Forget about superhero fatigue.
Last year, only two comic book movies were good: Thunderbolts* and Superman.
Now, the genre is about to get a badly needed boost of enthusiasm with several high-profile releases this year, including the most anticipated Marvel movie of the decade.
Here are five films we’re eager to see:
5. Supergirl
Release date: June 26
James Gunn isn’t afraid to take chances. His version of Superman offered the most human portrayal of the character ever, showing Kal-El getting his butt kicked repeatedly in battle and arguing with his girlfriend, Lois Lane. So it stands to reason he’ll also make Supergirl as relatable as possible. An apparently drunk Supergirl (Milly Alcock) made a brief appearance at the end of Superman to retrieve her dog, Krypto. Supergirl isn’t as well-known as her Kryptonian cousin, so Gunn will likely face less pushback if he takes the Girl of Steel in an unexpected direction.
4. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
Release date: May 22
America’s favorite zaddy and America’s cutest puppet are back. Pedro Pascal returns as The Mandalorian/Din Djarin alongside his sidekick, Grogu. After three seasons on Disney+, the duo will appear on the big screen for their first full-length feature. Season 1 was the best, while the last installment wasn’t as well-received by critics or Star Wars fans. There are high hopes that this film will get the story back on track. The cast looks intriguing, especially the addition of Sigourney Weaver. The sci-fi legend will play a former Rebel Alliance pilot. Can’t wait.
3. Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Release date: July 31
When we last saw Peter Parker, it was the saddest ending for the webslinger. Spider-Man: No Way Home was a memorable experience, filled with drama, surprises, and emotion. It also set the stage and raised the stakes for the latest chapter, as Parker regains his secret identity as Spider-Man but finds himself in a world where all his loved ones have no memory of him. Presumably, the fourth Spider-Man film with Tom Holland will explore Parker’s attempts to reconnect with MJ, his friends, and his family. The movie’s title suggests an optimistic conclusion to his predicament.
2. The Odyssey
Release date: July 17
Christopher Nolan is coming off the crowning achievement of his career. Oppenheimer (2023) won seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. That’s a tough act to follow, and Nolan, who famously makes big movies about big ideas, is taking another big swing here. His version of the Greek epic The Odyssey is sure to be ambitious, but will it resonate as much as Oppenheimer did? Nolan has his fanboys, but this is a different challenge. As usual, he should benefit from a loaded cast that includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, etc. The Odyssey certainly won’t be dull.
1. Avengers: Doomsday
Release date: Dec. 18
Let’s face it: Marvel movies have been inconsistent at best in recent years, with some duds (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, The Marvels). To get the mojo back, the biggest brand in the franchise returns, and Marvel is bringing back the big guns with Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans. Plot details have been kept under wraps, but one thing is for sure. Avengers: Doomsday is all about Downey, who resurrected his troubled career as Iron Man/Tony Stark. Can he successfully pull off a heel turn as Doctor Doom? If he can’t measure up to Thanos, the latest from the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be a disappointment.
About Michael Grant
Born in Jamaica. Grew up in New York City. Lives in Louisville, Ky. Sports writer. Not related to Ulysses S. Grant.