Earlier this week, Marvel held a press conference to unveil the dates and titles for the company’s upcoming films. The comic book giant plans to release 11 films, which will all connect, in a five year span.
Movies featuring well known superheroes such as Captain America, Thor and Iron Man are expected to do well but they now cater to an already established audience. To breathe new life into Marvel’s well-prospering film universe, the company has decided to create solo films for lesser known heroes.
Next year’s “Ant-Man” will present the first of many heroes making their leap to the silver screen. In short, Ant-Man is a hero who can shrink to the size of the implied insect and has enhanced strength.
But a man with the powers of an ant can’t possibly be a hero can he? Yes, he can and to fully understand how, people must see this movie. There’s a sense of curiosity surrounding a movie that sounds like it shouldn’t work, but thanks to a Marvel backing, it does.
Another upcoming project, “Black Panther,” is the first black comic superhero in mainstream America. The name is bestowed upon the chief of a fictional African nation named Wakanda. After the heir to the throne, T’Challa, discovers his father has been murdered he is forced to assume the role earlier than expected.
We’ve gotten Will Smith in “Hancock,” and a black Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this will be the first time a movie focuses on a black comic book character.
Unfortunately, I’ve heard people say “the superhero movies aren’t for black people,” as if color is the deciding factor in a superhero. This is a chance to prove those naysayers wrong and do it a manner that will encourage viewing other superhero movies.
This isn’t me promoting Marvel though. They are just an example of success when superhero movies go right.
Both Fox and Sony are creating superhero films in the next few years that should also draw more viewers such as “Aquaman,” “Wonder Woman” and the “Flash.”
The biggest assumption people have about the superhero genre of films is that they are all the same. Something big happens and the main character saves the day. There is more depth to many comic book superheroes than there are to any in recent romantic comedies or dramas.
These film companies are essentially giving us two hour episodes of an excellent tv show and a new episode every few months.
So when “Doctor Strange” comes out in 2016 or the female-lead “Captain Marvel” in 2017, if you haven’t read the comic books, be prepared for something different. These cinematic universes are expanding, and our minds should expand with them.
Joshua Jackson is a 20-year-old film and media arts junior from New Orleans, Louisiana.
