When the eagerly awaited blockbuster Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice finally arrives in March 2016, the Caped Crusader and the Man of Steel won't be the only superheroes doing battle with each other at cinemas.
Hollywood studios have begun to craft their release schedules as far ahead as 2020, and it appears the film will be one of a number of titles in the comic-book genre set to dominate the box office for several years to come.
While a mere three superhero titles are slated for release in 2015, six more comic-book movies will open in 2016, seven in 2017, and another six in 2018. Many remain unnamed but, according to The Hollywood Reporter, "The sudden craze to fill the calendar is fuelled by an unprecedented arms race among superhero empires."
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy earned over $94m (£56m) at the US box office within days of release on 1 August, the third most successful opening weekend of 2014. Guardians was considered Marvel's biggest gamble to date, but now the Disney-owned company feels confident betting on a movie masterplan said to stretch all the way to 2028.
The first few films in that plan are a mix of sequels such as Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), and new titles including Ant-Man (also 2015). Those mapped out beyond 2017 are yet to be identified - but that hasn't stopped Marvel and its rivals jockeying for future release dates.
