Within the movies of the MCU, the DCU, and beyond, there are many upcoming comic book movie performances that stand out as particularly exciting. With the movies of the MCU continuing to dominate at the global box office, comic book movies remain a force to be reckoned with. The repeated record-breaking success of big-screen comic book adaptations has contributed to an increasingly exciting slate of pending releases, and the future looks as bright as ever with many enticing prospects on the horizon.
As upcoming DC movies will reboot the franchise into the DCU, there are many highly anticipated films in the works. Likewise, Marvel’s upcoming releases promise the introduction of key characters into the MCU, with big-name actors set to appear. As such, there are a number of upcoming performances that are the cause for much excitement, both from new iterations of popular characters or from acclaimed actors reprising previous roles. With that in mind, here are 10 exciting performances in upcoming comic book movies.
Related 12 Most Exciting Upcoming Comic Book Movies
As superheroes continue to dominate the box office, it’s hardly surprising that there are plenty more exciting comic book movies on the way.
10 Robert Pattinson As Batman
The Batman – Part II (2026)
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Although updates on The Batman – Part II have largely been somewhat sparse, there is already a huge deal of anticipation for the sequel. Specifics on the movie’s story and involved characters may not have been officially announced, but there are still many reasons that Robert Pattinson’s second outing in the cape and cowl is naturally promising. Considering the movie will follow on from 2022’s The Batman, it’s safe to say that Pattinson’s next performance as the Dark Knight is an enticing prospect.
The Batman’s critical and commercial success speaks to the popularity of Matt Reeves’ efforts, and Pattinson’s dark and grounded performance as the eponymous vigilante formed the majority of the movie’s charm. The actor’s take on Batman felt immediately unique and full of potential, as the direction in which it took the iconic hero was decidedly fresh. As such, Pattinson’s appearance in the sequel is already exciting, regardless of the specifics of its story.
The Batman Part II
Director Matt Reeves Release Date October 2, 2026
9 Ralph Ineson As Galactus
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
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Though the slate of upcoming Marvel movies is as packed as ever, there are a number of future performances that stand out as especially exciting. Among these, there are several in The Fantastic Four: First Steps cast alone, but few can be considered as intriguing as Ralph Ineson’s role as Galactus. The reasons for Ineson’s performance being so exciting are numerous, compounding the anticipation for his appearance in the upcoming MCU film.
Despite being a major player and a powerful entity in the comics, Galactus has only been attempted once before in live-action. Considering the underwhelming execution of past attempts, the casting of an actor of Ineson’s talents marks the MCU’s Galactus as an especially interesting prospect. Bringing in such a respected performer combined with past missteps regarding the character certainly indicate that Galactus’ upcoming appearance will be one to watch.
The Fantastic Four (2025)
Director Matt Shakman Release Date July 25, 2025
8 Nicholas Hoult As Lex Luthor
Superman (2025)
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When it comes to DC villains, there are very few characters as prominent as Lex Luthor. Luthor has a rich cinematic pedigree, with many talented and celebrated actors taking on the role, albeit with mixed results. Even so, Lex Luthor is undeniably one of the most important figures in any iteration of the DC Universe, and so Nicholas Hoult’s casting in the role as part of the upcoming DCU in 2025’s Superman is especially interesting.
Looking at Hoult’s many career successes showcases his talents as a sympathetic figure, as well as his diverse range of acting abilities. As such, the potential for Hoult’s Luthor is impossible to ignore, as his varied portfolio may well lend itself to an especially layered and complex take on the character. What’s more, Hoult already has relevant experience in comic book movies via his appearance in the Fox X-Men universe, making his upcoming performance all the more exciting.
Superman (2025)
Director James Gunn Release Date July 11, 2025
7 Joaquin Phoenix As Arthur Fleck
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
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As a sequel to one of the most celebrated comic book movies of all time, Joker: Folie à Deux is hotly anticipated on its own merit. However, the excitement over the movie extends to the performance of its leading actor, particularly if the success of 2019’s Joker is any indication of the sequel’s quality. Joaquin Phoenix is one of Hollywood’s most respected performers, and his upcoming reprisal of the role of Arthur Fleck is a hot prospect indeed.
With Phoenix having won the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in Joker, it’s hardly surprising that his appearance in the sequel seems incredibly exciting. Folie à Deux being a musical adds another layer to the sequel, potentially allowing Phoenix to build upon his award-winning performance in its predecessor. All things considered, Phoenix’s upcoming performance as Arthur Fleck is set up to be thoroughly excellent.
Joker: Folie a Deux
Director Todd Phillips Release Date October 4, 2024
6 Jack Kesy As Hellboy
Hellboy: The Crooked Man (2024)
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Not all upcoming comic book movies fall under the banner of Marvel or DC. Hellboy: The Crooked Man is based on the Dark Horse comics character of the same name, and despite its lack of an existing franchise to support its potential success, the film certainly has potential. Jack Kesy being cast as the titular paranormal investigator promises to be an exciting performance, particularly as opinions are already divided ahead of the film’s release.
It’s undeniable that Kesy has very large Ron Perlman-sized boots to fill. However, that – combined with the generally underwhelming response to David Harbour’s efforts in the 2019 reboot – is precisely what makes Kesy’s performance seem so exciting. Previous live-action iterations of Hellboy have either been received incredibly well or incredibly poorly, making Kesy’s debut as the character all the more interesting as a result.
Hellboy: The Crooked Man
Director Brian Taylor Release Date September 19, 2024
5 David Corenswet As Superman
Superman (2025)
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There is perhaps no comic book character as influential and iconic as Superman. As the quintessential hero, Superman has been at the forefront of the genre since its infancy, and his own cinematic tenure has been packed with blockbuster success. The rebooting of the DCEU into the DCU came with the recasting of DC’s Man of Tomorrow, with David Corenswet set to appear in the franchise’s first entry, leading 2025’s Superman as the titular hero.
Corenswet’s status as a relative unknown ahead of his casting created an air of mystery about his chances of success as Superman, and over time, that has turned into pure anticipation. It’s clear that Corenswet looks the part, and will undoubtedly suit the iconic costume as he takes to the skies in the DCU. Superman’s status as one of the most consistent pillars of the DC Universe means that Corenswet’s performance will be a key factor in the DCU’s potential cinematic success, making it all the more exciting as a result.
4 Lady Gaga As Harley Quinn
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
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When everything known about Joker: Folie à Deux is considered, Lady Gaga is a truly superb choice for the role of Harley Quinn. The love interest of the Joker was a perfect candidate to appear in the sequel to 2019’s Joker, and casting the role correctly was crucial. The tone of the first film undoubtedly required a different approach to Harley, and Gaga’s casting struck the perfect chord with many as a brilliant choice to complement Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck.
With Folie à Deux written as a musical, Lady Gaga’s casting was a stroke of genius. Her massive success in the music industry, combined with her previous acting roles in A Star is Born and American Horror Story: Hotel clearly demonstrate how well she can operate in the role. As a result, Gaga’s appearance as Harley Quinn in Folie à Deux is one of the most exciting upcoming performances in a comic book movie.
3 Mahershala Ali As Blade
Blade (2025)
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Despite Blade’s previous movie appearances helping to cement the success of modern comic book movies at the box office, the Marvel hero has been decidedly absent from the MCU. 2025 is set to see Marvel’s Daywalker finally appear in his own movie within the franchise, with acclaimed actor Mahershala Ali cast in the role. Naturally, Ali’s upcoming performance as Blade is a result of some considerable hype as a result.
It’s clear that Ali is more than capable of fulfilling all the potential of Blade in the MCU. However, what makes the performance all the more exciting is the potential it has to expand the franchise’s horizons. With Deadpool & Wolverine fully embracing its R-rated violence, Blade is free to pursue a much darker tone than previous MCU movies. Combined with Ali’s incredible acting abilities, the actor’s upcoming performance is set to be particularly enthralling and important for the MCU as a whole.
Blade (2025)
Director Bassam Tariq Release Date November 7, 2025
2 Pedro Pascal As Reed Richards
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
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There are very few actors in Hollywood who enjoy the same level of popularity as Pedro Pascal. After impressing in roles spanning multiple genres, Pascal’s casting as the MCU’s Reed Richards was met with widespread excitement. His upcoming appearance in The Fantastic Four: First Steps is, by extension, hugely anticipated, as it will almost certainly see Pedro Pascal take a place at the heart of the MCU.
Reed Richards being such a prominent figure within the Marvel Universe makes Pascal’s casting all the more exciting. It’s not just that the beloved actor is set to make his MCU debut, but that his version of the character will form a key part of the franchise’s future as one of its most important heroes. With Pascal’s previous acting credits clearly outlining his potential to shine within the MCU, it’s all but impossible not to feel excitement at his upcoming performance as Reed Richards.
1 Robert Downey Jr. As Victor Von Doom
Avengers: Doomsday (2026)
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In one of the biggest and most talked-about reveals in the history of the MCU, it was announced that Robert Downey Jr. will return to the franchise as Doctor Doom. Having Downey appear as such a prominent villain after playing one of the MCU’s most important heroes was a shocking choice, and it’s one that makes his upcoming performance all the more interesting. Set to formally rejoin the MCU in 2026 as part of Avengers: Doomsday, Downey’s return is already hugely anticipated.
Seeing how the MCU will handle bringing back the actor in a new role is exciting enough, but his personal acting talents make it all the more promising. Despite shining as Tony Stark, Downey will almost certainly take an entirely different approach to Victor Von Doom. As such, it’s by far one of the most intriguing upcoming performances in any comic book in the MCU, the DCU, or beyond.
Avengers: Doomsday
Director Destin Daniel Cretton Release Date May 1, 2026
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Captain America: Brave New World
Release Date February 14, 2025
- Thunderbolts*
Release Date May 2, 2025
- The Fantastic Four (2025)
Release Date July 25, 2025
- Blade (2025)
Release Date November 7, 2025
- Avengers: Doomsday
Release Date May 1, 2026
- Avengers: Secret Wars
Release Date May 7, 2027
Captain America: Brave New World
Thunderbolts*
Avengers: Secret Wars
Upcoming DC Movie Releases
- Joker: Folie a Deux
Release Date October 4, 2024
- Superman (2025)
Release Date July 11, 2025
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Release Date June 26, 2026
- The Batman Part II
Release Date October 2, 2026
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow