ScreenCrush’s Comic Strip is a weekly roundup of the hottest superhero movie news items. From Marvel to DC and points in between, if it pertains to costumed comic book heroes, we’re covering it here, bringing you our expert analysis. This week is jam packed with tidbits, from a major move for the 'Batman vs. Superman' movie to new Marvel TV ventures to Phase 2 updates!

Universal
Universal
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But first things first ... is 'Kick-Ass 2' the Best Superhero Movie of 2013? In the ongoing ScreenCrush Fan Choice Awards -- during which fans vote for the best movies, TV series and performances from a selection nominated by the ScreenCrush editors -- the sequel to the Chloe Moretz- and Aaron Taylor-Johnson-led superhero flick is surprisingly surpassing 'Man of Steel,' 'Iron Man 3,' 'Thor: The Dark World' and 'The Wolverine' for the title of Best Superhero Movie of 2013. However, this could all change, as readers have until February 11 to cast their votes, and votes can be cast once per hour. Be sure to submit yours in the poll below:

'Batman vs. Superman'

Ever since 'Man of Steel' director Zack Snyder made the big announcement during Comic-Con 2013 that the sequel to his Henry Cavill-led Superman film would team-up the Man of Steel with the Dark Knight in a 'Batman vs. Superman' movie, fans were already marking their calendars for the 2015 release date. But this all changes now that Warner Bros. has re-dated the project for release on May 6, 2016 -- which is coincidentally the same date that an untitled Marvel movie will be hitting theaters. Interesting ...

This move will give the "filmmakers time to realize fully their vision, given the complex visual nature of the story," said Warner Bros. International Distribution President Veronika Kwan Vandenberg:

We know that there is already great anticipation building for the next super hero film from Zack Snyder, and we are equally eager to see what he has in store for Superman and Batman as they share the big screen for the first time ever.

Animation

Though this comes as a major downer for fans, given both the grand scale of the mere prospect of a team-up like this and the first feature-film rendering of Wonder Woman with Gal Gadot, we still have, at least, the upcoming VOD release of 'Justice League War.' Based on the graphic novel 'Justice League: Origins' by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, the animated movie envisions Dark Seid's epic attack on Earth, which also serves as the initial moment that calls the Justice League to form. Check out the two latest clips from the film, hitting VOD and DVD this February 4, below:

In addition, Warner Bros. Animation revealed a first look at its upcoming 'Batman and Son' movie, loosely based on the Grant Morrison comic arc of 2006, in the form of a trailer. As ComicsAlliance pointed out, while Damian (Robin) is introduced as Batman's unruly pre-teen son, the film throws in Deathstroke, a villain not featured in the comics. The footage looks pretty killer, regardless:

 

'Batman and Son' will hit DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download later in the spring.

The Avengers

Marvel
Marvel
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Though 2015 lost its Batman and Superman, there's still 'The Avengers: Age of Ultron' coming on May 1, 2015! While the sentient and super-powered Ultron (voiced by James Spader), the magic-wielding Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and her speedster brother Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) all serve to hype up the release even more, another addition has been made that will make you forget all about 'Batman vs. Superman.'

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Thomas Kretschmann, who's known around the NBC pool for his role in the 'Dracula' TV series, was cast in the role of Baron Von Strucker, that secondary and not-so secret villain we told you about. The character is described as an ex-Nazi leader of the villainous group H.Y.D.R.A., an expert marksman and swordsman, and one capable of prolonging his life (seemingly) indefinitely. He will reportedly be introduced at the very beginning of the film as a means of incorporating Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver into the storyline -- comic fans know that these two siblings were involved in villainous activities before teaming up with The Avengers ... just something to think about.

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'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' was seen filming reshoots recently with stars Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson around the same time Kretschmann's casting was revealed. Could this mean there will be some tie-in of Baron von Strucker to this standalone film? While this remains speculation at this point, the filmmakers on that project revealed the 'Captain America' sequel will have the most lead-in to 'The Avengers: Age of Ultron,' so it seems like a possibility.

While we wait on more details, one thing is confirmed -- the next 'Captain America 2' trailer will hit during the 2014 Super Bowl! The big game will air on FOX starting at 6 pm on Sunday, February 2, and this trailer will be accompanied by new previews for 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2,' 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' and the first 'Transformers 4' trailer. So, in short, commercial time is game time!

Check out all the trailers coming for this year's Super Bowl Sunday HERE.

Lady Sif Agent Carter
Marvel Studios
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Elsewhere in the Marvel universe, two new members of the 'Avengers' movies will be making big jumps to the small screen -- 'Thor' and 'Thor: The Dark World' star Jaimie Alexander will descend from Asgard as Lady Sif upon 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,' and Hayley Atwell's 'Agent Carter' is moving ahead with her own potential TV series.

During the 2014 Television Critics Association panels, ABC Entertainment Group President Paul Lee made the announcements, first revealing that Sif will make her grand entrance on the 15th episode of 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' "with a specific mission," making her the first super-powered hero of the film series to pop up in the TV sphere.

As for 'Agent Carter,' this was the first time that Marvel officially acknowledged development on a standalone series for the character. Atwell starred as Captain America's agent love interest in 'The First Avenger' before landing her own Marvel One-Shot short film, 'Agent Carter.' Now, thanks to her character's popularity among Marvelites, Tara Butters and Michele Fazekas have been brought on as showrunners for a potential series, while scribes Christopher Markus and Stephen McFreely from the first 'Captain America' movie have written the script. As of now, no pilot order has been officially made, though thinks are looking up!

'The Amazing Spider-Man'

While Disney and ABC's Marvel divisions continue expanding their shared universe, so too are Sony with their Spider-Man properties. Director Marc Webb's highly anticipated 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2,' which will be a major stepping stone towards the announced 'Sinister Six' movie, released a few new looks in the form of posters and photos -- probably the most attractive marketing moves for the film yet!

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Character Posters
Sony Pictures
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The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Character Posters
Sony Pictures
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The Amazing Spider-Man 2
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See the rest HERE.

While this production is already toting some big names and characters (namely Jamie Foxx's Electro, Paul Giamatti's Rhino and Green Goblin presumably as Dane DeHaan), if you recall, Shailene Woodley was supposed to make an appearance as Mary Jane Watson in the sequel, though, due to the focus of the story, had to be cut. Will we eventually see her down the road in 'The Amazing Spider-Man 3,' or was all her work for nothing? Speaking with MTV News about the character, the actress said:

I don’t know anything, but seeing as how they picked up the next two Divergent films, I don’t know how I’d keep my sanity with two big action films in one year … But anything can happen…

And there you have it! Check back next week for another wrap up of the latest comic book movie news.

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