There’s no stopping film adaptations of comic books, which have proved their worth at the box office worldwide.
According to industry aggregator, Box Office Mojo, Marvel raked in a combined $2.6 billion (Dh9.5 billion) in earnings worldwide, riding on the back of two films alone — The Avengers (2012) and Captain America: Civil War (2016). Not to be left behind, DC Comics flexed its might with The Dark Knight, which topped the box office record for the highest grossing film of 2008, earning more than $1 billion.
The demand is far from over. Last year, four out of the 10 biggest moneyspinners in Hollywood were film adaptations of comic book characters. If the fanfare at last month’s San Diego Comic Con was anything to go by, productions houses are pulling out all the stops to keep this bullish run going. The convention saw major announcements made by the comic books giants, with a new roster of films announced that are centred on comic book characters. Gulf News tabloid! dons its cape and sets out to list the ones to watch over the next few years.
MARVEL
Black Panther
Played by: Chadwick Boseman
Release date: February 9, 2018
About: After a brief appearance in Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther returns to his fictional home country of Wakanda to serve as their new leader and finds out about political propaganda going on within. Unafraid of his enemies, he teams up with CIA and the country’s Special Forces to battle them.
What we know so far: Filming for Black Panther was completed in April 2017 and is going through post-production. At the San Diego Comic Con, an exclusive footage was presented to a standing ovation.
Venom
Played by: Tom Hardy
Release date: October 5, 2018
About: The standalone film will present Eddie Brock, a rival of Peter Parker, working hard to get a photographer’s job at the Daily Bugle. In an incident with an extra-terrestrial symbiote that attaches on his body, Brock attains superpowers that become a threat to the world.
What we know so far: Sony is aiming to make this film R-rated. Production of the film may start from this autumn and Venom will not have any connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, nor will Spider-Man play a role in the film.
Captain Marvel
Played by: Brie Larson
Release date: March 9, 2019
About: Carol Danvers, a United States Air Force pilot, is victim to a bomb blast caused by an alien race. She gets fused with one of its aliens, which gives her superpowers — she can fly, absorb and protect energy. She uses these superpowers to battle the antagonists Skrulls, with the help of Nick Fury.
What we know so far: Artwork concepts of Captain Marvel and Skrulls were revealed at the San Diego Comic Con. Since the film’s timeline is set in the ‘90s, Nick Fury will appear without an eye patch.
DC COMICS
Aquaman
Played by: Jason Momoa
Release date: December 21, 2018
About: The ability to swim rapidly, communicate with aquatic life and amend tides in the ocean are the characteristics that make Arthur Curry, or Aquaman, the king of the undersea nation of Atlantis.
What we know so far: Its ‘first look’ footage was presented at the San Diego Comic Con showing two fishermen sinking into Atlantis, facing its armies and warrior sharks. Also, actress Nicole Kidman makes a comeback to superhero films after last appearing in Batman Forever 22 years ago. She wanted to be part of the film because it was shot in Australia, where she is from.
Flashpoint (The Flash)
Played by: Ezra Miller
Release date: March 16, 2018
About: In the midst of a stormy night, Barry Allen, or The Flash, is soaked by a mix of chemicals struck by lightning due to which he gains the ability of run fast. With new abilities, he becomes obsessed with fighting crime.
What we know so far: The likes of Bradley Cooper, Ryan Reynolds and Chris Pine were considered for playing the Flash until Ezra Miller was selected. Fans supported his casting by using the hashtag #supportezramiller. Besides, at the San Diego Comic Con, it was revealed that the film will be an adaptation of the Flashpoint comics in 2011.
Cyborg
Played by: Ray Fisher
Release date: April 3, 2020
About: Replaced by highly advanced mechanical parts in his body at a young age, one half of Cyborg’s body is human while the other half is robotic. His biggest strength is a high IQ, while his robotic abilities giving him superhero strength, stamina and speed. Yet, his weaknesses are his inability to resist the technology inside him and to stay human.
What we know so far: Set to appear in Justice League this November, Cyborg’s role will mostly be CGI and his origins will be the heart of the story in the film.
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DID YOU KNOW?
In addition to the excitement around Justice League, the DC Extended Universe will release more films as part of their line-up till 2020, which will include the likes of Batgirl, Shazam and Green Lantern Corps. However, details about these projects are yet to be revealed. Whereas, Marvel has major upcoming releases with Thor: Ragnarok releasing this October and Avengers: Infinity War releasing next year.
