Outside of the long-awaited Watchmen adaptation, 2009 looks to be a surprisingly meek year for comic to film releases. However, plans are already in motion for several major properties to hit screens in the years following. An Iron Man sequel is an obvious no-brainer, but Marvel, having recently re-acquired the film rights to many of their most recognizable characters, is looking to capitalize on this summer’s success with an ambitious plan to create a cinematic universe where characters can pop up in each others’ films, much like the comics.

This has already been teased with a certain cameo in the Hulk re-boot and promises to be only prelude to an Avengers film in 2011, uniting not only characters (and hopefully actors) from Iron Man and the Hulk, but also solo outings for Thor and Captain America, both of which are already in the works.

Unfortunately, one continuity snag has already reared its unwelcome head as Don Cheadle will be replacing Terence Howard as Rhodey in the Iron Man follow-up, as well as the Avengers. Edward Norton has also expressed disinterest in reprising his role in a sequel or any other projects following his frustration with the studio and director over the final cut of the Hulk.

And what about DC’s plans? After The Dark Knight dismantled box office records this summer, rumors are buzzing about many of their characters finally getting the big screen treatment. Properties like the Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, the Flash, and a complete re-envisioning of the Superman franchise are all flying full speed ahead. Even the long in development Preacher looks to finally be realized with Sam Mendes (American Beauty) in talks to helm the Vertigo imprint cult favorite.

There’s a lot to look forward to, and with minimal offerings from studios at least in the coming year, its still never been a better time to be a comic book fan.

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