MARVEL & DC UNIVERSE – MOVIE WATCHLIST

Director

Willard Huyck

Produced by

Gloria Katz

Starring

Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones, Tim Robbins, Chip Zien

Howard is pulled from Duckworld to Earth and battles the Dark Overlord. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Howard the Duck #1–3 (1976); Adventure into Fear #19; Howard the Duck magazine #1

Connection: Character/origin; largely original plot

Director

Mark Goldblatt

Produced by

Robert Mark Kamen

Starring

Dolph Lundgren, Louis Gossett Jr., Jeroen Krabbé, Kim Miyori

Frank Castle wages a one-man war on organised crime and reluctantly confronts the Yakuza. The film uses the listed comics as its principal character and thematic foundation while reshaping events for a feature-length screen story. Familiar elements are reorganised to create a self-contained cinematic interpretation.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #129; Punisher #1–5 (1986); Punisher War Journal #1

Connection: Character and early solo-series influence

Director

Albert Pyun

Produced by

Menahem Golan

Starring

Matt Salinger, Ronny Cox, Ned Beatty, Darren McGavin

Steve Rogers awakens decades after fighting the Red Skull and must stop his former enemy’s global scheme. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Captain America Comics #1; Tales of Suspense #63–71; Captain America #255

Connection: Origin synthesis

Director

Stephen Norrington

Produced by

Peter Frankfurt, Wesley Snipes, Robert Engelman

Starring

Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N'Bushe Wright

A half-vampire hunter battles Deacon Frost, who plans to awaken an ancient blood god. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Tomb of Dracula #10, #13, #25; Blade: The Vampire-Hunter #1

Connection: Character/origin; original plot

Director

Bryan Singer

Produced by

Lauren Shuler Donner, Ralph Winter

Starring

Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry

Mutants caught between Xavier’s coexistence and Magneto’s militancy race to stop forced mutation. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: X-Men #1; Uncanny X-Men #150; X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills

Connection: Broad thematic synthesis

Director

Guillermo del Toro

Produced by

Peter Frankfurt, Wesley Snipes, Patrick Palmer

Starring

Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman, Leonor Varela

Blade joins an uneasy vampire strike team against the Reapers, a lethal new strain. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Blade #1–10 (1994); Nightstalkers #1; Tomb of Dracula #45–53

Connection: Character/world influence; original plot

Director

Sam Raimi

Produced by

Laura Ziskin, Ian Bryce

Starring

Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco

Peter Parker gains spider-powers, faces the Green Goblin and learns the cost of responsibility. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Amazing Fantasy #15; The Amazing Spider-Man #14, #39–40, #121–122

Connection: Origin and Goblin-story synthesis

Director

Mark Steven Johnson

Produced by

Arnon Milchan, Gary Foster, Avi Arad

Starring

Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Michael Clarke Duncan, Colin Farrell

Blind lawyer Matt Murdock battles Kingpin and Bullseye while protecting Elektra. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Daredevil #1; #168–181; #227–233 (Born Again)

Connection: Frank Miller era synthesis

Director

Bryan Singer

Produced by

Lauren Shuler Donner, Ralph Winter

Starring

Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry

Mutants unite against William Stryker, who plans to use Xavier to eradicate mutantkind. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Marvel Graphic Novel #5: God Loves, Man Kills; Uncanny X-Men #161; Weapon X (Marvel Comics Presents #72–84)

Connection: Close thematic adaptation/synthesis

Director

Ang Lee

Produced by

Gale Anne Hurd, Avi Arad, James Schamus, Larry Franco

Starring

Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott, Josh Lucas

Bruce Banner’s trauma and gamma transformation collide with his estranged father’s experiments. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Incredible Hulk #1; #312; #377; Hulk: Gray #1–6

Connection: Origin and psychological-run influence

Director

Jonathan Hensleigh

Produced by

Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd

Starring

Thomas Jane, John Travolta, Will Patton, Roy Scheider

After his family is murdered, Frank Castle dismantles crime boss Howard Saint’s empire. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #129; Punisher: Year One #1–4; Welcome Back, Frank #1–12

Connection: Origin plus story elements

Director

Sam Raimi

Produced by

Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad

Starring

Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Alfred Molina

Peter’s powers falter as Doctor Octopus’s fusion experiment threatens New York. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #3, #11–12, #50; Spider-Man No More!

Connection: Close character/story synthesis

Director

David S. Goyer

Produced by

Peter Frankfurt, Wesley Snipes, David S. Goyer, Lynn Harris

Starring

Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Jessica Biel, Ryan Reynolds

Blade is framed and joins younger hunters to stop Dracula and the vampire nation. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Tomb of Dracula #1, #10; Nightstalkers #1; Blade: Trinity tie-in #1

Connection: Character synthesis; original plot

Director

Rob Bowman

Produced by

Arnon Milchan, Gary Foster, Avi Arad

Starring

Jennifer Garner, Goran Višnjić, Will Yun Lee, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Resurrected assassin Elektra protects a gifted girl from the Hand. The film uses the listed comics as its principal character and thematic foundation while reshaping events for a feature-length screen story. Familiar elements are reorganised to create a self-contained cinematic interpretation.

Comic connections: Daredevil #168–181; Elektra: Assassin #1–8; Elektra Lives Again

Connection: Character/Hand influence

Director

Tim Story

Produced by

Avi Arad, Ralph Winter, Bernd Eichinger

Starring

Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis

Four astronauts gain powers and must stop Victor Von Doom after a cosmic accident. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Fantastic Four #1, #5, #57–60; Ultimate Fantastic Four #1–6

Connection: Origin synthesis, strongly Ultimate-influenced

Director

Brett Ratner

Produced by

Lauren Shuler Donner, Ralph Winter, Avi Arad

Starring

Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen

A mutant “cure” divides the X-Men as Jean Grey returns with destructive Phoenix power. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Uncanny X-Men #101–108 and #129–137 (Dark Phoenix Saga); Astonishing X-Men #1–6 (Gifted)

Connection: Two major arcs combined

Director

Mark Steven Johnson

Produced by

Avi Arad, Steven Paul, Michael De Luca, Gary Foster

Starring

Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Wes Bentley, Sam Elliott

Stunt rider Johnny Blaze becomes the Devil’s bounty hunter and fights Blackheart. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Marvel Spotlight #5–11; Ghost Rider #1 (1973); Ghost Rider #68–81

Connection: Origin/character synthesis

Director

Sam Raimi

Produced by

Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, Grant Curtis

Starring

Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church

Peter’s alien suit amplifies his anger while Sandman and Venom threaten his life. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #4; Secret Wars #8; The Amazing Spider-Man #252–259, #300

Connection: Sandman and symbiote arcs combined

Director

Tim Story

Produced by

Avi Arad, Bernd Eichinger, Ralph Winter

Starring

Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis

The Four confront the Silver Surfer and a world-consuming cosmic threat while Doom returns. The film uses the listed comics as its principal character and thematic foundation while reshaping events for a feature-length screen story. Familiar elements are reorganised to create a self-contained cinematic interpretation.

Comic connections: Fantastic Four #48–50 (Galactus Trilogy); #57–60

Connection: Close Galactus Trilogy adaptation, heavily altered

Director

Jon Favreau

Produced by

Avi Arad, Kevin Feige

Starring

Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow

Captive weapons maker Tony Stark builds armour, escapes and turns against his own company’s abuses. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Tales of Suspense #39; Iron Man #200; Ultimate Iron Man #1–5; Iron Man: Extremis #1–6

Connection: Modernised origin synthesis

Director

Louis Leterrier

Produced by

Avi Arad, Gale Anne Hurd, Kevin Feige

Starring

Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt

Bruce Banner seeks a cure while General Ross and the Abomination hunt him. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Incredible Hulk #1; Tales to Astonish #90–91; Incredible Hulk #25 (2001)

Connection: Origin and Abomination synthesis

Director

Lexi Alexander

Produced by

Gale Anne Hurd

Starring

Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, Julie Benz, Colin Salmon

Frank Castle targets mobster Billy Russoti, transformed into the disfigured Jigsaw. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #129; Punisher #1–5 (2000); Punisher MAX #1–12

Connection: MAX-era tone; character synthesis

Director

Gavin Hood

Produced by

Lauren Shuler Donner, Ralph Winter, Hugh Jackman, John Palermo

Starring

Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, Dominic Monaghan

Logan’s violent history with Victor Creed leads him into Stryker’s Weapon X programme. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Origin #1–6; Weapon X (Marvel Comics Presents #72–84); Wolverine #10

Connection: Backstory synthesis

Director

Jon Favreau

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson

Tony faces government pressure, poisoning and Ivan Vanko’s revenge while building a new element. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Iron Man #120–128 (Demon in a Bottle); #225–232 (Armor Wars); Tales of Suspense #97–99

Connection: Loose synthesis

Director

Kenneth Branagh

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård

The arrogant Thor is exiled to Earth and must become worthy before Loki seizes Asgard. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Journey into Mystery #83–85; Thor #159; Thor #364–366

Connection: Origin synthesis

Director

Matthew Vaughn

Produced by

Lauren Shuler Donner, Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, Gregory Goodman

Starring

James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Rose Byrne

Young Xavier and Magneto form the first X-Men during the Cuban Missile Crisis, then fracture ideologically. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: X-Men #1; X-Men: First Class #1–8; Uncanny X-Men #161

Connection: Character/history synthesis

Director

Joe Johnston

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell

Steve Rogers becomes a super-soldier and fights Hydra during the Second World War. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Captain America Comics #1; Tales of Suspense #63–71; Captain America #255

Connection: Origin synthesis

Director

Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor

Produced by

Steven Paul, Ashok Amritraj, Michael De Luca, Avi Arad, Ari Arad

Starring

Nicolas Cage, Ciarán Hinds, Violante Placido, Johnny Whitworth

Johnny Blaze tries to save a boy from becoming the Devil’s vessel. The film uses the listed comics as its principal character and thematic foundation while reshaping events for a feature-length screen story. Familiar elements are reorganised to create a self-contained cinematic interpretation.

Comic connections: Marvel Spotlight #5; Ghost Rider #68–81; Spirits of Vengeance #1

Connection: Character/world influence

Director

Joss Whedon

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth

Earth’s new heroes unite when Loki uses the Tesseract to invade New York. The film uses the listed comics as its principal character and thematic foundation while reshaping events for a feature-length screen story. Familiar elements are reorganised to create a self-contained cinematic interpretation.

Comic connections: Avengers #1; Ultimates #1–6; Ultimates 2 #1–13

Connection: Team formation, heavily Ultimate-influenced

Director

Marc Webb

Produced by

Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach

Starring

Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary

Peter investigates his parents’ disappearance, gains powers and battles the Lizard. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Amazing Fantasy #15; The Amazing Spider-Man #6; Ultimate Spider-Man #1–13

Connection: Origin synthesis

Director

Shane Black

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce

Tony confronts trauma, the Mandarin myth and Extremis-enhanced soldiers. The film uses the listed comics as its principal character and thematic foundation while reshaping events for a feature-length screen story. Familiar elements are reorganised to create a self-contained cinematic interpretation.

Comic connections: Iron Man: Extremis #1–6; Iron Man #200; Tales of Suspense #50

Connection: Extremis adaptation with Mandarin reinvention

Director

James Mangold

Produced by

Lauren Shuler Donner, Hutch Parker

Starring

Hugh Jackman, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada

Haunted Logan travels to Japan and is offered mortality amid a clan war. The feature condenses the principal comic storyline for the screen, retaining its central conflict while combining characters and events into a single film. It also preserves the emotional stakes and defining choices that made the source memorable.

Comic connections: Wolverine #1–4 (1982); Uncanny X-Men #172–173

Connection: Close adaptation of Miller/Claremont Japan saga

Director

Alan Taylor

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård

Thor fights Malekith, who seeks to plunge the cosmos into darkness with the Aether. The film uses the listed comics as its principal character and thematic foundation while reshaping events for a feature-length screen story. Familiar elements are reorganised to create a self-contained cinematic interpretation.

Comic connections: Thor #344–349; Thor #363–366

Connection: Simonson-era character influence

Director

Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie

Steve uncovers Hydra inside S.H.I.E.L.D. and learns the Winter Soldier’s identity. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Captain America #1–9, #11–14 (2005); Strange Tales #135–145; Secret Warriors #1–6

Connection: Winter Soldier plus S.H.I.E.L.D. conspiracy synthesis

Director

Marc Webb

Produced by

Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach

Starring

Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan

Peter faces Electro, Harry Osborn and the consequences of the promise he made to Gwen’s father. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #9; #121–122; Ultimate Spider-Man #74–85

Connection: Electro and Death of Gwen Stacy synthesis

Director

Bryan Singer

Produced by

Bryan Singer, Lauren Shuler Donner, Simon Kinberg, Hutch Parker

Starring

Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence

Wolverine travels to 1973 to prevent an assassination that creates a Sentinel-ruled future. The feature condenses the principal comic storyline for the screen, retaining its central conflict while combining characters and events into a single film. It also preserves the emotional stakes and defining choices that made the source memorable.

Comic connections: Uncanny X-Men #141–142; Wolverine #73–74

Connection: Close adaptation with changed cast/time mechanics

Director

James Gunn

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel

Five cosmic misfits unite to stop Ronan from using an Infinity Stone to destroy Xandar. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Annihilation: Conquest #1–6; Guardians of the Galaxy #1–6 (2008); Marvel Super-Heroes #18

Connection: Team/Annihilation-era synthesis

Director

Joss Whedon

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans

Tony’s peacekeeping AI turns genocidal, forcing the Avengers to confront their own fractures. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Avengers #54–55; Avengers #57–58; Age of Ultron #1–10; Ultron Unlimited (Avengers #19–22)

Connection: Ultron character synthesis, not close to event comic

Director

Peyton Reed

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale

Thief Scott Lang uses Hank Pym’s shrinking suit to pull off a high-stakes heist. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Tales to Astonish #27, #35; Marvel Premiere #47–48; To Steal an Ant-Man!

Connection: Scott Lang origin adaptation

Director

Josh Trank

Produced by

Matthew Vaughn, Simon Kinberg, Gregory Goodman, Hutch Parker, Robert Kulzer

Starring

Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell

Young explorers enter another dimension, gain powers and confront their transformed colleague Doom. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Ultimate Fantastic Four #1–6; Fantastic Four #1; Ultimate Fantastic Four #21–23

Connection: Ultimate-origin influence

Director

Tim Miller

Produced by

Simon Kinberg, Ryan Reynolds, Lauren Shuler Donner

Starring

Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller

Mercenary Wade Wilson hunts the man who tortured him and triggered his mutant healing factor. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: New Mutants #98; Deadpool: The Circle Chase #1–4; Deadpool #1–33 (1997)

Connection: Character/voice synthesis

Director

Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan

The Avengers split over government oversight and Bucky’s alleged crimes. The film uses the listed comics as its principal character and thematic foundation while reshaping events for a feature-length screen story. Familiar elements are reorganised to create a self-contained cinematic interpretation.

Comic connections: Civil War #1–7; Captain America #1–14 (2005); Amazing Spider-Man #529–538

Connection: Loose Civil War adaptation plus Winter Soldier

Director

Bryan Singer

Produced by

Simon Kinberg, Bryan Singer, Hutch Parker, Lauren Shuler Donner

Starring

James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac

The ancient mutant Apocalypse recruits Horsemen while the young X-Men rally to stop him. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: X-Factor #5–6; X-Factor #24–25; Age of Apocalypse: X-Men Alpha #1

Connection: Apocalypse mythology synthesis

Director

Scott Derrickson

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong

Injured surgeon Stephen Strange learns mystic arts and confronts Dormammu’s Dark Dimension. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Strange Tales #110–111, #114–146; Doctor Strange: The Oath #1–5

Connection: Origin synthesis

Director

James Mangold

Produced by

Hutch Parker, Simon Kinberg, Lauren Shuler Donner

Starring

Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Richard E. Grant, Boyd Holbrook

An ageing, poisoned Wolverine escorts a young mutant across a hostile near-future. The film uses the listed comics as its principal character and thematic foundation while reshaping events for a feature-length screen story. Familiar elements are reorganised to create a self-contained cinematic interpretation.

Comic connections: Wolverine #66–72 and Giant-Size Old Man Logan #1; X-23 #1–6; Death of Wolverine #1–4

Connection: Loose Old Man Logan premise; X-23 influence

Director

James Gunn

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel

Peter meets his celestial father as the Guardians test what family means. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Marvel Preview #4, #11; Guardians of the Galaxy #1–6 (2008); Ego stories in Thor #132–133

Connection: Character synthesis; original plot

Director

Jon Watts

Produced by

Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal

Starring

Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Gwyneth Paltrow

Teenage Peter balances school and heroism while pursuing the Vulture’s weapons ring. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #2; Ultimate Spider-Man #1–13; Amazing Spider-Man #271

Connection: Character synthesis

Director

Taika Waititi

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba

Thor, Hulk and Valkyrie escape Sakaar to stop Hela and the destruction of Asgard. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Thor #337–382; Incredible Hulk #92–105 (Planet Hulk); Thor #127–128 (Ragnarok)

Connection: Planet Hulk and Ragnarok synthesis

Director

Ryan Coogler

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira

T’Challa’s rule is challenged by Killmonger, who seeks to weaponise Wakanda’s power. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Fantastic Four #52–53; Jungle Action #6–18; Black Panther #1–12 (1998)

Connection: Origin and Killmonger synthesis

Director

Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans

Thanos hunts the Infinity Stones while divided heroes try to stop universal annihilation. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Infinity Gauntlet #1–6; Thanos Quest #1–2; Infinity #1–6

Connection: Major event synthesis

Director

David Leitch

Produced by

Simon Kinberg, Ryan Reynolds, Lauren Shuler Donner

Starring

Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison

Wade protects a mutant boy from time-travelling soldier Cable and forms X-Force. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: New Mutants #87, #98; Cable #1–4; X-Force #1; Uncanny X-Force #1–4

Connection: Character/team synthesis

Director

Peyton Reed

Produced by

Kevin Feige, Stephen Broussard

Starring

Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, Walton Goggins

Scott helps Hope and Hank rescue Janet from the Quantum Realm while pursued by Ghost. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Tales to Astonish #44; Avengers #195–196; Iron Man #219–221

Connection: Character synthesis; original rescue plot

Director

Ruben Fleischer

Produced by

Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, Amy Pascal

Starring

Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Scott Haze

Reporter Eddie Brock bonds with an alien symbiote and fights a more violent offspring. The film uses the listed comics as its principal character and thematic foundation while reshaping events for a feature-length screen story. Familiar elements are reorganised to create a self-contained cinematic interpretation.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #300; Venom: Lethal Protector #1–6; Planet of the Symbiotes #1–5

Connection: Lethal Protector-inspired

Director

Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou

Vers discovers her human past and the truth behind a Kree–Skrull war. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Marvel Super-Heroes #12–13; Ms. Marvel #1; Captain Marvel #1–6 (2012); The Kree-Skrull War (Avengers #89–97)

Connection: Carol origin and cosmic-war synthesis

Director

Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth

The surviving Avengers attempt a time-travel heist to reverse Thanos’s victory. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Infinity Gauntlet #1–6; Avengers Forever #1–12; Infinity #1–6

Connection: Original sequel drawing on event concepts

Director

Simon Kinberg

Produced by

Simon Kinberg, Hutch Parker, Lauren Shuler Donner, Todd Hallowell

Starring

James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult

Jean Grey’s cosmic power destabilises her and divides the X-Men. The feature condenses the principal comic storyline for the screen, retaining its central conflict while combining characters and events into a single film. It also preserves the emotional stakes and defining choices that made the source memorable.

Comic connections: Uncanny X-Men #101–108, #129–137 (Dark Phoenix Saga)

Connection: Direct/close adaptation, substantially compressed

Director

Jon Watts

Produced by

Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal

Starring

Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders

Peter’s European trip is hijacked by Mysterio and elemental threats after Tony Stark’s death. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #13; Amazing Spider-Man #311; Spider-Men #1–5

Connection: Mysterio character synthesis

Director

Josh Boone

Produced by

Simon Kinberg, Lauren Shuler Donner, Karen Rosenfelt

Starring

Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga

Five young mutants trapped in a facility confront manifestations of their fears. The film uses the listed comics as its principal character and thematic foundation while reshaping events for a feature-length screen story. Familiar elements are reorganised to create a self-contained cinematic interpretation.

Comic connections: Marvel Graphic Novel #4; New Mutants #18–20 (Demon Bear Saga)

Connection: Demon Bear adaptation

Director

Cate Shortland

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, O-T Fagbenle

Natasha confronts the Red Room and the surrogate family she left behind. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Black Widow: Deadly Origin #1–4; Black Widow #1–6 (2016); Inhumans #5 (Yelena debut)

Connection: Backstory/character synthesis

Director

Destin Daniel Cretton

Produced by

Kevin Feige, Jonathan Schwartz

Starring

Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang, Fala Chen

Shang-Chi returns to his hidden family world and confronts his father’s dangerous quest. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Special Marvel Edition #15–16; Master of Kung Fu #17–19; Secret Avengers #6–10

Connection: Origin/character synthesis with major reinvention

Director

Andy Serkis

Produced by

Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, Amy Pascal, Kelly Marcel, Tom Hardy, Hutch Parker

Starring

Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Reid Scott

Eddie and Venom face serial killer Cletus Kasady after he bonds with Carnage. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #361–363; Maximum Carnage #1–14; Venom: Carnage Unleashed #1–4

Connection: Carnage-origin synthesis

Director

Chloé Zhao

Produced by

Kevin Feige, Nate Moore

Starring

Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh

Immortal beings reunite after centuries to stop Deviants and uncover their true purpose. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Eternals #1–19 and Annual #1 (1976); Eternals #1–12 (2006)

Connection: Kirby/Gaiman mythology synthesis

Director

Jon Watts

Produced by

Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal

Starring

Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon

A failed spell exposes Peter’s identity crisis to villains and heroes from other universes. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Amazing Spider-Man #24; One More Day (#544–545, Friendly Neighborhood #24, Sensational #41); Spider-Verse #1–2

Connection: Loose identity-reset and multiverse synthesis

Director

Daniel Espinosa

Produced by

Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, Lucas Foster

Starring

Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris

A doctor’s cure for a blood disease turns him into a living vampire. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #101–102; Adventure into Fear #20–31; Morbius #1–9 (1992)

Connection: Origin synthesis

Director

Sam Raimi

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong

Strange protects America Chavez from a corrupted Wanda across collapsing realities. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Doctor Strange #48–53; Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #1–9; Young Avengers Presents #3

Connection: Character/multiverse synthesis

Director

Taika Waititi

Produced by

Kevin Feige, Brad Winderbaum

Starring

Chris Hemsworth, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson, Jaimie Alexander

Thor reunites with Jane Foster, now the Mighty Thor, against the god-killer Gorr. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Thor: God of Thunder #1–11; Mighty Thor #1–23 (2015); Thor #1–8 (2014)

Connection: Two Jason Aaron arcs combined

Director

Ryan Coogler

Produced by

Kevin Feige, Nate Moore

Starring

Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke

Wakanda grieves T’Challa and clashes with Namor’s hidden undersea nation. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Fantastic Four #4; Black Panther: World of Wakanda #1–6; Doomwar #1–6

Connection: Namor/Wakanda character synthesis

Director

Peyton Reed

Produced by

Kevin Feige, Stephen Broussard

Starring

Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors, Kathryn Newton

The Ant-family is trapped in the Quantum Realm and confronts Kang the Conqueror. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Avengers #8; Fantastic Four #19; Young Avengers #1–6; Kang Dynasty (Avengers #41–55)

Connection: Kang character synthesis

Director

James Gunn

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan

The Guardians race to save Rocket and confront the creator who engineered him. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Rocket Raccoon #1–4 (1985); Annihilators #1–4; Guardians of the Galaxy #1–6 (2008)

Connection: Rocket backstory synthesis

Director

Nia DaCosta

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton

Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan become entangled and must stop a Kree revolutionary. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Ms. Marvel #1 (1977); Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16; Captain Marvel #14–17 (2013); Ms. Marvel #1–5 (2014)

Connection: Three-hero character synthesis

Director

S. J. Clarkson

Produced by

Lorenzo di Bonaventura

Starring

Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O'Connor

A paramedic with clairvoyant powers protects three young women from a future-seeing killer. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #210; #229–230; Spider-Woman #1–4 (2020)

Connection: Character synthesis; largely original plot

Director

Shawn Levy

Produced by

Kevin Feige, Lauren Shuler Donner, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy

Starring

Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin

Deadpool recruits a broken Wolverine to save his timeline from erasure. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #1–4; Old Man Logan #1–5 (2015); Deadpool #27 (2014)

Connection: Multiverse/character synthesis

Director

Kelly Marcel

Produced by

Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, Amy Pascal, Kelly Marcel, Tom Hardy, Hutch Parker

Starring

Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans

Eddie and Venom flee human and alien pursuers as their bond becomes the key to a cosmic threat. The film uses the listed comics as its principal character and thematic foundation while reshaping events for a feature-length screen story. Familiar elements are reorganised to create a self-contained cinematic interpretation.

Comic connections: Venom #1–6 (2018); King in Black #1–5; Venom: The End #1

Connection: Knull mythology, heavily altered

Director

J.C. Chandor

Produced by

Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, David Householter

Starring

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola

Sergei Kravinoff becomes a superhuman hunter and turns on his criminal father’s empire. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: The Amazing Spider-Man #15; Kraven’s Last Hunt (Web #31–32, ASM #293–294, Spectacular #131–132); Kraven #1–6 (2023)

Connection: Origin reinvention; character influence

Director

Julius Onah

Produced by

Kevin Feige, Nate Moore

Starring

Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly

Sam Wilson uncovers a conspiracy around President Ross and a race for a powerful resource. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Captain America #25 (2014); All-New Captain America #1–6; Hulk #1–6 (2008)

Connection: Sam-as-Cap and Red Hulk synthesis

Director

Jake Schreier

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko

A group of damaged antiheroes is trapped together and forced to confront a government-created superhuman crisis. Its screenplay reshapes the character’s comic-book beginnings into a self-contained screen origin while preserving the identity, relationships and choices that define the hero. The result introduces the mythology without requiring prior knowledge of the comics.

Comic connections: Thunderbolts #1–12 (1997); Dark Avengers #1–6; Sentry #1–5 (2000)

Connection: Team/character synthesis; not original team premise

Director

Matt Shakman

Produced by

Kevin Feige

Starring

Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn

A celebrated superhero family defends its retro-futurist world from the Silver Surfer and Galactus. Rather than following one issue exactly, the screenplay combines characters, conflicts and ideas from several comic eras into a new cinematic story. Recognisable motivations and relationships provide continuity with the source material.

Comic connections: Fantastic Four #1; #48–50 (Galactus Trilogy); #242–244; Marvels #2

Connection: Galactus-era synthesis