Superhero films are extremely popular right now. We are, indeed, in the golden age of comic book films – but it won’t last forever. The last few years have been pretty good for comic book movies – 2012 was a successful year for The Avengers – 2013 was a successful year for Iron Man 3 – 2014 produced three great superhero films – and 2015 is actually a light year for superhero films, seeing as there are only three films total this year. But here’s the thing, there are too many superhero films next year… 2016 is a problem.
2016 is going to be pretty unique. Not only are we getting Batman v Superman, but we’re also getting two other event films. Marvel’s mini-Avengers film Civil War is coming, as is the newest installment in the X-Men Franchise. And had it been just those three movies next year – then we’d be just fine. However, that is not the case. Instead, FOX, DC/WB, and Marvel/Disney will have to have a fierce battle.
2016 Superhero Films
- February 2016 – Deadpool (FOX)
- March 2016 – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (DC)
- May 2016 – Captain America: Civil War (MCU)
- May 2016 – X-Men Apocalypse (FOX)
- August 2016 – Suicide Squad (DC)
- October 2016 – Gambit (FOX)
- November 2016 – Dr Strange (MCU)
7 superhero films in 2016… SEVEN. There have been years with 4 or 5 huge superhero films – like 2008 and 2012 – but this number of films is astounding. We must also remember that Batman v Superman moved out of May because of the competition, and yet, May 2016 will still be extremely competitive.
Who do I think will suffer? Definitely the new properties in the latter half of the year. Sure, Gambit is a cool character – but he’s a part of the X-Men team, and I honestly don’t get why he’s getting a solo flick. Then there’s Dr Strange. I love the potential of this character, I love the weirdness it’ll bring to the Marvel Cinematic Universe – but this is another unknown character to the general public. If Marvel markets this film as a darker and weirder, yet somewhat lighthearted, version of Harry Potter – well, then it could work. And we have to remember that Benedict Cumberbatch is a pretty hot name in Hollywood right now.
As a final side note I’ll add that it’s also getting pretty crazy for superhero shows on television. DC has had a couple of shows the last few years, with Smallville being very strong. But now the DC hero shows are here to stay: Arrow is heading into its 4th season, Flash its 2nd season, and two new shows are about to have their premiere seasons (Legends of Tomorrow & Supergirl).
Meanwhile, ABC has renewed Agent Carter and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Daredevil is getting a second season on Netflix in 2016. We mustn’t forget that Marvel and Netflix’s deal promises a minimum of four solo shows on Netflix and one mini-series (The Defenders) about the four Netflix-MCU heroes.
But what do you think? Is 2016 a problem or just another golden year for Marvel, Fox, and Warner Bros.? Sound off in the comments.
I’m Jeffrey Rex
I'm Jeffrey Rex 