How should each JLA member be handled?

[The Guard]

How should each JLA member be used in the film? Given that this will be the introduction for many of the characters in the film to the movieverse, which themes should be explored with each character, and where should their storyarcs go. Some quick thoughts:

SUPERMAN
Superman is the leader of the JLA, but I'd like to see a number of things explored with his character. One, he's a bit of a reluctant leader, two, I'd like to see his need to handle everything on his own come into play. I'd also like to see more than just a relationship between he and Batman. I want to see how much these two care about each other despite their differences. And Superman can be played as a mentor, too, which is always nice to see.

BATMAN
The reluctant leaguer/mentor. He may be involved with the league, but he still sets himself apart. His paranoia is obviously going to be explored as is his need to be ten steps ahead of everyone else. Some mentorship aspects could be utilized.

WONDER WOMAN
Wonder Woman's an ambassador, but she's also a very proud warrior. I'd love to see her struggle with this dichotomy of her character. She's going to want to do whatever she has to in order to ensure peace for mankind. And if she doesn't butt heads with the other powerhouses of the JLA when it comes to making big decisions, I think there'll be a missed opportunity.

J'ONN J'ONNZ
J'onn J'onn is an alien, but he's also the most compassionate of the leaugers. I want to see J'onn trying to understand humanity and his fellow heroes, and fostering hope when things are dark through his actions. The fire thing is obvious, and needs to be explored, as well as his attempts to overcome it. Less obvious is the way J'onn's powers affect him, and the burden they place on him, both in deciding not to use them to their full extent, and using them to feel exactly what's going on at times.

GREEN LANTERN
Given that this is John Stewart, I'm not sure what there to explore that wo uldn't feel somewhat redundant with J'onn's arc. Perhaps the nature of power? Depends on if we get a young or a veteran John Stewart.

THE FLASH
He has got to be more than just a wisecracking speedster. I'd love to see Flash's competitive nature brought to the screen, and have him pushing himself to equal his fellow leaguers. He's often called the heart and soul of the JLA. I don't think that means he needs to be cracking wise.

AQUAMAN
Aquaman tends to have a problem with the bigotry and various other elements of the surface. Still, he should be portrayed as fairly loyal to the JLA when he's not dealing with his kingdom's issues.

 

[Polux]

I want to see some romantic spark beetwen Bats and Diana (ala JLU), I just love that, to me, that always made a lot more sense than Superman and Diana, I explained the reason a long time ago but if anyone is curious, just ask.t:


Polux

 

[Paradoxium]

Honestly, it's going to be difficult to balance so many characters. If they don't have the appropriate screen time to do a certain character correctly, just remove that character for economics. I think one of the three GL/MM/AM should be removed. The trinity is almost given, and the Flash to balance the dynamic of characters. I would get rid of Lantern or Aquaman.

If money is important to you, get rid of GL. If they are so hellbent on having a token black guy, make John Jones a black guy guy instead of having GL Stewart. If they decide to have a sequel they can develop GL or Aquaman and remove Flash, MM or even Batman.

If MM is in the film. I would use him as the focal character.

 

[Two-Face]

I want Batman be badass and ass to Superman

"we have our differences, Clark"

 

[Polux]

I could very well see Bale telling "Let´s face it, "Superman", the last time you really inspired someone, was when you were dead." to Routh, that would be overly bada$$....oh, a boy can dream .

Polux

 

[Two-Face]

Is that a response to me?

 

[Hole Shot]

Aquaman should be handled by not being included in the film. Sorry, I know that he has a lot fans, but I just think a live action version of the character is just going to come off as silly.

My guess is that Superman and Batman, I don't want to say two dimensional, but I just don't think we're going to get a real in depth character study of those two. I think it'll be just like we know these guys, no need for introduction.

Wonder Woman, Green Latern and The Flash will probably get the most care. Since I believe that WB wants to take this opportunity to get movie goers acquainted with them and to care about them in order to launch more successful individual franchises.

 

[AgentPat]

This is a wonderful thread. Great post, Guard!

I don't have much to add right now, but I'd like to see a little conflict in methods. All of the heroes have the same goals, but WAY different approaches to achieving them. Lets see how that plays out between a group of seven head-strong individuals with the king of bullheadedness at the top of the totem pole. Do they pull rank on each other? Do they give in on certain things but not others? Which "battles" do they pick?

I'd also really like to see some humor. Not campy stuff mind you, but just good natured ribbing. The "fish jokes" in SV's Justice episode was good, silly humor. IMO, this is the kind of film that should be a fun ride. You want to laugh with the characters, not at them.

 

[Abaddon]

Aquaman should be handled by not being included in the film. Sorry, I know that he has a lot fans, but I just think a live action version of the character is just going to come off as silly.

How exactly would he be sillier than the rest of team members?

 

[Hole Shot]

How exactly would he be sillier than the rest of team members?

The other team members don't talk to fish.

 

[Abaddon]

The other team members don't talk to fish.

He communicates with all sea creatures. And it's not like he just goes about chatting them up.

 

[ToddIsDead]

And he doesn't physically "talk" to fish. He telepathically communicates with them.

 

[Hole Shot]

And he doesn't physically "talk" to fish. He telepathically communicates with them.

Like this?

Sorry, I think Seanbaby just ruined the character for me a long time ago.

 

[MaximusCannabis]

I'm not sure how they are going to portray telepathetic communication with Jaws and Orca withit NOT being about Aquaman. I mean, it will have to be a very impressive dynamic to convey such a feat on screen and to put that much effort into a character who is 6th or 7th on the depth chart is... quite a challenge. All the other charcaters are going to have to be that much more impressive and could be the reason you can't have Bale and Routh a part of it. Their portrayals of the characters wouldn't work with Aquaman and probably not anyone else for that matter. So, I believe I just have sided with the anti-Bale/anti-Routh camp on this. I think an all new Batman and Superman are needed because 'The Justice League of America' is a completely different type of story than Nolan's Batman and Singer's Superman.

 

[Hole Shot]

^ hahahahahahahaha!!!

 

[RakuMon]

Here are brief bits about the characters according to EW. One way to get out of Aquaman being the "butt of the joke" is by reinforcing his role as King of Atlantis. Looks like that's how he'll be in JLA.

Why did my thread on EW's story about the JL script (one that I oh so patiently transcribed for people who didn't get the magazine early, by the way) get criticized and closed?

Uh, hello? EW is the most read entertainment magazine in the country. And they just confirmed the list of heroes, plot details and the main villain. Info that was all merely speculation up until this point. Jeez.

Anyway, not that any of you would appreciate it, but here's the list of heroes and how they're described in the script according to EW:

'LEAGUE' SNEAK PEEK
EW caught an early glimpse of the Justice League script. Below, a (mostly) spoiler-free first look. -- NS

SUPERMAN a.k.a. Clark Kent, news reporter. The morally upstanding Man of Steel battles Batman and has more to worry about than Kryptonite.

WONDER WOMAN a.k.a. Diana of Themyscira, Amazonian princess. Revered by the other supers for her beauty and ass-kicking abilities.

MARTIAN MANHUNTER a.k.a. J'onn J'onzz, detective. His power to read minds comes in handy as the villain engages in some nifty mind control.

GREEN LANTERN a.k.a. John Stewart, architect. Designed the Hall of Justice. His emerald power ring shoots beams of energy.

BATMAN a.k.a. Bruce Wayne. The most human of the bunch is mistrustful of others, which leads to quite a few problems for the clan.

FLASH a.k.a. Barry Allen, cop. The most enthusiastic superhero, Flash is happy just to be included, but his ravenous appetite leads to trouble.

AQUAMAN a.k.a. Arthur, the Atlantean king. Not a fan of humans, Aquaman is more interested in helping his fellow heroes than lending a hand to land dwellers.

 

[Artistsean]

Superman: He should be the natural Leader of the team, not just because he is the most powerful or the most popular, but because he is so charasmatic and heartfelt. Everyone wants to fallow him because of his ideals. This should be the biggest part of his character, Superman stands for everything America can be and everything that Americans should be. But not just because its expected of him but because its right. He is a very strong and heroic person (even if you don't look at his powers).
But I like the idea of him being reluctant, maybe its because everyone (even some of the JLA) see him as an infallable being, when really he is anything but. He knows he doesn't always know whats best. (this would probably be a small part of his character.) I also want to see him interact (like arleady mentioned) with more than just Batman. maybe show him relate more with Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman in the film.
As Clark he bumbles and stammers and isn't the most coordinated and memerable person but he is the same Superman at the core. Even as Clark he always does whats right.
Superman/Clark is very posative. He always tries to see the good in everyone and see the sunny side of things. Even as Superman, although as Superman he is a little more realistic but still very optomistic. As Clark it is almost amped up.

Batman: Batman is the same person as Superman, almost. when you cut away almost everything both Batman and Superman are men who don't want anyone to get hurt or killed. They feel a need to protect everyone, responcible. But while Superman tries to be an example and sees the good in everyone, Batman uses fear and sees the bad in everyone. Its not really his choice though, he can't afford to be on a pedastool and out in the public as much as Superman can. He is only human. But Bruce strives to make the public, even members of the JLA, see him as another super powered being, A Man Bat.
Bruce doesn't have time to set an example, he doesn't afford himself time for a lot of things. As Batman he never waists words, he cuts to the point. In battle he he does what he has to to end it fast (while not killing).
Another similarity with Clark is that Bruce sort of pretends to be a different person out of costume. He has turned Bruce Wayne into a character, someone to hide his true character (he is himself as Batman 100 percent). But at the core of Bruce Wayen he is also a good guy, he can't help it.
He secretly funds the JLA too, as well as publicly and secretly funds many charities (mostly dealing with orphans, families who have lost members to murder, and many rehabilitation programs.)
Bruce is also somewhat paranoid, always seeing the dark in everyone and always having to come up with a contingancy plan will do that. But it doesn't help when he is usually right.
Bruce is also incredibly reserved, even more so on the team. He stays back from the group and seperates himself from the rest. He never really sociallizes with the others except when they are talking about JLA work. He is only human, and sometimes the others almost look down on him for that (sort of feel sorry for that), but he is sort of the most dangerous team member.
(I think they should have him do some of the stuff they have HRG do in the tv show Heroes. Like think in Japanese in order to stop someone from being able to read his thoughts. stuff like that)

I'll add more later,

 

[Hole Shot]

One of the big differences I've always seen between Batman and Superman is that Batman is proactive hero where Superman is reactive hero. Know what I mean?

 

[I Am The Knight]

GREEN LANTERN a.k.a. John Stewart, architect. Designed the Hall of Justice. His emerald power ring shoots beams of energy.

So they are going with The Hall of Justice instead of The Watchtower? bummer. But classic.

 

[RakuMon]

I read a post somewhere (IESB? Counting Down?) that the Superman and Batman costumes would be redesigned for JLA to further distinguish the film from existing franchises. If that's truly the case, perhaps Batman fanboys might finally get a costume closer to the one in the comics? Because I'd think any variation of black rubber would instantly bring the Burton/Shumacher/Nolan films to mind.

 

[terry78]

John Stewart's personality has always been in the realm of definitely lending assistance and helping those in need, regardless of the consequences. He is an overly moral character at times due to his military upbringing. Superman is moral as well, but Stewart is a more hardass military type of moral. If they go with a younger one, I'd even say that he idolizes some of the heroes at the beginning, then slowly becoming on par with them realizing he is in fact their equal on the team.

 

[UltimateJustin]

Here are brief bits about the characters according to EW. One way to get out of Aquaman being the "butt of the joke" is by reinforcing his role as King of Atlantis. Looks like that's how he'll be in JLA.

Why did my thread on EW's story about the JL script (one that I oh so patiently transcribed for people who didn't get the magazine early, by the way) get criticized and closed?

Uh, hello? EW is the most read entertainment magazine in the country. And they just confirmed the list of heroes, plot details and the main villain. Info that was all merely speculation up until this point. Jeez.

Anyway, not that any of you would appreciate it, but here's the list of heroes and how they're described in the script according to EW:

'LEAGUE' SNEAK PEEK
EW caught an early glimpse of the Justice League script. Below, a (mostly) spoiler-free first look. -- NS

SUPERMAN a.k.a. Clark Kent, news reporter. The morally upstanding Man of Steel battles Batman and has more to worry about than Kryptonite.

WONDER WOMAN a.k.a. Diana of Themyscira, Amazonian princess. Revered by the other supers for her beauty and ass-kicking abilities.

MARTIAN MANHUNTER a.k.a. J'onn J'onzz, detective. His power to read minds comes in handy as the villain engages in some nifty mind control.

GREEN LANTERN a.k.a. John Stewart, architect. Designed the Hall of Justice. His emerald power ring shoots beams of energy.

BATMAN a.k.a. Bruce Wayne. The most human of the bunch is mistrustful of others, which leads to quite a few problems for the clan.

FLASH a.k.a. Barry Allen, cop. The most enthusiastic superhero, Flash is happy just to be included, but his ravenous appetite leads to trouble.

AQUAMAN a.k.a. Arthur, the Atlantean king. Not a fan of humans, Aquaman is more interested in helping his fellow heroes than lending a hand to land dwellers.

BANNED.

 

[moguy]

Why did my thread on EW's story about the JL script (one that I oh so patiently transcribed for people who didn't get the magazine early, by the way) get criticized and closed?

Uh, hello? EW is the most read entertainment magazine in the country. And they just confirmed the list of heroes, plot details and the main villain. Info that was all merely speculation up until this point. Jeez.

I would have liked to have read your post.

Still have a link to the closed thread?

 

[Jake Cassidy]

Artistsean. I don't mean to sound picky, but Superman should represent what humankind should be, not just Americans.

 

[Hole Shot]

Artistsean. I don't mean to sound picky, but Superman should represent what humankind should be, not just Americans.

And humankind should be like Americans!!!