The age-old battle between good and evil manifests itself in different forms. In the world of film, it usually takes the form of the next big superhero, horror, or action film. And, in the world of reboots and remakes, there are seemingly no limits for the resurrection, recasting, or relaunch of superheroes and supervillains. The superhero and horror genre are, of course, two of the greatest examples, as filmmakers have successfully kept certain characters alive for years through multiple iterations. Even though Dracula, Frankenstein, and the rest of Universal's classic monster lineup died down after the '50s, they have continued to pop up in multiple films (with each featuring new actors and versions of said characters) ever since. Meanwhile, iconic superheroes Batman and Spider-Man are both currently in their third film series and have both seen multiple actors put on their costumes.
As for characters that are new to film audiences, one needs only to look back at 2008's Iron Man, which not only brought Marvel's Iron Man to the forefront of the superhero genre, but also kickstarted the Marvel Cinematic Universe (which has since brought several other lesser-known heroes and villains into the spotlight). Even though 2018 has had a stellar lineup of superheroes and villains to enjoy, 2019 looks to be just as good, if not better, with plenty of sequels, remakes, reboots, and first-time adaptations to keep fans happily buying movie tickets (with maybe some popcorn and a soda on the side).
So, let's get ready to have a super-great next year (whether we're rooting for the good or bad guys) with 11 Superheroes (And 11 Supervillains) Coming To The Big Screen In 2019.
22 Supervillain: Phoenix - Dark Phoenix
As X-Men fans are all aware, 2006's The Last Stand got a lot wrong. One of its greatest mistakes was its handling of the Phoenix, an entity resulting from mutant Jean Grey being taken over by the Phoenix Force. In the comics, the Phoenix is one of the most powerful adversaries the X-Men have ever faced, which made it all the more laughable when she was offed by Wolverine's claws in The Last Stand.
Thankfully, Dark Phoenix is looking to offer fans the Phoenix story they've been wanting, with Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner bringing Jean Grey's frightening matter-and-energy-bending alter-ego to life. While we already got a glimpse of Phoenix's power in Apocalypse, that seems to only be a taste of what we're in store for when Dark Phoenix's is unleashed June 7th.
21 Superhero: Captain Marvel - Captain Marvel
The current surge in female-led superhero films brought audiences the spectacular Wonder Woman, but Marvel looks to also have huge success with Captain Marvel, starring Oscar winner Brie Larson. Even though Carol Danvers' Avengers 4 involvement was teased at the end of Infinity War, fans will get to see her in action even earlier with her own solo film, which explores the half-human, half-Kree ex-pilot's struggle with her Earthly past while also defending the planet during an intergalactic war.
Joined by the return of Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury and Clark Gregg's Phil Coulson (both looking young thanks to de-aging effects), Captain Marvel could make for not only the start of Marvel's next successful series, but also another leap for female representation in superhero movies when the film premieres March 8.
20 Supervillain: Chucky - Child's Play
Beginning in 1988, the Child's Play series has become one of horror fans' favorite franchises, scaring kids and adults alike with everyone's favorite killer doll, Chucky. While cult actor Brad Dourif's Chucky is still the definitive version (and will continue to be in an upcoming TV series), MGM plans to give the doll a frightening new upgrade in an upcoming reboot.
Rather than being possessed by a criminal through the use of voodoo, the new doll is rumored to be programmed for violence by a Chinese factory worker. Even if this upsets some diehard fans of the series, it will still be interesting to see the film's success in scaring today's tech age with the doll's technological upgrades when it slashes into theaters June 21.
19 Superhero: Shazam - Shazam!
DC hasn't had the best of luck connecting with audiences through its cinematic universe (especially when compared to the MCU), with common complaints being its uneven tones, gritty atmosphere, and overuse of CGI. However, when the trailer for DC's upcoming endeavor, Shazam!, dropped, fans were surprised to find a simpler and funnier story than most superhero origin films that seems to not only stand on its own, but may also provide a breath of fresh air for the franchise.
Having funny-man Zachary Levi in the lead role as DC's Captain Marvel (now known as Shazam due to obvious reasons) may have seemed like a bad choice at first, but his likeable personality (and those huge muscles) help him fit the part of a kid-turned-adult-superhero. Shazam makes his superhero debut April 5th.
18 Supervillain: Doctor Sivana - Shazam!
Since it's basically a rule for every superhero movie to have some sort of villain, Shazam! will pit Billy Batson/Shazam against iconic foe Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.
In the film, Sivana is rejected by The Wizard Shazam in acquiring the ancient sorcerer's powers and spends the rest of his life trying to unlock his own forms of magic. Played by Kingsman actor Mark Strong (who is getting a second chance at playing a DC villain after his time in the vastly-hated Green Lantern movie), Sivana may not seem like much at first, but he definitely fits the bill of "more than meets the eye" (since his right eye gives him the ability to see magic). Things certainly won't be pretty for Batson once Sivana finds out a 14-year-old boy was chosen over him.
17 Superhero: Sonic - Sonic the Hedgehog
Dubbed "the fastest thing alive," the hedgehog has earned a place in video game history since his 1991 debut. While the series' dip in quality with recent games has concerned some fans, the film could be just what the franchise needs to get back on top.
The announcement that Ben Schwartz would be voicing Sonic instead of current game actor Roger Craig Smith may seem like a questionable choice, but Schwartz is no stranger to voice acting (currently voicing Dewey on Ducktales and Leonardo on Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Regardless, fans best be on the lookout, as Sonic will make his way to the big screen quicker than they think.
16 Supervillain: Doctor Eggman - Sonic the Hedgehog
Video game film adaptations have never gone well, but next year looks to be a promising opportunity for two of the industry's biggest franchises. However, the hype train seems focused on Detective Pikachu, as not much is being said about Sonic the Hedgehog. Combining live-action and CGI, the film will see a sheriff (played by X-Men star James Marsden) join forces with the titular hedgehog.
What would a Sonic movie be without his archenemy, Dr. Ivo "'Eggman" Robotnik? With a talent for creating evil robots and a mustache that puts many to shame, this mad scientist has tried many times to conquer the world but is always foiled by the anthropomorphic hedgehog. Jim Carrey is no stranger to playing crazy characters, so he will surely turn in a memorable performance come November 8th.
15 Superhero: Hellboy - Hellboy
For many, Golden Globe winner Ron Perlman will always be the one, true Hellboy. Portraying the stone-handed demon in two live-action films, two direct-to-DVD animated films, and a video game, his iconic voice and tough demeanor made him a perfect fit for the BRPD's (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense's) top agent.
However, after Hellboy 3 was cancelled, a reboot was announced without the involvement of Perlman or series director Guillermo del Toro. While this may not be what fans wanted, from what we've seen so far from lead actor David Harbour (known for Police Chief Jim Hopper on Stranger Things), he looks perfect in the role (if not a little better than Perlman). Supposedly holding an R-rating and co-starring Milla Jovovich and Ian McShane, Hellboy could prove itself as one of the best superhero reboots ever when it debuts April 12th.
14 Supervillain: Mysterio - Spider-Man: Far From Home
Continuing the trend started by Spider-Man: Homecoming of bringing new Spider-Man foes to the big screen, Far From Home will adapt another one of the web-head's oldest and greatest rivals: Mysterio.
Before becoming a supervillain, Quentin Beck was a special effects wizard. However, when he failed to make it big in the movie industry, he decided to use his talents for evil and became the bowl-headed illusionist we know today (even if it's unclear how much the bowl-head will be featured in the film, if at all). Even more exciting is the fact that Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal is reportedly playing Beck. A multi-talented actor playing a multi-talented villain? July 5 can't get here soon enough.
13 Superhero(es): The New Mutants - The New Mutants
Having a film introduce one new superhero is one thing, but introducing five could be asking for trouble. Thankfully, The New Mutants looks to be a lot more than just another origin story. Designed as the X-Men franchise's first horror film, The New Mutants will see five mutants trying to escape a secret facility and its horrific experiments.
The team is made up of Magik (a Russian with sorcery-like powers), Wolfsbane (a Scot who transforms into a wolf), Cannonball (a Kentuckian who can launch himself into the air while remaining invulnerable to attack), Sunspot (a Brazilian with control over solar energy), and Mirage (a Native American who creates illusions based on others' desires and fears). With such a diverse cast of characters and an intriguing new franchise direction, this film will hopefully please fans old and new come August 2n.
12 Supervillain: Scar - The Lion King
Disney has had its share of memorable villains, but many adults remember one in particular for "scarring" their childhood. Known for ending the life of King Mufasa (and sending hyenas after his young son, Simba), Scar the lion was truly despicable. However, he also deserves a bit of thanks, as, without him, we wouldn't have got the 1994 animated classic The Lion King.
Today's children (and their parents, who more than likely grew up with the film) will soon have the chance to experience the villain for themselves, as Scar, along with the rest of the film's iconic characters, is returning for Disney's CGI remake. While Oscar winner Jeremy Irons won't be reprising the role, 12 Years a Slave nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor is certainly a strong choice and will pick up the villainous mantle July 19th.
11 Superhero: Mar-Vell - Captain Marvel
Brie Larson's Captain Marvel may not be the only superhero making their debut in Captain Marvel, as Oscar nominee Jude Law is reported to be playing Carol Danvers' colleague and predecessor, Mar-Vell (and the original hero to use the "Captain Marvel" moniker). While this hasn't been officially confirmed by Marvel, we're going to assume it's true due to Marvel Studios CEO Kevin Feige's Uproxx interview, as well as Law's refusal to give a straight answer.
Mar-Vell (AKA Walter Lawson) may not be quite as popular as Danvers, but the Kree hero's decision to aid the Avengers in protecting humanity more than earned him his "Protector of the Universe" title. Nevertheless, whether Law is a hero or villain, his acting talent will certainly benefit the film.
10 Supervillain: Mr. Glass - Glass
Samuel L. Jackson's Elijah Price (AKA Mr. Glass) may have already been the main villain of M. Night Shyamalan's 2000 cult classic Unbreakable, but this wasn't known until the ending's surprise reveal. Therefore, since every good villain deserves their own movie, we consider Glass the official debut of Mr. Glass. Bringing the worlds of Unbreakable and Split together in the conclusion to Shyamalan's "Eastrail 177 Trilogy," Glass will also feature the return of Bruce Willis' David Dunn (known as "The Overseer") and James McAvoy's Kevin Crumb (known by 24 different names due to his identity disorder, but, as a whole, "The Horde").
However, Glass won't be using his intellect alone, as Crumb's 24th personality, "The Beast," will provide the muscle to help enact his new plans. In an age of blockbuster superhero movies, here's hoping Glass provides a unique (but still epic) showdown January 18.
9 Superhero: Ronin - Avengers 4
After skipping Infinity War, Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye is set to return in Avengers 4. However, he may not be the same as when we last saw him at the end of Captain America: Civil War. Stemming from set photos showing Renner concealing a black outfit with gold lining, rumors have arisen that Clint Barton will become Ronin, a katana-wielding samurai alter-ego (possibly due to the loss of his family from Thanos' snap).
While this would certainly make for a tragic turn for Barton, it could also fulfill several comic fans' desire to see him go beyond his typical arrow-shooting supporting role (especially since we may not be getting a Hawkeye solo film). This is just another one of the many reasons we're counting the days until Avengers 4's May 3 release date.
8 Supervillain: Jafar - Aladdin
Another one of Disney's top baddies was the evil sorcerer Jafar from 1992's Aladdin. Plotting to steal the title of Sultan by marrying Princess Jasmine, he clashes with local peasant Aladdin before meeting his demise at the genie's lamp he desperately sought to control. Disney's live-action remakes are not always looked upon fondly, but next year's Aladdin looks to not only adapt the tale for a new generation, but also bring some interesting new twists on the classic film (including casting Will Smith as the successor to Robin William's iconic Genie).
Jafar will be played by Dutch actor Marwan Kenzari, who's making a name in Hollywood with recent roles in The Mummy and Murder on the Orient Express and will bring his own form of "magic" to the role come May 24th.
7 Superhero(es): Agents H and M - MIB
One of the most beloved trilogies many don't know is based on a comic book, the Men in Black series made audiences laugh for 15 years with standout lead performances from Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. While the rumored fourth film seems unlikely, fans will be happy to know that the secret alien-centered organization is making a comeback.
Sony must have noticed Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson's chemistry in Thor: Ragnarok, as they will star as the MIB's newest agents, H and M, in the upcoming spinoff/reboot MIB. Taking place in the UK, the film also stars Liam Neeson as the head of the MIB's London branch and sees Emma Thompson reprise her role as Agent O. Sounds like the world will be in good hands once the MIB June 14th.
6 Supervillain: LEGO Harley Quinn - The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part
Yes, we know. Last year's The LEGO Batman Movie gave fans LEGO versions of practically every Batman character they could imagine, including Harley Quinn. However, while that version of Joker's psychotic girlfriend was a good interpretation, the new HQ debuting in The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part could be better. How? Because this version will be voiced by none other than Margot Robbie, who dazzled with her performance in 2016's Suicide Squad (and is expected to do the same in 2020's Birds of Prey movie).
While no footage of the new HQ has been included in the recent trailers, she did make an appearance in footage shown at this year's San Diego Comic-Con (reportedly dressed more like her Suicide Squad appearance). Thankfully, we won't have to wait long to see her in action, as the film opens February 8.
5 Superhero: John Shaft III - Son of Shaft
The Shaft franchise may not be that familiar to this generation, but many have surely heard Isaac Hayes' iconic Oscar-winning theme song, which should tell fans all they need to know about John Shaft. Based on a 1970 detective novel, the original Shaft TV series and trilogy starred Richard Roundtree as Shaft, a private detective who helped popularize the blaxploitation genre. The 2000 film Shaft saw Samuel L. Jackson as the character's nephew, John Shaft II, and featured a cameo from Roundtree.
Now, the third time will most definitely have charm, as not only will Roundtree and Jackson reprise their roles, but we will also be introduced to John Shaft III (played by Jessie T. Usher). Everyone better shut their mouths, because we're talking about Son of Shaft, and it's headed to theaters June 14th.
4 Supervillain: Talos - Captain Marvel
While not the most well-known Marvel villain, Talos is no pushover in terms of power. Known in the comics as "Talos the Untamed," the Skrull warrior made up for his inability to shapeshift (a common trait among Skrulls) with his powerful fighting skills and strength. Though Captain Marvel changes his story by giving him shapeshifting powers (which he uses to work undercover in S.H.I.E.L.D. as Nick Fury's boss), he should still have plenty of chances to trade blows with Carol Danvers, since he will be leading the Skrulls in their invasion of Earth.
Played by Rogue One star Ben Mendelsohn, Talos is sure to be more than a worthy adversary for Marvel's current leading lady.
3 Superhero(es): The Angels - Charlie's Angels
It is doubtful the creators of the 1976-81 crime drama Charlie's Angels predicted the franchise would still be relevant nearly 40 years later, but its cult following and subsequent films (there was another show, but we don't talk about that) have ensured it is and will continue to be in the foreseeable future, especially since a reboot film is on its way.
Directed by Emmy-nominated actress Elizabeth Banks (who previously helmed Pitch Perfect 2), the film stars Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska as the crime-fighting Angels trio, while Banks, Sir Patrick Stewart, and Djimon Hounsou will portray different versions of Bosley, an agent who aids the Angels in their missions. So, mark a calendar and prepare for the Angels' long-awaited return from Heaven (man, that was lame) on November 1st.
2 Superhero: Alita - Alita: Battle Angel
Live-action anime and manga film adaptations haven't always worked, though this doesn't stop film studios from trying. Thus, here we are, with Hollywood's next attempt at a "faithful" adaptation, this time being cyberpunk series Battle Angel Alita. While the film is being produced by James Cameron and directed by Robert Rodriguez, it has received criticism due to Alita's oversized "manga eyes," which some say could distract from other parts of the film.
However, the effects look great, the film's other stars include Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly, and Michelle Rodriguez, and the story of an amnesiac cyborg with hidden fighting skills in a dystopian future just sounds awesome. Let's hope Alita: Battle Angel proves the critics wrong come February 14th (though, they have to give it at least a little love, since it's Valentine's Day).
1 Supervillain: The Joker - Joker
Arguably the greatest comic book supervillain of all time, The Joker needs no introduction. Though, while he has been portrayed by various actors in film, he has surprisingly never got his own film. Thanks to The Hangover director Todd Phillips, however, that's all about to change.
Joker will put Oscar-nominated actor Joaquin Phoenix in the Clown Prince of Crime's shoes, telling an '80s origin story for Batman's arch-enemy (then known as "Arthur Fleck"). While it's not yet known how Fleck will become The Joker, fans are already excited due to set photos showing Phoenix letting loose his inner madness in full costume and makeup (which gives off some Heath Ledger vibes while still staying original). Given Phoenix's track record for great performances, could we see The Joker win his second Oscar? We'll have to wait until October 4th to find out.
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Who are you most excited to see in 2019? Let us know in the comments!!
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