Superhero movies are big bucks so it is no wonder that every year it seems more and more are being made. Some are brand new franchises, others are sequels. Here is the list of the 2008 Superhero movies on tap:
Iron Man (Scheduled US Release Date: May 2, 2008; Marvel Comics)
Director: Jon Favreau
Robert Downey stars as Tony Stark, an industrialist who designs weapons for the United States government. While testing one of his weapons in Vietnam he is badly injured and captured by the enemy, who forces him to design weapons for them. Instead, Stark builds himself a body of armor to not only save his life but also allow him to escape capture. With his newfound superhero strength, Stark battles crime as the Armored Avenger, Iron Man. The film also stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Samuel L. Jackson.
The Incredible Hulk (Scheduled US Release Date June 13, 2008; Marvel Comics)Director: Louis Leterrier
Edward Norton stars as Bruce Banner, a nuclear physicist who, due to a freak lab accident, transforms into a powerful green monster when under emotional stress. Following director Ang Lee’s The Hulk (2003) starring Eric Bana, this installment finds Banner seeking to understand his condition and find a cure for it, all while on the run from the Russian Government. The film also stars Liv Tyler and William Hurt.
Hellboy 2: The Golden Army(Scheduled US Release Date July 11, 2008; Dark Horse Comics)
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Ron Perlman reprises his role as Hellboy, a demon summoned to Earth by the Nazis to aid them during World War II that decides instead to battle evil as a hero. This sequel finds Hellboy defending Earth, his new home, from a hostile takeover by the opposing mythical forces of Hell, his old home. The film also sees the return of actors Selma Blair and Doug Jones from the original Hellboy (2004).
The Dark Knight (Scheduled US Release Date July 18, 2008; DC Comics)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Christian Bale will again don the cape and cowl in this sequel to Batman Begins (2005). In this film, Batman will be called upon to save Gotham City from the maniacal clutches of The Joker, played by Heath Ledger. Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine will all return to reprise their roles, and Aaron Eckhart will star as Harvey Dent, the district attorney who eventually becomes the villainous Two-Face.
The Punisher: War Zone (Scheduled US Release Date TBA 2008; Marvel Comics)
Director: Lexi Alexander
Ray Stevenson will star as a former Marine and FBI agent who, after the murder of his family, transforms into The Punisher, a vigilante anti-hero. Although it follows the 2004 film The Punisher, it will reportedly have no relation to it and will attempt to become its own franchise. Actors Dolph Lundgren and Thomas Jane had both previously played the lead role.
For the second weekend in a row, Horton Hears A Who is tops at the box office $25,000,000 for a grand total of $86 million the past two weeks. 10,000 B.C falls to Number 5 with $8.6 million. Three new movies which opened this week round out the top 5.
In a few weeks, Sex and the City: The Movie will be on the big screen with the original TV show cast. Sarah Jessica reunites Parker with her series co-stars Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, and Chris Noth. It is set to open May 30.
The is a new mummy in town: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is set to be release August 1, 2008 and directed by Rob Cohen. Brendan Fraser is back with a new wife played by Maria Bello and is joined by Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh. I was never a huge fan of the Mummy movie series. They were never up to par with the classic Indiana Jones movies and this year they get to compete. The fact that Jet Li is in this makes it that much better though. We will have to see.
