As if the return of the Avengers wasn't enough, 2026 has some very exciting comic book movies in the months ahead. Despite the talk of superhero fatigue, last year was a big one for the genre. The MCU found some of its footing again with the acclaimed Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, while the DCU got off to a strong start with Superman.
2026 continues to show that studios are slowing down a little with their superhero movies, but it still promises to be a year packed with big titles. From the return of beloved heroes to a bold R-rated superhero horror story, there is a lot for comic book movie fans to look forward to in 2026.
Supergirl
After being introduced in a quick cameo in last year's Superman, Supergirl will get to headline her own adventure in the DCU. House of the Dragon breakout star Milly Alcock steps into the role as Superman's Kryptonian cousin, who is not quite as polished a hero as Superman.
Alcock's brief appearance in the role already showcases her fun take on the character. James Gunn has spoken about wanting to allow a female superhero to be as messy and flawed as the male heroes in modern movies. It sounds like a promising setup for another wild intergalactic adventure, especially as it will also introduce Jason Momoa's Lobo to the DCU.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Tom Holland's Spider-Man follows in the footsteps of Thor, becoming only the second MCU hero to get four solo movies. Spider-Man: Brand New Day follows up on the intriguing ending of the last movie, as the world has forgotten Peter Parker, and he is living his superhero life on his own.
There is still a lot of secrecy surrounding the movie, such as the identity of the main villain as well as the casting of Sadie Sink. However, it will be bringing in some familiar faces, including Jon Bernthal's Punisher, who will be making his first appearance in a MCU movie.
Clayface
The second DCU movie of 2026, Clayface, is a very surprising choice this early on in the cinematic universe. The movie will focus on the Batman villain whose grotesque body allows him to transform into anyone he wants. This will mark the character's first live-action appearance in a movie.
Interestingly, Clayface will serve as the DCU's first attempt at an R-rated movie. What's more, it is being described as a gruesome body horror movie. With modern horror master Mike Flanagan writing, it could be a movie that stretches the bounds of the superhero movie genre.
Avengers: Doomsday
With the first Avengers movie since Avengers: Endgame arriving in 2026, it's hard to consider any movie to be more anticipated for the year. It promises to be another giant collection of heroes, while also serving as the proper introduction of Robert Downey Jr's Doctor Doom into the MCU.
The recent collection of trailers has piqued the interest of many fans, showing off the return of Chris Evan as Steve Rogers while also offering a glimpse of the original X-Men making their return. Expectations are at an all-time high with what promises to be the biggest MCU movie to date.