Superhero movies
Superhero movies have been very popular of late so we decided to take at look at who are the favourite superheroes.
Coming in at the top of the searches is everyone's favourite X Man, Wolverine, who also starred in his own spin off movie, X Men Origins: Wolverine. The film follows the character's violent past before he gained his adamantium-fused skeleton and joined up with Professor X and his team.
Next we have the Incredible Hulk, who recently enjoyed two incarnations, first as Eric Bana in 2003 (which was not too popular) and then as Edward Norton in 2008. The Hulk's popularity often centres around which other superheroes he could beat in a fight, thus inspiring the animated films Hulk vs Wolverine and Hulk vs Thor, which were released to DVD in January.
Batman has always been a popular superhero, especially since the production of The Dark Knight starring Christian Bale. The caped crusader has no superpowers but is a vigilante, mistrusted by the authorities. No doubt this is the reason for his perpetual appeal and why the rumour-mill is already churning about Batman 3.
Despite being neither a Marvel nor DC character, Hellboy is one of the hottest superhero searches. The second film starring Ron Perlman was released last year and is available on DVD. There is a third and possibly final film planned, but director Guillermo del Toro must first give priority to his commitments filming The Hobbit, along with director Peter Jackson of The Lord of The Rings fame.
Iron Man's popularity increased after the 2008 film starring Robert Downey Jr. Did you spot his cameo in the Incredible Hulk? This points to an upcoming Avengers film in 2011 where he will fight the Hulk. And there are already plenty of rumours concerning Iron Man 2, such as his enemy Black Widow may be played by Scarlett Johansson who recently featured in comic-based movie The Spirit.
Your friendly neighbourhood Spiderman is of course one of the most popular superheroes especially after the three box office smashing movies starring Tobey Maguire. A fourth installment of the web-slinging crime fighter is expected in 2011, but in the meantime, there's no harm in watching the first three films again!
Finally, a superheroine amongst the top searched comic characters: Wonder Woman. A super-strong member of the Amazon tribe, Wonder Woman, or Diana Prince, came to earth to fight evil and eventually teamed up with the Justice League, which included several other DC comic heroes. A Wonder Woman or Justice League live action film is anticipated but as yet, has not gone into production.
Superman was the first ever costumed superhero and by far one of the most popular. He has appeared in cartoons, television series and movies, the latest one Superman Returns was released in 2006. Currently Smallville, the TV series about young Clark Kent's life, is in its ninth season. Superman may return in a Justice League film, but another solo movie doesn't seem to be on the horizon.
Some superheroes are not as popular as others and this can be seen in the almost unanimous criticism of the movies based on them. Some of the superhero flops have been Catwoman, starring Halle Berry, Electra, starring Jennifer Garner and the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen which featured well-known characters such as the Invisible Man and Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde.
Who is your favourite superhero and which ones should have their own movies? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
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