12 Upcoming Comic Book Movie Performances That Will Kick Ass

It's getting to the stage now where there are very few top level actors who haven't already dipped their toes in the comic book movie pond. Unless they've expressly stated their disdain for such movies, actors getting a lucrative, high-profile role in one of the big franchises is now a sort of validation of their fame.

While we've already seen lots of major talents tread those boards, the increasing good health of the genre means there are even more potentially eye-catching performances to come in the next few years. That includes huge rising stars, Oscar-darlings and vastly experienced veterans and that can only mean good things for fans.

Now, obviously everyone already knows about Joaquin Phoenix's potential in the upcoming Joker, but there are also some other pretty astonishing looking performances in other comic book movies that might prove to be just as impressive. Well, maybe not QUITE up at his Oscar-worthy level, perhaps, but they're going to turn a lot of heads all the same...

12. Woody Harrelson - Carnage (Venom 2)

While the chance to see more of Tom Hardy's Venom is a huge draw for the upcoming Venom sequel - and the idea of Andy Serkis being involved to bring his motion capture experience likewise - the other exciting hangover from the first movie is Woody Harrelson.

While the first movie compromised on story and supporting characters in order to give Tom Hardy the chance to shine (or accidentally managed the same feat by just being a bit misguided), it would absolutely have benefited from Harrelson playing a more significant part. As it was, he was just in the post-credits stinger, setting up his eventual transformation from the murderous Cletus Kasady into the even more murderous Carnage.

From all we got to see, his Casady will very much be from the Nic Cage school of "restrained acting," and the idea of Harrelson having as much fun as Hardy did is pretty damn great.