IF Nolan doesn't do another Batman film, would DC consider a Superman/Batman film?

[Wally West]

This is totally theoretical.

Nolan hasn't decided to do another Batman film yet. I have no doubt that he is waiting for a script he feels passionately about, and I hope the pieces fall into place with-in DC's time frame. Don't fool yourselves though, with or without Nolan the WB will make another film with Bale portraying Batman, the question becomes where do they go from there. Even if Nolan returns, topping or even sustaining the quality of TDK is going to be nearly impossible. And without Nolan DC faces placing the franchise in untested hands with the same big shoes to fill.

From what I understand, and maybe someone could verify this or set me straight, but I'm under the impression that DC isn't making any desicions on Superman or any other DC film (besides GL which is already in pre-production) until Nolan decides what to do.

Right away I know TDK fans will say Superman doesn't fit with Nolan's version. But if Nolan doesn't return, it will no longer be his version, just a hollow extension of it with another director...Do I have to remind anyone what happened to the Batman franchise the last time that happened?

Obviously a Superman/Batman franchise would benifit the disfunctional Superman franchise more at this point. The best scenerio the Batman franchise has is a 3rd film with Nolan at the helm. WB seems up in the air as to what to do with Superman, There is alot of speculation of a reboot, but I've heard Routh might still be used in that, then there is the occasional Singer MOS/Wrath of Kahn-esque/Superman Unleashed rumor.

I think a Superman/Batman film would be the best possible follow up to Superman Returns (though I'm certainly not suggesting Singer should direct the film) if they wanted to stay with Routh, and give the character an event film to reastablish him to the public properly and showcase all the things that SR failed to deliver for an interpretation of Superman in a modern effects driven film. Let's face it, with all this character is capable of, all of the villians in his rogues gallary, and with all of the CGI advances since the Christopher Reeves era....Superman Returns dropped the ball in a big way.

Insanely enough, however, the lack of a superpowered fight scene isn't the worst part. Lois has fallen in love with a really decent guy, and Superman kinda stalks her alittle bit, and oh yeah... the kid's probably his... lol. wow. Just typing that really makes me wonder what they were thinking (or smoking).

Anyway, a Superman/Batman film set mostly in Gotham would minimize all the ridiculous termoil we have set up in Metropolis currently.

So from a story standpoint you may ask...is it possible? Or if you're a fan of Nolan's universe you're probably saying **** no it's not...

Nolan's Batman is set in a seemingly realistic world, although little of what is going on in the world at large outside of Gotham has been touched on, it seems safe to assume superheroes are not common place in his universe. However, A major plot point in Superman Returns could be used to tie into that. In the Superman films there have also been no mention of other superheros, and in that universe Superman had been absent for half a decade...If the batman films were to have taken place during this time, in a world without superman, the two could be tied together. A Major plot point from TDK could lead to the initial meeting between the two. Batman is now considered a criminal, one formidable and high profile enough for Superman to concieveably leave Metropolis in search of.

Having said that I can see how it could be made to work, but it could also fail on many levels in the wrong hands...I just wanted to hear your thoughts on whether or not it could happen and what potential it might offer.

 

[Man of Tomorrow]

If Nolan doesnt want to direct, WB will find someone else to, with the same producers attached.

Either way, Batman III is happening.

WB wouldnt skip out on this cash cow.

 

[Jochimus]

If Nolan doesnt want to direct, WB will find someone else to, with the same producers attached.

Either way, Batman III is happening.

WB wouldnt skip out on this cash cow.

Bingo.

Another Batman movie will probably get higher priority at WB than any film with Superman in it at this point, because in spite of the stumbling block that was "Batman & Robin", WB has learned time and time again that = $, whereas has cost them a fair bit of cash in the past 15 years.

 

[FilmNerdJamie]

I've long been of the opinion we're more likely to see a Superman/Batman film than any iteration of Justice League.

There's also been conflicting information as to whether or not Routh and Bale (both still under contract with WB) have stipulations in their overall deals that include any "team-up" film(s).

 

[Dark Helmet]

I am tired of reboots. Batman Beyond this **** once Nolan is done

 

[Donnie Darko]

I'd still love to see a Batman/Superman movie. I love Nolan's films, but these are comic book films, so I have no problem breaking the "realism" of a man dressed as a rodent beating up criminals so we can include the Man of Steel.

 

[BestGirl]

I'd still love to see a Batman/Superman movie. I love Nolan's films, but these are comic book films, so I have no problem breaking the "realism" of a man dressed as a rodent beating up criminals so we can include the Man of Steel.

Same here. I'd especially love a Batman/Superman team up if it starred Bale and Routh, though I doubt it'll ever happen.

 

[BATZARRO WWD]

The consider-to-make rate of DC films quite low, so even if they consider it, I dunno if it could ever happen.

 

[NotFadeAway]

Brandon Routh isn't in the same league as Christian Bale in terms of acting ability.

 

[Symbiotic]

Not before Batman 3. Even if Nolan doesn't come back, WB will still do a third Batman film that takes place in the continuity of BB and TDK.

 

[mclay18]

There's also been conflicting information as to whether or not Routh and Bale (both still under contract with WB) have stipulations in their overall deals that include any "team-up" film(s).

I think both actors have an option in their contract that enables WB to put them into an ensemble film, like a JL or a World's Finest film.

But considering Warners' previous Batman history, I think they're more than willing to wait for Nolan to come on board and ensure that the franchise stays on track for at least one more film. They don't want to pull another Batman Forever/Batman & Robin fiasco like they did in the '90s.

 

[Wally West]

I think both actors have an option in their contract that enables WB to put them into an ensemble film, like a JL or a World's Finest film.

But considering Warners' previous Batman history, I think they're more than willing to wait for Nolan to come on board and ensure that the franchise stays on track for at least one more film. They don't want to pull another Batman Forever/Batman & Robin fiasco like they did in the '90s.

Definately, Nolan coming back is the best scenario for WB and for fans. If he doesn't come back though, WB is in the same spot they were in the 90's when Tim Burton left. At least Burton was involved in Batman Forever, but after he left and the reigns were handed to Joel Nipple-Suit things went to hell fast, in fact it went so wrong it set the entire genre back a few years.

If the studio were to do a 3rd Batman film without Nolan, they'd have two choices. Bring in a Director with a different style, and alienate fans of the first two films(which is pretty much everyone), or hire someone to straight up imitate Nolan, which will probably result in an inferior film.

I guess what makes me the most curious about a superman/batman film is that I read months ago on this site that DC wasn't making a concrete decision on what to do with Superman until Nolan decides what to do with Batman.



O.K I found the article:

Paul Levitz Talks Batman, Superman and More!
Source:Latino Review October 10, 2008


Latino Review got a chance to talk to DC Comics President Paul Levitz this week about the status of the third Christopher Nolan-directed Batman film, the Superman reboot (Brandon Routh is still in the mix!), and more. Here are several clips:

In fact, he told me that "Last week Brandon Routh has come around the offices in New York and Los Angeles as of late to talk about Superman and what we want to do."

"Everyone is waiting for Nolan to sign on for another Batman, once that happens, the release date for Superman and all other future projects will follow."

 

[Bill]

If Nolan doesnt want to direct, WB will find someone else to, with the same producers attached.

Either way, Batman III is happening.

WB wouldnt skip out on this cash cow.

The problem is that Nolan is the main reason it is a cash cow. Without his approach and his casting choices, you end up with more of the same stuff that brought Batman to its lowest point. Hopefully, WB is not stupid enough to think that just anybody can take over the reins at this point and not only make a blockbuster, but actually a good movie.

And I also think that if Nolan wanted to infuse Superman into his Batman universe, it would work.

 

[Man of Tomorrow]

Ledger's death was the main reason TDK was a cashcow.

Nolan was the reason it was a well-directed movie.

Even if Nolan doesn't direct III, they'll still get the same writers as TDK.

 

[bunk]

Ledger's death was the main reason TDK was a cashcow.

For f***'s sake, why do people keep insisting this nonsense?


Anyway, it is an interesting idea to almost have Nolan's Batman sort of reboot Superman by association. It's like a work around for WB to reboot Superman without having to gamble quite as much, since Batman is such a money maker right now. Donnerverse need not apply since this is a different continuity.

 

[Bill]

For f***'s sake, why do people keep insisting this nonsense?

Agreed.

Anyway, it is an interesting idea to almost have Nolan's Batman sort of reboot Superman by association. It's like a work around for WB to reboot Superman without having to gamble quite as much, since Batman is such a money maker right now. Donnerverse need not apply since this is a different continuity.

I'd introduce him in a future Batman, then spin him off from there. I'd love to see Nolan's take on him as I don't think the last movie was very good or original and the "Donner-verse" ended with the first two movies.

 

[spidermilk]

I think both actors have an option in their contract that enables WB to put them into an ensemble film, like a JL or a World's Finest film.

But considering Warners' previous Batman history, I think they're more than willing to wait for Nolan to come on board and ensure that the franchise stays on track for at least one more film. They don't want to pull another Batman Forever/Batman & Robin fiasco like they did in the '90s.

Come on guys, Nolans sooooo coming on board, I really cant see a gd enough reason why he would say no to it after all it's earned him a ton of money and Kudos.

And making a Batman movie is just fun in itself. Maybe if we were on like like batman 8 I could see him saying no.