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.
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 - 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?
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…
‘Anchorman 2′ Trailers Tease the Return of Ron Burgundy’s News Team [Updated] 
Hugh Jackman Reveals Summer Start Date for ‘Wolverine 2′ 
Chris Hemsworth Talks ‘Thor 2′; Mads Mikkelsen Circling Villain Role [Updated] 
‘Walking Dead’ Season 3 Preview Reveals The Prison & Michonne [Updated] 
Loading ...
Ohhh….I thought this article going to announce Captain America has moved to DC Comics because he is too embarrassed by the announcement (or lack thereof) who will play him on the silver screen.
I think DC could learn a thing or two from Marvel leading up to the Avengers. I think that a Justice League movie could be made separate from the character films and not even use the same actors. At first fans would complain, but when they realize that they could get a Batman sequel and a Justice League movie in the same year…I'm pretty sure the complaints would stop. Plus, the execs wouldn't have to find an actor for a 9 picture deal like Captain America. By doing this, Nolan could keep his Batman reality of no superpowers while in a JLA movie, Batman could be surrounded by characters with Superpowers. DC and Warner Bros could save the character movies for origin stories and key into villains for each character while the JLA movie could be much more epic with the villain choices or combination of known villains (Luthor and Joker). I hope they see that they don't need to give us an origin story for each character before doing a JLA. Fans know who these characters are and we'll explain it those who are there and are confused (i.e. our girlfriends). I don't feel a need to create a time line like Marvel has done with its movies. They should definitely make the JLA movie a separate entity.
I agree about the timeline issues. That is not needed in my opinion. And the nine picture deal they are locking down for actors is probably hurting the search for Captain America. That's just a dumb idea and probably limits who they can choose.
That's a cheap way of doing things.
Another thing, I think marvel was doing well with everything until Captain America so hopefully they are not going in the opposite direction.
I would really like to see a Wonder Woman film before they come out with The Justice League film. She is third in command to only Superman and Batman! It's ridiculous how DCE is having such a difficult time finding someone to make this movie correctly. Can't wait for the upcoming Flash and Superman films (Thank GOD it's a complete reboot). I love the comment made about Megan Fox, she is very ungrateful and any movie she is in I simply do not watch.
It's about time WB is turning on the switch to release some movies of their lesser known characters for big screen adaptations like Marvel has done. It's sad on how ahead Marvel is, but done right, the WB/DCE can swoosh right passed them since they have the better known, more classy characters that everyone knows and loves!!! Can't wait – Very excited about this!! =D
P.S. Tom Welling for Superman and Justin Hartley for Green Arrow! Just to throw that in there!
Whough. Great comentary on this exciting news, but you made an assinine comment that needs to be corrected:
Superman is not a dark or mean character. For you to want the movie to be made after that fashion shows how little you know about the character! Superman stands for faith and hope in the future. He stands in opposition to darkness and meaness. He is a man with unlimited power who dislikes using it if he can negotiate peace.
The latest travesty of a film based on Superman went after a dark storytelling method and failed in every aspect except for the plane rescue, which was one of the few scenes to be filmed in the daylight.
Emo Superman is not very super. The character was nailed by Paul Dini and Bruce Tim for 3 seasons. If you need a little guidance on how to approach the character properly, look no further than these very well written episodes, not to mention the Batman/Superman film.
I would like to recommend Alexandra Daddario, from Percy Jackson, as a candidate for Wonder Woman. I think she is young enough for a multi picture deal and she exuded Amazon Warrior in the Percy Jackson film.
Someone please cast her as Wonder Woman asap!
that's not gonna happen because Nolan and Bale got pissed off when they were gonna make a JLA movie without the current batman character in it. that pretty much means we can either find a way to make current batman work into the justice league, or make the justice league movie with no more batman sequels
They also need to have a John Stewart movie, and a Steel movie to redeem themselves for the horrible shaq movie.
Mike, I see where you're coming from. I should have worded it better. I don't he should be Emo Superman at all. I only meant it in relation to the wimpy Superman of old. I have yet to be impressed, except for Superman Doomsday. When I meant darker and meaner, I guess I was leaning towards the villains. Doomsday is my favorite interpretation.
why you havent mentioned suicide squad and Sgt. Rock is beyond me
I totally agree. Good analysis
Thanks Screenrant, great article and explanation! Megan Fox is worthless. Now if we could get Marvel/Disney to read this.
Mike, I see where you're coming from. I should have worded it better. I don't he should be Emo Superman at all. I only meant it in relation to the wimpy Superman of old. I have yet to be impressed, except for Superman Doomsday. When I meant darker and meaner, I guess I was leaning towards the villains. Doomsday is my favorite interpretation.
why you havent mentioned suicide squad and Sgt. Rock is beyond me
I totally agree. Good analysis
Thanks Screenrant, great article and explanation! Megan Fox is worthless. Now if we could get Marvel/Disney to read this.
So if they drop into the comic storyline, which I figure would be the best, where do you drop in on JLA? What about the story line after “Crisis on Infinite Earths?” Perhaps adapting “Kingdom Come” to the screen is the way to bring the whole issue of inherent personality types to the fore? It seems like the biggest stumbling block of putting the characters together. Why not meet it head on? Too soon? Yeah maybe a second or third act for JLA. However if it was the ultimate goal then you could ramp to it in the first two…
I think that the WB and DC comics will get the last laugh, with Cristopher Nolan looking at Superman and Batman 3, i hope and pray to god that he sends his own personall thoughts to the directors of the other dC movies. If he does this, i think JL will be alot better in the end then the avengers movie, not to mention that the dc movies will destroy the Marvel movies in amazingness.
Hopefully one of the comic book movies will catch on. I doubt they will earn as much as the Potter films. The 3rd batman will no doubt be a huge money maker, but I'm not sure about the others.
Depends. JLA #1 had everyone join to fight a common foe not attached to any one hero.
Crisis and Kingdom are wonderful stories….however imo to much for your average movie goer as a 1st shot team movie.
Keep it simple. Maybe not “Alien Invasion” simple (nice way to introduce MM though as in the cartoon) but maybe even foreign superhero simple where as the JL is asked to band together to help stop/hinder another group of super powered baddies not of this country.
I wouldn't mind it however Bats, Supes and WW really dont need it as much as Flash, GL, Aquaman and others do.
Its hard to drop 5 or more super heroes in a movie and expect people to understand them all without knowing much bout them first. I dont want to see the JL movie being an origin movie about 3-4 heroes.
Maybe 1 as it relates to the story line (MM). These characters are to rich to have JL come out before they are solidified as characters themselves. (speaking to Flash, GL, etc.)
Do you consider an arc important enough to carry from movie to movie? If you start it from the outset then the possible hook setting will maintain your audience. To replace the Harry Potter series it seems like the logical thing to do, but is it the right thing to do? A foundation setting less ponderous story would work as a first story but how many would write it off as just a fight movie in a long line of fight movies? Seems like you would want to stand above the noise. What if the goal of your idea of foreign super powers is start a world war 3?
Id say reason why Marvel is in the lead of the race of makin films is because they know they gotta make more than one superhero flick that could excist in the same universe that would eventually lead up to a team-up film. DC Comics on the otherhand, were a bit fixated on both Batman & Superman franchises instead of takin a chance with other DC heroes like Green Lantern, Flash, Hawkman, WonderWoman etc. The last film they tried to make other than bats or supes was Steel which didnt turn out good. With Green Lantern, im glad they're finally makin superhero film other than Batman & Superman and i wish DC /WB continue to bring other superheros onto the big screen that all films could excist in the same universe so a Justice League film will be done.
Btw, Not for first Justice League film, but maybe for for sequel have plot deal with league handling Project Cadmus lead by Amanda Waller who forms the Suicide Squad in a plot that sees the Justice League as loose cannons and wants the Government to even the odds by having others with super powers to keep the Justice League in check. Kinda like on Justice League Unlimited's Cadmus story arc.
Finally DC is putting out something other than batman or superman. I loved watchmen and hopefully jonah hex will be good. If DC can work with their lesser characters like marvel did with iron man good movies will be abundant:)
The voodoo storyline in Jonah Hex is a fake. Thihs has been debunked by the director as well as Jimmy Palmiotti (current writer of the Jonah Hex comic)
Yes and no.
I never could get into HP. However doesnt each one stand on its own unlike say LoR?
To arc it you would have to spin up the other unknown (so to speak) characters. If you do that most of the movie is “wasted” in covering them. From a comic reader perspective we dont care we can pick up just about anywhere. However we (compared to potter and LOR fans) IMO cant carry the arc to make sure it gets to JL2 and 3.
To get the audience to care you have to get them to care about the characters and the story. Hence my reason give the lessers their own movies first. If that doesnt happen I think a story like Crisis or Kingdom will be hard for regulars to latch onto.
Maybe an Arc that starts with the big 3 adding one, then 2 more the next then 1 more or so in the third ending it creating the JL. However Crisis and or Kingdom would rely on a lot of foreknowledge of the history of the DC universe and the heroes in it.
Dont get me wrong I would LOVE to see Crisis or Kingdom and if done right over 3 movie would be great. (Would much rather see Identity Crisis) However they would need to do them all together and I dont see the movie execs investing that kind of money unless they knew it was a sure thing. Even if they did I think the story in itself would be lacking…
I really get what your saying and I like the idea of incrementally adding heroes. If you think about it that is the traditional way to do it. I can remember franchises like the “3 Musketeers” even using that method. With the “H.P.” series it seems to me that the arc has been the continued effort across the movies to cut off all the ways Voldemort can come back. I guess the finally is a head to head last confrontation. Plenty of loose strings like who's going to end up with whom will get answered.