Superhero battles

upcoming movies

Instep takes a close look at superhero outings that are heading to the big screen

Another year, another onslaught of superhero flicks! As per usual, Marvel and DC Comics are behind some of the most anticipated films of the year, and 2016 has a lot in store for fans of superhero outings. We will be introduced to some new characters and reunited with many familiar faces throughout the year. Here’s a quick preview of what we can look forward to in the coming months…

Deadpool (February)

If you have been lamenting the lack of R Rated superhero movies, then you’re in luck – Marvel’s unconventional, foulmouthed superhero Deadpool is making his way to the big screen this year … which is something you already knew, thanks to a marketing campaign so aggressively unrelenting that it will either leave you bursting with anticipation or tired of the film before it has even been released. Tim Miller’s directorial debut will be coming to a cinema near you this February (probably after it has been censored to within an inch of its life), and tells the story of an ex-special forces operative who was subjected to a rogue experiment in an effort to cure his cancer but ended up with powers and turned into a mercenary. Former Green Lantern Ryan Reynolds – who briefly playing this character in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) – has been cast in the titular role.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (March)

First the world had a collective meltdown when former Daredevil Ben Affleck was cast as Bruce Wayne, then glimpses of Jesse Eisenberg’s cringe-worthy portrayal of Lex Luthor in the movie’s trailer only made matters worse. Add to that the fact that Man of Steel (2013) wasn’t exactly everyone’s favourite superhero movie, and it’s clear to see why Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice isn’t really drawing very high expectations. But curiosity will still lead us to cinemas this March, so that we can find out why the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel (Henry Cavill) are going up against each other. And who will win the fight between Batman and Superman? DC Comics and Warner Bros. Pictures, of course, because ultimately, it’s all about the Benjamins!

Captain America: Civil War (May)

A more exciting duel is brewing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is set to pit Captain America (Chris Evans) against Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.). The Avengers team is fractured into two opposing factions, one led by Steve Rogers and the other by Tony Stark, as Captain America’s trilogy wraps up this May. Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Falcon (Anthony Mackie), War Machine (Don Cheadle), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Vision (Paul Bettany), Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), and Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) are all set to make an appearance, while Spider-Man (Tom Holland) will make his debut in the crossover franchise. Dire consequences are expected, and the rumour mill is abuzz with speculation that an important character might even be killed off.

X-Men: Apocalypse (May)

Marvel’s mutant band of superheroes returns as things take a darker turn in the ninth instalment of the X-Men franchise. Man of the moment Oscar Isaac joins the series as the baddie, a powerful mutant who wants to cleanse humanity, leaving it up to Professor X (James McAvoy) and his crew to save the world. Bryan Singer once again occupies the director’s chair, and everyone who liked the last few instalments will probably enjoy the new episode this summer.

Suicide Squad (August)

Marvel had a blast with its oddball collective of misfits turned heroes in the terrific Guardians of the Galaxy. Now DC is following suit as it puts together its own antihero team in Suicide Squad, which, at least based on its trailers, looks like it’s trying to be an edgier GotG. The film finds a group of supervillains executing dangerous black ops missions in exchange for clemency. Will Smith stars as Deadshot, Margot Robbie is Harley Quinn, and the Joker will be played by Jared Leto (cue whining about how he is no Heath Ledger).

Doctor Strange (November)

Another addition to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe arrives in November when the mysterious Doctor Strange makes his first big screen outing. The project already has a tie-in with the current season of Agent Carter which is meant to share elements with the film, and has assembled an impressive cast that includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Tilda Swinton, with the wonderful Benedict Cumberbatch playing the lead character (much to the chagrin of everyone who would have liked to see Oscar Isaac – who was a contender for the part – in the role). The story revolves around a neurosurgeon who, after being injured in a car accident, starts learning the mystic arts from his mentor, Ancient One (Swinton).

- Sameen Amer 

Instep, The News on Sunday - 14th February, 2016 *