10 Most Anticipated Superhero Movies in 2023
The superhero genre continues to be the prima donna for people to watch in cinemas. Every year, this genre features new stories and characters that leave an imprint on the minds of audiences and transform into a franchise that the sequels look forward to. That said, 2022 hasn't been a great year for the genre. Last year, many superhero films were the butt of critics and audiences. Many then assume that this genre is starting to experience a decline in terms of quality and story. However, the hope to see more fantastic and spectacular superhero shows grows in 2023. Looking at the superhero film slot in 2023, the audience will be curious about many things. This year, the DCEU will end its journey as a franchise after James Gunn moved to DC Studios to make a major overhaul by creating a new franchise, DC Universe (DCU). Meanwhile, a number of hit franchises from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) also ended their trilogy journey. These farewells are highly anticipated by lovers of this genre. What are the most anticipated superhero films in 2023? Check out the following reviews in!
*) The release date stated in this list is based on the release in its country of origin, the United States (US). For screening in Indonesia, this film can be released sooner, at the same time, or even slower
1. Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania — February 17th
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania opened this year's superhero film event. This film is also the opening of Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Peyton Reed, the finale of the Ant-Man trilogy brings back Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man), Evangeline Lily (Hope van Dyne/The Wasp), Michael Douglas (Hank Pym) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Janet van Dyne). New faces introduced in the film include Jonathan Majors (Kang the Conquer) and Kathryn Newton (Cassie Lang/Stature).
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania tells the story of Ant-Man's family who are trapped in the Quantum Realm. There, they have to deal with the manipulative Kang. Kang's presence in this film is also a starting point for the Multiverse Saga which will last until Phase 6. Kang is the biggest enemy that MCU heroes have to face in the Multiverse Saga.
2. Shazam: Fury of the Gods — March 17
Shazam: Fury of Gods continues the story of the Shazam family in the four years since the first film was released. This sequel is again directed by David F Sanberg. Zachary Levy and Asher Angel star in this sequel as Shazam and Billy Batson. Meanwhile, the entire cast of the Shazam family from the first film also returns for this sequel. The film introduces Helen Mirren (Hespera), Lucy Liu (Kalypso), and Anthea (Rachel Zegler). They all played Princess Atlas.
In this film, Shazam will face two enemies, namely Hespera and Kalypso. Another daughter of Atlas, Anthea, will become their ally. Reports say that there will be cameos from other DCU heroes in this film. Meanwhile, the future of the entire Shazam Family cast in DCU is unclear following James Gunn's massive reboot.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. May 3 — 5
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is one of the most anticipated films of the year. The film is said to conclude the journey of the original MCU's first intergalactic superhero team and James Gunn before moving to DC Studios. The film features all of the main characters from the previous two films. This finale will introduce new characters, namely Adam Warlock, played by Will Poulter and High Evolutionary, played by Chukwudi Iwuji.
The synopsis for this film is not yet available. Vol. 3 is referred to as the finale which will drain the emotions of the audience and also the characters involved. Rumors are circulating that this film will be a farewell to a number of characters that fans have known so far. What is clear, James Gunn will definitely provide a spectacular finale.
4. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse — June 2
Following the success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in 2018, Sony Pictures finally made a sequel with the title Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. This film will still carry the multiverse theme like the previous film. Several characters from the first film, such as Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), and Peter B Parker (Jake Johnson).
In this film, Miles et al will face their variants from another world. This includes Spider-Man 2099 (Oscar Isaac), Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya), Spider-Woman (Issa Rae), and others. The trailer for this film that has been released promises to be no less exciting than the first film. This sequel also pushes the film's unique animation style to new heights.
5. The Flash — June 16
The Flash is one of the DCEU's most anticipated films, but it's also the most problematic. This film barely made it to the air after continuously experiencing release delays and its main star, Ezra Miller, was caught in a criminal case. However, Warner Bros. Discovery finally decided to release this film. The Flash is also the end of Ezra's journey as Barry Allen in the DCEU and DCU.
Carrying the multiverse theme, The Flash should be an exciting spectacle because it presents a number of DC superhero characters. This film marks Sasha Calle's debut as Supergirl. Two Batmans from different eras played by Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton also appear here. The Flash tells the story of Barry trying to save his dying mother, but instead changes the universe.
6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem — August 4th
Want to reminisce? Or are you looking for non-MCU or DC superhero shows? This year, there is the animated superhero film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. The film is based on a character designed by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. This film is a reboot of the previous film. Until now, there is no synopsis for this film. Quoting Collider, this film will be the starting point for a film series that will focus on the most well-known enemies in TMNT.
The film is reportedly being directed by Jeff Rowe and Kyler Spears. Seth Rogen and Shamon Brown Jr. will appear as a voiceover in the film.
7. The Marvels — July 28
The Marvels is the sequel to Captain Marvel (2018) which will feature three female MCU heroes at once. In this film, Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) will not appear alone. He appears with Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel (Iman Velani). This film was directed by Nia DaCosta. While the film's official synopsis has yet to be released, The Marvels is expected to continue with the post-credits scene in Ms. Marvel where Captain Marvel appears in Kamala's room after the girl uses her powers. The phenomenon of changing places and the problems between Carol and Monica are expected to be revealed in this film. The Marvels will also close the MCU's journey on the big screen in 2023.
8. Blue Beetle — August 18
Blue Beetle is a new superhero film that DC will be releasing. This film stars Xolo Mariduena. Blue Beetle marks the first time the comic book character will appear in a live-action film. It is the first live-action superhero film to feature a Latino as a superhero.
This film was directed by Angel Manuel Soto. Blue Beetle focuses on Jaime Reyes. He is a Latino teenager who bonds with a symbiotic beetle that gives him superhuman strength by turning him into a Blue Beetle. It is not yet known whether this film is tied to the DCEU's original plans or stands alone. However, this film is definitely not part of James Gunn and Peter Safran's plans at the DCU.
9. Kraven the Hunter — October 6
Even though they are often the butt of critics, Sony Pictures continues to build their world of Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU). The franchise continues this year with Kraven the Hunter. The film stars Aaron Taylor Johnson as Alexei Kravinoff, a famous and skilled hunter who goes after Spider-Man. This is the second Marvel role for Aaron who previously played Pietro Maximoff aka Quicksilver for the MCU.
The story details of this film have not been confirmed. However, the film is said to feature Spider-Man and adapt Kraven's Last Hunt from the source material. Kraven the Hunter directed by JC Chandor. The film also stars Russell Crowe, Ariana DeBose, and Fred Hechinger.
10. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom — December 25
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will be the last DCEU film before James Gunn completely kills the franchise and reorganizes it into the DCU. This is why this film is highly anticipated. Aquaman 2 looks like it will be Jason Momoa's last appearance as Arthur Curry before James moves on with his total overhaul plan. The Aquaman sequel is being directed by James Wan again. Apart from Arthur, this film will also feature Arthur's half-brother, Ocean Master (Patrick Wilson), Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and others. It is not yet known whether Mera (Amber Heard) will appear in the film after her ex-husband Johnny Depp's lawsuit trial had a major impact on her career. The plot of the film is not yet known, but James Wan said the film was heavily influenced by the horror film Planet of Vampires. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will conclude the superhero film series in 2023.
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