This summer, a bevy of superheroes will be kicking major supervillain butt — from patriotic super-soldiers to mutants and gunslingers. But just in case you’ve forgotten, we’ve put together a list of the comic book films we are most excited for, so mark your calendars and study up on their origin stories because you won’t want to miss any of the following blockbusters.
Thor (Action/Sci-Fi/Fantasy; Rated PG-13)
In the latest Marvel comic-based film, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), the God of Thunder, inadvertently incites war between two realms and is stripped of his powers and banished by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) to Earth. Scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) finds him dazed and confused in New Mexico. What follows is campy humor, thrilling action and — by Odin’s beard! — some awesome CG effects. Be sure to stick around after the credits roll — Marvel likes to hint about sequels and other upcoming films.
Priest – May 13
Adapted from the Korean comic of the same name, “Priest” stars Paul Bettany as a holy man who sets out to save his niece from the vampires that kidnapped her.
X-Men: First Class – June 3
Before Magneto and Professor X were at each other’s throats, they were allies. “X-Men: First Class” is a prequel that traces the origins of the epic rivalry while also introducing a slew of new mutants including Emma Frost (January Jones) and supervillain Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon).
Green Lantern – June 17
Ryan Reynold’s is DC’s Hal Jordan a.k.a. The Green Lantern, a human chosen to become a part of the elite Green Lantern Corps, which keeps order in the universe. But in order to save the human race, Jordan must first learn how to use his superpowers which come in the form of a special ring.
Captain America: The First Avenger – July 22
When Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) vounteers to become a part of a special military project, he is transformed into a butt-kicking super-soldier called Captain America. Set in 1942, the Captain America battle nazis with the help of sidekick Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan).
Cowboys & Aliens – July 29
Gunslinger Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) helps battle an unlikely enemy in this Jon Favreau-directed action thriller, based on the 2006 graphic novel of the same name. When Lonergan wakes up attached to a mysterious device, he finds he may be the only person who can defeat the powerful force.
