It looks like comic book fans have some stake in the Harry Potter franchise after all. Warner Bros. Entertainment President Alan Horn made a tiny little comment at ShoWest that's got people in full Montgomery Burns mode (Excellent!). With four DC Comics films in the rear view mirror and at least five on the way, the snippet reported by /Film would seem obvious, but means a whole lot more coming from Horn.

"As we ease out of Harry Potter, we hope to bring you the excitement of the DC [Comics] Library."

There you have it. Their little magician is all grown-up and it's time to show him the door. Frankly, I'm surprised they don't just come up with their own stories, considering WB is all out of books to adapt. Don't be surprised if it happens sooner or later.

Regardless, this is an exciting time as I've thoroughly enjoyed all four DC films by WB. Yes, even Superman Returns. It's no secret Christopher Nolan's Batman franchise has redefined the comic book movie culture and without him we may not have daily news to report. As for Watchmen, it wasn't a box office behemoth, but most who saw it thoroughly enjoyed it. So, let's dissect the DC movie slate a bit and see what is coming up and what may be on the distant horizon.

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2010:

Jonah Hex - Opening June 18th, this film will probably catch people off guard. He isn't the most well-known character, but boy does it sound awesome. The synopsis reads "In the Wild West, a scarred bounty hunter (Josh Brolin) tracks a voodoo practitioner (John Malkovich) bent on liberating the South by raising an army of the undead."

2011:

Green Lantern- Production began just this week and set photos are already out showing Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan. I've always been a big Ryan Reynolds fan, especially in the right role (Van Wilder, Waiting, Smokin' Aces, marrying Scarlett Johansson). It was only a matter of time before he played a superhero (Blade 3 doesn't count- nothing super about that). Why else would he take his shirt off so much? This adaptation of Green Lantern has big names all over it and should be a huge draw next year.

In Development:

The Flash movie DC Entertainment

The Flash - Probably the most beloved character in DC Universe that has not graced the big screen, The Flash is a definite future project. Rumors of potential directors have surfaced, but it has all been a guessing game. Nobody really knows what Warner Bros. has in store for the character, but check out our in-depth look at the possibilities. With this latest director rumor circling, you can expect more Flash news coming up, at least this summer at the San Diego Comic-Con.

Batman 3 - Christopher Nolan has been circling this project like a hawk, waiting for the right time to strike. The man is notoriously picky with his words, and has yet to officially announce himself as the director. We can assume it will all work out, as he's got his brother penning a script. The core of creators that took the embarrassed superhero's reputation and generated the best adaptation of any comic character ever, may be waiting for the right time to reveal their progress: San Diego Comic-Con?

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Superman: Man of Steel - The world is calling for another reboot of the franchise, only giving the latest one film to prove itself. I actually liked the direction Singer was going in, but I understand the gripes. With David Goyer writing the latest rendition, there is hope for a darker, meaner Superman. Not to mention Christopher Nolan's involvement. As long as they get away from Lex Luthor for once, the Man of Steel will have a chance to wow audiences and be something new.

Lobo - Some news surfaced a year ago about this sadistic character being put on film. It would sure make for one dark movie, but it's not a character that has won over many fans. Nothing has come of this, but considering the push now, there is a distinct possibility of further news.

Deadman - Guillermo del Toro came out and announced he would be spearheading this story in a fashion similar to Crow. Considering the story is about a trapeze artist who is murdered and embodies others as a ghost to exact revenge, it may get dark and there isn't much of a base audience, but that's WB's job, right?

Continue for DC/WB Movies waiting in the wings...

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Waiting In The Wings:

Wonder Woman - It's about time to give the world a female superhero, and who better than Wonder Woman? It's actually kind of amazing that it has taken so long to get her on the big screen. There hasn't been much, if any, official news on a film adaptation. If I was casting, Evangeline Lilly (Lost) would be the first call for auditions. Megan Fox can go to movie hell (American Pie franchise?) for what she said about Wonder Woman. She should feel honored to even be mentioned for the role.

Aquaman -  He has made his rounds on television, and the failed TV show became a cult-hit, but maybe he just doesn't belong on the same channel as Dawson's Creek!  Some news comes around every once in a while and it's definitely something WB will have to work on...eventually.

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Green Arrow - The Smallville version of Green Arrow is actually pretty solid, and one of the redeeming qualities of the show. Considering WB's involvement with the CW (the channel Smallville airs on), it is surprising they don't realize the value of the character. News surfaced for a while in August of last year of a Super Max film featuring Green Arrow, but we've heard nothing about it since.

Justice League- Considering the constant news regarding Marvel's Avengers film, WB and DC have already lost the "space race" for comic book supremacy. However, it is important DC/WB take note of how The Avenger's production goes. There are benefits to going second, and they can save a lot of hassle in watching how the Marvel project turns out. Of course, with the latest announcement of Warner Bros.' future in comic films, Justice League is an inevitable project.

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The plethora of characters in DC Comics is bountiful, but they need to be careful to pick the right ones, because frankly, repeating your top two for eternity just isn't going to keep up with Marvel. Innovation and creativity comes with more than just the pretty wrapping on the outside and we want to know what else you've got.

Feel free to give me hell in the comments board, but I feel DC Comics has nothing on Marvel as a whole. Batman has long been my favorite character, and Superman is fantastic, but they are so top heavy and the drop off is extreme. Meanwhile, Marvel has at least five or six characters that warrant big box office numbers. There's a reason they beat DC to the punch.

Sound off below and let us know what you think of Warner Bros. and DC Comics' future together.

Source: /Film