Justice League The characterizations and relationships thread

[JB-the-Hunter]

This is a thread to talk about how you think each character should be handled, especially in relation to each other. Keep in mind that this is all my opinion:

Superman
Superman should be handled exactly how you expect. He's the face of heroism, he's the powerhouse, he's somewhat the leader. But as perfect as Superman is I think he should have a glaring venerability to show the audience that he can't do it alone.

Batman
Batman should be portrayed as the one who's shrouded in mystery. He should be the one that the rest of the JL trust, yet always feel the need to side eye.
Also, I've always imagined his voice to be a deep, yet whispery voice. Sort of like Anthony Hopkins' speaking voice.

Wonder Woman
The Wolverine of the JL. She doesn't take anybody's crap. She's vicious and violent, but still has an innocent feminine side that cracks through every now and then.

Green Lantern
Loose cannon. Creative. Determined. Maybe the comic relief character, whatever that means.

Flash
I don't exactly know what I'd want from him. I feel like Flash is the one character they can take liberties with to fit whatever character type the film is missing. That doesn't mean I want him to stray too far from the source material, I just think that he's not really as defined as the rest.

I only did five but talk about as many as you feel like.

 

[the last son]

Agree with all of it except that Batman voice should be similar to Hopkins. No thanks. I want a deep manly sounding voice.

 

[JB-the-Hunter]

Agree with all of it except that Batman voice should be similar to Hopkins. No thanks. I want a deep manly sounding voice.

I said he should have a deep voice

 

[ericadawn16]

I think I'm so used to Chris Nolan and the old 90s cartoon that Batman with a higher octave voice sounds weird.

 

[JB-the-Hunter]

"I've always imagined his voice to be a deep, yet whispery voice"

Anthony Hopkins was an example, not what I want his voice to actually sound like.

 

[FeedOnATreeFrog]

Superman:
-Good. Responsible.
-He's quick to call out/question those whose methods are "less pure" than him, which creates conflict. However, he never gives up on them.

Wonder Woman:
-Definitely the loose Cannon. She's a warrior; she lets her anger get the best of her sometimes (especially when she takes the gauntlets off. She's the trump card, combat wise). Clark is able to get through to her, due to their roles as 'outsiders' (hinting at the possibility of a future relationship, especially if they end their relationships with Lois/Steve in order to keep them safe). She also provides comic relief, as the "fish out of water".

Batman:
-Silent. Smart.
-His "methods" towards criminals put him at odds with Superman, though they have great respect for each other's commitment to justice.

Green Lantern (Hal):
-Reckless and showy. Doesn't think he needs to deal with the team, etc, especially when he's got a whole sector of the galaxy to protect. Although he first thinks of Bats, Superman, and WW as over-serious, Bats eventually gets through to him. (I wouldn't mind if they took the part from the recent comics where Bats reveals his identity to Hal and they talk about being the only 'normal' human beings on the team. Although he's reluctant to let Bats know, Bats inspires him to overcome fear and try harder.

Flash (Barry):
-He's lighthearted, but not offensive to others, unlike Hal, who he's friends with. He's the one who tries to get Hal on board with the team and get him to realize that "they're not so bad". He brings an 'everyman' perspective; perhaps the closest thing to the audience's POV.

(If they use John Stewart, then make him more of the 'everyman', and have Wally West as the reckless/showy one.

Aquaman and another member joining should be the topic of the second movie.

 

[cleverusername8]

Batman should be more on the quiet side I think. The one in the Dark Knight trilogy seemed to talk quite a bit. The new Batman for JL should only speak when necessary an when he does, be short and subtley sarcastic. Deep voice for sure.

I hate how Superman acts in the New 52 Justice League. I feel like that's opposite to what the character should be. He should be the symbol of morality and responsibilty. He should be the one that cares for civilian safety, you know, the boy scout.

Wonder Woman could start out as the loose cannon/angry warrior but as the series goes on, she should move toward the way she was portrayed in Crisis on Two Earths: still hotheaded and ferocious towards enemies but more kindhearted to her teammates.

GL, assuming he's Hal, should be just like his New 52 JL portrayal unlike Superman. He was probably the one that I enjoyed the most in those first few issues that I read. Cocky, inconsiderate, and arrogant. He'd be perfect for comic relief guy on the team. Howecer, I hope it doesn't go over board so that the audience doesn't take the character seriously. They need to make him somewhat likable if the solo movies are to survive.

Flash should be a bit geeky and shy I think. Mild mannered and polite... Pretty much the antithesis of Hal which will make their friendship more fun to watch. He'd have a hand in Hal's comic relief no doubt but not overtly.

Martian Manhunter can be just like he is in JL/JLU. I thjnk that's one of his more likable characterizations.

Aquaman can be one of many things: like his new 52 version, similar to Thor from the Avengers, or similar to his JLU portayal. I'd be fine with any of the above.

 

[Xandrea]

I find it really depressing that no one here understands Wonder Woman. She's not a vicious savage that fights to kill people she hates. She's a compassionate warrior that fights to defend a world she loves. She does not kill out of anger, but out of a sense of duty to the innocent.

 

[TheWatcher]

Superman should be like Captain America in terms of his role.
Batman should be the silent knight.
Wonder Woman should be the warrior.
Green Lantern should be the Han Solo.
The Flash should be the heart of the group.

 

[Edguy]

The most important part for me, I guess, is making Batman smart.. which he really wasn't in the TDK trilogy. He needs to be the one that's always one step ahead, and knows stuff he isn't telling. In Nolan's trilogy, the villain was always the one written to be plotting and tactical, while Bats only came trough by being stubborn. So yeah, make him mature, smart and kind of socially closed off.

I guess this kinda was the result of Wayne being the one who's perspective we had, it needed to be that way to create sufficient amounts of drama and suspense. In the JL film, however, Bats probably won't be our point of view. That might allow him to become a lot more mysterious and plotting!

I also want John and Walley, pretty much like they were portrayed in the animated series, since Barrey and Hal kind of are the same guy.. Some of you, having read a lot more comics than me, might object that, but when you cut to the chase, they are both white, blonde, kind-of-*****ebagy, semi-comedic superhero archetypes. When they were created, they were the same character, just with different powers. Batman and Superman evolved enough to stay interesting, while GL and Flash got new incarnations, to spice things up. You get what I'm saynig? With Barry and Hal, I think we'll get an overdose of white pretty boys. We need John and Walley, and the animated series is evidence that they work well together. Much better than I imagine Hal and Barry ever would. They're better solo characters. Just my two cents..

EDIT; and I see many of you calling for Supes to be the moral, responsible boy scout, but you all seem to forget a very important side of that; naivety. I never liked Kent being a journalist, it goes against his nature.. Anyways, I'd like to see this as a theme, and maybe have a moral conflict between him and Bruce, where Wayne calls this out.

 

[DaveMoral]

Hal Jordan is not blond.

 

[cleverusername8]

I find it really depressing that no one here understands Wonder Woman. She's not a vicious savage that fights to kill people she hates. She's a compassionate warrior that fights to defend a world she loves. She does not kill out of anger, but out of a sense of duty to the innocent.

This, in my mind, is the ideal Wonder Woman but the truth is they've changed her into more of an angry warrior goddess and most likely will keep that for the JL movie. My guess is she'll be the one causing most of the physical friction in the group while trying to outdo her male coworkers. I can see them making a fight scene between her and the rest of the group at some point during the rocky period of the team's formation (which I can guarantee will show up in some capacity).

As far as Edguy's post, nothing could be further from the truth. You have somewhat of a point saying that when the characters first came out, they were pretty interchangeable but the thing is they've evolved into unique personas and that is what would be portrayed in a film. Hal and Barry are best friends so I'm pretty sure they'd work better together than John and Wally. I originally shared your point of view, but now I've decided that going with the classic lineup would be the best course of action for the first movie since they are planning on using the character buildup presented in JL to launch the solo movies for these heroes.

 

[Edguy]

Ok, brown haired, whatever.

For the solo movies, I agree that Hal and Barry would be much more natural choices. But I just don't see them make an as interesting group of characters, as with John and Wally.
Of course, I haven't read much comics, so my perception of the characters is limited. However, I'd say this makes my view a better representation of the GA's. And the GA are mostly more familiar with John and Walley, due to the animated series. (maybe not so much GL, after the 2011 film, but then again, that is more of a negative than a positive..)

And the argument of adding John to get ethnic variety is always valid.

 

[ThePowerCosmic]

This, in my mind, is the ideal Wonder Woman but the truth is they've changed her into more of an angry warrior goddess and most likely will keep that for the JL movie. My guess is she'll be the one causing most of the physical friction in the group while trying to outdo her male coworkers. I can see them making a fight scene between her and the rest of the group at some point during the rocky period of the team's formation (which I can guarantee will show up in some capacity).

As far as Edguy's post, nothing could be further from the truth. You have somewhat of a point saying that when the characters first came out, they were pretty interchangeable but the thing is they've evolved into unique personas and that is what would be portrayed in a film. Hal and Barry are best friends so I'm pretty sure they'd work better together than John and Wally. I originally shared your point of view, but now I've decided that going with the classic lineup would be the best course of action for the first movie since they are planning on using the character buildup presented in JL to launch the solo movies for these heroes.

I don't think Wonder Woman will have to 'try' to outdo the men in the League. I can even picture some of guys' jaws dropping because of her power and how skilled of a fighter she is. Are you talking about the New 52 Wonder Woman when you say she's been changed into an angry warrior goddess? If so, that doesn't mean they will use that version of her. Sure, she'll probably be angry from time to time, but her anger shouldn't define her character.

 

[FeedOnATreeFrog]

Perhaps replace anger with passion, and ignorance of the 'human' way of doing things (holding back). This is how they do things where she's from. Highlight the cultural difference more than a character flaw perhaps.

Perhaps they can also deal with the women inferiority business. Perhaps Green Lantern can make some sexist quips to Wonder Woman, but she ends up being the trump card at the end, saving everyone's ass. (ala The Hulk in the Avengers, when she takes her gauntlets off).

 

[TheAQU4M4N]

I think it will be an incredible task for a writer and a director to emphasize each character so they get an equal amount of story in the film. I think Marvel got real lucky to hire the geek god Joss.

 

[JB-the-Hunter]

I find it really depressing that no one here understands Wonder Woman. She's not a vicious savage that fights to kill people she hates. She's a compassionate warrior that fights to defend a world she loves. She does not kill out of anger, but out of a sense of duty to the innocent.

I never said she should be a savage or that she should kill for hatred, I just want her to be portrayed as violent, which she should.

 

[Xandrea]

This, in my mind, is the ideal Wonder Woman but the truth is they've changed her into more of an angry warrior goddess and most likely will keep that for the JL movie. My guess is she'll be the one causing most of the physical friction in the group while trying to outdo her male coworkers. I can see them making a fight scene between her and the rest of the group at some point during the rocky period of the team's formation (which I can guarantee will show up in some capacity).

As far as Edguy's post, nothing could be further from the truth. You have somewhat of a point saying that when the characters first came out, they were pretty interchangeable but the thing is they've evolved into unique personas and that is what would be portrayed in a film. Hal and Barry are best friends so I'm pretty sure they'd work better together than John and Wally. I originally shared your point of view, but now I've decided that going with the classic lineup would be the best course of action for the first movie since they are planning on using the character buildup presented in JL to launch the solo movies for these heroes.

The writers of the New 52 don't see her as an angry warrior goddess. They all emphasize her compassion as her greatest strength and weakness.

http://www.dccomics.com/videos/nycc-2012-wonder-woman-101

 

[godisawesome]

Okay, mine's going to tie more into their interrelationships.

Batman: Wants to be the loner, if nothing else, but a slightly more calm and friendly version of our favorite Caped Crusader. Does have a dark side, but is usually not that much of a jerk. Already grudging friend and ally of Superman, and the supergenius of the group, figuring out, if not already knowing, everyone else's identity. Shows a bit more respect to the Flash since he knows he's a cop. When it comes to team-leadership style, acts more like a coach than a fellow player, since he's slightly detached from the rest of them.

Superman: Far from the dumb muscle of the group, he displays excellent team management skills, and acts as the glue holding the group together, kind of like a team-captain. Should be at least as smart as the above-average movie goer, so he's Mr. Exposition if anyone needs it instead of the Watson, and we find out that he gave Batman a piece of Kryptonite because he is well aware of how dangerous he could be in the wrong hands.

Wonder Woman: I'd actually make her the protagonist of the movie if she hasn't already had a solo by that time. She should be the main instigator of the alliance that becomes the League, and mixes the strengths of Batman and Superman: she's schooled in tactics and combat like Bruce, but has people skills and powers like Superman. Her one disadvantage is that she still is relatively new to the world at large, and can get frustrated with foolishness. Her leadership qualities are more spur of the moment and front line oriented, like another team captain.

Aquaman: The most regal and diginifies member, as well as probably the most outright veteran member of the team, having won his thrown in Atlantis by himself. Much closer to a real loner than Batman, though it's more because he just doesn't form that many close relationships, since he may or may not suffer from some low level PTSD. Knows more about the surface world than Diana, is as cynical as Batman, and acts like a aloof older brother at the best of times.

Green Lantern: A bit of a hot-shot, and definitely the closest the team has to an actual loose cannon. Walks the line between bold and reckless, does do some mild flirting with women, and is closest to Flash by the end of the movie.

Flash: The deceptively mature rookie of the group. Still hasn't quite realized the full extent of his powers, and has a hilarious running commentary on most events, though he does sometimes feel like Green Lantern's babysitter.

 

[cleverusername8]

Okay, mine's going to tie more into their interrelationships.

Batman: Wants to be the loner, if nothing else, but a slightly more calm and friendly version of our favorite Caped Crusader. Does have a dark side, but is usually not that much of a jerk. Already grudging friend and ally of Superman, and the supergenius of the group, figuring out, if not already knowing, everyone else's identity. Shows a bit more respect to the Flash since he knows he's a cop. When it comes to team-leadership style, acts more like a coach than a fellow player, since he's slightly detached from the rest of them.

Superman: Far from the dumb muscle of the group, he displays excellent team management skills, and acts as the glue holding the group together, kind of like a team-captain. Should be at least as smart as the above-average movie goer, so he's Mr. Exposition if anyone needs it instead of the Watson, and we find out that he gave Batman a piece of Kryptonite because he is well aware of how dangerous he could be in the wrong hands.

Wonder Woman: I'd actually make her the protagonist of the movie if she hasn't already had a solo by that time. She should be the main instigator of the alliance that becomes the League, and mixes the strengths of Batman and Superman: she's schooled in tactics and combat like Bruce, but has people skills and powers like Superman. Her one disadvantage is that she still is relatively new to the world at large, and can get frustrated with foolishness. Her leadership qualities are more spur of the moment and front line oriented, like another team captain.

Aquaman: The most regal and diginifies member, as well as probably the most outright veteran member of the team, having won his thrown in Atlantis by himself. Much closer to a real loner than Batman, though it's more because he just doesn't form that many close relationships, since he may or may not suffer from some low level PTSD. Knows more about the surface world than Diana, is as cynical as Batman, and acts like a aloof older brother at the best of times.

Green Lantern: A bit of a hot-shot, and definitely the closest the team has to an actual loose cannon. Walks the line between bold and reckless, does do some mild flirting with women, and is closest to Flash by the end of the movie.

Flash: The deceptively mature rookie of the group. Still hasn't quite realized the full extent of his powers, and has a hilarious running commentary on most events, though he does sometimes feel like Green Lantern's babysitter.

Realy random late reply, but this is perfect

 

[Spider-Kurt!]

100% agreed! I hope and asume that this is how each member is represented.

 

[Edguy]

Someone mentioned Flash being kind of like the audiences POV, which I think is a really good idea. If a WW show comes out by the film is released, he's the only one without recent exposure. That would make it logical to center the film around him, maybe starting out with his origins. He's also the one, at least Wally, who'd look upon the other characters most like we, the audience, do.

And yeah; emphasis on Bruce/Clark relationship, it might be the most single important part of the entire Justice League concept.

 

[Sun_Down]

Someone mentioned Flash being kind of like the audiences POV, which I think is a really good idea. If a WW show comes out by the film is released, he's the only one without recent exposure. That would make it logical to center the film around him, maybe starting out with his origins. He's also the one, at least Wally, who'd look upon the other characters most like we, the audience, do.

I like this approach. Wally, despite being super-powered, is an everyman. I could see him being a fan favorite in JL.

 

[cleverusername8]

Someone mentioned Flash being kind of like the audiences POV, which I think is a really good idea. If a WW show comes out by the film is released, he's the only one without recent exposure. That would make it logical to center the film around him, maybe starting out with his origins. He's also the one, at least Wally, who'd look upon the other characters most like we, the audience, do.

And yeah; emphasis on Bruce/Clark relationship, it might be the most single important part of the entire Justice League concept.

I agree. Actually Flash would work a lot better than Wonder Woman for this type of role because they could make him sort of in his fledgling days of being a hero.

They could make it so that he doesn't understand his powers nor is he sure how to deal with them and is constantly worried about doing something wrong and hurting someone/himself. It could make him extremely relatable to the audience because he'd be the most normal person... even more than Batman.

Then, when they release a solo movie, people will have a reason to go see it because they will have already invested in the character by following his point of view in the team-up

 

[FeedOnATreeFrog]

Either Barry Allen or John Stewart for the 'everyman'/audience's POV