Are superhero movies ruining cinema? The 2018 lineup points to a definitive no
Jodie Foster stated that superhero films are ruining the industry, but she clearly hasn’t kept up with the latest Marvel and DC releases.
In a recent interview for the print edition of Radio Times, Jodie Foster made some scathing comments regarding superhero movies. According to Deadline, the actress reported not wanting to make “$200 million movies about superheroes” because, she said, “Studios making bad content in order to appeal to the masses and shareholders is like fracking – you get the best return, but you ruin the Earth.”
Foster’s views not only exaggerate the severity of producing entertaining content, but they also ignore the progressive evolution of Marvel and DC films. The fact is that blockbuster superhero films are gaining popularity for a reason. The companies are using their platforms to both entertain and enlighten, and that appeals to people.
And as a side note, just because large quantities of people enjoy something doesn’t automatically make it drivel. Why shouldn’t we produce movies that entertain viewers? That’s the whole point of the industry, Ms. Foster.
Thankfully, the Black Mirror director’s views aren’t the popular consensus. The lengthy slate of 2018 superhero films contains some of the most anticipated releases of all time. And nearly all of them bring something new to the table.
Introducing the Black Panther
Starting the year strong, Black Panther will be the first to hit theaters on Feb. 16, 2018. Starring Chadwick Boseman, this film could be revolutionary in more ways than one.
Far from being the thoughtless garbage Foster describes, Black Panther shows an effort to diversify the Marvel universe. Representation is important in film, and it’s wonderful to witness a hyped release that’s set in Africa and features a mostly black cast. As Tre Johnson writes in his Rolling Stone article:
"“The trailers point to a new direction for depicting not only black superheroes, but also how we imagineour heroes. He’s not being played for laughs. He’s not a sidekick or born out of dire circumstances. His story, one of an ingrained birthright, legacy and royalty is a stark difference for how we tend to treat most black superheroes – and black superhero movies.”"
Avengers: Infinity War
Avengers: Infinity War will follow Black Panther with a release date of May 4, 2018. Judging by the trailer, this highly anticipated release could be the most epic Avengers movie yet.
All of the stories we’ve spent years watching will morph together in this sequel, our favorite characters facing higher stakes than ever. The arrival of Thanos, years after the Avengers have parted ways, will force them to unite once more in an effort to find the Infinity Stones before the enemy does.
Breaking convention with Deadpool 2
The long-awaited Deadpool 2 comes to the big screen on June 1, 2018. Its groundbreaking predecessor set the bar high, paving the way for R ratings in a part of the Marvel universe — and possibly the bigger MCU considering the upcoming Disney-Fox deal. Breaking from the traditional confines of superhero films, Ryan Reynolds portrays this anti-hero with a mixture of humor and vulgarity true to the comics.
Most of what we know about Deadpool 2 stems from hints and rumors, but with Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick returning as script writers, the sequel is bound to be as witty and successful as the first one.
New X-Men installments
The New Mutants, which will delve into the horror genre, is set to release April 13, 2018. The film will follow a new, younger group of X-Men as they learn to hone their powers. With fresh faces and abilities, this could mark a new beginning for the franchise.
Sophie Turner will also resume her role as Jean Grey in X-Men: Dark Phoenix. Many familiar faces, including Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Fassbander, will return for this exploration into Jean Grey’s past. This film will depict her transformation into the Phoenix, shedding light on the powers Professor X feared so much in previous installments.
The rest of Marvel’s 2018 lineup
Ant-Man and the Wasp releases on July 6, 2018, not long after Deadpool 2. Hints from actress Evangeline Lilly and Disney CEO Bob Iger suggest that this movie could play a larger-than-expected role in the future of Marvel films, opening up the quantum realm.
Fan-favorite Venom is also getting his own film this year. Venom will come to theaters on Oct. 5, 2018, and it will take place in a separate universe than that of Spider-Man: Homecoming. The timing is perfect considering the movie is rumored to come with an R-rating.
Finally, the animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse will introduce Miles Morales to the MCU on Dec. 14, 2018. Not only will this film center around an African-American and Puerto Rican main character, but it will venture into the Spider-Man universe following Peter Parker’s death. Both of these are uncharted territories, making this Spider-Man story stand out.
What about DCEU?
Following its 2017 successes of Wonder Woman and Justice League, DC is having a much quieter 2018 than Marvel. The company will, however, finally release Aquaman late this year. Scheduled to hit theaters Dec. 21, this addition to the DCEU will have to overcome the image of Aquaman as a subpar hero, although he did have a pretty decent showing in Justice League.
Luckily, Jason Momoa’s talent might make up for years of mockery. If it does, this could be the first of many films following DC’s less revered characters.
Next: 2017's 5 best superhero soundtracks
Continuing the legacy
With superhero films progressing at such a rapid rate, there’s really no end in sight for this market. Marvel and DC will continue telling these tales as long as fans are still listening. And Jodie Foster, along with anyone else who scoffs at superheroes and their fans, will just have to deal with it.