Superheroes have always been popular in comics, films and television but since the late 90s there has been a growing trend for big blockbuster superhero movies hitting our screens every year. These movies often develop into successful franchises such as the Avengers and X Men with shares trading company IG pointing out that Disney gained $1billion USD from Avengers: Age of Ultron. So what should we expect in 2016? Let’s look at the movers and shakers due out this year.
Deadpool – One of many spin-off films from the hugely popular X-Men series. Ryan Reynolds plays sarcastic hero Deadpool, also known as Wade, and has been revelling in his part, recently seen in full costume performing a series of promotional videos and public service announcements. Deadpool is an hilarious antihero who has accelerated healing powers and can even regrow body parts when they are damaged in battle.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – These two titans of the superhero world are back but what do we already know about these two caped crusaders? Well, it turns out they are not big fans of each other so prepare to witness the two heroes coming to blows a lot. The iconic Wonder Woman also features heavily in the film.
Captain America: Civil War – The third instalment of Captain America played by Chris Evans (not counting his other joint appearances in the Avengers films). In this latest offering we see political interference in the Avengers’ activities causing a rift between Captain America and his former ally Iron Man. The rest of the Avengers gang also start to splinter off and become two separate groups fighting the evil in the world. It includes Avengers heroes such as the Black Widow, Winter Soldier, Falcon and many more.
X-Men: Apocalypse – The X-Men must come together once more to defeat their enemy. This time the baddie is Apocalypse (played by Oscar Isaac), who was the first and most powerful mutant. He has awoken to find a world that he does not like so gathers together a band of other disgruntled mutants and the battle begins.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows – This film is dark, literally dark. According to early reviews you may as well just close your eyes as it is difficult to see the action. Sadly it doesn’t sound like this one will be much of a winner.
Suicide Squad – A group of misfit bad guys are billed as the worst heroes ever. Jam-packed with superstars, action sequences and special effects. This is a must-see this year.
Gambit – Due out towards the end of the year, Gambit is another spin off from the X-Men series. Featuring Channing Tatum this is set to be a fun, thrill-a-minute film.
Doctor Strange – After his career is destroyed, this evil and arrogant surgeon gets a new lease on life when a magician takes him under his wing and trains him to defend the world against evil. Benedict Cumberbatch, who seems to play odd and strange characters pretty well, takes on the lead role.
So who will triumph in the battle of the superheroes in 2016? In my opinion you can’t go wrong with X Men as they have a proven track record of box office success since the first film in 2000. Others might want to look out for a new potential ‘superhero’ franchise in the form of the slightly more unusual Suicide Squad – a strong tip for box office success.
