2016 is definitely a time to be alive as a comic book (or just superheroes) fan. Many of our beloved comic book characters are coming to the big screen (some for the first time, and others returning). And we are witnessing the legendary start of a DC Cinematic Universe (or as they call it the DC Extended Universe) which is both very exciting and a long time coming. Here is a list of the comic book movies that will be gracing our screens this year.
1. "Deadpool"
February 12, 2016
What more can be said about the excitement for this fourth wall breaking, no-filter, wonderfully ridiculous mercenary with a mouth. Deadpool is an especially great anti-hero who is just so fun and amusing in the comics (but also complex as he's pansexual and battles schizophrenia). We are finally getting a miles better (as seen by the trailers and just the awesome marketing such as skullpoopl) depiction of him (we must never talk about whatever he was in "Wolverine"). Ryan Reynolds is going to give us the "Deadpool" we want and deserve and with the R-rating, it's already a promising start.
2. "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"
March 25, 2016
Perhaps you are among those few who think this premise is "dumb." Or you are among the majority who are really excited to see these two go head-to-head but you're really just excited to witness Batman and the start of what is supposed to be the beginning touches of the Justice League (me!). We can now judge if our reactions and hate over Batfleck was justified or not, but honestly since watching the trailer, I feel like Affleck is going to do a good job. Additionally, two words: Wonder Woman! We are finally getting a live action movie version of this badass Amazonian (just have to wait until 2017 for her solo film) and I am so pumped for the other cameos of the Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg.
3. "Captain America: Civil War"
May 6, 2016
After the masterpiece that was "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," the excitement to see how the Russos' have adapted this notorious comic book storyline to the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) is real. The adaptation seems promising, it definitely makes sense to what they can do with what they have and what they have set up in this universe. Especially, since secret identities aren't that much of a thing the registration act wouldn't work the same way it did in the comics.
With the "Captain America" saga (cries), we are going to be brought into Steve Rogers' (Captain America) world again (can't wait) in lieu of the aftermath of S.H.I.E.L.D's fall, the discovery of his best friend being a brainwashed assassin, and the destruction of Sokovia in "Age of Ultron."
Most importantly, we will see Steve reconnect with Bucky Barnes, ex-brainwashed assassin and his oldest but most dear friend (*cough* and lover) as well as how this situation will play out. And the very real divide between Steve and his fellow Avengers teammates, aside from the obvious one, Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man (but like Black Widow who really developed a wonderful bond with the Cap in "The Winter Soldier"), on where they stand on this government regulation issue. Also, Black Panther, who we are finally getting to see in action, kicking butt as the trailer shows.
Although, Spidey is a no show in the trailer, we are going to be introduced to a new Spider-Man who is now officially apart of the MCU (still disappointed Garfield couldn't have reprised his role and finished what he started). I'm ready for the intense emotional but action packed roller coaster that will be "Civil War."
4. "X-Men: Apocalypse"
May 27, 2016
"X-Men: Apocalypse" is the last film in the prequel trilogy and is probably going to be the biggest one yet with the villain Apocalypse — the first mutant (who is played by Oscar Isaac who I'm thrilled to see in this role). And we are going to the 80s for this one (woo!), we are getting introduced to young Jean, Scott, Storm, Nightwalker (double woo!), etc. Bald Professor X a.k.a. Charles Xavier is making an awaited debut (spoiler: McAvoy looks great bald). This one will be exciting with the new yet familiar characters but also the reemergence of "X-Men: First Class" characters such as Moira MacTaggert, CIA agent and Xavier's love interest and Alex Summers (also known as Havok). Lastly, I will definitely be feeling more mutant and proud after this one.
5. "Suicide Squad"
August 5, 2016
If you're not already sold at the idea of seeing a live action Harley Quinn who seems and looks promising in the trailers (although the lack of the over the top Harley Quinn voice was a bit disappointing. Margot Robbie, I feel, is going to do her justice).
Then the plot of bringing together these villains as an, of course, less heroic version of the Avengers or the Justice League should do the trick which is both amusing and intriguing. We get to see these diverse bunch of villains be brought together by a powerful, intense woman — Amanda Waller (Viola Davis is going to be amazing as her), to save the world. Having this motley crew of villains will be different, fun and dark (but so, so entertaining).
There are two more comic superhero movies coming out in the later half of the year that don't have trailers yet. I am not fully familiar with them myself but I never say no to a comic book/superhero movie. Gambit, a solo movie for a well liked mutant ("X-Men") played by Channing Tatum (a lot of people aren't happy about this casting), comes out October 7, 2017. Doctor Strange, who has magical powers and is a future Avenger played by Benedict Cumberbatch (once again plenty of people aren't happy about this casting either, just scroll through Tumblr), comes out November 4, 2016 — just in time for him to be in "Avengers: Infinity War."
Here's a still of Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange. Unfortunately, there are no shots or stills of Tatum as Gambit.
Now everyone knows what to look forward to in 2016 and where their money should go. I'm ready for Marvel and DC to take all my money this year. This is definitely a great list of comic book movies coming out, probably the best in years (but I suppose I should see them first before saying that). Here's to more superheroes (and anti-heroes and villains) especially more women and superheroes in 2017 (and onward).
Lastly, there is so much to look forward to and as you wait, you can go and start reading some of the comic books these movies are adapted from.