In an era where superhero films continue to dominate the box office, many groundbreaking comic book arcs remain untouched in live-action. As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, these five unadapted classics from Marvel and DC offer immense potential for epic, emotionally resonant blockbusters. From multiversal threats to personal demons, these stories could redefine the genre.
1. Kingdom Come (DC Comics, 1996)
Written by Mark Waid with breathtaking painted art by Alex Ross, Kingdom Come is a four-issue miniseries that presents a future where the classic heroes have retired, giving way to a new generation of reckless, violent metahumans with no regard for human life. When tragedy strikes, an aged Superman emerges from exile to restore order, leading to a clash between old ideals and new chaos.
The story explores profound themes like legacy, morality, the role of heroes in society, and the dangers of unchecked power. Iconic moments include Superman’s return in a redesigned suit, epic battles involving the Justice League, Wonder Woman, and even Captain Marvel (Shazam), and a climactic confrontation with a brainwashed Captain Marvel orchestrated by Lex Luthor’s Mankind Liberation Front.
Why it deserves a live-action film: In the current DC Universe reboot under James Gunn, Kingdom Come could serve as a mature, standalone Elseworlds tale or a future-set epic. Its stunning visuals—thanks to Ross’s hyper-realistic style—would translate beautifully to CGI-heavy spectacle, while the generational conflict mirrors real-world debates. Imagine veteran actors portraying older heroes alongside younger stars as the new guard. No full live-action adaptation exists yet, making this a prime candidate for a prestige superhero film that balances action with philosophical depth.
2. Crisis on Infinite Earths (DC Comics, 1985-1986)
Marv Wolfman and George Pérez’s landmark 12-issue event revolutionized DC Comics by streamlining its convoluted multiverse. The villainous Anti-Monitor seeks to destroy all positive matter universes, unleashing waves of antimatter that erase entire Earths. Heroes from across infinite realities—including multiple Supermen, Flash variants, and countless others—unite under the Monitor’s guidance to save existence itself.
Key sacrifices, like Barry Allen’s Flash and Supergirl’s heroic deaths, cement its emotional weight. The story culminates in a reality-rebooting battle that merges surviving universes into one cohesive timeline, paving the way for modern DC continuity.
Why it deserves a live-action film: While the Arrowverse loosely adapted elements in a 2019-2020 crossover and an animated trilogy exists, a proper big-screen live-action version could rival Avengers: Endgame in scope. With the DCU embracing multiversal stories, this could feature cameos from past DC actors (like Brandon Routh or Ezra Miller) alongside new ones. The cosmic stakes, massive hero assemblies, and heartbreaking losses would make for an unparalleled event film—perfect for 2026’s evolving superhero landscape.
3. Annihilation (Marvel Comics, 2006)
Keith Giffen, Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, and others crafted this cosmic crossover event, spanning multiple miniseries. Annihilus leads the Annihilation Wave—a massive insectoid army—from the Negative Zone, conquering vast swaths of the universe. Heroes like Nova (Richard Rider), Silver Surfer, Ronan the Accuser, and a reformed Guardians of the Galaxy form the United Front to resist.
Subplots involve Drax’s vengeance, Super-Skrull’s sacrifice, and Galactus unleashing heralds. The war reshapes Marvel’s cosmic corner, introducing new threats and alliances.
Why it deserves a live-action film: As the MCU expands beyond Earth with projects like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and potential Nova series, Annihilation offers a space opera epic with galaxy-spanning battles. It could unite Captain Marvel, Thor, and the Guardians against Annihilus, providing high-stakes action absent from recent MCU cosmic tales. No direct adaptation yet—rumors persist, but 2026 could be the year for this underutilized gem.
4. Demon in a Bottle (Marvel Comics, 1979)
David Michelinie, Bob Layton, and John Romita Jr.’s nine-issue arc (Invincible Iron Man #120-128) delves into Tony Stark’s battle with alcoholism. Amid corporate takeovers by Justin Hammer and SHIELD, Stark’s drinking spirals, costing him relationships (including with Jarvis) and nearly his life as Iron Man.
The iconic finale sees Tony shatter a bottle, symbolizing his commitment to sobriety after hitting rock bottom.
Why it deserves a live-action film: Elements influenced Iron Man 2‘s party scene, but the full arc—focusing on addiction, vulnerability, and redemption—remains unadapted. In a post-Endgame MCU, a standalone Tony Stark story (perhaps with recast or multiverse variant) could offer grounded drama amid spectacle, tackling mental health maturely. It’s a character-driven masterpiece ripe for awards-season appeal.
5. Batman: Hush (DC Comics, 2002-2003)
Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee’s 12-issue mystery sees a bandaged villain named Hush manipulate Batman’s rogues—Poison Ivy, Joker, Clayface, and more—to target the Dark Knight’s life and psyche. Twists involve childhood friend Thomas Elliot, romantic tension with Catwoman, and alliances with Superman and Huntress.
The story blends detective noir, brutal fights, and personal revelations, culminating in a shocking identity reveal.
Why it deserves a live-action film: An animated version exists, but live-action would shine as a gritty Batman thriller. In Matt Reeves’ universe or the main DCU, it could feature Robert Pattinson facing a personal foe, with stunning Jim Lee-inspired visuals. Full of intrigue and Gotham’s best villains, it’s ideal for a standalone mystery blockbuster.
These storylines represent the untapped goldmine of comic lore. With superhero cinema evolving in 2026—amid reboots and multiversal experiments—they could deliver fresh, impactful films. Which one do you think should hit screens first? The potential is endless for spectacle, emotion, and innovation.
DC Fanboy! Superman is the greatest comic book character of all time. Favorite movies are Man of Steel, Goonies, Back To the Future
