Top 5 Upcoming Comic Book Movies Outside Marvel and DC

Back in 2015, it was announced that Valiant Comics had teamed up with Sony Pictures to produce five films. The first two projects will center on Bloodshot, a retired soldier whose powers include super strength, rapid regeneration, and shape shifting. Valiant’s next two films would be based on the “Harbinger” comic series, leading to a crossover event with Bloodshot in “Harbinger Wars.” The initial “Bloodshot” film will mark the feature directorial debut of Dave Wilson, a longtime collaborator of “Deadpool” director Tim Miller. Oscar-winner Jared Leto is in talks to play the villainous Angelo Mortalli while Vin Diesel is being eyed to star as the titular Bloodshot. Naturally, he’ll probably have more lines than Groot.

Long before the recent renaissance of superhero movies, 1994’s “The Crow” showed audiences just how stylish and sophisticated a comic book adaptation could be. Sadly, actor Brandon Lee never got to reprise the role of Eric Draven, as he was accidentally shot on set. Given the original film’s cult status and the source material’s high quality, it’s not surprising that a reboot has been in the works for a while now. Although the project was stalled following the bankruptcy of Relativity Media, director Corin Hardy has apparently remained attached. With Sony now reportedly distributing the remake, actor Jason Momoa will go from swimming under the sea as Aquaman to reaching new heights as the Crow.

One of the more obscure superheroes on our list today, Invincible was co-created by writer Robert Kirkman of “The Walking Dead” and artist Cory Walker. Making its debut in 2002, this comic series centers on Markus Sebastian Grayson, the son of an alien superhero who inherits his father’s super strength and flying powers. In 2017, it was announced that Universal Picture would be producing an “Invincible” film with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg acting as writers, producers, and directors. Granted, Rogen and Goldberg don’t have the best track record with comic book movies, having previously worked on “The Green Hornet.” If their TV adaptation of “Preacher” proves anything, though, it’s that they’ve learned a lot.

If there’s one comic book icon in dire need of a reboot, it’s Spawn. The 1997 take on this badass antihero was universally panned for its laughable CGI and nonsensical plot, sending the planned sequel to development hell. Creator Todd McFarlane was thus motivated to direct his own live-action “Spawn” movie. Hey, if you want something done right, ya gotta do it yourself. It was recently announced that McFarlane has completed the film’s script with Jamie Foxx in the running to play Al Simmons. As if that’s not cool enough, the film will go for a hard R rating and studio Blumhouse Productions’ involvement only has us more optimistic, especially considering their recent winning streak. It remains to be seen if it will reach the highs of the beloved HBO series.

Guillermo del Toro previously brought Hellboy to the screen with stunning visuals and a pitch perfect performance from Ron Perlman. While we would’ve liked to have seen the end of del Toro’s proposed “Hellboy” trilogy, the upcoming reboot has attracted a stellar cast and crew. If David Harbour’s Emmy-nominated work on “Stranger Things” didn’t have you excited for his portrayal of Hellboy, seeing the actor in full makeup did. Seriously, how did Harbour go from mastering the “dad bod” to rocking a six-pack? The film is being directed by Neil Marshall, who’s proven his worth behind the camera on “Games of Thrones.” With a supporting casting including Ian McShane and Milla Jovovich, expect one hell of a show.