Ben Affleck To Team With DC’s Geoff Johns On Standalone ‘Batman’ Film

[King23DC]

Every DC movie will get rumours that it's a mess. Just too many that want them to fail.

But why ???!

That's the question ...

Is it because critics, fans, and cynical movie reviewers online genuinely don't like the material WB/DC is putting out? Or do they just feel they haven't put in the necessary work of cinematic universe building for several years like other studios so they naturally have a predisposed position of hate towards their films?

Even though their two flagship characters don't need it because they have 12 movies between them, and 30 plus years of rapport with movie going audiences.

In many cases DC films are being thrashed before they're even released or in this case during the scripting phase. To even spread negative rumors based on nothing to sway public opinion into the negative before anyone sees anything?!

Or had this sub genre of comic book films become an exclusively Marvel Studios related thing in many people's eyes? Only they can do right? With the one exception being the other excessively meta, self aware, comedy laden superhero film in Deadpool?!

Because MOS, BvS UE, and even SS is no worse than any of these, in fact I'd say definitely better: Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, First Avenger, Iron Man 3, Thor 2, and AoU.

And if I'm being candid, I'd even find both of them to be on the level or better than the much revered or overhyped Avengers, GOTG, and Civil War films.

 

[sweetre15]

I remember this quote... the notion of Batman film that focuses on the noir aspect made me really excited. Unfortunately, I don't see how Deathstroke would fit this direction, so I assume it's not what Affleck will do after all.

It really depends on how the detective aspects are put together. I mean Deathstroke is largely a mercenary who gets hired could easily fit in a noir tale if framed properly. It could be a case of whodunnit where it's later revealed Deathstroke was behind what happened or finding out who paid Deathstroke to do it etc.

 

[KillerWolf]

It really depends on how the detective aspects are put together. I mean Deathstroke is largely a mercenary who gets hired could easily fit in a noir tale if framed properly. It could be a case of whodunnit where it's later revealed Deathstroke was behind what happened or finding out who paid Deathstroke to do it etc.

True. But it works much better if Deathstroke is utilized solely as a hired muscle and is not a main villain. Him working for a shadowy main antagonist is what I'm hoping for.

 

[Flint Marko]

But why ???!

That's the question ...

Is it because critics, fans, and cynical movie reviewers online genuinely don't like the material WB/DC is putting out? Or do they just feel they haven't put in the necessary work of cinematic universe building for several years like other studios so they naturally have a predisposed position of hate towards their films?

Even though their two flagship characters don't need it because they have 12 movies between them, and 30 plus years of rapport with movie going audiences.

In many cases DC films are being thrashed before they're even released or in this case during the scripting phase. To even spread negative rumors based on nothing to sway public opinion into the negative before anyone sees anything?!

But clearly these negative rumors haven't been "based on nothing" as far as I can tell. All of the big rumors that I remember hearing about BvS and SS ended up being 100% true. There's no ulterior motive, people aren't spreading baseless rumors for no reason.

 

[shauner111]

Ben has not made a bad film, so i trust that his Batman will be a few steps above what Snyder or Shumacher can cook up. At this point that might be good enough for me, but it depends on how i feel at that moment in time. Nolan raised the bar really high, so i think Batman deserves more great films instead of passable or "well it's better than Batman versus Superman!".

 

[Wildcard]

Same here. But I think Ben will deliver a great film and something deserving of the fans/general audience. With Snyder not being apart of the creative process, there's less of a chance of the film devolving into an utter mess. But I think matters would be even better if Affleck had a more competent partner like Scott Snyder instead of Geoff Johns. Honestly, at this point, Johns isn't much better than Snyder.

As for Deathstroke, I'm with those who don't believe he'll be the main villain. For one, I honestly can't see Joe carrying an entire movie as its lead bad guy. Two, he works better as hired help when he's used to go against Batman.

 

[wnjcwjkk]

Yeah, I'm imagining something like Deathstroke is assassinatong people in high positions, possibly framing Batman, and there's some shadowy organization behind it, Batman has to investigate and find out who's behind it, while matching wits with a mercwnary who is in many ways his equal, probably with some good cameos of Gotham's rogues.


I imagine the noir detective aspect is what he's referring to when he says "it's an avenue that is a big part of his mythology that hasn't really been explored yet" or whatever he says

 

[Wildcard]

If they go with an idea like that involving an "organization" I'd love to see the Court of Owls. Now that'd be a really interesting route to go down.

 

[KillerWolf]

With "Court of Owls" basically being a "Black Glove" + "Hush" rip-off, I'd rather see the original organization aka Black Glove.

 

[Wildcard]

To each their own but I'd much rather see the Court of Owls adapted than Black Glove. Imo, they're more intriguing.

 

[KillerWolf]

To each their own, indeed. There are pretty much two new and interesting things "Court of Owls" provide - the Talons and the fact that they've been secretly running Gotham for centuries. Though, both of those things could be added to "Black Glove" (or any other organization for that matter) in live-action adaptation.

 

[Boom]

The Court of Owls seems like a more audience-friendly version of The Black Glove.

Let's be frank. Grant Morrison is a genius, but he's a little too "out there" for the mainstream.

 

[The Batman]

Black Glove is better, but the Owls are more iconic and digestible.

 

[KillerWolf]

The Court of Owls seems like a more audience-friendly version of The Black Glove.

Let's be frank. Grant Morrison is a genius, but he's a little too "out there" for the mainstream.

Can't argue with this.

 

[Boom]

Granted, Simon Hurt and The Black Glove could probably be written to be a bit more mainstream, but then there's still the iconography issue that The Batman addressed above.

 

[Loden Greatstorm]

I guess the earliest we will get news is at comic-con.

 

[Rodrigo90]

The Black Hand consisted of the most unremarkable villains in modern Batman comics, and apart from their peculiarities in terms of design, I found them all particularly unmemorable. I just couldn't understand them.

Simon Hurt could've been something greater, but I felt he was underused in any full potential possibilities.

However, I wouldn't mind him being used, especially if it was JDM who got to play him...

And as for TCOO, I would definitely go with them... I like how they fill the role of the Illuminati, being DC's mini SPECTRE, owning Gotham from the shadows... shadows deeper and darker than the ones Batman resides in.

 

[godisawesome]

I think The Court of Owls has more readily apparent iconography and an easier archetype as the haunted secret society than the Black Glove. Morrison sometimes makes villains and characters built more around their purpose than their personalities, though not always. Still, most of the Black Glove's schtick is a play on expected tropes and stereotypes, all of which play into Batman's world in a way that seems a bit shallow at first glance, and then deep but very on the nose upon closer examination. Morrison's subtlety was more in symbolism and artistic design (since he's an artist as well), while his characters tended to be very loud.

I'd prefer a bit quieter subtlety focused on characters for the film.

 

[Hurm...]

But clearly these negative rumors haven't been "based on nothing" as far as I can tell. All of the big rumors that I remember hearing about BvS and SS ended up being 100% true. There's no ulterior motive, people aren't spreading baseless rumors for no reason.

Exactly.

In fact, a month prior to Suicide Squad's release, I was working on a production with someone who had previously worked in SS's costume department. By that time, BvS had gotten terrible reviews, and I asked her thoughts about Suicide Squad. Without even mentioning the reshoot rumours, she brought up info that confirmed them to be true. She mentioned that the reshoots were extensive and focussed on making the film a lighter tone. According to her, this was primarily a result of Deadpool's positive reception/box office success and BvS' critical complaints.

At the time, I was still optimistic about the picture and said to her, "Well, I think Suicide Squad's director is better than Zack Snyder."

She replied, "That's not saying much."

This to me further proved that Ayer's diversion by saying, "Every movie I’ve ever made I wish I could go and grab some additional stuff and that’s exactly the chance I got this time. It’s like getting a new car but you get fancy rims and a new stereo,” was complete bull****.

 

[Flint Marko]

Exactly.

In fact, a month prior to Suicide Squad's release, I was working on a production with someone who had previously worked in SS's costume department. By that time, BvS had gotten terrible reviews, and I asked her thoughts about Suicide Squad. Without even mentioning the reshoot rumours, she brought up info that confirmed them to be true. She mentioned that the reshoots were extensive and focussed on making the film a lighter tone. According to her, this was primarily a result of Deadpool's positive reception and BvS' critical complaints.

At the time, I was still optimistic about the picture and said to her, "Well, I think Suicide Squad's director is better than Zack Snyder."

She replied, "That's not saying much."

This to me further proved that Ayer's diversion by saying, "Every movie I’ve ever made I wish I could go and grab some additional stuff and that’s exactly the chance I got this time. It’s like getting a new car but you get fancy rims and a new stereo,” was complete bull****.

It's cool that you had insider knowledge prior to release.

I figured SS's reshoots were more related to Guardians than Deadpool but that makes way more sense given the release dates.

Ayer said a little too much and it felt like he was overcompensating. I had a bad feeling about the production ever since the Bohemian Rhapsody trailer. It was such a clear tonal departure from the first teaser that it didn't pass the smell test. I said how much I didn't like the music the day it premiered and was slammed for it by everyone here. That was well before the rumors came out.

 

[KillerWolf]

The Black Hand consisted of the most unremarkable villains in modern Batman comics, and apart from their peculiarities in terms of design, I found them all particularly unmemorable. I just couldn't understand them.

Simon Hurt could've been something greater, but I felt he was underused in any full potential possibilities.

However, I wouldn't mind him being used, especially if it was JDM who got to play him...

And as for TCOO, I would definitely go with them... I like how they fill the role of the Illuminati, being DC's mini SPECTRE, owning Gotham from the shadows... shadows deeper and darker than the ones Batman resides in.

That is true, but, striking iconography aside, Court of Owls suffers from the same problem. Lincoln March (had to look up his name), guy posing as Bruce Wayne's brother (where did Snyder get this idea, I wonder? ) is just as unmemorable as Simon Hurt. There is also an issue of lack of organization's leader in the case of Court of Owls... I sort of like this, as it goes in line with the mysterious SPECTRE-like vibe of the organization, but I'm not sure it is something that could be just as easily omitted on film. They even changed this in that animated movie.

 

[Boom]

I haven't read through the Court of Owls arc in full, but didn't it put Martha Wayne to the forefront a bit?

I'd love for her to get more of a focus moving forward.

 

[Mandon Knight]

I haven't read through the Court of Owls arc in full, but didn't it put Martha Wayne to the forefront a bit?

I'd love for her to get more of a focus moving forward.

It puts the 'Wayne Legacy' front and centre on both his parents so in that respect would work well off back of BvS.

 

[Gamma Goliath]

The telltale storyline is doing one of the best takes on the Wayne legacy ive ever seen.

 

[Rodrigo90]

That is true, but, striking iconography aside, Court of Owls suffers from the same problem. Lincoln March (had to look up his name), guy posing as Bruce Wayne's brother (where did Snyder get this idea, I wonder? ) is just as unmemorable as Simon Hurt. There is also an issue of lack of organization's leader in the case of Court of Owls... I sort of like this, as it goes in line with the mysterious SPECTRE-like vibe of the organization, but I'm not sure it is something that could be just as easily omitted on film. They even changed this in that animated movie.

Thank God that "Thomas Wayne Jr." thing turned out to be false, because that was straight up lame

There is a problem... and I don't think it could be remedied by having Simon Hurt and TMW/LM masquerading as Bruce's deceased family members... I sort of like that idea, but it wouldn't work in these films... hell, not even the comics

TCOO... I like them because they had a hand in creating Gotham and having their fingers in every pie concerning the city's infrastructure. I thought they were terrifying because they really made you feel that Gotham was never under Bruce's control.
I believe you could gain a masterful detective story with Bruce searching for the clues in the smallest fabrics of Gotham's architecture, infiltrating and investigating suspected members of the society.

I'm just concerned of who should be the head figure... it would be totally messed up if it was Simon Hurt in the role, played by JDM... a sort of marriage between The Black Hand and TCOO for the purpose of the story