Superheroes in the box office

What to look forward to this year

such as Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) wrestler-turnedactor Dave Bautista reprise their roles as Starlord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Groot and Drax the Destroyer, respectively. This film will most notably be Bautista’s final project with Marvel, as the 54-yearold opted not to renew his contract once it expired, citing his desire to partake in more serious roles as he saw Drax as more of a comedic role.

The Flash

As we continue into the new year, a myriad of new movies are on the horizon. 2023 has the potential to be the year of the comic book movie, as both Marvel and DC have a lot in store due to COVID-19-related delays. Just a few of these up-and-coming films include:

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

The misfit group of heroes make their long-awaited return to the big screen on May 5, 2023. Originally slated for release in 2019 or 2020, the film’s production was pushed back due to Disney’s controversial firing of director James Gunn in 2018 and subsequent rehiring in 2019. This film will conclude the Guardian’s story as actors

Despite the many controversies surrounding lead actor Ezra Miller, Warner Brothers is moving forward with the much-anticipated stand-alone film. Miller will reprise their role as Barry Allen/The Flash. Miller has appeared several times as The Flash in the DC Extended Universe, but this will be the first film focused entirely on the character. Development began in 2020 but was delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and director changes. The film’s ultimate director is Andy Muschietti and will follow The Flash as he deals with the consequences of traveling back in time to prevent his mother’s murder. The film is set to release on June 16, 2023.

Ant-Man: Quantumania

With release right around the corner on February 17, 2023, Paul Rudd and Evangeline Christie reprise their roles as Scott Lang/Ant-Man and Hope van Dyne/ The Wasp in the third installment of the Ant-Man franchise. Directed by Peyton Reed, the duo continues to explore the quantum realm, which pits them against Jonathan Majors’ Kang the Conqueror. This film, along with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, will be the next installments in phase five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

This year has the potential to bring in many memorable superhero films, so whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan, a DC enjoyer or just a casual viewer, there are good things in store for you.

Evan Majors is a sophomore English and communication major from Lincoln, Neb.

The airport

When you’re asked to do the worst favor

“Will you drive me to the airport?” — the most dreaded words you’ll ever hear as a college student.

They’re your friend, you can’t just say no, but their flight leaves at 6 a.m. They need you to be ready to go at three in the morning. You don’t want to. But alas, you can’t become their enemy now.

“Sure,” you say with instant regret. Who needs sleep anyway? You can’t just abandon your friend to an early morning Uber. You’ll have to make do.

The day arrives to take them to the airport. You drag yourself out of bed 5 minutes before you have to leave. It’s just an hour’s drive to the airport, and sweatpants are your new best friend — at least better than the one making you drive to the airport.

Your friend loads their suitcase and hops into the front seat — yes, hops. They are energized and excited to go on their grand adventure home. You wonder how much caffeine and sugar they must’ve consumed to literally be bouncing in their seat so early in the morning.

You’re still half asleep and roll your eyes as you turn on the radio and pull out of the parking lot. It’s “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).” Your friend starts singing along. You love your friend, but singing is not their strong suit. You try changing the station. It’s “Party in the USA.” Your friend still sings along. You suddenly wonder if you can run your car into a ditch on the side of the road. Who would be in the mood to sing — or in this case to screech — to music after that? Only a crazy person would have the audacity. But looking over at your friend, you could swear you see the crazy in their eyes. It’s not worth the risk.

You turn off the radio. But it’s too little too late. Now they’re humming to themselves, and when they aren’t, they’re asking a ton of ridiculous questions. Then you see it: the signs to the airport. You’re almost there, and as a bonus, you can ask for silence so you can concentrate without being rude.

You make it to the drop-off zone. They get out and unload the car. They pause to look at you. “What do I owe you?” Yikes. You obviously deserve compensation for the actual torture you just experienced.

“Oh, don’t worry about it.” No, you didn’t mean it! They smile and leave. You now understand what true misery is as you pull away from the airport.

Lacey Stecker is a senior English and communication major from Noblesville, Ind.