In the last couple of years, release dates have become a much more pivotal part of a film's success, with months like May and even April now being pulled into the early summer blockbuster season. So it's needless to say that most big named studios have taken notice of these recent trends, and Marvel Studios is no exception. They've mastered the box office recently with clever release date choices, as May has become their trademark (Considering it was the month The Avengers and Iron Man-arguably the studio's biggest hits-made their debuts). Well now things are getting a little more interesting, as the studios has announced their third Captain America film will be going head to head with Batman Vs. Superman.
The confirmation comes courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter, who learned that Captain America 3 will be facing off with Batman Vs. Superman on May 6th, 2016. It's worth noting that Marvel has actually had that release date reserved for an unknown film for sometime now, so it's nothing new in that sense, yet many had expected them to move the date after the Batman Vs. Superman move was announced. Well that apparently won't be the case, as it seems both Marvel and Disney are very confident in the third installment, and have no plans to move it's release. It's been rumored that DC and Warner Bros. isn't as willing to take the risk, and may move their date to an earlier or later point in the 2016 summer season, though they haven't spoken out on the recent news yet.
Being completely realistic here, most would agree that Batman Vs. Superman certainly has the advantage on this one. For one thing it'll be the first time two of the world's arguably most famous superheroes meet up on the big screen, and one of these heroes will be played by highly bankable movie star Ben Affleck (Argo). Add to that the likes of returning Man of Steel cast member Diane Lane, Amy Adams, and Laurence Fishburne, and Henry Cavill himself, as well as Gal Gadot as famed DC heroine Wonder Woman, and of course new comers Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons as Lex Luthor and Alfred, respectively. Being that the film will be the key to DC establishing their own cinematic universe leading into Justice League, there's been a lot of anticipation surrounding this film since it's announcement, and for good reason.
That being said, that isn't to say Marvel's decision to set Captain America 3 against Batman Vs. Superman wasn't a smart move. Unlike films such as Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and Doctor Strange that had previously been rumored to take the vacant Marvel release spot, Captain America is easily one of Marvel's most well known characters right now behind Iron Man. Taking into account that Cap 3 will be riding off the success of Avengers: Age of Ultron similar to how Iron Man 3 rode off the success of the first Avengers, Cap 3 may have a better chance at making to the top of the box office than originally thought. With the upcoming Captain America: The Winter Soldier seemingly living up to expectations as one of Marvel Studios' best films yet, and new characters like Anthony Mackie's Falcon joining the mix, and directors Anthony and Joe Russo returning to the helm, it's no surprise the studio is so confident in Cap 3.
While Warner Bros., Zack Snyder, and the stars of Batman Vs. Superman have yet to speak out about the announcement, the cast of Captain America: The Winter Soldier have already been asked about it in their many interviews promoting the film. Star Anthony Mackie was quick to pick Cap 3 over Batman Vs. Superman, while Chris Evans seemed disappointed they'd have to be directly competing with each other, and Sebastian Stan sited the summer of 2011 (When Green Lantern faced both Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger) as an example of why Marvel will be taking home the prize. Stan has recently stirred up some buzz as he's revealed he's signed a nine-year contract with Marvel, where as Chris Evans' contract was only for six. This has lead many to believe the death of Captain America may be coming sooner than expected, and his eventual replacement by Stan's Bucky Barnes may be in the franchise's inevitable future.
So what do you think of Captain America 3 facing Batman Vs. Superman at the box office? Who do you believe will end up coming out on top? Let us know below!
