DC Films The DC Studios News and Discussion Thread

[David Alexander]

Different continuities so I'd imagine they would just cast their own Catwoman and Harley

They could replace Catwoman altogether with Lady Sheva. They left Batgirl out of the BOP. They could leave Catwoman out of the Sirens.

 

[Vaibow]

Different continuities so I'd imagine they would just cast their own Catwoman and Harley

Yup, i would really hate R Batz alongside the DCEU when it's quite clearly a reboot and different version. It would seem sloppy and lazy... unless..... it was some sort of effect from the flashpoint paradox which would seem tonally off from what i imagine Reeves wants to acheive.

 

[TheSmoothKnight]

Zack Snyder Wanted To Kill Off Batman In A Justice League Sequel

Thank goodness we don’t have to worry about this in the new “DCEU” ( whatever it’s called now. )

 

[Flash525]

Zack Snyder Wanted To Kill Off Batman In A Justice League Sequel

Thank goodness we don’t have to worry about this in the new “DCEU” ( whatever it’s called now. )

Well that may as well have happened in the first film considering Affleck is out. The rest of the team couldn't popped over to an alternate Earth and recruited another Bruce Wayne (who would look like someone else) and we wouldn't have to worry about explaining a recast.

That said, killing Superman for JL and Batman for JL2 would seem a bit daft. Was he planning to kill Diana in JL3 too?

 

[Deck Rickard]

Well that may as well have happened in the first film considering Affleck is out. The rest of the team couldn't popped over to an alternate Earth and recruited another Bruce Wayne (who would look like someone else) and we wouldn't have to worry about explaining a recast.

That said, killing Superman for JL and Batman for JL2 would seem a bit daft. Was he planning to kill Diana in JL3 too?

LOL, probably

 

[BaelaTargaryen]

DC Films Plots Future With Superman, Green Lantern and R-Rated Movies (EXCLUSIVE)

DC Films appears to have hit its stride, rebounding from the commercial failure of “Justice League” and the critical drubbing of “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” with a few well-timed box office successes. “Aquaman” and “Joker” both generated over $1 billion at the global box office, becoming the first DC productions to reach those lofty figures since Christopher Nolan wrapped up his Batman trilogy with 2012’s “The Dark Knight Rises.” The studio also scored with last spring’s “Shazam!,” a cheeky spin on the spandex genre, and has high hopes for upcoming releases such as “Wonder Woman 1984” and “Birds of Prey.”

“They’re on the upswing,” said Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at BoxOffice.com. “They had a rocky period, but they’re starting to find their footing.”

DC Films may have achieved more consistency when it comes to reviews and box office performance, but there are still hurdles to overcome. Namely, the company and its parent studio, Warner Bros., have yet to figure out what to do with iconic characters Superman and Batman. The studio is farther along when it comes to Bruce Wayne’s alter ego, having re-cast the role most recently played by Ben Affleck with the younger and edgier Robert Pattinson. The former “Twilight” heartthrob has moved beyond his tween idol days, appearing in indies for the Safdie brothers, David Cronenberg, and Robert Eggers. He will don the cape and cowl in “The Batman,” which will be directed by Matt Reeves (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”) and will feature villains such as the Riddler (Paul Dano), Penguin (Colin Farrell), and Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz).

There had been chatter that the entire film would unfold in Arkham Asylum, the high-security prison known to comic book fans for housing super-criminals, but that is not the case, according to insiders. Only a handful of scenes will be set at Arkham. If the movie works, Warner Bros. and DC believe that any of these villains could headline their own spinoff movies. Key cast members in both “The Batman” and “Birds of Prey” have contract options to appear in sequels and standalone films.

The studio has less clarity on what to do with Superman, a character who has now been rebooted two different times in the last 13 years, once with Brandon Routh (“Superman Returns”) and later with Henry Cavill (“Man of Steel”) without landing on a winning strategy. Superman has also appeared frequently on television, in shows such as “Lois and Clark” and “Smallville,” which has led to some fears at Warners that the market could be over-saturated with hot takes on all things Clark Kent.

To help find a way to make Superman relevant to modern audiences, studio brass has been polling lots of high-profile talent. There have been discussions with J.J. Abrams, whose company Bad Robot recently signed a massive first-look deal with the studio, and there was a meeting with Michael B. Jordan earlier this year with the “Creed” star pitching Warners on a vision for the character. However, Jordan isn’t ready to commit to taking on the project since filming doesn’t seem likely to happen for several years and he has a full dance card of projects. Insiders think that a new Superman film is unlikely to hit screens before 2023, given that there’s no script and no director attached.

Internally, insiders are quick to credit Walter Hamada, the longtime New Line executive who was brought on board in 2018 as president of DC Films, with helping to plot a new, more sustainable course for the DC cinematic universe. He’s credited with having a strong sense of story and with keeping a firm eye on the bottom line, reining in budgets so productions don’t go off the rails. It also helps that he is closely allied with Warner Bros. film chief Toby Emmerich, with both men having worked together on past New Line hits such as “It” and “The Conjuring.” Insiders believe that under the former regime of top DC film executives Jon Berg and Geoff Johns and DC Entertainment head Diane Nelson, there were too many decision makers involved, leading to the lack of a clear vision. They also maintain that Warner Bros. erred by initially rushing movies in the hopes of making release dates that had been snapped up before scripts were even fully in place. Emmerich has made righting the DC ship a key priority since taking control of the studio in 2017.

“Their initial mistake was that they tried to do too much, too fast,” said Robbins. “They were trying to copy the Marvel model, but that took time and years of building up characters. You can’t start with a big ensemble movie. You need to earn that.”

Under Hamada and Emmerich, the studio has become more comfortable with backing comic book movies for adults. “Joker” became the first DC release to nab an R rating, but it won’t be the last. “Birds of Prey” is also expected to get a similar rating and insiders predict that James Gunn’s upcoming “Suicide Squad” sequel will also be R-rated. In the case of “Birds of Prey,” the film won’t be in the pitch-black, grim vein of “Joker.” Insiders describe the film has a more humorous, spirited, girl gang adventure, albeit not one for younger children. A series of recent reshoots dramatically improved test screening results and the studio is confident “Birds of Prey” will be a hit when it opens in February.

Analysts believe the studio has hit upon a smart strategy — 20th Century Fox had backed R-rated comic book movies such as “Deadpool” and “Logan,” but after being bought by Disney, which prefers its heroes to be cleaner and less prone to f-bombs, it’s unclear if it will continue to back those type of projects.

“There’s a huge appetite for R-rated superhero movies and if Marvel isn’t going to step up, that presents an opening for DC to tap into that audience,” said Jeff Bock, an analyst with Exhibitor Relations.

Beyond embracing the darker undercurrents of the DC canon, the company is also revisiting characters that they believe were ill-served by previous big screen adventures. “Green Lantern Corps” remains a priority despite the fact that 2011’s “Green Lantern” was a high-profile commercial disaster. Johns is delivering a script at the end of the year. The project may be presented to Abrams and Bad Robot to see if the company would be interested in producing the picture. However, Greg Berlanti, another major talent on the Warner lot, is partnering with Johns on a “Green Lantern” television show. There’s speculation that relationship could lead to his involvement in a feature film.

Warners and DC also still have faith in Ezra Miller’s smart-ass interpretation of the Flash and are proceeding with development on a standalone film based on the character. DC has tapped “It” director Andy Muschietti to oversee the movie and has enlisted Christina Hodson (“Bumblebee”) to write the screenplay — Hodson will finish that assignment that before moving on to write a screenplay for “Batgirl.” Production on “The Flash” won’t be able to start until Miller finishes up work on the next “Fantastic Beasts” film, which means that cameras are unlikely to roll until 2021.

DC is also looking to capitalize on the box office success of “Aquaman.” It is currently looking for a director for “The Trench,” a spinoff about a group of vicious undersea creatures who played a supporting role in “Aquaman.” For the next film centered on Jason Momoa’s king of Atlantis, DC has once again tapped James Wan and is hoping to commence shooting in early 2021.

DC’s future won’t unfold entirely on the big screen. HBO Max, WarnerMedia’s upcoming streaming service, is currently looking for DC properties that could inspire films that premiere on its platform. It hopes to make DC adventures that have slightly lower budgets, requiring them to rely on up-and-coming actors and not established stars, with a goal of keeping production costs under $65 million.

The launch of HBO Max had inspired some hopes that Warner Bros. might allow Zack Snyder to release a director’s cut of “Justice League,” leading to a social media campaign dubbed #ReleaseTheSnyderCut. Snyder directed an earlier version of the ill-fated super-team movie and had planned to do some reshoots. However, after his daughter died, he was not able to complete production and was replaced by Joss Whedon, who injected a more light-hearted tone into the final film. Logistically, however, there’s little appetite at the studio for spending the millions of dollars it would require to finish visual effects and editing work on Snyder’s version, particularly as “Justice League” was a commercial disaster. There are currently no plans to release a Snyder version either in theaters or on HBO Max.

“That’s a pipe dream,” said one knowledgeable insider. “There’s no way it’s ever happening.”

 

[TheGuy]

Where's Black Adam in that article? Lol.

 

[mclay18]

Why is WB still pushing for Michael B. Jordan as Superman? It makes no sense because the last time he played a race-swapped character (the Trank Fantastic 4), it flat out bombed.

Why isn't WB asking him for John Stewart instead? It gives him room to play a rounded character without the baggage of being compared to someone else. Plus he'd still be the lead, and have a supporting actor play Hal Jordan.

 

[TheLaser]

"He will don the cape and cowl in “The Batman,” which will be directed by Matt Reeves (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”)"

I'm almost impressed by the fact that even though Reeves directed two out of the three films in the new Planet of the Apes franchise Variety still managed to credit him for the one he didn't make.

 

[STARMAN]

The article says Jordan met with them earlier this year. He spoke to Oprah about it back in February discussing the Calvin Ellis version. Doesn't sound like there have been any recent follow-ups. My guess is they want to see where they stand with Abrams first and then review their options.

 

[mclay18]

I think WB really wants Bad Robot/JJ on a new Superman or GLC. Maybe after Abrams rests after Rise of Skywalker comes out, maybe he'll look at directing a DC film. But honestly, I think he will want to produce instead. (Maybe take a Feige-esque role at WB/DC?)

But if he wants to direct a Superman film and JJ Abrams wants Cavill back, WB would be foolish to say otherwise.

 

[STARMAN]

I figure they want Abrams to direct Superman and produce Green Lantern. He's done that with MI and the Star Trek franchises. By the time there's a script and they're ready to shoot, Abrams would have time to catch his breath. Filming in 2022 for 2023 release.

 

[SupermanFan]

I'd put money on JJ directing the next Superman film, 2023 seems right on the money.

With regards to MBJ as Superman, I think that's the kind of project we often hear about that never comes to fruition. I highly doubt that will ever happen.

 

[flickchick85]

I figure they want Abrams to direct Superman and produce Green Lantern. He's done that with MI and the Star Trek franchises. By the time there's a script and they're ready to shoot, Abrams would have time to catch his breath. Filming in 2022 for 2023 release.

I want to believe this is true. It seems likely to me, but my judgement might be clouded by wishful thinking, lol.

 

[DarkKnight88]

I could see him directing Superman IF WB gave him free reign to direct a smaller film first - or at least “smaller” on the level of Super 8.

 

[SupermanFan]

I want to believe this is true. It seems likely to me, but my judgement might be clouded by wishful thinking, lol.

Same here tbf, maybe if we keep saying it we'll will it into existence

 

[DarkKnight88]

Why is WB still pushing for Michael B. Jordan as Superman? It makes no sense because the last time he played a race-swapped character (the Trank Fantastic 4), it flat out bombed.

Um, Jordan’s race made ZERO difference regarding the success of that film. And no, the very small minority online who might’ve complained had zero impact. The film bombed because it sucked.

 

[mclay18]

Same here tbf, maybe if we keep saying it we'll will it into existence

Speaking of which, why is Henry Cavill so confident in returning as Superman? I mean, did he meet up with JJ Abrams in secret after Bad Robot migrated to WarnerMedia?

 

[SupermanFan]

Speaking of which, why is Henry Cavill so confident in returning as Superman? I mean, did he meet up with JJ Abrams in secret after Bad Robot migrated to WarnerMedia?

I doubt that lol although what the hell do I know eh? haha

I think its more likely that his agent has reopened the lines of dialogue with WB.

 

[flickchick85]

Speaking of which, why is Henry Cavill so confident in returning as Superman? I mean, did he meet up with JJ Abrams in secret after Bad Robot migrated to WarnerMedia?

I doubt it. I think he just wants people to believe he's still Superman. It's good for him & his team. Whenever Abrams or whoever starts to work on the new Supes, I'm sure Henry & Co. will make a play for keeping him on in the role. And it's still true for them until the moment someone else is cast, as WB hasn't cut ties with him or anything like that, so it's still on the table until it isn't.

But I think if Abrams does end up taking on Supes, he'll move on with someone new. He loves finding fresh faces.

 

[Willi Berg]

It would also depend on what the director would want- if they ever get to that stage.

I could see him directing Superman IF WB gave him free reign to direct a smaller film first - or at least “smaller” on the level of Super 8.

I can see that happening. Abrams has a deal to do a lot with WB so he would want to make a movie with his original idea instead of just jumping from franchise to franchise.

 

[STARMAN]

I think it's a safe bet that Bad Robot will produce Green Lantern. Johns script will come in soon and Abrams can sit back and pick a director like Justin Lin.

More than ever I feel like Superman on the big screen is down to Abrams or nothing. I don't think WB's are going to hire screenwriters or make any commitment to Superman unless Abrams commits to him first.

 

[Willi Berg]

It would be a lot for WB to ask Abrams for his take on Superman now and enter serious negotiations right when he is still finishing Star Wars. It would be nice if Abrams has time to think about what he would do and hopefully hits upon an idea that would really get things going for Superman. If that is the case maybe there is the chance he would want to make MOS2 with Cavill, or he could go for a whole new take.

 

[flickchick85]

I don't think JJ would need much convincing to take on Supes, nor would it take a long time for him to come up with an angle/approach. I think he sees Supes as unfinished business - something he's wanted to do for 2 decades now, and something he's thought about a lot. Remember, he wanted to direct Flyby - not just write it - but WB wouldn't let him because he was an unproven director at the time, while McG had just delivered a hit movie for them with Charlie's Angels. Funny how things change.

 

[Kane52630]

JJ would be great to direct it... I just hope they keep Goyer out of it in the scripts.