Out: 14th July

The world’s most poorly disguised super hero/roving reporter is back! Superman Returns sees Superman return to Metropolis to find Lois Lane not only married but with a kid too! A sequel of sorts to Superman II, set five years after Superman’s battle with the evil General Zod, newcomer Brandon Routh dons the red and blue lycra with Kate Bosworth taking over as feisty Lois. Even better, in a spot of inspired casting, Kevin Spacey stars as smooth criminal Lex Luther. With X-Men 1 & 2 helmer Bryan Singer directing, SR promises to be one of the films of the summer.

Out: 7th July

It was the surprise hit of 2004 so it's no surprise that Pirates of the Caribbean has returned for a second helping, with Captain Jack Sparrow, Will and Elizabeth this time facing the cursed crew of The Flying Dutchman in Dead Man's Chest. Featuring almost three times as many SFX shots, expect all manner of gruesome sea monsters, laughs a-plenty and more swash than your buckles can handle, as well as the genius that is Johnny Depp returning as the worst pirate you have ever heard of – but, as Captain Jack pointed out, at least you’ve heard of him...

Out: 26th May

Wolverine, Storm, Cyclops and co return for the third outing as the X-Men. Reeling from the watery death of Jean Grey, Professor X's men meet new friends and foes in the shape of The Beast and Juggernaut (played by none other than football “thespian” Vinnie Jones), as well as an increasingly powerful Magneto. With usual X-Men director Bryan Singer working on Superman Returns, many were dubious of replacement Brett Ratner’s superhero credentials (Rush Hour anyone?), but the trailer was ace (featuring Magneto spectacularly trashing the Golden Gate Bridge) so things are looking good for the mutants…

This seems to be the year of high budget sequels, with Tom Cruise choosing to accept another mission that will actually, as usual, end up being very possible in Mission Impossible 3 (out 5th May). Every man and his dog has read the book, but now you can see the film when Tom Hanks-starring, Church-bothering The Da Vinci Code is released on 19th May. Retro sea-faring action crops up Poseidon, a remake of 1970’s disaster flick (out 2nd June) and comedy of the year could be in the shape of Uma Thurman in Super Ex-Girlfriend (out 11th August), about a jilted superhero getting revenge on her ex-boyfriend. Book your tickets now!