2017 is set up to be an insane year for fans of superhero movies and television. The MCU is in high-gear with three films premiering this year, and that’s in addition to three new Netflix TV shows. DC chips in with two movies of their own, while FOX has the much anticipated third installment of the Wolverine saga.
For your convenience, here’s a consolidated list of what’s dropping and when.
Movies
- March 3rd – Logan (Wolverine 3)
- May 5th – Guardians of the Galaxy 2
- June 23rd – Wonder Woman
- July 7th – Spider-Man: Homecoming
- November 3rd – Thor: Ragnarok
- November 17th – Justice League
TV Shows
- March 17th – Iron Fist (Netflix)
- September – Inhumans (ABC)
- TBD – The Defenders (Netflix)
- TBD – Punisher (Netflix)
- TBD – Arrow (CW)
- TBD – Flash (CW)
- TBD – Supergirl (CW)
My Take
The films look awesome. Even though DC is officially on my “hard pass” list pending a glowing review, I must admit that Wonder Woman looks promising. They’ve burned me before, though. The Marvel stuff looks awesome: there’s a lot to be excited about with Guardians, Spider-Man, and even Thor. Likewise, Logan has the potential to break the mold with an R-rating and a darker tone.
When it comes to the small screen, I’m less optimistic. I’m not a big network TV guy (I think years of HBO and Netflix has ruined me), so the CW and ABC entries aren’t going into my calendar. I find myself indifferent about Iron Fist and the Defenders. While I’ll still likely tune in, the formula is starting to get a bit stale for my taste. Punisher, though…oh man: CAN. NOT. WAIT.
We’ve been spoiled in recent years with a wealth of superhero content. 2017, though, is going to take this to another level and eliminate any doubt about whether comics have gone mainstream.