It has been a long time in coming, but it now appears that Warner Bros. has finally decided to make use of their stable of DC Comics characters.
Following the financial and critical success of The Dark Knight Warner Bros. has realized that they are sitting on a gold mine - not only from box office receipts, but also from DVD, television, video games and other sources of revenue.
Last month the company held a strategy meeting in an attempt to figure out what was needed in order for them to match Marvel Comics in the comic book movie stakes, and it would appear that they have finally come up with a plan.
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Variety spoke with Warner Bros head honchos Jeff Robinov and Alan Horn who touched on topics such as the sequel to The Dark Knight (and director Chris Nolan’s involvement), the development of DC Characters movies and the chances of there ever being a Justice League movie.
It looks like the company is about to go to town on their stable of iconic characters that includes: Batman, Superman, The Flash, The Green Lantern, Aquaman and Wonder Woman.
Warner Bros chief Alan Horn said that Warner and DC were committed to turning:
“the properties into viable movie product in an intelligent way so that we introduce them like planes on a runway. They have to be set up the right way and lined up the right way and all take off one at a time and fly safe and fly straight.”
With regards to Justice League, Jeff Robinov as good as admitted that the studio almost made a terrible mistake. Robinov said:
“We’re not off the notion of a Justice League. There’s a massive interest and knowledge in the comicbook industry and it takes time to sort of catch up and understand the characters and the history, where they’ve intersected with each other and what their worlds are. That’s part of the education that we’re going through.”
There’s a lot of B.S. that flies around Hollywood, but it’s good to see somebody own up to making a mistake - or as close to owning up as you can in the City of Angels.
That said the studio isn’t totally off the idea of the multi-character superhero film. Gregory Noveck senior VP of creative affairs for DC Comics stated:
“These are big, iconic characters. So when you make them into a movie, you’d better be shooting for a pretty high standard. You’re not always going to reach it, but you have to be shooting for it. We’re going to make a Justice League movie, whether it’s now or 10 years from now. But we’re not going to do it and Warners is not going to do it until we know it’s right.”
With regards to the sequel to The Dark Knight, there is a deal with Christopher Nolan - if he is interested, but Horn says: We have no idea where Chris is going with this. We haven’t had any conversations with him about it.”
I find it very hard to believe that in the month since The Dark Knight has opened and broken all sorts of box office records that the studio has not started talking to the brains behind the film. You can bet that Warner Bros. wants to get into the Nolan-Batman business but it sounds to me like Nolan is playing a bit of hard ball (echoes of the Marvel/Iron Man/Jon Favereau situation). If he does decide to do the film (and I’m pretty sure that he will) Warner Bros will be bankrolling some of his passion projects for the next few years.
There will be more announcements next month with regards to Warner and DC’s plans, but it looks like the studio has finally decided to fight back on the comic book movie front. It would appear that Marvel will finally be getting some serious competition for the superhero limelight.
Source: Variety
67 Comments
This is truely great news. A JLA film is a great idea, I love it and hope they make it, the film should me made, but I want them to make it right. I’m willing to wait another 5 years or so as long as they’re doing it right.
Way to go, DC. 
OK. WB/DC may or may not have dropped the ball back when they planned to do the Batman and Superman franchises in seperate universes and didn’t set up a “DC film U” like Marvel is doing. There’s no way that the Nolan Batman universe and the Singer Superman universe could coexist, in this poster’s opinion anyway. So the chances of seeing Batman Begins/TDK and Superman Returns lead into a JLA film are kaput. So if Batman and Superman are to be in a JLA film, it would have to be with different versions of them, completely seperate from the Nolan/Singer U, and played by different actors of course. So if DC/WB is going to do the Marvel Movie Method and bridge all their films together (namely Flash, GL, WW, Superman, Batman) leading into a JLA film but won’t be using the Singer Superman or the Nolan Batman in their JLA film, here’s what I suggest:
Set up a GL, Flash, and WW film in the same universe. Do a World’s Finest: Superman/Batman movie also set up in that same continuity and not related to the Nolan/Singer worlds, cast new actors as Superman and Batman.
Then do a JLA film with the GL from the GL film, the Flash from the Flash film, the WW from the WW film, and the Superman and Batman from the World’s Finest film - with the versions of those characters from those films and with the same actors of course. Basically, have all the afformentioned films set up in the same DCU and have them lead into a JLA film. There. We have a World’s Finest series and the GL, Flash and WW films leading into a JLA film and the Nolan/Singer universes aren’t interfered with at all. Everybody’s happy.
Nolan, before TDK’s release, said several times that he wasn’t certain about doing a TDK sequel. I’d say that he might be done with the series (and if he’s gone, so’s Bale and the rest of the crew), but after TDK’s BIG box office returns, it seems unlikely to me that he would say “no”. Maybe he would. I dunno. Time will tell I guess.
Lol, Niall, I thought the exact same thing after reading that WB hadnt contacted Nolan. Thats BS, Im sure they were in contact with him 4 weeks ago.
Im all for more DC films, I say less talk more production !!!!
Lets gooooo!!! WB !
It’s about time that DC started putting its superior universe out in theaters more often. With many of the Marvel icons already out there, DC will be able to seem fresher than Stan’s creations.
I’m not really sure how serious WB is. We still only have batman and superman, lol… And the bare beginnings of Green Lantern. Niall, in your article you mention that they finally came up with a plan. Do we know what the plan is? There doesn’t seem to be any info on actual confirmed upcoming projects or a schedule like Marvel released.
And after seeing what they tried to pull very recently with that JLA movie, I’ll believe it when I see it.
as for JLA with the current Batman and Superman franchises, I think they can easily coexist. I mean you can apply the same logic to the Hulk, Ironman and coming Thor movie…those are quite different but will come together for the avengers.
I took that comment to mean not that they havent talked to Nolan about doing a third film but they havent talked to him aboui his specific plans for the sequel itself.
I think they should have started the SuperMan franchise over like Batman Begins. And they killed it with him having a son! After all that said (which wasnt much lol) i think they could use Bale and Routh in a JL movie, Fans will be happy if they are all together fighting crime, i dont think they would mind on how they get together. As long as it has a good story and it fits all the characters in nicely they should give it a shot. IMO not having Routh and Bale would be a mistake.
Thing is Gary, the studio execs have middle men that talk to Nolans middle men and believe me they have had to be talking by now, the films made too much money. Im sure there gonna give Nolan whatever he wants.
Oscar, I would love it if Nolan did TDK,3 and then also did JLA movie, that would be ideal.
I agree the film has to have Bale and Routh to succeed, and they have to get goin!!
(ImO) Miller is out of touch on this film now that its not going to use Australia
WB’s suits are IDIOTS! It’s Marvel respecting their own universe and betting everything for WB to FINALLY say, “Gee maybe DC comics is more than Batman and Superman… maybe we should RESPECT these characters’ iconic tells sense most of them have flourished sense WWII!”. I geuss better late than never.
From what I can tell the studio will go pupli next month with their “plan”.
Once The Dark Knight had a record opening you’d like to think that the studio got on the phone to Nolan right away - unless they want Brett Ratner to direct the third instalment!
Niall
Ah Neil, that’s good news.
Marvel announced their future like a week after Ironman, lol. I’m excited to hear what DC is gonna do, I’d love to see all their bigshot characters get feature films.
For me, the JLA movie MUST feature Routh and Bale, no excuses, if not I’m out and I will do my best to get many other people ‘out’ as well.
I’d love to see a Marvel, DC crossover film after avengers and JLA…is that asking too much? lol, jokes.
Niall*,
another typo from me
Lol who knows, cuz a Marvel/DC crossover would make TONS of money, just imagine Batman and Iron Man in the same film. They might one day in the near future talk about it lol
Niall
WB is really serious about Green Lantern going forward. Obviously they are drooling over a Batman 3 right now as well. Everything else? Hmmm.
I still cant believe it is taking so long for a Justice League movie to come along. With Batman doing big and Watchmen in the way the talk of the town is DC Comics. Bring on the League.
Wow, intelligent comments from movie execs about comicbook movies, i am shocked but pleased
A DC/Marvel crossover film? Gee, haven’t had this much fun since Bambi (DC) vs. Godzilla (Marvel). In case you missed this actual movie, here’s how it went…
[S P O I L E R W A R N I N G]
… * SPLAT *
Seriously, though I’m a Marvel fan, and I hate the endless Superman and Batman focus of DC, I don’t see DC movies as competition to Marvel movies. I like superhero movies. This summer I saw Iron Man, Speed Racer, Hellboy, Indiana Jones, that Joker movie–and I don’t think of them as competition. I think of them as a great movie summer.
Is Hal Jordan going to be the Green Lantern they focus on? Becuase he’s not I’m not watching it.
John Stewart is an ok characther but would not be able to carry a film on his own..unless you got Will Smith to do it of course because even that so-so movie Hancock is making bank worldwide. I like Will and all but I still wouldn’t go see it. It must be Hal Jordan!
It’s good to see they are going to start taking the DC universe seriously. Would love to see a Green Lantern film and a Flash film as well. Wonder Woman could be awesome…or total garbage, depends on whos hands it lands in.
For every “passion project” of Nolans they fund they should insist on a Batman film in return. If he wants to make The Prisoner so bad thats one more Batman film…another movie he’d like to make, thats a 4th Nolan Batman film…just make it happen!!!
I dont care if DC movies are competitive with Marvel movies,
I just want good movies based on both companies characters.
And I see no reason that isnt possible .
I agree with Gary 100%. Both companies have great characters and I would love to see great movies based on them. Who gives a flying flip which company it is!!
Any ideas on who can play Hal Jordan? This is WAYYYY out of left field, but what about Joe Flanigan who plays Col. Sheppard on Stargate: Atlantis?? Right age, build, attitude, look….I think he could pull it off.
I like the guy that played Mal on Firefly. He was the captain of the ship. And if you missed Firefly then check out Serenity…thats the movie for it.
Im just throwing this out there,,,
James Callis, the guy that plays Baltar, on BattleStar Galactica.
(I think thats his name),,,
I would love to see him in a superhero film, and also in 24,,,
Also I agree, this Dc vs Marvel stuff is lame. We can all get along,,,
Callis would be a good choice for Loki in Thor.
Anything,,,, hes the best actor on BSG,,,,
Rob,
on Bale and Routh in a JLA film together -
Only if A - Routh was older and B - both Bale and Routh were playing completely different versions of their respective characters, as in not the Singer and Nolan versions.
Guys, it just would not, could not, should not, and does not make any damned sense. Let’s start with the obvious:
Routh is nearly 6 years younger than Bale and looks it. Batman and Superman are supposed to be the same age! If anything, Superman should be a couple months older, but a 30 something Batman with a 20 something Superman is complete ********. If there were different actors who were being cast like that, people would be flipping out! Bad casting.
Nolan’s Batman does not work with the more sci fi and fantasy oriented JLA universe. Picture yourself watching The Dark Knight and then suddenly Superman or GL shows up. You’d be like “WTF?!”. The JLA Batman needs to be one that’s conducive to the rest of the DC Universe, now that doesn’t mean “jokey” or “campy” as some *******s would put it, but he needs to be the DC Comics Batman, not the “Punisher” Batman of the Nolan films. Not only that but Nolan’s Batman hasn’t really been Batman that long, I’d say he’s been Batman for 16 months maximum, while Singer’s Superman must have been at the Superman career for at least 6 years, yet Singer’s Superman is played by an actor who is nearly 6 years younger than the actor playing Nolan’s Batman. Face the facts, folks, it just don’t make sense. So even waiting till the Nolan series is finished, as some naive people have suggested, does not solve this problem.
Perhaps Routh’s Superman and a different Batman would work, but even that still seems unlikely to me.
And, again, the Nolan Universe and the Singer Universe were not set up in conjunction with each other from the start, this isn’t Iron Man and the Hulk here, people. You’re trying to apply the Marvel Movie Method’s casting to films that weren’t meant to be intertwined in the first place. Had DC/WB been smarter about things, they could have had a game plan with the Batman and Superman franchises (along with the other DC heroes) set up in the same universe from the very start leading into a JLA film (Marvel Movie Method), but since they didn’t set them up that way there is no way in hell that Nolan’s Batman and Singer’s Superman would fit into a JLA film. You guys have got the pieces from the Marvel puzzle trying to fit into the DC puzzle; they don’t belong. Instead, DC/WB should work with what they’ve niavley set up and do a JLA film with a completely seperate Superman and Batman. Look, it’s not like the lesser well known Iron Man, this isn’t the first time an audience has been exposed to the characters, this is Superman and Batman - the first 2 superheroes ever, they’re extremely iconic and recognizable, everybody and their grandparents is familiar with them in some form, they’ve been played by numerous actors hardly years apart since the forties, as long as they’re good choices, nobody will care that they’re recasted except for impetuous, small minded fanboys trolling the internet, who will piss and moan until they see the trailers.
IMO, recasting with GOOD choices is the logical, reasonable, and wise thing to do, dealing with how the folks at WB/DC decided to do their films in the first place.
Nice, alot of what you said make sense, but i guess im gonna be pissing and moaning cuz i dont think re-casting would be a wise decision. After the huge success of TDK, Bale IS Batman, why change that?
Who can play Hal? I’m glad you asked!
In my interaction with fans across the web, these are the most common names I see mentioned for the role of Hal Jordan/GL:
Josh Duhamel
[img]http://www.exposay.com/celebrity-photos/josh-duhamel-8th-annual-michael-douglas-and-friends-golf-tournament-9yCMdK.jpg[/img]
Jim Caviezel
[img]http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2004/04/features/magstories/041129/jcaviezel.jpg[/img]
Nathan Fillon
[img]http://www.lostzilla.net/varios/curios_fillion_firefly.jpg[/img]
Sean Faris
[img]http://www.3sacrowd.com/pictures/articles/d620a38a6e15d573b6f78e0913c1c149.jpg[/img]
David Boreanaz
[img]http://seat42f.com/site/images/stories/tvshows/Bones/PromoPhotosSeason3/david-boreanaz-bones-photo.jpg[/img]
Personally, I’d go with an unknown guy (who can act of course) in his late twenties ta early thirties for the part but that’s just me.
Another thing is that the only movies that have come out so far are the Superman movie and the two Batman ones. We dont know how the others ones are gonna come out, they might be as gritty and dark as the Batman films. People arent gonna care whos suppose to be older between Batman and Superman, especially since its just by a couple of years. A nice well written script/story can make this all work with Bale and Routh both in it.
Oscar, if they can use Bale, fine. But Nolan’s Batman does not fit into a world where aliens and magical characters run amok. Sorry. And using Bale would probably mean that they’d be using Nolan’s Batman, which, as mentioned, wouldn’t work in a JLA or (World’s Finest) movie. Besides, Bale said he would not play Batman unless it was with Nolan directing and what do you think the chances are of Nolan doing a JLA or World’s Finest film? Yeah. Slim. :/
Dude, I can tell you, right off the bat, that the GL film - with it’s space battles, aliens, and other civilizations - will not fit into Niolan’s Batman U, no matter how “gritty”. Unless they’re doing the comic book Batman, with the black and gray suit and the batmobile, batcave, batplane, computer, where he’s the gadget/detective extraordinaire, GL will not fit into the (Nolan) Batman U. They can do a “grim and gritty” comic book Batman with all the afformentioned attributes. That goes double for WW, with her greek mythology oriented story and so on. Nolan’s Batman is the comic book Batman in terms of story, that’s it. It’s set in a hyper realistic world where all the “gee whiz” elements that put Batman on par with and allows him to credibly function in the same world of Superman, GL, WW, the Flash, etc, have been relegated.
Thats true but i think thats the whole point of a crossover, to put a character in an environment that he’s not used to. And Bale did mention that, but everyone knows how fast money can change peoples minds.
Thats a nice list Kel .
unfortunately fans wont be choosing who plays GL.
I would go with an unknown as well.
Oscar,
That’s an interesting point, but the JLA members are all supposed to exist in the same universe/environment. Like Marvel is doing with the Avengers. They set the members up in the same U from the start (like the comix) so that they’re compatible for the big teamup movie. If WB/DC would’ve been smarter from the start and set up Nolan’s Batman and Singer’s Superman in the same U then I wouldn’t have a problem with it, ya know? But who knows? Enough money can do anything, right? :p
Gary,
thanks.
Sorry the links didn’t come thru. 
Here’s a list of folks I could see as some JLA members:
Superman - [url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0873998/]Michael Trucco[/url]
[url]http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0873998/[/url]
He’s expressed interest in the part several times and I’ve spoken to him personally about it.
Great guy. And yeah, I know he’s on BSG.
or [url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004827/]Eddie Cibrian[/url] (maybe)
^ Looks the part (he can anyway) and is an OK actor.
[url]http://www.buddytv.com/articles/Vanished/Images/Eddie_Cibrian_Vanished.jpg[/url]
Batman - [url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0289142/]Matthew Fox[/url]
[url]http://primetime.unrealitytv.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/matthew-fox.jpg[/url]
I like this guy. He’s a decent actor, and can pull off the “grissled, veteran” look that might be necessary for the JLA Batman. His face would work well with the Batman cowl, IMO. He would also make for an OK Bruce Wayne, IMO.
Wonder Woman - [url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0384751/]Victoria Hill[/url]
[url]http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/09/08/macbeth_narrowweb__300×447,0.jpg[/url] (probably)
Looks the part (I think) and can act. I guess that’s all there is to it…?
The Flash/Barry Allen - [url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2187603/]Scott Porter[/url]
[url]http://www.aolcdn.com/ch_celebrity/scott-porter-491742[/url]
Auditioned for the role in the cancelled George Miller JLA film (but lost), he’s got the right age (Barry was 24 when he got his powers and became Flash, Porter is 29), complexion, height, good sense of humor, and is a comics fan (he’s expressed interest in playing the Avenger’s Hawkeye) like Barry Allen/The Flash.
Green Lantern/John Stewart (since I already posted on Hal) - [url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0996669/]Common[/url]
[url]http://suckerfreeblog.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/common_l.jpg[/url]
He supposedly had the part in the cancelled JLA film, sure he’s a rapper, but he looks the part and can act (better then he raps anyway heheh). He was the best thing about the cancelled film’s cast, IMO.
I’m still working on Martian Manhunter and Aquaman… but lemme know whatcha think of those 5^ castings.
Wow Kel, couldn’t disagree more.
In your post, you’re complaining about a 6 year age difference from two guys in their 30s, you even say superman should be a few “months older”…what? lol. you can tell people months apart when they are adults? That’s impressive. Superman, is an Alien to btw, he doesn’t necessarily need more wrinkles.
Dress Bale up in his Bat Costume, put Routh in his superman costume, have them talk to each other…Bale can even go crazy with his batvoice, and they can come up with a plan to take down some crime syndicate with the green lantern in the background listening. There’s your commercial, I’m sold. Theatres, please take my $10. Insta-half-billion in box office.
Both new franchises are set in the modern world, in real-looking cities. Re-casting for this film in any way for the main characters means me not seeing this flick. And many others too, so that’s probably not gonna work. We need a batman and a superman in JLA…we have two, and I really like both. Any change from that and I’m out.
It’s like if Edward Norton were replaced by Banner in the Avengers, I’d be pretty upset and not excited for the film.
Rob,
The point being Batman and Superman are supposed to be very close in age/the same age. Routh and Bale aren’t close in age at all. They aren’t compatible. Routh is 29 and Bale is 35. The worst part is that Routh looks much younger than Bale, yet they’re supposed to be playing characters who are the same age.
Also consider the storyarcs for both respective films (SR and BB). They don’t fit.
Superman and Batman, unlike Hulk and Iron man, have, as I mentioned, been played by numerous actors in different media hardly years apart since the forties. It’s not like it’s the 1950s and they’re recasting George Reeves. Because of the amount of exposure these two characters have had over the years, no one will care if they’re recasted as long as they fit the part.
If they are recasted and you choose not to see the movie, shame on you. I’d watch a SNL skit with Superman and Batman in it.
Besides, Singer’s so called “franchise” seems to be getting the boot anyway (hopefully), so there’s no need to have Nolan’s realm clash with it anyway if it’s to be done away with. It would not have worked anyway.
(Bale’s Batman voice sux, BTW. that’s the only thing I dislike about him as Batman lol)
Cuz it’s hard to read above, here’s my JLA cast again:
Superman - Michael Trucco or (maybe) Eddie Cibrian
Batman - Matthew fox
Wonder Woman - Victoria Hill (probably)
The Flash/Barry Allen - Scott Porter
Green lantern/John Stewart (since I already posted my thoughts on Hal) - Common
I love how passionate Kel is about this. LOL..
The one thing we have to take into consideration is that by the time that a JL project even gets under way is going to be quite awhile. I have NO doubt in my mind that EB is going to have a 3rd Nolan Batman film out before JL. They HAVE to because it is literally money in the bank. So figure it will be 2011 or 2012 before we see that film. SO we’re probably looking around a 2013-2014 release date which would put Bale around 40 and probably SICK of being Batman. I don’t think there is a chance that Bale will be Batman in JL.
Now ROUTH, on the other hand, I can TOTALLY see being Superman in a JL movie released 5-6 years from now. He’ll be in his early to mid-30’s (which fits your criteria Kel) and I can totally see the other JL characters such as GL, WW, Flash, etc, existing in Singer’s Supes universe. (Hopefully they kinda forget about the kid.) As a matter of fact, I would be surprised if Routh WASN’T Supes in a JL film.
Dang, in my first paragraph I meant to type “WB” for Warner Brothers, not EB…LOL…
lol Andy.
Singer’s superman is getting a sequel, man of steel, no? So they aren’t throwing that away. If that’s good, then everything changes.
We have two current actors playing the most modern theatrical versions of the character. And to me, they’re both perfect. They can act the same age, when when Routh is in his superman apparel, he doesn’t look any younger or feel younger to me, I honestly think that’s a complete non-issue, and I certainly don’t think that warrants re-casting.
Re-casting one doesn’t make any sense, and if DC does that, then they aint serious and the film will be weakened severely by it. If they wanna play in the big game, they have to match what the avengers are doing…Nolan’s batman isn’t gonna support DC all by itself.
I wonder what kind of contract options were included for both of these actors, for Marvel they had them all set up for future flicks.
What does everyone else think?
Andy, when I saw that I thought Editor Bros?
Eagle Bros?
I kept trying to find the right E word!
Not sure why everyone’s so down on the JLA flick. Sure some of the actors are kinda young, but we haven’t seen them in action yet so it’s really kinda hard to put their performances down so prematurely. Secondly, I think using this film as springboard for future WW, GL, MM, AM, and Flash films is probably not such a bad idea. Just keep the same actors if you can. Personally, I’m ELATED that they elected not to use either Christian Bale or Brandon Routh. I think their current flicks portrayed their characters as WAAAAAAAAY to dark and serious. A little hint of camp is what makes a comic a comic. It’s not reality. Spiderman and X-Men are good examples of balancing some slight camp with good acting and an engaging storyline.
Their ages don’t have to be a stumbling block. What’s five years a wrinkle or two done in the makeup dept?? I say if you want to make Superman dark, dress him dark and put a couple war wounds on him. He took on Zod, Ursa, and Non for crying out loud, which is the only descent place to start a JL movie. After Superman has defeated them. After fighting three super powered beings, even a Superman would rethink going it alone. “MOS” still has wiggle room why not break the crossover there? Even if the events of Superman II are ignored “MOS” is still a good place to pull Batman in. Right at the end you just have Superman show up at Wayne’s office window asking him: “can we talk?”
That could go anywhere you want. From Superman knowing Wayne’s duel identity, to just hitting up Wayne for the cash to build the watchtower and leaving identity issues out. I can hear Wayne’s reply “A wry look- What a brave new world this has become.. Superman-Something like that.” Superman shows up in the Green Lantern movie at the end: “can we talk?”
Superman isn’t losing face over this either. It takes discipline to reign in your ego, being such a powerful person. To know when a team effort is going to be successful, where an individual effort wont. Humor, Batman- that’s some outfit.. Superman- Superior to Kevlar..
I really like the whole “Can we talk” piece by Superman in the other supes flicks. It would certainly build some momentum and interest in a JLA flick for sure!
These characters have been portrayed in many ways over the years in different mediums - so a different director and tone is possible. If you think about it the character of Batman in Batman and Robin and the Dark knight isn’t that different - it is his surroundings that have changed.
The characters don’t have to change that much just their surroundings. The Dark Knight -as realistic as it was did skirt the realms of science fiction with the sonar equipment so adding a few fantastical elements into the mix would be possible.
Science Fiction and gritty realism can work - Alien is a prime example. However I would just make sure that the Nolan franchise has run its course.
Making Superman a tad darker - there’s nothing like adding a bit of depth to a character to make him interesting.
Niall
<>
The problem is that the “shared universe” thing is just an awful, AWFUL idea.
Iron Man was great because the creative team was allowed to analyze the character and create his film’s world from the ground up. They made the best Iron Man movie they could.
The Dark Knight was great for the same reason. Nolan and company created a perfect world for Batman to inhabit. Can you imagine if some know-nothing suit at WB had said, “I’m sorry, Mr. Nolan, but Superman Returns came first and your Batman film must take place in the world Bryan Singer and his team created. Them’s the breaks, kid.” (Yes, I know Batman Begins actually came first, but for the purpose of this scenario just pretend it didn’t.) We would’ve missed out on something as great as The Dark Knight and in exchange we would’ve gotten a run-of-the-mill, take-no-chances Batman flick with no balls and no purpose other than to set up a potential Justice League movie.
Marvel is shooting their future film stable in the foot with their shared universe idea, and WB would be smart to avoid the same trap.
Iron Man’s world is perfect for Iron Man. It ISN’T perfect for Captain America, Thor, or any other hero. Instead of getting a Captain America movie where the creative team is allowed to world-build from the ground up and make the best Captain America movie possible, we’re destined to receive middling fluff where Cap is forced into Iron Man’s world like a square peg in a round hole.
And all in the name of an Avengers movie that will make audiences laugh. Mark my words: Thor and Iron Man will look absolutely ridiculous on the screen together. Movies aren’t comics, folks. The same rules don’t apply.
I have to agree with some of your points Sinnycal,,,,
I think when they do the Avengers film they should find a way to keep Thor out of it.
Well at least we won’t have to worry about Jack Black playing Green Lantern anytime soon, lol.
Yeah, Jack Black as Green Lantern would be the death knell of that franchise for sure! It was bad enough casting Halle Barry as Storm and Catwoman. Hollywood needs to be more mindful of their casting.
@Kane
Yeah, can you imagine? The Hollywood machine is very strange - sometimes it’s not the casting so much as it is the direction the studio wants for the film that determines the strange choices.
Vic
FINALLY. Im a huge DC fan and i cant wait to see all of their top quality movies! especially an Aquaman movie! they could pull it off and finally show people that he is a badass!
Iman would have made a cool Ororo Storm.
For JLA they should use unknowns. If Bale and Routh don’t come along, so what? Lots of people can play Batman and Superman. Use unknowns or the production will bankrupt DC/Warner for sure.
I wonder, if JLA soars to success will JLI and JLE be far behind?
I wish much success for JLA….
Jim,
You’re the first person I’ve ever heard say the same thing about the casting for Storm. Iman was MADE for that role as far as I’m concerned. Although, my heart is with DC first and foremost.
Why the heck didn’t you guys tell the casting director on the first X-Men movie?
SUCH a better fit than Halle…
Vic
Halle as Catwoman. Poor casting choice. Halle as Storm. Tragic casting choice. Will the studios ever learn to listen to me?!!
Check out my JLA dream cast.
http://thedreamhunter.deviantart.com/art/Justice-99050961
Not bad Huntthejest, I like Fishburn in the mix! ^
However:
I’m not a fan of Decap, having him as bats is a deal breaker for me…
That’s the one I was unsure of. But the more I thought about it, the more it grew on me. I hated him in Titanic and thought he was another Teen Beat flavor of the month pretty boy actor. But c’mon! Catch me if you can, aviator, The DEPARTED! This guy has come into his own. He would have to bulk up, but that’s not hard in today’s hollywood. He can play the Bruce side easily, a la the Aviator, and he can play the dark hero as in Blood Diamond. I think he could be the right man for the job, since Bale probably won’t be up for it.
I have to agree, Leo as Bats doesn’t quite work for me. How about someone more on the lines of an unknown. Like Wonder Woman, and Superman, people want to the see the CHARACTERS and NOT the actors PORTRAYING the characters. I think Smallville’s contribution to the cast might work, since fans of the show, including myself would LOVE to see Tom Welling FINALLY don the red and blue suit!!
Any ideas on who’d be better suited as the Bat?
Billy Crudup would make a fine Bruce Wayne/Batman if you asked me.
Said this back in Mid July:
Marvel’s announced they’re coming up with an Avengers movie, one of the worst kept secrets in the industry.
So now I s’pose its only a matter of time until DC anounces that they’ll release a Justice League movie… so I started tossing around potential cast for one inside my head.
Superman: Brandon Routh
Not the problem with Superman Returns, why punish him?
Batman: Two different ways of going about it.
Bruce Wayne: Christian Bale
Terry McGinnis: Jake Gyllenhal
If they go the Batman of the future route then they’d probably be best getting Bale to put in a small time performance as an aged Bruce Wayne.
Green Lantern - John Stewart(?): Don Cheadle
John Stewart is probably the most intriguing Green Lantern prospect because of how he mixes with the other League-members - Hawkgirl and such.
Flash - Wally West: Ryan Reynolds
Easy choice, personality matches, he wouldn’t have to go out of his comfort zone too much in terms of acting… pretty much the perfect role for him.
Martian Manhunter - J’onn J’onnz: Lawrence Fishbourne is probably out due to his involvement with Marvel, Silver Surfer (although Ryan Reynolds had a pretty big role in Blade Trinity - also Marvel). I’d probably try and track down the guy who voiced him in the animated series (Carl Lumbly) and use CGI as Marvel did with Silver Surfer in the recent Fantastic Four movie.
Hawkgirl - Shiera Sanders Hall: Natalie Portman(?)
Need someone who can come across as cold, military front out of the two heroines. Wonderwoman wears her heart on her sleeve a bit more than Hawkgirl.
Wonderwoman - Diana Prince: I’ve heard Sandra Bullock and Catherine Zeta-Jones have their names mentioned for the Wonder Woman movie coming up… To be honest, the heroines are probably the hardest ones to cast currently.
Okay Hound, I have to give you credit on your 10/28 comment, since clearly you gave this whole JLA casting subject a great deal of thought. But I have to admitt that some if not all of your choices were definitely not folks I would have ever considered casting if I had my way. Case and point, Brandon Routh as Superman. His portrayal of the Man of Steel was weak at best. He just didn’t have the commanding performance that one would come to expect from such an iconic role as Superman! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Tom Welling should be cast as Superman. I think he can pull of the meek Clark Kent complete with eyeglasses, as well as the strong, brave, and bold Superman. He’s been prepping for this role since day one of Smallville!
As for Bats, well, Christian Bale would be alright in the role but most anyone covered up by that costume could pull it off, as was the case with Michael Keaton. Terry McGinnis…? No. He’s not a part of the Justice League that novice viewers and die-hard fans alike will come to expect. Besides, this country’s too Bat-crazy right now to settle for a future Bats vs. the classic Dark Knight.
Green Lantern-John Stewart portrayed by Don Cheadle?! Jinkies! That really scares me! I’m thinking more like a Shemar Moore, Rockmond Dunbar, or even Taye Diggs would be better choice that Cheadle. Zoinks! Someone more physically suited for the role as well as having a strong on-screen presence and intensity.
Flash - Wally West: Ryan Reynolds, I totally concur! He’s pretty much the ideal actor for this part.
Martian Manhunter - J’onn J’onnz: Lawrence Fishbourne. Awesome! I couldn’t agree with you more on this one either.
Hawkgirl - Shiera Sanders Hall: Natalie Portman(?), maybe, but how about Anne Hathaway?
As for Wonder Woman, I have two words for you: Megan Gale. End of subject.
There’d been a lot of talk of a Flash movie over the years.
I’d been thinking Ryan Reynolds but looked into it myself after writing that and fortunately they’d been thinking along much the same lines as me there.
Along with Deadpool, Flash is the role in Comics Reynoldsis most suited for.
Anne Hathaway doesn’t seem strong enough to me for Hawkgirl, remember she has a very harsh exterior… I don’t think Hathaway could pull it off in a way that I wouldn’t laugh at.
While I can see the line of thought with Megan Gale and also like her a great deal, she doesn’t have a great deal of acting experience.
Finally, don’t short sell Michael Keaton, he was quality and held the right temperament to pull off this twisted dual identity of Bruce Wayne and Batman. With Val Kilmer and *ugh* Clooney shortselling the Batman role (although I think Kilmer did a bit better in the Bruce Wayne side) I think it kind of sits i the face of anyone pulling off Batman.
Terry McGinnis as a Batman of the future was a concept I was tinkering with in order to see things under budget and deal with Bale’s lack of interest considering Nolan likely wouldn’t be involved. In which case he could be offeed a lesser role made upas an aged Bruce Wayne, at least that can be written around. As far as Bale’s Batman-voice goes… I don’t thik this would be a bad thing either.
Don’t rule out Hathaway quite yet, I think she might surprise you. But then again, there’s been no talk of a Hawkgirl featured any live-action film as far as I’m aware. Have you heard anything to the contrary? Would love to know.
As for Megan Gale, from what I’ve read about her audition, she pretty much knocked em dead with her screen test. And keep in mind that Lynda Carter who is synonymous with the character of Wonder Woman, had very limited acting experience as well. And now you can’t help think of the one without the other.
And from what I’ve also been reading, Gale’s been taking not only acting classes but voice lessons to get rid of the Australian accent as well as training for the fight scenes. She seems pretty dedicated to this project. And I have a feeling the studios want to keep it off most folks radars until they’re ready to start leaking some of the goods.
Michael Keaton is beyond Batman now. He was awesome in the 80’s, but it’s time to give someone else a shot at the role now. But from what I’ve heard on-line there’s talk that both Supes and Batman won’t be in the JLA film now, after re-writes. Intriguing, since that would mean that they wouldn’t interfere with the solo Batman and Superman franchises.
Well, as I said before my first comment I made that cast list quite a long time ago, I stand by Cheadle for Green Lantern and I’m taking his appearance in Iron Man 2 taking over the role of Rhodey as professional casters agreeing with me that Cheadle could pull off a military hero wielding “super” powers.
I hadn’t heard anything of Hawkgirl appearing either… just figured that if studios were going to go for this it would best suit their demographic to fill a similar cast to the recent Justice League and Justice League Unlimited animated series… easier to promote.
My comment regarding Michael Keaton was that I thought you were underselling his performances (which along with Bale would be the best portrayal of the character to date) with the suggestion that anyone can fill the suit.
As for Megan Gale, being Australian I’m very familiar with her (lucky me) and from what I can tell she’s a very driven career woman, to me in still images and the trailer I would expect her to look awesome, so I’d reserve all judgement beyond the trailer until seeing a 45 minute demo or such. As much as Lynda Carter was an icon for the role (I’ll probably get lynched for saying this but I will anyway) its a different era and anything less than making Lynda Carter look farcical I would see as a failure.
From talk I’ve heard the whole thing’s been put on stand-by due to a negative reaction to the cast… although a lot of the official talk has shifted blame to the writers strike.
I really don’t know about Brody (not that its his fault)… I think its a lot harder to push Barry Allen Flash on the kids today than a Wally West… and Reynolds is a no brainer cast pick for that role.
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