After a year that felt longer than a marathon screening of the entire Star Wars prequel trilogy, 2016 is finally over. The heartbreak, headaches and downright hilarity of the year we would all like to forget, is now behind us.
Now, fear not! 2017 is here to save the day and it is absolutely packed full of all your favourite costumed crime-fighters. From Wall crawlers, to demigods, to eccentric spies, this year has it all. So, sit back, relax and let your friendly neighbourhood THN talk you through what 2017 has in store. Check out our Comic Book Movie Preview!
1. The Lego Batman Movie
First up is the highly anticipated Lego Movie spin-off, focusing on Will Arnett’s hilariously parodied version of Batman. While the idea was initially met with skepticism, trailers have so far indicated that this could be one of the caped crusaders greatest cinematic outings yet.
The film also boasts an all star voice cast including Zack Galifianakis, Michael Cera and Ralph Fiennes. On top of that, this clever take on the famous vigilante is also filled with various easter eggs and references, ranging from Tim Burton’s Batman, all the way to last years Batman v Superman.
All signs are pointing to this being the true Batman movie fans have been craving since Nolan left a Bat-shaped hole in our hearts back in 2012. Fingers crossed for no doomsday-shaped disappointments here then.
Release Date: 10th February
2. Logan
Hugh Jackman returns to the role that launched him into international stardom for the ninth and (reportedly) final time. James Mangold directs the Australian star in what has been described as a dark, neo-western character drama.
After the runaway success of Deadpool last year, 20th Century Fox have given Logan an R rating, finally granting fans the gritty, blood-filled Wolverine movie they have been waiting for.
Patrick Stewart also returns as an aged Professor Xavier, to round off the relationship that began between the two characters back in 2000. Judging from the films artistic visual style and sombre tone, Logan will easily be the most unique X-Men movie we have ever seen. The question remains though. Can Logan send off our longest running superhero in a fitting and satisfying manner?
Release Date: 3rd March
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Back in 2014 everyone was hooked on a feeling, after meeting Marvel’s new gang of loveable rogues. Guardians of the Galaxy accomplished the seemingly impossible, by making a global smash-hit out of a film starring a talking tree and gun-toating racoon. This was the film that showed the world Marvel Studios really can make a success out of just about anything.
Now, James Gunn is bringing everyone back for round 2 with more 80’s nostalgia, more bonkers action, and most importantly, more Groot. The film is set to introduce Peter Quill’s father, an enormous entity known as ‘Ego the Living Planet’. A being somehow responsible for producing Chris Pratt in the Marvel Universe. Kurt Russell is playing the larger-than-life landmass, and we look forward to seeing how effectively the character is brought to the big screen.
The cast also includes returning stars Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillan and Michael Rooker. Oh, and Sylvester Stallone also has a small role. Consider us excited.
Release Date: 28th April
4. Wonder Woman
Batman V Superman may not have been movie we were all hoping for. But, one thing it did successfully accomplish, was introducing audiences to the first big screen version of Wonder Woman. As one of the few highly-praised aspects of the film, Gal Gadot’s amazonian badass was practically begging for her own solo-outing.
As an origin story, Wonder Woman takes place in World War l, long before the immortal princess crosses paths with anyone wearing tights or capes. Its excellent cast consists of a range of established character actors from both sides of the pond, including Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen, Lucy Davis, David Thewlis and Danny Huston.
With the negative press surrounding both Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad, a lot is riding on Wonder Woman to turn things around and secure the future of the DC extended universe. No pressure there then.
Release Date: 2nd June
5. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Tom Holland completely stole the show when he made his MCU debut in last years Captain America: Civil War. The homegrown star gave us our third (and arguably best) take on Peter Parker and his web-slinging alter-ego.
Now, this year Sony and Marvel Studios will team up once again to give the character his own solo movie. Of course, the main draw of Spider-Man: Homecoming is the lack of an over-told origin story, and the fact that Robert Downey will be appearing as Iron Man
After Civil War established Tony Stark as a mentor for the Peter, it’s clear that we will see this relationship develop in the coming years. Marisa Tomei returns as Aunt May, and the phenomenal Michael Keaton is playing the Vulture. The films fantastic cast also includes Donald ‘Lando Calrissian’ Glover, Logan Marshall-Green, Zendaya, Jon Favreau, Martin Starr and Kenneth Choi (among many, many others).
Release Date: 7th July
6. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
As the most obscure comic book adaptation due for release in 2017, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is something of an underdog this year. Based on the popular French science fiction series, the film is directed by the visual genius that is Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, Lucy).
The first trailer has indicated that we could be looking at a bizarre cross between Guardians of the Galaxy and John Carter. Hopefully the finished product will end up a lot more like the former than the latter. However, the impressive effects on display here will at least be a treat. Cara Delevingne and Dane DeHaan star as two time travelling agents charged with maintaining peace order throughout the galaxy.
The film boasts a strong supporting cast including Clive Owen, Rihanna, Rutger Hauer, Ethan Hawke and John goodman.
Release Date: 4th August
7. Kingsman: The Golden Circle
in 2015 Matthew Vaughn once again demonstrated his remarkable ability to transform an obscure comic book property, into pure cinematic gold. After bringing us pirates, wannabe superheroes and swinging 60’s mutants, Vaughn decided to wow audiences with a superb spy homage that tipped its hat to everything from James Bond to Jason Bourne.
Now, the highly anticipated Kingsman sequel has seemingly doubled down on everything that made the original special. Those who were not impaled, poisoned, shot or blown up in the first film will all return, alongside some extremely tantalising newcomers.
This time around, the action will take Eggsy and Merlin to an american spy agency, also known as the ‘statesman’. Taron Egerton is back alongside Mark Strong, Sophie Cookson, and a mysteriously returning Colin Firth. The cast also includes Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges, Halle Berry, Julianne Moore and Vinnie Jones. Take our money now please.
Release Date: 29th September 2017
8. Thor: Ragnarok
The first two Thor movies were definitely entertaining, but they certainly aren’t the crown jewels of the Marvel empire. This is no doubt something that the studio is all too aware of. After all, Marvel is playing a very long game, and it can’t afford to have any of it’s chess pieces underperforming.
So, the third entry in the Thor trilogy will embrace its shared universe and pair the god of thunder with Mark Ruffalo’s Incredible Hulk. The two will reportedly face off in an intergalactic gladiator arena controlled by a character named the Grandmaster (played by Jeff Goldblum).
New and returning cast members also include Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins, Karl Urban, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson and Sam Neill, in what has been described as a ’70s/80s sci-fi fantasy’. Plus, if that wasn’t enough to get you excited, Benedict Cumberbatch will also make an appearance as Doctor Strange. In the words of Stan Lee, Nuff said.
Release Date: 27th October
9. Justice League
The culmination of DC’s bumpy road to bringing its greatest heroes together. After kick-starting a shared universe with 2013’s Man of Steel, Warner Bros have been keen to get things moving rather quickly. While the decision to fast-track the DC extended universe has been met with much criticism, it hasn’t detracted from the excitement of seeing the Justice League unite.
Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Cyborg, Aquaman and The Flash will come together on the big screen for the first time. Zack Snyder returns for another visual feast of superhero action, with a whole host of returning characters from last years Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. Ben Affleck will lead the epic team-up for his third appearance as the caped crusader, after gaining critical praise in a film that was otherwise universally panned.
Justice League stars Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Adams and Jeremy Irons. The film will also feature introductory appearances from J.K. Simmons, Willem Dafoe and Joe Manganiello.
Release Date: 17th November
Check back with THN for more updates on all upcoming Comic Book Movies!
