The Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a media franchise and shared fictional universe that is centered on a series of superhero films, independently produced by Marvel Studios and based on characters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics. The franchise has expanded to include comic books, short films, television series, and video games.
In 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe launched with the release of Iron Man, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man. This began the long series of interconnected films, featuring numerous iconic comic book characters such as Captain America, Thor, Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, Ant-Man, Spider-Man, Black Panther, and many others.
Since then, the MCU has developed into a multibillion-dollar multimedia franchise, making it one of the most successful film franchises of all time. To date, the total gross of the MCU films is estimated at $22.5 billion.
The MCU continues to expand with each passing year, with numerous new superhero films in the works. Some of the upcoming productions include Black Widow, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Thor: Love and Thunder, and many more.
The upcoming slate of MCU films promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with a focus on diversity and new characters. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has stated that the entire MCU will be reshaped following the upcoming Phase 4, which will focus on new superheroes such as Black Panther, Shang-Chi, and Ms. Marvel.
It is clear that the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With more superhero movies on the way, fans can expect even more action, drama, and spectacle in the months to come.
The DC Extended Universe
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is a media franchise and shared fictional universe that is centered on a series of superhero films, independently produced by DC Films and based on characters that appear in publications by DC Comics. The franchise has expanded to include comic books, short films, television series, and video games.
The DCEU began in 2013, with the release of Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder and starring Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman. This was followed by Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Suicide Squad (2016), before the shared universe fully took off in 2017 with the release of Wonder Woman. Since then, the DCEU has featured numerous characters from the comic books, including Aquaman, Shazam! and most recently, Birds of Prey.
The upcoming slate of DCEU films promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Upcoming productions include The Suicide Squad (2021), The Batman (2022), Black Adam (2022), Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), and Aquaman 2 (2022). Marvel Comics veteran and DC Comics President Walter Hamada has commented saying that the upcoming phase of the DCEU will primarily focus on world-building and new characters.
It is clear that the DC Extended Universe shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With a diverse lineup of new and returning characters, fans can expect even more action, drama, and spectacle in the months to come.
The X-Men Franchise
The X-Men franchise is a media franchise and shared fictional universe that is centered on a series of superhero films, independently produced by 20th Century Fox and Marvel Entertainment and based on characters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics.
The X-Men franchise launched in 2000, with the release of X-Men, starring Hugh Jackman as Logan/Wolverine. This began the long series of interconnected films, featuring numerous iconic comic book characters such as Rogue, Storm, Professor X, Cyclops and many others.
Since then, the X-Men franchise has grown into one of the most successful film franchises of all time, with a total gross of approximately $6 billion. The franchise is currently owned by Disney, after being acquired with the purchase of 20th Century Fox.
The X-Men franchise continues to expand with each passing year, with numerous new superhero films in the works. Upcoming productions include The New Mutants (2021), Dark Phoenix (2022), and a yet-to-be-titled crossover film featuring the X-Men, Fantastic Four and Deadpool.
With a diverse lineup of new and returning characters, the X-Men franchise shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Fans can expect even more action, drama and spectacle in the months to come.
The Spider-Man Franchise
The Spider-Man franchise is a media franchise and shared fictional universe that is centered on a series of superhero films, independently produced by Columbia Pictures and Marvel Entertainment and based on characters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics.
The Spider-Man franchise launched in 2002, with the release of Spider-Man, starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. This began the long series of interconnected films, featuring numerous iconic comic book characters such as Uncle Ben, Gwen Stacy, Doctor Octopus, Venom, and many others.
Since then, the Spider-Man franchise has grown into one of the most successful film franchises of all time, with a total gross of approximately $5 billion. The franchise is currently owned by Disney, after being acquired with the purchase of Columbia Pictures.
The Spider-Man franchise continues to expand with each passing year, with numerous new superhero films in the works. Upcoming productions include Venom 2 (2021), Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and two further sequels that are set to be released in 2023 and 2025.
It is clear that the Spider-Man franchise shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With a diverse lineup of new and returning characters, fans can expect even more action, drama, and spectacular special effects in the months to come.
The Batman Franchise
The Batman franchise is a media franchise and shared fictional universe that is centered on a series of superhero films, independently produced by Warner Bros and based on characters that appear in publications by DC Comics.
The Batman franchise launched in 1989, with the release of Batman, starring Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman. This began the long series of interconnected films, featuring numerous iconic comic book characters such as Catwoman, The Joker, Two-Face, and many others.
Since then, the Batman franchise has grown into one of the most successful film franchises of all time, with a total gross of approximately $5 billion. The franchise is currently owned by Warner Bros, although the rights to many of the characters are held by DC Comics.
The Batman franchise continues to expand with each passing year, with numerous new superhero films in the works. Upcoming productions include The Batman (2022), The Flash (2022), and a variety of other Batman spin-offs and sequels.
It is clear that the Batman franchise shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With a diverse lineup of new and returning characters, fans can expect even more action, drama, and intense storylines in the months to come.
The DC Super Hero Girls Franchise
The DC Super Hero Girls franchise is a media franchise and shared fictional universe that is centered on a series of animated films and television series produced by Warner Bros Animation and DC Entertainment, based on characters from DC Comics.
The DC Super Hero Girls franchise launched in 2015, with the release of DC Super Hero Girls: Super Hero High. This began the long series of animated films and television series, featuring numerous iconic comic book characters such as Batgirl, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, and many others.
Since then, the DC Super Hero Girls franchise has grown into a multimillion-dollar multimedia franchise, making it one of the most successful animated franchises of all time. The franchise also includes a variety of merchandise and video games.
The DC Super Hero Girls franchise continues to expand with each passing year, with numerous new animated films and television series in the works. Upcoming productions include DC Super Hero Girls: Super Hero High (2021) and DC Super Hero Girls: Super Shorts (2021).
It is clear that the DC Super Hero Girls franchise shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With an all-star voice cast and a focus on inclusivity and empowerment, fans can expect even more uplifting stories and positive messages in the months to come.
