Marvel
Marvel is undoubtedly still the giant in the superhero movie industry, and this year promises to be yet another exciting year for fans. In 2021, two Marvel films were scheduled for release, ‘Black Widow’ and ‘Eternals’. Both films were initially supposed to come out in 2020 but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. So now, 22 films later, Marvel fans will have the chance to welcome these two highly anticipated films.
‘Black Widow’ is expected to take the lead as the most anticipated Marvel movies of the year. The much anticipated solo movie will focus on Natasha Romanoff, played by Scarlett Johansson and serve as her swan song as the eponymous hero. Johansson has portrayed the character since 2010 across seven films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This is a long-awaited character, and fans are eager to learn the origins of this mysterious and powerful Avengers hero.
The second movie, ‘Eternals’, is expected to be an exciting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is touted as a bit of a risk for Marvel, as it is notably quite different from their other films. Directed by Chloé Zhao, ‘Eternals’ will span thousands of years and will focus on an ancient alien race which were created by the Celestials. The film includes an impressive all-star cast of Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Kit Harrington and more. With a diverse cast of characters, this film is sure to be a groundbreaking experience.
DC Comics
DC Comics has had a major impact on the superhero movie genre, having produced some of the most iconic films of all time. In 2021, the highly anticipated ‘The Batman’ is set to hit cinemas. Directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson in the role of Batman, the movie will explore the earlier years of the caped crusader and will focus on the character’s transition to becoming the legendary hero know today. This is one of the most highly anticipated films since Heath Ledger starred in ‘The Dark Knight’, and fans are eager to see how Pattinson inhabits the role.
Whilst ‘The Batman’ has garnered immense hype, another DC Comics movie is set to release at the same time that has yet to get its full due. ‘The Suicide Squad’, is a sequel to the 2016 film of the same name and is set to include many of the original cast as well as adding in some new characters. Starring Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flagg, Idris Elba as Bloodsport, and John Cena as Peacemaker, this film is expected to be a hit.
The film is set to take on a different angle than the first Suicide Squad movie, as it follows the characters as they use their individual powers to escape from a prison and embark on a government mission. It has been described as an ensemble action-comedy-revenge movie, making it quite unique from the other entries in the DCEU. The mix of distinctive characters, exciting set pieces, and a light-hearted vibe make this one of the most highly anticipated films in the DC universe.
Fox Titles
Until 2019, Fox had an incredibly successful run producing superhero movies, including ‘X-Men’, ‘Fantastic Four’ and ‘Deadpool’. However, when Disney acquired the studio the fate of these superhero movies was left up in the air. In 2021, Disney will be releasing two superhero movies—‘The New Mutants’ and ‘The King’s Man’—which were originally scheduled to be released by Fox.
The New Mutants is based on the comic series of the same name, and stars Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy and Charlie Heaton as five young mutants living in a mysterious government facility. As they confront their personal demons and distort reality, they must find the strength to fight the terrifying creatures that haunt their hallways.
The King’s Man is an upcoming prequel to the Kingsman series, entitled ‘Rise of the Secret Service’. The story follows the origins of the secret service from the early 1900s, and stars Ralph Fiennes and Gemma Arterton in the lead roles. The plot follows a group of brave upstarts attempting to thwart a gang of dangerous criminals who plan to disrupt a major political event.
Sony/Marvel Titles
Sony have been involved in the production of some of the most memorable superhero films of all time, such as ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ and ‘Venom’. They have returned to the superhero genre this year with a ride of a sequel and a reboot.
The most highly anticipated of these two is undoubtedly ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’, starring Tom Hardy reprising his role as Eddie Brock. The plot follows Brock and his alien symbiote as they attempt to save San Francisco from a new villain, Carnage. After the success of the first Venom movie, this sequel is expected to be bigger and badder than ever before.
The second of Sony and Marvel’s release is ‘Morbius’, a film inspired by the comic book anti-hero of the same name. Jared Leto stars as the lead and the movie follows his transformation from a desperate scientist to a living vampire. The film has already been praised by critics for its atmosphere and performances, and it’s sure to be another hit for Sony and Marvel.
Anime Adaptations
2021 is also set to be a big year for anime adaptations. All eyes are on Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of ‘Moriarty the Patriot’, a show based on the popular manga series, ‘The Great Detective’. The series follows a young genius criminal mastermind as he works to bring down the powerful upper class.
Netflix is also set to release ‘Pacific Rim: The Black’, an animated series based on the 2013 sci-fi movie. The show follows two teenagers as they pilot a jaeger and fight monsters in a post-apocalyptic world. The show has been praised for its art style and its unique take on the monsters vs humans dilemma.
In addition to these two, Netflix also has an adaptation of ‘High-Rise Invader’ in the works. This will be an animated series that follows a brother and sister duo as they battle against a foreign invader. This is one of Netflix’s most ambitious projects yet and is sure to be a hit with both old and new fans.
Original Stories
In 2021, we’ll also be seeing the release of a handful of highly-anticipated original superhero movies. ‘Signal’ follows a woman who comes into contact with a mysterious organization and gains superhuman abilities. The film has already been praised for its performances and its unique spin on the superhero genre.
The other big release is ‘Invincible’, a movie adaptation of the popular comic book of the same name. It follows a 17-year-old boy who discovers that he has superhuman powers, and is set on a path to protect his family and the world from a variety of threats. It is expected to be one of the biggest superhero movies of 2021, and fans will be eagerly awaiting its release.
‘Soul Sisters’ is another original superhero movie set to hit cinemas this year. The film follows a scientist and her younger sister who gain previously unknown superpowers. It is set in the city of Neo-Tokyo and follows their journey as they attempt to use their newfound abilities for the greater good.
Indie Titles
In 2021, there are also a handful of smaller indie superhero movies set to be released. ‘The Switch’ follows a man who suddenly develops superhuman powers after falling unconscious, and must use them to protect the local community. The movie has garnered attention for its unique art style and its light-hearted take on the superhero genre.
Another highly anticipated movie is ‘The Further Adventures of Doctor Strange’, a film based on the comic book of the same name. It follows the sorcerer and his faithful sidekick as they traverse the magical world of the Marvel Universe and discover different dimensions. With its imaginative visuals, thought-provoking storyline and all-star cast, this film is sure to be a surprise hit this year.
Finally, there’s ‘The Time Machine’, a film based on the H.G. Wells novel of the same name. The movie follows a scientist as he travels through time, searching for clues to the future of his civilization. It has been praised for its unique take on the subject and its visual effects, making it one of the most anticipated indie superhero movies of 2021.
