Kids movies are becoming more representative of all kids out there, and it's truly a breath of fresh air.
We still have a long way to go before there's really good representation of every group. Still, 2022 is a big year for movies featuring dynamic, strong, compelling Black characters.
Fans of Spider-Man will be excited to see the return of Miles Morales, but there are also new characters to meet and explore. Take a look at some of the actors behind the characters you'll meet on film screens this year.
Idris Elba as Knuckles in 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2'
You can recognize Idris Elba's voice anywhere, so fans were excited to learn that he was cast in the series. If you're worried about him being a bad guy, fear not. While Knuckles begins as an adversary, the storyline has a lot of twists and turns in store. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 comes out April 8.
Craig Robinson as Mr. Shark in 'The Bad Guys'
These bad guys are ready to go good, but the road to redemption isn't always easy. Each character overcomes misunderstandings on their way to doing the right thing. The Bad Guys comes out April 18.
Chiwetel Ejiofor as Karl Mordo in 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness'
Chiwetel Ejiofor returns as Karl Mordo in the eagerly anticipated Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. While a lot has been kept under wraps about the plot of the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fans are eager to see what side Mordo is on as the action moves forward. This film is out May 6.
Taraji P. Henson as Belle Bottom in 'Minions: The Rise of Gru'
The minions are back, and they're taking us to the '70s for a whole new adventure. Belle Bottom, voiced by Taraji P. Henson, is the leader of The Vicious 6, a supervillain supergroup that young Gru is a fan of. This one hits theaters July 1.
Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie in 'Thor: Love and Thunder'
Valkyrie comes back in Thor: Love and Thunder as the ruler of New Asgard and Thor's closest confidante. There have also been exciting hints this film might explore an LGBTQ relationship in a way the MCU has never tackled before. The next installment in the Thor films is out July 8.
Shameik Moore as Miles Morales in 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse'
Into the Spider-Verse fans are hyped for this next installment of Miles Morales' story as Spider-Man. This time, he'll join forces with Gwen Stacy and other spider-people to go on a multiverse adventure. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse will hit theaters October 7.
Keegan-Michael Key as Toad in 'Super Mario Bros.'
All the characters you know and love from your favorite game are ready to adventure to save Princess Peach. This film brings a new host of voices to these characters, including Keegan-Michael Key as Toad. Super Mario Bros. will be in theaters in December 2022.
