Is DCE accomplishing anything?

[REDophile]

Its the same tireless point argued, all the time: why can't DC do what Marvel does? Why can't there be more DC characters on film? I know, so sorry for bringing it up again. This just caught my attention though:
http://www.**************.com/fansites/Dustin03Comics/news/?a=31362

Wasn't the foundation of DC Entertainment to improve media exposure via WB to more of the superheroes? So far I don't see their strategy changing that much. Okay, they do have Green Lantern, which does seem reasonably promising, and a huge step in putting another DC superhero not named Superman or Batman in the cineplexes. But other than that, just another WW tv series and two more features of the same guys they always use on film, Bats and Supes, no master strategic plan.

Don't get me wrong, its time for the third act of the Nolan Bat trilogy and hopefully the new Superman will be gritter and more action-packed. But for Supes its the same production team behind Batman and the same guy who did Watchmen for them. If the Flash movie even happens, they just go to the same screenwriters that did GL. The Marvel flicks are in the shared universe, but at least each film comes from original sources: Jon Favreau's Iron Man, Kenneth Branagh's Thor, Joe Johnston's Captain America.

I know Marvel characters are different than DC characters and you don't need all the films to be in the same universe, GL rings and wouldn't work in the Nolan Bat-verse. But Marvel is making the fans happy. With all the cameos, and secret scenes with Nick Fury and the hammer of Mjolnir showing up in IM, its exciting to see a Marvel movie because you go knowing an enticing teaser is going to show up. WB/DC just doesn't know how to have fun like that.

I'm not a film expert and not the most knowledgeable comic book fan, but just some thoughts....

 

[ClarkLuther55]

They've repeatedly stated that Warner Bros. plans to focus on DC superheroes as their summer tentpoles after the Harry Potter series finishes this year. I don't have a problem with them going to Nolan for guidance on Superman, given the fact that he's one of the few people they have who seems to know what he's doing. Green Lantern's coming pretty soon, Superman is getting the true new start that he needed all along, and a Flash movie is in the works. Things are looking up.

My big gripe right now is how they let down Wonder Woman. If the upcoming show gets made and it's half as bad as the leaked script, it will bury the character for the next decade. I can't believe DC Entertainment let Kelley come in and screw around with such a well known character.

 

[louiebling$]

TDKR and Superman are enough

 

[Timstuff]

DCE has accomplished one thing: they've made sure that Wonder Woman will remain irrelevant for at least the next decade, and that there will be no DC superhero projects that aren't centered around a male character.

 

[Willi Berg]

Its the same tireless point argued, all the time: why can't DC do what Marvel does? Why can't there be more DC characters on film? I know, so sorry for bringing it up again. This just caught my attention though:
http://www.**************.com/fansites/Dustin03Comics/news/?a=31362

Wasn't the foundation of DC Entertainment to improve media exposure via WB to more of the superheroes? So far I don't see their strategy changing that much. Okay, they do have Green Lantern, which does seem reasonably promising, and a huge step in putting another DC superhero not named Superman or Batman in the cineplexes. But other than that, just another WW tv series and two more features of the same guys they always use on film, Bats and Supes, no master strategic plan.

DCE is not just about the movies, but also about all the other divisions- the comics, the videogames, toys, animation, TV etc. So now that it has full control of all those different "platforms", it can tie it all together more. That's why it's not just about the Green Lantern movie, now it's all the merchandise, the cartoon show, the animated movie etc. They're all linked.

So when we hear news like that DCE took back control the rights control of Wonder Woman from Joel Silver, while we expected a movie, what we saw was that DCE, since it has a lot at stake with all its different divisions, went to where WW was the most marketable- a TV show.

DCE ensures that anything made from these comic book characters has a direct line to the source material and its creators. At the same time, nowadays it's even more about the merchandise and all the other offshoots from a live action movie.

That's why they're counting on this Green Lantern movie to see how that "larger universe" idea works, as well as how the merchandising does, then they can concentrate on moving forward with The Flash and whatever other superhero tentpoles they're going to try next.

 

[batlovescatDC]

Omg. I am so tired of hearing this. DCE is getting things going as much as possible. Am I completely pissed about the Wonder Woman INO series? Yes, absolutely... but that's television, not film.

WB/DCE are getting things revved up. I would rather wait a few yrs to see each character get their films after delevopment starts on them, SO THEY CAN DO THEM RIGHT IN THE FILM.

The problem with Marvel is this... yes they spit out films for their characters faster than a kid spits out chewing gum, but as a result you can't even count on two hands the number of films based on Marvel characters that have been screwed up majorly.

Daredevil, Elektra, Ang Lee's Hulk, Spider-Man 3, X-Men 3, Blade: Trinity, IM2 just to name some of them.

Captain America and Thor both look terrible, IMO. B

So I don't envy Marvel fans at all. I have Superman, Superman II, Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight to watch. Plus let's not forget the AMAZING dtv projects that DCE gives us a few times a yr.

DC fans shouldn't be complaining in the slightest bit. We have GL to look forward to this yr. And two great adaptations of the two biggest DC characters in history next yr, those being The Dark Knight Rises and The Man of Steel of course.

The Flash is being mapped out and planned as we speak and I look forward to seeing GL become another awesome franchise. Yes, I'm reserving judgement for the first film until it comes out in July... but everyone that's seen anything and has spoken about it says that it looks absolutely amazing. I have major faith in Martin Campbell. GL actually has the potential to be a science fiction franchise along the lines of Star Wars and Star Trek. Marvel doesn't have anything like that for their fans to look forward to.

 

[super85]

I have no idea how much DC Entertainment actually gets done, and in what stages various projects where when DCE got launched, but as for DC and their adaptations they actually have it pretty good right now. GL film coming up, also a third Nolan Batman, Snyders Superman, a possible WW series and a Flash movie. And also that there has been smaller DC properties making it to the big screen with "Red", "Jonah Hex" and "The Losers". Not all of this stuff is quality, but not everything with a Marvel-logo is that great either.

 

[REDophile]

Lets just hope we have a director and a release date for the Flash by the end of this year.

The thing is, DC has already been way ahead of Marvel for years- on tv shows. Marvel has the Incredible Hulk from the 70s and 80s, but not much else.

We're not gonna see a sequel to TIH from 2008 with Marvel and other characters (Thor and Cap) can get a turn on the big screen. I just remember Marvel talking about that once. But with WB/DC I guess its just not that simple to "give the other characters a turn" on film. A lot rides on Green Lantern to succeed. Its a big budget sci-fi, space opera epic, and its not an instant name recognition superhero. The future of more DC characters on film rides on GL. TDKR is almost guaranteed to be a box-office hit. Not as much rides on Thor or Cap.

 

[darthhalen]

I think some of the frustration with some of the fans comes the "announcements" that never seem to take place. It's been over a year now that DC/WB have stated that they will be making an announcement about a plan of films, games, tv etc that has never materialized. Johns has stated this for some time. Look if there not going to make a big announcement that's fine, just stop telling us you are.
I would have thought we might have an announcement for a Flash director by now, but it's clear everything hinges on GL. Even if the movie stinks I'm going to be pulling for it to make money or the rest of the DC universe films are toast.
Also wonder where Johns is at in regards to tv Wonder Woman. Sounds like a train wreck. Maybe it will be retooled in time.

 

[Raiden]

The problem with Marvel is this... yes they spit out films for their characters faster than a kid spits out chewing gum, but as a result you can't even count on two hands the number of films based on Marvel characters that have been screwed up majorly.

Daredevil, Elektra, Ang Lee's Hulk, Spider-Man 3, X-Men 3, Blade: Trinity, IM2 just to name some of them.

DC doesn't make that many superhero movies compared with Marvel, yet they are also susceptive to making bombs. Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, Catwoman, Steel, Supergirl, Birds of Prey (TV show), and even Superman Returns are either flops or not living up to expectation.

Captain America and Thor both look terrible, IMO. B

I think they look fantastic, and better than GL (judging from the trailers).

So I don't envy Marvel fans at all. I have Superman, Superman II, Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight to watch. Plus let's not forget the AMAZING dtv projects that DCE gives us a few times a yr.

The problem is that you only name movies based on Superman and Batman. GL needs to be successful, otherwise WB may think that non-Supe & Bat movies aren't worth investing.

The Flash is being mapped out and planned as we speak and I look forward to seeing GL become another awesome franchise. Yes, I'm reserving judgement for the first film until it comes out in July... but everyone that's seen anything and has spoken about it says that it looks absolutely amazing. I have major faith in Martin Campbell. GL actually has the potential to be a science fiction franchise along the lines of Star Wars and Star Trek. Marvel doesn't have anything like that for their fans to look forward to.

Aside from Thor and Capt. America, Marvel fans are also looking forward to the very first superhero crossover movie on the big screen, the Avengers. Right now the Justice League movie is still a pipe's dream.

 

[REDophile]

I think some of the frustration with some of the fans comes the "announcements" that never seem to take place. It's been over a year now that DC/WB have stated that they will be making an announcement about a plan of films, games, tv etc that has never materialized. Johns has stated this for some time. Look if there not going to make a big announcement that's fine, just stop telling us you are.
I would have thought we might have an announcement for a Flash director by now, but it's clear everything hinges on GL. Even if the movie stinks I'm going to be pulling for it to make money or the rest of the DC universe films are toast.
Also wonder where Johns is at in regards to tv Wonder Woman. Sounds like a train wreck. Maybe it will be retooled in time.

Bingo, a few times its like "there's some announcement coming," but we don't hear any official release date for DCE film lineups. The new Superman doesn't even have a date, just sometime in December 2012. DCE was created to make more productive use of their properties, and live action film is the #1 arena where DC characters lack exposure. You'd think with that in mind they would have an organized plan like Marvel does, but not so much. Again, I really do want to see TDKR and the new Superman, but neither are solving the problem.
Than again, Iron Man was really what set Marvel off by announcing the huge plan for the Avengers. GL may be the Iron Man for DCE.

 

[Octoberist]

I think the thing that Marvel has over DCE is that Marvel's plans have been (for the most part) transparent and you get to see movement on certain projects.

DCE has been erratic; sure you have Batman and Superman, but other than Green Lantern, there's a looming QUESTION MARK hovering over it's collective head.

 

[KRIM]

I know Marvel characters are different than DC characters and you don't need all the films to be in the same universe, GL rings and wouldn't work in the Nolan Bat-verse. But Marvel is making the fans happy. With all the cameos, and secret scenes with Nick Fury and the hammer of Mjolnir showing up in IM, its exciting to see a Marvel movie because you go knowing an enticing teaser is going to show up. WB/DC just doesn't know how to have fun like that.

Let's wait until Marvel actually accomplishes something with the crossovers before hatching the celebration. They've got the plan down, yes, but I'd hardly say their execution has been solid thus far. If we are to judge Marvel as the sole producer then we only have three films to go on; the Iron Man flims and The Incredible Hulk. The first IM was an undoubted success, but its sequel has had its divisions amongst fans and the general audience. TIH came and went. That is barely 2 for 3, if that. For Avengers to be a success, it really hinges on Thor and Captain America becoming huge hits with the audience. Otherwise, you've got a very lukewarm response in anticipation for a team-up.

I can understand fans being enthralled with the idea of a shared universe like the comics, but it's very difficult to maintain. Because they all share the same foundation, when one project fails, everyone suffers as well. DC may have a frustrating and safe approach, but it prevents severe backfires. The self-reliance of each property effectively shelters any damages that may occur. I prefer it this way as it doesn't necessarily preclude future crossovers. All it means is they avoid the incessant winking moments and forced subplots only existing to linger into other franchises. I'm a fan of many heroes, but when I watch [insert superhero]'s movie, I'm paying to watch an exclusive story -- not a repeating ad for the next storyline.

 

[WildcatNC]

Omg. I am so tired of hearing this. DCE is getting things going as much as possible. Am I completely pissed about the Wonder Woman INO series? Yes, absolutely... but that's television, not film.

WB/DCE are getting things revved up. I would rather wait a few yrs to see each character get their films after delevopment starts on them, SO THEY CAN DO THEM RIGHT IN THE FILM.

The problem with Marvel is this... yes they spit out films for their characters faster than a kid spits out chewing gum, but as a result you can't even count on two hands the number of films based on Marvel characters that have been screwed up majorly.

Daredevil, Elektra, Ang Lee's Hulk, Spider-Man 3, X-Men 3, Blade: Trinity, IM2 just to name some of them.

Captain America and Thor both look terrible, IMO. B

So I don't envy Marvel fans at all. I have Superman, Superman II, Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight to watch. Plus let's not forget the AMAZING dtv projects that DCE gives us a few times a yr.

DC fans shouldn't be complaining in the slightest bit. We have GL to look forward to this yr. And two great adaptations of the two biggest DC characters in history next yr, those being The Dark Knight Rises and The Man of Steel of course.

The Flash is being mapped out and planned as we speak and I look forward to seeing GL become another awesome franchise. Yes, I'm reserving judgement for the first film until it comes out in July... but everyone that's seen anything and has spoken about it says that it looks absolutely amazing. I have major faith in Martin Campbell. GL actually has the potential to be a science fiction franchise along the lines of Star Wars and Star Trek. Marvel doesn't have anything like that for their fans to look forward to.

You think GL could be the second coming of Star Wars/Star Trek, yet Cap and Thor look terrible?? Really?

I hope all turn out to be great movies, but I can't imagine thinking that from what we've seen so far.

 

[jmc]

Let's wait until Marvel actually accomplishes something with the crossovers before hatching the celebration. They've got the plan down, yes, but I'd hardly say their execution has been solid thus far. If we are to judge Marvel as the sole producer then we only have three films to go on; the Iron Man flims and The Incredible Hulk. The first IM was an undoubted success, but its sequel has had its divisions amongst fans and the general audience. TIH came and went. That is barely 2 for 3, if that. For Avengers to be a success, it really hinges on Thor and Captain America becoming huge hits with the audience. Otherwise, you've got a very lukewarm response in anticipation for a team-up.

I can understand fans being enthralled with the idea of a shared universe like the comics, but it's very difficult to maintain. Because they all share the same foundation, when one project fails, everyone suffers as well. DC may have a frustrating and safe approach, but it prevents severe backfires. The self-reliance of each property effectively shelters any damages that may occur. I prefer it this way as it doesn't necessarily preclude future crossovers. All it means is they avoid the incessant winking moments and forced subplots only existing to linger into other franchises. I'm a fan of many heroes, but when I watch [insert superhero]'s movie, I'm paying to watch an exclusive story -- not a repeating ad for the next storyline.

I maintain Marvel's approach is ultimately unsustainable on film, one way or another it will come back to bite them in the arse. People can complain about DC/WB all they want, but I'd rather them focus on each character individually instead of trying to set up a singular universe which most people couldn't care about.

 

[The Morningstar]

I don't think you can say one way or the other at the moment. We have to see how Green Lantern does. If it bombs or disappoints, which is quite possible, then say goodbye to your Flash or Captain Marvel films and say hello to a continuation of Superman and Batman films.

 

[Willi Berg]

As a DC fan, I am not really expecting an announcement of a shared universe building up to a Justice League idea anymore. Mainly because Green Lantern seems to have a long-term plan to tell a big story in its own trilogy over the next few years. Same with Flash and Superman. The way Batman has done it. I think Nolan's Batman really solidified that idea for WB.

Even if GL is a success, I don't really see the sudden announcement of JL movie being imminent, or that we'll suddenly have so many cross-references in DC movies, because there is just too much story going on in the individual franchises.

Captain America and Thor's stories seem to be building up to the Avengers movie, which isn't really that far off. When that's done, there doesn't seem to be a plan after that in terms of story for the individual movies.

DC was frustrating when it promised announcements but I think they were still figuring it out at the time and then realised that they couldn't make any promises about a shared universe or a JL movie, simply because it isn't the priority. And we do get reports of what is being worked on at this time. We know the basic plan for GL, and that a Flash movie is coming. We know what they want to do with Wonder Woman (which seems to be trying to make her more popular using TV first before making a movie.) Okay, so we don't know what's happening with Aquaman- but it's AQUAMAN ffs, which would be a huge undertaking and pretty risky.

As a DC fan it's probably better to think about the plans for the solo movies and their sequels than the idea of a teamup movie. Otherwise you'll just get disappointed. And these plans (for most) are pretty big. I think a JL movie will happen, just not for a long time, and it'll be this huge event down the line.

 

[The Morningstar]

From what I know of Captain America and Thor, their movies will be more like the first Iron Man movie rather than the second Iron Man movie. As in, the films will be about the characters rather than their ties to Avengers.

Cap's is about Steve Rogers becoming Captain America, the beacon of hope. And the origin of Red Skull.

Thor is about Thor being a naughty boy and being banished from his home and learning humility.

 

[Willi Berg]

I look forward to both Captain America and Thor, but in terms of long-term plans, they can't just think about an overall story for a sequel or trilogy, they have to cater to this Avengers story. There doesn't seem to be this long-term plan within their own individual franchises, story-wise. Green Lantern will just have to worry about telling its own story within its own series of movies.

 

[REDophile]

Rather than building up for a JL ensemble, I just hope there can be fun with the individual DC franchises. Like with GL hint at Sinestro becoming the villain or throw out references to other GLs like John Stewart or Guy Gardner. That's the type of "fun" they can have without Marvel-style cross-overs, but just build it up more.

Aside from any other of those nods, the superhero flicks this summer are more hit or miss because they are new as movie franchises. Thor, GL and Cap are new as superhero blockbusters, unless you count the Captain America B-movie from the early 90s. This is opposed to 2012 when we have the Avengers and than sequels and reboots (Amazing Spider-Man, TDKR, Snyder's Superman).

 

[The Morningstar]

I look forward to both Captain America and Thor, but in terms of long-term plans, they can't just think about an overall story for a sequel or trilogy, they have to cater to this Avengers story. There doesn't seem to be this long-term plan within their own individual franchises, story-wise. Green Lantern will just have to worry about telling its own story within its own series of movies.

I see your points there. But really, Avengers is part of Thor and Captain Americas stories. Especially Caps. That's how he got brought back to the present day, via the Avengers. Unless they don't want to be accurate to the source material or they want to keep Cap in WWII for a couple of movies, you sorta have to have the Avengers in there.

 

[Lencho01]

Money-wise there's no real need for a team-up film. Is Disney/Marvel really going to make all that much from Avengers? Look at what was done with Batman alone.

If WB/DCE can do that (or close to it) with their main JLA-related characters, they probably won't bother too much with the idea of many a JLA film right away like Marvel has. Wasn't Ant Man supposed to happen before Avengers, but Iron Man was such a surprise hit, they replaced it with Iron Man 2? WB/DCE may not want to blow their load so early on because people are just going to expect each next film to be bigger than the previous. But, you never know.

It will be interesting to see what Marvel plans to after Avengers.

 

[Donut]

I would think that after Nolan's Batman is done & he is not there to say no to it then the very least maybe one day a Superman & Batman movie if the new Superman is successful. But I doubt a full on team up like The Avengers

 

[Lencho01]

I doubt there are any concrete plans for any type of Superman-related film until they end the court case.

 

[El Payaso]

I don't think more = better.