Pumped about this.
A - it means my dream of writing Justice League is still alive, lol.
B - Maybe WB will take a step back and do it RIGHT.
In order to make a Justice League film necessary, you have to show that the team needs to be formed.
That's tricky when dealing with a team that has a character like Superman on its roster. So, my proposal would be...
Wait and see on Man of Steel. If it goes positively, move ahead on solo films for Wonder Woman and Flash. Keep Green Lantern in continuity ala The Incredible Hulk. You can mention it, but it will mostly be a step-child of the franchise (sad for a good movie in The Incredible Hulk's case).
See how Wonder Woman does. I'd compare it to Thor. Similar budget. Surround an unknown Diana with an all-star cast of worthy actors. Set it as a fish-out-of-water story with the elements of mystism and reality that made Thor so much fun.
Move ahead on Flash. Make it a fun film like the Iron Man films. Credible in reality, but a fun ride. Casting of the Barry Allen or Wally West character will be crucial, much like Robert Downey Jr. for Tony Stark was. Give me a name to carry this flick!
Release Man of Steel 2.
See how we're doing. Don't let one film "under-performing" deter you from the big picture. You have to have the guts to take these risks.
Release a solo-reboot of Batman. Go in a different direction than Nolan, but still somewhat recognizable to what he did. Make it plausible, but with a bit more of the magical-realism that the comics have. Different suit, maybe a more gothic Gotham, utilize some other rogues. Go with Riddler for the first film, perhaps.
Based on how Flash and Wonder Woman are received, move into production on a sequel of at least one of these films.
Release Man of Steel 3. This will be the lead-up, the Granddaddy.
Hint at Apokolips and Darkseid in the second Superman film. He's the Thanos of the series. He's the looming threat. In Man of Steel 3 Darkseid will invade Earth. It will end with his victory. Superman will lose in this film. It will epic. It will be completely unprecedented. Superman will die at the end of the third act and people will leave the theater with Superman staying dead...
THIS is what needs to happen for the formation of the Justice League to be a necessity. The world needs to face a threat that Superman cannot defeat.
Release Justice League.
In the marketing, hint at Superman, but never show him. Try to make us believe he is dead.
The film starts with Earth under occupation. The heroes we have met in the previous films fend off their own corners of the world with limited success. It isn't until they begin to work together that they start making any difference. In the middle of the second act, Superman returns in an epic moment, completing and inspiring the team. (For the first film use the line-up of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Flash... In subsequent films, add and/or subtract).
But that is something that is necessary to make the forming of the team feel organic. Superman needs to die. It makes the threat credible. Even if fanboys know he's coming back -- in order for the League to feel needed within the world of the film, we have to think he's lost.
It will be an arduous task. It will be very risky. And it will take time.... 7-9 years, perhaps. But it would be incredibly worth it. Absolutely worth it. Also, when the League fights side-by-side in all its glory... THAT moment... that moment will be earned.
-R