A common (and justified) criticism of the superhero movie genre is that each film feels the same. Somehow, I don't think that will be the case for Ryan Reynolds' "Deadpool."
Have you seen the Red Band trailer for this movie? If not, go watch it right now. Seriously, I'll wait.
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This is not your ordinary comic book submission and that's what has me so excited. The tone will be irreverent and gleefully inappropriate while the hard R-rating will allow the action and humor to be ratcheted up several notches. You're not going to get content like this every day from a major studio.
3. "Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice" - WB - Mar. 25
Perhaps a bit low at No. 3, but that doesn't mean I'm not excited for "Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice." I just don't yet trust Zack Snyder at the helm of the DC Extended Universe. He's similar to a young quarterback in the sense that he can dazzle you one minute ("Dawn of the Dead," "300," "Watchmen") and dumbfound you the next ("Sucker Punch," "Man of Steel"). Still, I'm hopeful.
The dark and gritty tone of the DCEU may not work for everyone, but it does succeed in establishing drama and tension while setting itself apart from Marvel. It also allows Warner Bros. to tackle mature topics in a realistic and grounded way. It's not a criminal act to want a superhero movie to be somewhat relatable and lifelike in that sense.
Also, we get to see Batman and Superman beat the ever loving snot out of each other. That's going to be awesome regardless of what is going on around them.
2. "Captain America: Civil War" - Marvel - May 6
In many ways, "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" is Marvel's most complete film. That's why I'm stoked to see the same creative team (Joe and Anthony Russo) given virtually the entire Avengers roster to work with in a head-to-head battle format. It will be like the Super Smash Bros. of the MCU.
Consider "Civil War" Marvel's official pivot move. Instead of the cookie cutter good vs. evil storyline we've seen play out a thousand times, Marvel is muddying the lines between right and wrong. Suddenly, audiences will find themselves torn between two superhero factions that are both fighting for just causes. It is that internal and external conflict that should make "Civil War" one of the best MCU movies to date.
Also, this:
1. "Suicide Squad" - WB - Aug. 5
Remember what I said about all superhero films feeling the same? Well, "Suicide Squad" is going out of its way to leave a different taste in your mouth.
For starters, the movie is filled to the brim with interesting villains instead of bland Boy Scout good guys. Jared Leto is an Academy Award winning actor who is going to put a completely new spin on the classic Joker character while Will Smith (Deadshot) and Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn) will do the heavy lifting elsewhere. That's already an impressive lineup before you remember the handful of other awesome characters we'll meet in this subversive adventure.
"Suicide Squad" will open the door to an entirely new subset category within the superhero (supervillain) genre while introducing fans to some iconic DC criminals that have never hit the big screen before. Writer/director David Ayer ("Training Day," "Fury") is going to deliver a dark, ugly, amazing, humorous feature that is wholly unique and different from everything that has come before it. Despite the lesser known characters, "Suicide Squad" could very well be the defining movie of the DCEU's early stages due to its originality.
No, it obviously can't match the headlining names in "Dawn of Justice," but sometimes, the best work is done in the margins.
What do you think of our list? Agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments section below!
