In the latest episode of the Screen Rant Underground podcast, our editors were asked to weigh-in on the lack of official information available for DC’s Justice League film – set to hit theaters in 2015. Three years is a long time, especially if the studio can piggyback off of potential Man of Steel success; however, the lack of concrete details has left many moviegoers concerned that the only thing DC knows for sure is they’d like to make Avengers-calliber money – as fast as possible.
Thankfully, small details have been slipping through unofficial cracks and, together, they’re beginning to paint an encouraging picture. After news broke that the Justice League would likely go toe-to-toe with iconic, and formidable, DC bad guy Darkseid, we’re now getting possible word of how the supervillain could kick-off the Justice League movie story.
The potential scoop comes (again) from Latino Review, who typically have a reliable track record when it comes to exclusives. Regular readers will remember that the site was responsible for reporting that Darkseid would serve as the film’s primary antagonist and this latest bit of information certainly helps support their previous claim.
According to their report, Justice League scribe Will Beall has been drawing heavily from Gerry Conway’s 1980 Justice League of America and Justice Society of America team-up in Justice League of America issues 183 – 185.
As we mentioned in our discussion of Darkseid as a potential Justice League movie villain, the character is known for manipulating events (and people) behind the scenes – in pursuit of his own long-term ambitions. Issues 183 – 185 would definitely provide a lot of assets for Darkseid (and Beall) to use – too many for a single movie – and could serve as a strong foundation for further adventures down the line. While there is a lot of overarching story material in the Justice League 183 – 185 arc, including New Genesis (home to the New Gods), the Injustice Society, the Justice Society of America, and Metron (a time-traveling immortal), Latino Review‘s script report specifically mentions Darkseid’s attempt to destroy Earth and replace it with his home planet, Apokolips (a rival to New Genesis).
Check out the covers below (click to enlarge):
It’s easy to imagine that setup, one that we essentially saw play-out this summer in Transformers: Dark of the Moon, could serve an epic and visually striking debut for the Justice League – not to mention provide monumental stakes that only a team of super-powered do-gooders could overcome. In addition, a complex primary challenge – save Earth from a giant weapon of mass destruction and takedown one of DC’s most powerful villains would provide a range of globe (if not galaxy)-trotting objectives that could make use of the range of available abilities and weakness in the Justice League team itself.
As mentioned, the storyline also includes a LOT of additional content, characters, locales, and plot beats that we imagine Beall is either simplifying, combining, or outright cutting, in order to tighten the storyline into a satisfying single-movie progression. Plus, much of the storyline takes place in space (especially New Genesis) not on Earth – something that the filmmakers will almost-definitely change.
Warner Bros.’ learned a hard lesson with Green Lantern – which is often criticized for throwing way too many zany aliens, intergalactic locales, and heavy-handed exposition into a single film. Not to mention, stakes are even higher for Justice League, and DC has their work cut out for them, since they’ve elected to release a team-up film first (before most of the primary players enjoy standalone origin adventures).
It’s also worth noting that, as is the case with any movie this early in development, Beall could dramatically shift the plot away from the Justice League 183 – 185 source material – leaving only small remnants of the original concept. There are a number of major factors that Warner Bros. is going to be watching before they commit entirely to a singular Justice League direction – most notably the reception of their upcoming Man of Steel film. For months we’ve been saying that much of the Justice League production will be a response to either positive or negative momentum following Zack Snyder’s Superman movie. If reactions are negative, it’s possible they could try and use Nolan’s Batman franchise to anchor Justice League – which would likely mean major script changes.
Another factor that could alter the Justice League storyline is similarities between DC’s potential choice of Darkseid and the eventual showdown between The Avengers and Thanos. As regular readers remember, The Avengers 2 debuts the same year as Justice League – and the burden to do something new is on DC – as too many similarities would cause casual moviegoers (the ones who helped Marvel bring in 1.5 billion at the global box office) to think that Justice League ripped-off The Avengers (even though Thanos came along after Darkseid in comic book history). Viewers might be able to overlook similarities in the villains themselves but Marvel’s Avengers 2 features a plot that is reminiscent of DC’s Justice League 183 – 185 storyline, expect DC to make some large alterations.
Of course, at this point, the report is unofficial – and Beall could be working on an entirely different plot for the film. Still, there’s no doubt that if anything can provide reason for a Justice League team-up, it’s an Earth-destroying campaign led by one of DC’s wickedest baddies.
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Follow me on Twitter @benkendrick for more on Justice League as well as future movie, TV, and gaming news.
Justice League is scheduled for release in 2015.
Source: Latino Review
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Hi Screenrant!first time posting after longtime lurking.
Suprised you guys left out a crucial bit about this storyline-the fact that its primarily set in SPACE!on New Genesis!
Good man. I knew there was something I forgot! Thanks for posting. I’ve included a line about that point.
Ben,
Great article(I’m new to commenting, but have been following screenrant for a long time). As far as my thoughts on Darkseid as a villain for Justice League, I’m not sure about that. I think that instead of Darkseid as a threat, the threat should be to the League themselves. Batman can play a role in this. If anyone is familiar with the “Tower of Babel” storyline, they know that Batman has a file on the Justice League members, which was ultimately used against them. That should be the storyline (Loosely based, of course). You could have a government task force (ala Cadmus, under a President Luthor) get a hold of said file and target the League under the orders of Luthor. As a side-note, This would make Christopher Nolan’s Batman valuable to this plot(Even in spite of the ending to TDKR and the fact that Nolan’s universe doesn’t cross-pollinate with the fantastical aspects of a Justice League) , as Batman’s experience with the League of Shadows might make him skeptical of any group whose goal is to “save the world” (Especially if many of them have super powers).This could add some much needed tension between Batman and the League when they discover that he’s been keeping files on their weaknesses.
Mr. Glass
Great idea!
Is this the same Latino Review that put up a Star Trek Into Darkness story today that called Benedict Cumberbatch… Cumberland throughout the entire article?
They’re a real crack team over there.
In fairness, they do break some high profile comic book scoops.
They must not be as obsessed with Sherlock as everyone here at SR! Though, I did call him Dominic Cumberbatch once on the podcast (right after talking about Dominic Cooper in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter for awhile).
They do from time to time. But I don’t think for one second that Justice League will actually use a comic book story. Hollywood generally, almost entirely, abandons the comic book stories because… They know better.
And Latino Review have fixed their glaring error. After about three hours.
Batman Begins says hello.
X2 says hello
ok seriously though, it seems like you are right
X-Men Origins: Wolverine says hello… Oh wait they didn’t even try with that movie.
Wow talk about a Smallville season final rip off, first u don’t let tom be superman and then u rip off a smallville season ending for ur justice league movie way to go dc ( sarcasm)
How can they rip-off their own product…?
Tom Welling can’t act, ‘Smallville’ is as far from Superman canon as you can get, and you can’t rip off something that already belongs to you. There.
I’m so conflicted about this. I really like Darkseid, but I like him more when he’s just a Superman villain. I’d much rather see Braniac as the villain for the League. I’d actually rather see Anti-Monitor. That’d be interesting.
Well actually Braniac is more of a Superman villain simply because depending on which origin of Braniac you read, a lot of the time it comes from Krypton. Plus I feel like Superman can more or less handle Braniac on his own. Seems like if Darkseid is the villain Superman is more likely to need help.
@ Johnny.
Actually, if you saw the last episode of Justice League Unlimited. Superman was “Able to cut loose, and show you how powerful I really am.”
And then proceeded to beat the snot out of Darkseid.
Supermans one moral weakness, he seldoms go full out on an enemy.
that’s true – i recall that episode (was pretty damn good). BUT superman also had to focus his attention on Darkseid. There was still an attack happening and the rest of the JL was handling that. I guess what I mean is, Darkseid seems to always bring half of Apokolips with him so that’s where I feel like the help is needed.
I realize this may not be the most original thought I’ve had but IMO I think WB/DC is waiting for the critical/fan response from MoS before they announce that Snyder will be the director/godfather of their Justice League franchise…
But if it bombs or is critically bashed they are in a big ole mess.
Again, this is not the most original thought but as time passes it’s the most likely…
Kevin,
I’m inclined to agree. WB is probably just being cautious. They’re in a “wait and see” mode with MOS right now which is smart. I hope Zack delivers the goods. People criticize snyder but It’s really been when he’s had complete creative control over a movie (writing as well as directing) but when he’s directing a good script he typically hits it out of the park. If WB can produce some kick ass scripts I see no reason why Zack wouldn’t be a good candidate for the job.
I thought DC’s movies would be bases somewhat along the lines of the New 52. I remember reading that one of the reasons of the New 52 was to help with their movies.
That can still be true. Remember the first story arc for Justice League in the New 52 was centered around an attempted invasion from Apokolips led by Darkseid
That’s what I’m thinking too.
I’ve been saying that the JL movie would be based on the New52 (emphasis on “based on” – not a full-on adaption) and if this rumor is true, I think we might finally have confirmation.
@ deadpool (great name by the way) I agree with what Steve stated. Also, Superman’s costume design in the MOS is based off the new 52 and from what was shown in the trailer it seems familiar to the current Action Comics stories thus far, Superman learning his place among humans (I may be over simplifying it).
o man, I meant to say I agree with “Johnny”. I need sleep, don’t know where Steve came from.
Green Lantern failed, not because of too many aliens or being out in space but because they tried to split their time between Earth and Oa. If they had stuck with the GL:First Flight story and made it all about Hal Jordan learning the ropes out in space and the Sinestro equation, it would have been much better.
As for the JL movie rumors……I really don’t like using Darkseid for a couple of reasons:
1) Too similar to Thanos out of the gate. WE know the difference but most movie goers won’t. Marvel beat DC to the proverbial punch so regardless of who ripped off whom, most will think DC is plagiarizing The Avengers.
2) Darkseid is WAY too epic a villain to be used initially and for just a single movie. They should be using a different smaller threat considering they also have to devote part of the movie to some sort of origins and forming the JL. Just feels like they are trying to accomplish too much in a single 3hr movie.
They should use the original Starro arc, form the JL and THEN start introducing more substantial threats. I have always thought doing Starro first and also start pulling together the Legion of Doom which would be the focus of #2 with the roots of Brainiac forming with Lex Luthor. Then in #3 you have The Luthor Brainiac story and the need for ALL the supers, both good and bad to team-up to save the planet from Brainiac.
If they can pull off that trilogy THEN we move on to the big guns. Be successful first instead of trying to jump the shark and do it all in a single movie.
I also think it would be a mistake to do this primarily out in space. The JL forming needs to be personal and on our home turf.
I dont think its been announced what format they will use. Could be a 3 part epic.
It might very well be but the vibe I’ve been getting from these snippets of info is they are going to try and ***jam everything into a single movie. Not to mention the JL is supposedly being used as primarily a springboard to launch the individual character’s movies.
Even if they do use him as a trilogy I feel he is to valuable a DC asset to use out of the gate. I mean what will be left after Darkseid? Everything else will feel smaller by comparison.
I agree, but look at it from a competitors stand point. Justice League has a really big obstacle to climb over by trying to dethrone their biggest,(and pretty much only)real competition ‘The Avengers’. To make things worst they have to go up against that movies sequal which is destined to do the same if not much better than the first film. That’s alot of pressure for a brand new franchise to take on right out of the gate.
Plus you should also remember that this is the freakin’ ‘JUSTICE LEAGUE!’ there’s not many believable villians that are powerful enough to take on those big boys. How DC is going to not so much top Darkseid, but who else can they put toe to toe with this group is what you should be wondering. I know I am.
Who says Darkseid won’t return? I’d actually prefer it if the villains stayed alive and made a return someday, which is why I love how “The Amazing Spider-Man” didn’t kill The Lizard
I completely agree about not killing off villains. Bringing one back later on to do a team-up aspect in a sequal is what most people would probably want to see.
Darkseid did return in the JLA animated series
@mongoose
couldn’t agree with you more about starro. I’ve been saying since day one that he should have been the villian used first. He’s the perfect threat 2 have the JL come together as a team, plus he was the very first villian that they ever faced. Darkseid,should be used for at least the third installment as the sequel could focus on maybe some version of the legion of doom.
But does the name Starro have any place in the ultra realistic comic book movies of this era.
Does Darkseid?
No, probably not. Just like we will never see Fin Fang Foom or other questionable named characters. I seem to recall the Starro race having a foreign sounding name but looked and couldn’t locate it, so if used they did use the Starro it would be under a different and more threatening/cool sounding name.
The Legion of DOOM will actually be in CW new Super Friends hour, so I doubt they will use it on the big screen. ;}
Is THAT what Dark of the Moon was about? (I’m being serious.)
I, The Greatest Director Of All Time, am nothing like superhero movies. I am offended by that.
My movies are modern day masterpieces, they are just in it for the money, I actually like when I get paid for doing what I love blowing stuff up and showing people on camera how proud I am (like a modern day pyromaniac). They don’t care about their HARDCORE fans, I do care, I hate geeks, I hate them so much, and that is why I destroy their childhoods. Next is TMNT, so there, haha.
Signed, Michael Bay
HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Oh “Michael” you kidder you. I actually liked “Your” movies (Bad Boys & Tranformer series) because I already know what I’m getting first & foremost before I start watching. Other people….not naming any names…like to go into “Your” films expecting something different which after all these years is foolish on their part. We know “You’ll” never change your ways of directing & anyone who criticizes looses all credibility with their opinion.
Thank you.
Gotta love those 80′s covers! Much love to Mr. George Perez!
I wonder how much of the story will focus on introducing the characters and the team coming together.
I have a bad feeling about this………………
not all that well versed in the dc universe so I thought I would ask.
is there any villain that would necessitate a team up, it seems superman is capable of handling anything by himself fairly easily.I mean he has unlimited strength, speed, shoots lasers from his eyes and has that ice breath thing. he seems to be indestructible except for that green rock, and appears to be able to match wits with even some of the evil geniuses like Lex. so where is the need for a team up? is Darkseid that powerful, or is there some kind of plot device that would make him a threat to everybody in a way supes couldn’t handle on his own?
I always wondered that too because Superman pretty much has every superpower you can think of for the hell of it so why did he ever need to team up with anyone?
Then again, I also never understood the need for super speed as a power so…probably why I never really liked The Flash or Quicksilver.
A few points….
1)Being the most powerful(which he is)doesn’t mean he can save & battle everyone on his own. Remember…these are heroes fighting against “WORLD” threats not just the one’s in their own backyard.
2)As far as speed…don’t you think it would give you a significant advantage over your adversary in battle if he couldn’t catch you to actually hit you? Not just for battle purposes either. If someone around the world in another country needs help…who’s faster than Flash to reach that person in a certain amount of time?
Because Superman is also one of the few superheroes to have a weakness and he knows there are enemies out there stronger than him. You need strategy and committment to that strategy, that’s why there needs to be a team.
To clarify…..Superman, no matter how powerful, is still only one man. He can make a difference but if he’s busy holding back a breaking dam, who will be stopping that bank robbery 2000 miles away? Plus he some glaring weaknesses that everyone that counts seems to know about.
There have also been a lot of villains created to compete with Superman on his level; Doomsday, Darkseid, Black Atom…..just to name a few.
You’re not alone – I’m not that well versed in the DC Universe myself. But I’ve seen the JL cartoon and Darkseid is VERY powerful. He can go toe-to-toe with Superman plus he has an entire army of soldiers from his home planet Apokolips – Superman can’t handle all of that on his own so that’s where the Justice League comes in. Like I said I’m only familiar with the cartoon, so if I’m wrong, then someone can correct me
Starro, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaseeeeeeeeeeeee……
Forget justice league, get a teen titan movie going. Wayy more interesting
:p :d
Young Justice is better than them(The Titans I mean not JLA).
Oh aren’t you funny :p
They should do Crisis on Infinite Earths. Instead of Darkseid they should get Anti-monitor. Instead of extra earths the villain destroys internet plot rumors. Then he destroys the New 52. On the only surviving Earth Superman has his briefs back. Trust me.
The name is Will Beall, pronounced “bell,” not Beale. That’s a street in Memphis.
Thanks Joshua! I actually did know that but it looks like the Latino Review source article had it spelled wrong and it got stuck in my brain incorrectly.
Appreciate the heads up. I’ve fixed it.
hoping to see reynolds as green latnern in jl he was not bad in that
Agreed!
Most likely he will because he might feel that he has to redeem himself after his solo film flopped.Even though it wasn’t his fault that happened.
If were lucky darkside will kill off the ryan reynolds green lanturn and they will replace him with john stewart staring idris elba
Hmmm, Elba as John Stewart….interesting
Please let it be Starro and he could be aided by the White Martians forcing Manhunter to come to Earth to warn humanity. 2nd movie should be Brainiac and the 3rd Darkseid, make it a 3hr epic with awesome visual effects and a global invasion of earth.
Ive read the summary of the stories-apparently we are dealing with a story where Earths greatest heroes are transported to New Genesis to save it from Apokolips,Its very interesting to say the least and it has so much potential.
Firstly it is drastically different from the the Avengers 1 as the League isnt protecting earth-its protecting another planet entirely.Just thinking of the visuals of the league fighting in a futuristic planet gainat the hordes of apokolips is fapworthy.
Secondly The story has some heroes being transported from parallel universes.So the stry cld incorporate the idea that each hero inhabits a solo universe unto himself and are only united on New genesis by being summoned.They dont have to be in a shared universe for the story to work.Its freaking brilliant.Also introducing a multiverse concept opens the door for a Crisis
…But there is a Downside
Avengers 2 might well take place in space if the Infinity gauntlet rumour is true.If this is true,a Justice league movie willl be called a huge copycat if they follow suit by having an adventure in space.Its amazing that as awesome as this storyline is its the one storyline that worsen their copycat situation.
Assuming Avengers 2 is a space adventure
EDIT:I am now convinced that Marvel deliberately picked Thanos because they somehow knew of DC/WBs plans for a Jl movie.Because Thanos and the Infinity Gauntlet storyline is the perfect Cockblock to Darkseid and this storyline
Ive read the summary of the stories-apparently we are dealing with a story where Earths greatest heroes are transported to New Genesis to save it from Apokolips,Its very interesting to say the least and it has so much potential.
Firstly it is drastically different from the the Avengers 1 as the League isnt protecting earth-its protecting another planet entirely.Just thinking of the visuals of the league fighting in a futuristic planet gainat the hordes of apokolips is fapworthy.
Secondly The story has some heroes being transported from parallel universes.So the stry cld incorporate the idea that each hero inhabits a solo universe unto himself and are only united on New genesis by being summoned.They dont have to be in a shared universe for the story to work.Its freaking brilliant.Also introducing a multiverse concept opens the door for a Crisis
…But there is a Downside
Avengers 2 might well take place in space if the Infinity gauntlet rumour is true.If this is true,a Justice league movie willl be called a huge copycat if they follow suit by having an adventure in space.Its amazing that as awesome as this storyline is its the one storyline that worsen their copycat situation.
Assuming Avengers 2 is a space adventure
I am now convinced that Marvel deliberately picked Thanos because they somehow knew of DC/WBs plans for a Jl movie.Because Thanos and the Infinity Gauntlet storyline is the perfect Cockblock to Darkseid and this storyline
I think they should do the Tower Of Babel storyline. Change it to where they’re forming the JLA but Batman is just meeting them so he doesn’t fully trust these people with extraordinary powers. It’s new to him. I don’t think they should bring Darkseid out yet. It’s going to feel like we’d be watching Avengers 2 twice that summer. And please, no JGL as Batman. The end of the movie should be the super villains realizing they need to form their own alliance to combat the newly formed JLA.
So in the end Marvel copied DC… As Rush Limbaugh would say; “Right on! Right on! Right on!” LOL!
How will they bring Blake into this, he is not trained well enough to be the Batman! HOW?
Hopefully, not at all.
+1
@ The Avenger
+2
Yes!Yes!Yes!!Sounds like DC is destined to be doomed at the box office when they (if) go against The Avengers2!JLA will be a total rushed epic fail!!
One thing on my mind is how Batman will be done in a Justice League film. Sure in the comics,animated series/movies he can handle himself well along with the rest of the league but in live-action? I don’t see Nolan’s version being the right way to go in a expanded universe. Nolan made it clear why & it’s seen why his Batman would stand out against a threat like Darkseid.
WB/DC should of had Batman/Superman film first. If i was them, i wouldn’t have Justice League come out the same year as Avengers 2.
I cannot wait to hear the Plotline on the Justice League.
As stoked as I will be for a shared universe movie from DC about their ensemble cast for their iconic superheroes in 2015, I am, however, quiet cautious about the Warner leadership unconventionally introducing these gestating figures through one explosive plot. Trying to introduce each of the separate characters through one movie is a dauntingly risky move, not only from a fiscal point of view but from a thematic one. What concerns us more is the latter one. Clearly, trying to write a story that will properly be able to encompass all the different background story arch of Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Flash and reboot Batman will convolute the overall story, thereby making it difficult for audiences to encapsulate the overall picture. Generally speaking, good movies are attuned to niche storylines. It would make sense to follow the marvel path by giving a fair amount of attention to all of our superheroes separately and then bringing them together into one JLA movie, even if it will mean postponing the date for a JLA movie for another three years. Remember, stalling the movie would be an infinitely better option than doing a horrible job of it and single handedly making it a colossal embarrassment as well as ruining potential sequels. However, if done well, this unconventional method could perhaps turn out to be a novelty strategy. Such would only be possible if the Warner Bros. entourage could somehow focus on as little characters as possible, thereby developing more effectively on a more restricted story arch, while leaving the climactic buildup as being open to the calling out for the need for other superheroes for protection from even greater threats in future movies. This, then, could be a more subtle approach to introducing Flash and other heroes alike. This would be akin to Michael Bay’s first Transformers movie, where Optimus Prime, at the end of the movie, steps up on top of a hill calling out to other surviving protagonists, asking them to unite for even greater evils to come. As a huge DC fan, I will want Warner Bros. to get their eggs in one basket (or separate ones!) and consider approaching this sensitive situation cautiously regardless of how they approach the JLA team. After all, this movie in 2015, or the lack thereof, will determine the future of the other JLA cast members and whether they will be able to compete with their Marvel counterparts.
Will Beall, who is known primarily for crime/mystery stories like Gangster Squad and Castle, should start the movie with each of the characters investigating Intergang, Darkseid’s infiltrators on Earth, and being brought together through the threads of their investigations. Barry Allen, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, and John Jones are perfect for examining that angle, and even Hal Jordan as a “space cop” can track down extraterrestrial weaponry/equipment on Earth as part of his GL duties. Wonder Woman and Aquaman can field Amazonian and Atlantean troops during the big battle (which I would definitely prefer to Darkseid’s troops just falling over and deactivating or whatever once the portal to their world is closed off (I’m talking to you, Avengers).