A primer on comic-book movies, and superhero shows, coming from Marvel and DC in 2026, and which ones are worth your attention.
This article is based on a episode of “Meet Me Here,” KUOW’s arts and culture podcast.
If there are two movies you should mark your 2026 calendars for, according to Seattle film critic Tim Hall and myself, it’s “Supergirl” in June, and “Avengers: Doomsday” in December. “Supergirl” is likely going to be a crowd pleaser with mass appeal, which is what DC desperately needs. “Avengers: Doomsday” is Marvel’s opportunity to kick off another phase of comic-book movies after being forced to come up with a new cinematic plan in a short period of time.
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“This is a window. This is an opening [for DC],” Hall said. “This is the moment DC can establish itself as someone to be taken seriously in this genre.”
After poaching director James Gunn from the Marvel movie machine, DC has embarked on a renewed cinematic effort. It started with its 2025 “Superman” movie, and continues in 2026 with “Supergirl,” along with a few supporting projects.
Marvel has a challenge of its own. There was a plan after the Infinity Saga, to pursue a new series of films based around an enemy named Kang, played by actor Jonathan Majors. But Majors was dropped after facing harassment and assault charges, forcing Marvel to quickly come up with a plan B (bringing back “Iron Man” actor Robert Downey Jr. in the role of a new villain, Dr. Doom). With “Avengers: Doomsday” on the horizon, audiences will soon find out how Marvel plans to keep things moving.
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“If done right, I think they are going to start this next wave of Marvel films,” Hall said. “The pandemic came, we had the writers strike, and a lot of stuff interrupted [Marvel] and I think we’re just now starting to see some of these studios settle down and figure out what direction they want to go in. I think this is going to be Marvel’s first big swing. And I think they are going to hit it.”
Most exciting movies of 2026
Supergirl (June 26, 2026)
Based on the comic series “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” this follow-up to 2025’s “Superman” aims to further build out DC’s cinematic universe. Expect new characters that will create some buzz (Jason Momoa returns to DC’s big screen as Lobo, which should make hardcore comic fans happy).
“Supergirl” will likely be like “Superman” — a crowd pleaser good for the general movie-going audience. The bar of entry for this film should be low. No need to be up to date on comic book lore for this one.
Avengers: Doomsday (Dec. 18, 2026)
Little is known about what “Doomsday” is about. Expect the multiverse to play a role, which Marvel has been setting up for a few years. After his character (Iron Man) died in the last Avengers movie, actor Robert Downey Jr. is returning to the Marvel cinematic universe as the villain Dr. Doom.
Marvel started 2026 by slowing teasing audiences, with trailers revealing Captain America and Thor will return in “Avengers: Doomsday.” Also, Black Panther and Fantastic Four, and the X-Men (as seen in previous films produced by Sony) will be folded into the mix.
Just as “Avengers: Infinity War” is paired with “Avengers: Endgame,” “Doomsday” is expected to set up “Avengers: Secret Wars,” which is slated for a 2027 release.
Other films of note
Clayface (Sept. 11, 2026)
The only other movie DC is putting out in 2026. This horror movie is based on a Batman villain who can change his shape to impersonate or disguise himself. The filmmaking team behind this movie boasts their own horror movie credits, notably Mike Flanagan as a writer. Flanagan is known as the force behind “The Haunting of Hill House,” “Midnight Mass,” and a range of other successful horror titles.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day (July 31, 2026)
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is the only other Marvel movie in 2026. It comes out prior to “Avengers: Doomsday,” so it’s possible that this movie will set up that film.
As of the start of 2026, Marvel has kept very quiet about what this new Spider-Man movie is about. There is a lot of speculation. Since the last movie, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (spoiler alert) left Peter Parker in a world that has completely forgotten he exists, this new chapter is expected to bring him back into the Marvel universe, while also setting up the Spider-Man brand for future films. Perhaps the other Spider-Man, Miles Morales, will show up?
Streaming shows
Daredevil: Born Again (March 2026, Disney+)
This show technically started on Netflix, but Disney+ finally brought it over to its streaming service to be with all the other Marvel characters. This version of Daredevil — the blind lawyer who fights crime and corruption at night —has always been among the best Marvel shows ever made. It certainly keeps up that momentum with this latest series. And as with all good speculative fiction, this show may be holding up a mirror to society.
Lanterns (release date unknown, HBO)
While “Peacemaker” and “Creature Commandos” are being woven into the new DC universe that spans movies and streaming shows, “Lanterns” is the first show created with this effort officially up and running. Green Lanterns are essentially space cops with rings that give them super powers. For this show, the characters of Hal Jordan and John Stewart are buddy space cops. They are sent to Nebraska to investigate a murder, which will lead them to a much larger plot.
“Lanterns” is being hyped as a “True Detective” style show fit for HBO. One of the main players putting this show together is showrunner Chris Mundy, whose credits include producing and writing on “True Detective: Night Country.”
Punisher (special, release date unknown, Disney+)
Marvel is very hush hush on what it is calling a “special” that will bring a new “Punisher” story to Disney+ sometime in 2026.
Spider-Noir (release date unknown, MGM+)
There is no exact release date for this eight-episode series slated for MGM+. Nicolas Cage stars as a detective in a gritty 1930s town. He’s got a past that haunts him. And he has a mystery to solve. Also, he’s Spider-Man.
This is one of the alternate-universe Spider-Man tales that most folks are familiar with from the “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Cage voiced the same character in that animated film. It’s a lesser-known example of how much fun Marvel has had stretching its characters across interesting angles in the comics.
VisionQuest (miniseries, release date unknown, Disney+)
“VisionQuest” is a spinoff from a previous Marvel miniseries, “WandaVision,” and brings back actor Paul Bettany as Vision. Terry Matalas was brought in as showrunner and director for this show. Matalas is known for his work on “12 Monkeys” and the best season of “Star Trek: Picard.”
Wonder Man (miniseries, January 27, 2026, Disney+)
Simon Williams is a down and out actor looking for his big break. A role in the latest superhero movie could be the ticket. But in order to get the role, filmmakers want to make sure he doesn’t actually have superpowers … uh oh.
This Marvel miniseries is giving off comedy vibes. Marvel has also brought back Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery, another character who has served as comic relief in its other movies.
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