The trend that can’t be defeated

Movie-goers can expect to see many of their favorite heroes in tights (and armor) on the big screen during the next two years.

May 7: “Iron Man 2”
The summer superhero blockbuster with the closest release date and biggest hype, of course, is “Iron Man 2.” After the success of the first film, many fans expect this sequel to shock and amaze.

June 8: “Jonah Hex”
This supernatural-tinged western has went through the development ringer and faced re-shoots and a possible delay in release, but the a new trailer shows that this Josh Brolin-vehicle could be good and not just a platform for more Megan Fox oogling.

August 13: “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”
“Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz” mastermind Edgar Wright is driving the adaptation of one the most celebrated new series of recent years. Despite some hesitance towards Michael Cera playing another high school geek, this one looks beyond boss.

Jan 14, 2011: “The Green Hornet”
A would-be 2010 release, “The Green Hornet,” will instead be released next year. Though the modern movie-goer might not know of this hero from 1930s radio, a cast including Seth Rogen as the eponymous hero as well as futuristic 3D effects should make this one interesting. Oh, and let’s not forget Cameron Diaz as the love interest.

May 6, 2011: “Thor”
Fans who like their superheroes mixed with a little Norse mythology can look forward to next summer’s “Thor.” This star-studded ensemble, which includes Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins, features newcomer Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Kenneth Branagh in the director’s chair.

June 17, 2011: “Green Lantern”
The Green Lantern is back, this time as Justice League member Hal Jordan. Ryan Reynolds dons the power ring in this version while Tim Robbins, Blake Lively and Peter Sarsgaard round out the cast.

July 22, 2011: “The First Avenger: Captain America”
The revival of classic characters keeps rolling along with this release, which brings Chris Evans back to the world of superhero movies as Captain America. Ryan Phillippe and Hugo Weaving are also rumored to be involved.

2011: “Red Sonja”
This female barbarian first appeared in “Conan the Barbarian” but soon got her own spin-off. Rose McGowan is slated to fill the title role, with Megan Fox also appearing.

Other films in development for 2012 and beyond:

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”
“Venom”
“The Man of Steel”
“The Avengers”
“Nick Fury”
Sequel to "Dark Knight"