Remember that feeling when Tony Stark snapped his fingers, or when Diana crossed No Man’s Land? Those superhero moments hit us hard. Get ready because 2026 is shaping up to deliver a whole new wave of those epic, unforgettable scenes.
I’m Justin Carter, and for years, I’ve been diving deep into the worlds of comics, movies, and games. I’ve seen trends come and go, but what’s on the horizon for superheroes in 2026? It’s shaping up to be something truly special.
What Superhero Movies and TV Shows Can We Expect in 2026?
If 2024 felt like the calm before the storm and 2025 brought the thunder, then 2026 is poised to unleash a full-blown superhero hurricane. DC continues expanding its cinematic universe, while Marvel starts wrapping up its current saga while still chugging along with its TV series. From shows like Wonder Man and Lanterns to movies like Supergirl and Avengers: Doomsday, plus video games like Marvel’s Wolverine and Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, there’s a ton of superhero content coming for everyone.
With all these projects scheduled so closely, get ready for a wild ride. Be sure to schedule those screen breaks.
What Superhero Movies Should We Be Hyped About?
It’s tempting to just shout, “Everything!” But if I had to pick, I’m most eager to see what DC does with Clayface and Supergirl. Introducing these characters to the big screen will inject a fresh vibe into the DC movie universe. The secrecy surrounding these projects only adds to the excitement. I remember the buzz around the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie – these new DC additions could have a similar impact.
Will Daredevil: Born Again and X-Men ’97 Return in 2026?
Yes! On the TV side, I’m definitely looking forward to new seasons of Daredevil: Born Again and X-Men ’97. Both shows really grabbed my attention, and I’m curious to see where they go next. The upcoming shows Vision Quest and Lanterns also sound promising on paper. Hopefully, we’ll get more details about these two shows soon.
What Superhero Video Games Are Coming Out in 2026?
It looks like Marvel will dominate the gaming world in 2026, with Wolverine, Marvel Tokon, and new heroes coming to Marvel Rivals. While those all sound great, don’t overlook the new Lego Batman game. These games are fun for all ages and being the first solo Batman console game in ten years, Legacy could become one of the biggest games of the year. The last time I played a Lego game, I was surprised by how engaging the gameplay and story were.
What’s the Future of Superhero Comic Books?
I’m waiting to hear about any big DC comic events. Even if there isn’t a massive crossover event, expect big things for A-listers like Batman and Superman in their own titles. DC’s Absolute line has yet to have a major event, but maybe 2026 will be the year something happens. Even if not, we’re sure to see new takes on classic characters and the debut of new ongoing series.
Meanwhile, Marvel will be wrapping up its Ultimate line early in the year, setting the stage for the Armageddon and Queen in Black events in the summer. I also expect to see some kind of tie-in with Avengers: Doomsday, either in the comics or even in Fortnite.
How Are Superhero Stories Changing?
Last year, I wondered if superhero stories were becoming less concerned with interconnected universes. Now, it seems like we’re viewing these projects through a different lens. Each of the major shows, games, and films are influenced by what came before, in ways that neither the creators nor the audience can ignore. For example, Doomsday and Spider-Man: Brand New Day are making the consequences of past cinematic events a major plot point. Vision Quest is basically the third act in the MCU’s Wanda/Vision story arc. Even Wonder Man feels like a response to the current state of the MCU and the big-budget superhero genre.
Media like that, Clayface, and maybe Lanterns could be some of the best surprises, whether they’re perfect or not. Taking character-focused approaches to storytelling, instead of just focusing on action, has the potential to really expand the genre’s possibilities, which seems to happen every few years.
Any Longshot Superhero Predictions for 2026?
It almost feels mean to bring up, but could 2026 finally be the year we get some real progress on Blade? Whether it’s the movie or the game, just some sign that the character isn’t stuck in limbo would be nice.
Will DC Expand Into Animated Adaptations of the Absolute Universe?
That would be interesting to see! Given the success of the Absolute books, maybe DC will bring that universe into animation. They adapted the New 52 into a series of straight-to-DVD movies pretty quickly, and alternate-universe versions of Batman and Martian Manhunter could easily make for solid 90-minute features with the right teams and art styles. Speaking of animation, will we hear about My Adventures With Superman, its Green Lantern spinoff, or other brand-new cartoons from DC or Marvel? I’d love to see it happen.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for superhero content. Will these movies, shows, and games live up to the hype, and what projects are you most looking forward to seeing?