After looking at our most anticipated films and action films, we are also excited to see the upcoming comic book films scheduled to come out this year. Not just theatrical movies though, but also any animated movies we might excited to see. A lot of the films on this list have been moved from 2020 to 2021, but we don’t mind that at all. We are just pumped to finally see these epic movies come to life. These are our top ten picks for our most anticipated comic book movies coming out in 2021.
10) The King’s Man
A film that has seen a handful of delays, caused by the Disney acquisition of 20th Century Fox. Going from November 2019 to February 2020, then once again moved to September 2020 and finally February 2021. A prequel to the first film Kingsman: The Secret Service and its sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Matthew Vaughn returns in the directors seat to explore the story taking place during the 20th Century when the Kingsman was formed for the first time. Ralph Fiennes stars alongside Gemma Arterton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Matthew Goode and Stanley Tucci to establish their secret British organization and save millions of lives.
9) Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Marvel once again takes a gamble by creating a solo film from one of their lesser known characters, similar to when they created Guardians of the Galaxy or Captain Marvel. Up and coming director of films The Glass Castle and Just Mercy, Destin Daniel Cretton, brings along legendary Chinese actress Michelle Yeoh. Starring next to Yeoh is Awkwafina and Simu Liu as Shang-Chi himself. The film will be an origin story surrounding Chi as the Master of Kung Fu and give us an accurate representation of The Mandarin, after his lack luster role in Iron Man 3. The film is set to release on July 9.
8) Batman: The Long Halloween
Since the DC Animated Film Universe ended with Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, fans have been curious where creators proceed from here. Luckily while there might no longer be a shared universe, we luckily will continue to see more animated films based on iconic DC Comics. Based on the thirteen issue comic book released in 1996 and written by Jeph Loeb, with art work by Tim Sale. We will finally be getting an animated adaptation of this iconic story, taking place within a year as a mass murderer kills his victims on different holidays. Not much has been released about the film, except that will be split into two parts, similar to the animated adaptation of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. Part one is scheduled to be released in summer 2021 and part two in fall 2021.
7) Morbius
Another film pushed from 2020 to 2021, set in the Sony/Marvel universe. Morbius explores the origin of the Living Vampire as Michael Morbius attempts to cure his rare blood disease, but ends up giving himself a form of vampirism. Director of Safe House and Life, Daniel Espinosa has been chosen to bring this comic horror character to life. With Jared Leto in the title role, and starring alongside Matt Smith and Jared Harris. While we expected this film to be a standalone film or at least connected to Venom, it wasn’t until we got our first trailer that showed us a picture of Spider-Man in the background and Michael Keaton reprising his role as Adrian Toomes (The Vulture) from Spider-Man: Homecoming. It was then we realized the possible connection this film had to the MCU and the potential we have or Leto’s Morbius meeting Holland’s Spider-Man. Perhaps some sort of connection will be made in the upcoming Spider-Man film.
6) Venom: Let There Be Carnage
While the first film received mixed reviews, there is no doubt that it was appreciated by fans and encouraged the studio to proceed with a sequel. Teased in the post credit scene of the first film, when Woody Harrelson cameoed as Cletus Kasady. Hinting at the arrival of the iconic Marvel villain, Carnage. It was then later confirmed blood colored symbiote would be the main antagonist when the titled Venom: Let There Be Carnage was announced. After Ruben Fleischer decided not to return as director so he could work on Zombieland: Double Tap, Andy Serkis was chosen to replace him at the helm. While nothing much of the film has been revealed, other than a few set photos. Rumors have speculated that Tom Holland’s Spider-Man will make an appearance, also that the film might receive the R-Rating we were hoping for from the first film. The Anti-Hero is set to face off against his most deadly adversary on June 25.
5) Eternals
Created by Jack Kirby in 1976, Marvel once again introduces a new group of cosmic superheroes with their upcoming film Eternals. Known as an alien race created by Celestials, who have remained dormant on the Earth for over seven thousand years. However, when their evil counterparts known as the Deviants emerge, the Eternals must band together to protect the universe. Known for her indie films, including Nomadland, indie director Chloe Zhao is at the helm of this large scale Marvel flick. Helping Zhao bring this superhero come to life is an all-star cast including Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Barry Keoghan, Kit Harrington, Gemma Chan, Brian Tyree Henry, Lia McHugh, Kumaii Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Don Lee and Salma Hayek. Scheduled for a November 5 release date.
4) The Suicide Squad
After the lack luster performance of 2016’s Suicide Squad, DC and Warner Brothers decides to take another shot at the Worst Heroes Ever. This time around the Squad will be under the leadership of Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn. Returning cast members include Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis and Jai Courtney. New Squad members with include Alice Braga, Taika Waititi, Idris Elba, Nathan Fillion, Pete Davidson, Michael Rooker, Mikaela Hoover, Flula Borg, Daniela Melchior, Peter Capaloi, Sean Gunn, David Dastmalchian, Myling Ng and John Cena. With such a large group of Squad members, we don’t doubt that the events taking place will remain accurate to the film’s title. That being said, rumors have circulated stating the film is to be Rated-R, well suited for this comic property.
3) Black Widow
The film we had been asking for since her first appearance in Iron Man 2, we will finally be receiving a solo Black Widow film. Directed by upcoming director Cate Shortland, with Scarlett Johansson reprising her role as Natasha Romanhoff. Johansson will also be joined with David Harbour, Rachel Weisz and Florance Pugh as the family to Natasha. The film will explore more of Black Widows origin, while at the same time telling a modern story taking place between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. The film will also introduce the first live-action appearance of the villain, Taskmaster. Set to be released on May 7.
2) Zack Snyder’s Justice League
After about four years of begging Warner Brothers for this project, it will finally grace our eyes this spring. When Zack Snyder had to unexpectedly leave production of Justice League, WB made the decision to bring on Joss Whedon to complete the movie. However, the film did not do well. Soon after its release, fans began the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement. Then in 2020, WB decided to fund Snyder so he can complete the film. It is said to be up to four hours long, possibly as a whole film or possibly as a limited series. Other rumors include the appearance of the Martian Manhunter and Green Lantern in the film. From what we have seen so far, Snyder has been holding to his promise of the ideal Justice League film fans have been waiting for.
1) Spider-Man 3
One out of the four Marvel films set to release this year, Spider-Man 3 is undoubtedly our most anticipated film and comic book film of the year. The original cast of the first Spider-Man films are set to return in their roles, with some familiar faces. Jamie Foxx is reprising his role from The Amazing Spider-Man 2 as Electro, Alfred Molina from Spider-Man 2 returns as Doc Ock, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange, Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane with Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker. Intended on exploring the Multiverse, or in this case Spider-Verse. After the amazing success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, we couldn’t imagine how epic a live-action version of it could look like. Especially with cast members from previous Spider-Man films, allowing us closer from those films.
