Top 5 Superhero Movies Coming in 2018

The age of the comic-book movie genre is in full swing, and both Marvel and DC’s film adaptations are releasing in rapid succession. Considering the sheer number of movies coming out from these two studios, and others, it can be difficult to keep track of which characters are next hitting the silver-screen – so we’re going to count down the five biggest spandex-clad releases to look forward to in 2018!

Black Panther (February 2018)

After the T’Challa made an explosive entrance with his big-screen debut in Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War in 2016, a solo-outing was slated for not long after. It will serve as an origin story that takes place mostly in Wakanda, the fictitious kingdom that Black Panther protects. The plot involves forces both external as well as within the kingdom trying to usurp his rule – and only by taking his rightful place as king and embracing the mantle of the Black Panther will he be able to protect his people. The cast is quite star-studded, featuring Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther, Michael B. Jordan as rival Erik Killmonger, and Andy Serkis as the villain Ulysses Klaw – but other talents include Angela Basset, Forest Whitaker and Lupita Nyong’o. Throughout Marvel’s comic book arcs, Black Panther comes into contact with many characters, so a positive reaction to this film could see T’Challa getting more solo features – as well as perhaps facing off or teaming up with some of Marvel’s other greats.

Avengers: Infinity War (May 2018)

Marvel’s grandest cinematic production will undoubtedly be when almost their entire roster of heroes must team up to take on their universal threat, Thanos. With his goal being the assembly of the Infinity Stones – which will allow him insurmountable power, the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and other heroes all need to combine their efforts to stop him. The sheer scale of this movie will likely make the price of admission worth it, as the collection of actors and stars on screen will be something to behold. With dozens of characters making appearances it will be the team-up to end all team-ups in what will be a spectacular culmination of Marvel’s cinematic universe.

Deadpool 2

The merc with the mouth will be cussing his way into theatres with Ryan Reynolds reprising his breakout role as Wade Wilson/Deadpool. After last year’s runway success, Fox Studios is continuing with the Deadpool universe by adding more characters to the story – starting with famed X-Men character Cable, the son of Cyclops and Jean Grey. He’s a super soldier with various mutant abilities including telepathy, telekinesis and the ability to manipulate technology; and Cable will be played by none other than Josh Brolin. The studio hasn’t released a huge amount regarding the plot, but Deadpool and Cable are likely to be at odds in whatever story unfolds, but they may not be traditional adversaries. The directors have confirmed that the overall comedic tone will be maintained and that they’re planning for a third Deadpool movie – signalling that they’re heavily invested in the success of the character.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix (November)

Dark Phoenix is the direct sequel to X-Men: Apocalypse, which may have been a slightly divisive and underwhelming movie to some, but performed the function of introducing the younger members of the traditional X-Men team quite well. The Dark Phoenix saga is a popular story arc both in the comic books and cartoons, with Jean Grey the central character. As her exceptional powers develop, a persona called Phoenix begins corrupting her good nature and posing a threat to the rest of the X-Men, and they must decide whether Jean Grey’s powers can be allowed to grow unchecked. The stars from Apocalypse will all make a return to form the X-Men squad people grew to love from the cartoons, with few new characters to be introduced. This story-arc is famed for being dramatic and delving deeply into the characters – hopefully the film adaptation can replicate that iconic atmosphere.

Aquaman (December)

Arthur Curry, better known as his heroic persona Aquaman, is going to heavily feature in 2017’s Justice League – but Jason Momoa won’t just be playing the character in team-ups as he’s been given the opportunity to develop in the role with an Aquaman origin story. It will likely follow the traditional Aquaman genesis, with Arthur Curry being the child of the Atlantean queen, Atlanna, and a human sailor Thomas Curry. As Arthur becomes more aware of his powers, and the fact that he also belongs to another world, he’ll have to choose which one he’s going to embrace. Jason Momoa is joined by Amber Heard as Mera and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, with James Wan, of The Conjuring fame, in the director’s chair.

2018 looks to be another year jam-packed with comic book movies with these five being the biggest, but Tom Hardy’s Venom could also be released if production goes to schedule and Ant-Man also gets a sequel. Which of these are you most hyped to see? Let us know in the comments below & tweet us at @MenStuffZA!