The NEW Justice League Casting and Discussion Thread

[J.Howlett]

If Campbell did say that at Comic-Con, then I would agree with you guys, this rumor's false.

Personally, I think established franchises with each character is a better way to go right now for DC/WB.

But, that could all change if Avengers really works....

The idea of an expensive animation JLA movie, I think is the best option...right now.

 

[Willi Berg]

I really don't think Justice League is a priority now.

 

[J.Howlett]

It shouldn't, if Green Lantern doesn't fly. Hell, they've gotta reestablish Superman again. That seems like a bigger priority now than JLA.

 

[Willi Berg]

There have been reports that writers are working on scripts for Flash and Wonder Woman, and we know of Superman, Batman 3, and treatments for GL sequels. And that vague Aquaman talk. Where is the room for the Justice League movie at this point in time. Sure there can be little scenarios set up in GL or forthcoming movies- Krona, Amanda Waller etc., but what is the point of all that unfolding slowly by trying to jam in a JL movie within all that now.

 

[jmc]

If Campbell did say that at Comic-Con, then I would agree with you guys, this rumor's false.

It would be extremely odd that he wouldn't be aware of any such plans for GL to lead to a JL film, this is why I can't buy the rumour, if he was aware of the possibility of the series leading to JL he wouldn't have been so direct with his response, he was asked point blank is this going to lead to a DC universe on film and Campbell straight out said virtually the same thing Nolan has been saying for Bats and Superman, separate universe for GL. I can't believe Campbell is thinking one thing whilst WB are thinking of another.

 

[Willi Berg]

It shouldn't, if Green Lantern doesn't fly. Hell, they've gotta reestablish Superman again. That seems like a bigger priority now than JLA.

Yeah, Geoff Johns at Comic-Con talked about GL's success being the factor for future DC movies, and he couldn't give any news about JL or a shared DC universe. But then two weeks later because WB really, really want to make a JL movie, they'll forget about all of that and would rather announce a JL movie through leaks to **************. And they're prepared to forgo having Superman and Batman in it. Because they really, really want a JL movie.

 

[J.Howlett]

Willi,

I was just thinking the same thing. If WB/DC establishes franchises out of Green Lantern, Superman reboot, Flash, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, it'll be 2017 before we even remotely get around to a JLA movie....if it's WB/DC's mantra to establish each character in their own right...

I don't see how you fit it in. This rumor is a way to do it but for me, that does a great disservice to Wonder Woman. I've always said that she's the key to the whole thing for WB/DC.

If you can establish a Wonder Woman franchise that's a hit, you easily one up Marvel...

 

[J.Howlett]

jmc,

Yeah. You're right. That makes no sense. Potter is ending for WB. They need franchises to last them another ten years. Six or seven DC characters with their own films would do it...not to mention other films in the WB stables that aren't comic book properties.

 

[MultiPurposePon]

Hi guys, I just noticed this thread and thought I'd stop by to expand on the article I posted at CBM; maybe it will shed a bit more light on the issue at hand. Considering how much some of the WB suits keep an eye out for my articles (I've had over 25 pictures and movie details removed from the web), I feel more comfortable sharing this on a messageboard.

It appears the majority of commentators didn't actually read the entire article, so let me repost it here:

Several weeks ago, Warner Bros announced they are planning on fill the gap left by the culmination of the Harry Potter franchise with DC superhero films. With Green Lantern due out in theaters next summer, along with the third installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy and a rebooted Superman film the following year, fans were beginning to wonder how soon it would be before these heroes came together into one ensemble movie. Now we're a few steps closer.

A Justice League of America film has been given the tentative green light by Warner Bros. Though the film is still in it's very, very early stages (no script has been officially worked on, but the basic plot is outlined), actors are quietly being pursued to test for the roles. The big surprise is the current team roster: Green Lantern, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter. That's right, folks, no Superman or Batman; at least not yet. The film will be used to introduce Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter to general audiences. Both Green Lantern and The Flash movies would have already been released in theaters, so there would be no need to delve into their origins. Either Superman or Batman, or both, could eventually make their way into the script; though at this time the studio is slowly moving forward without their inclusion. Several comics series, including the team's first outing in The Brave and the Bold, have worked quite well without Batman and Superman as a part of the initial team.

With the role of Green Lantern already taken by actor Ryan Reynolds, four slots are waiting to be filled. Can a JLA film meet the expectations of fans, and gain general audience approval, without the inclusion of DC Comics' "big two" heroes? Fans will have to wait and see.

Now that you've read it, you'll see that nowhere in the article does it say that Supes or Bats WON'T be in the film; only that DC/WB are currently (and quietly) looking at their casting and directorial options for JLA outside of those two characters. Since the Batman trilogy is so successful on it's own, and they have high hopes for the Superman one being planned, they are simply fostering the idea that the first JLA movie can work without those two as central characters if for whatever reason they can't be included. Remember, DC does not and will not follow the same strategy of Marvel. That means we should expect several of the JLA members to have their origins explained in the ensemble film (ala New Frontier).

For those of you who believe Martin Campbell issued a statement saying Green Lantern has nothing to do with a future Justice League movie, you're a bit wrong. Here's the actual quote:

There's a lot of talk that this might build up to a "Justice League” movie – does that affect your choices at all?
No, not at all. I think we stand absolutely on our own and we stand as our own superhero, our own story. And a terrific story it is.


Now, in Geoff Johns' last convention interview before SDCC he said that there WOULD be some JLA movie related happenings at SDCC. There was no talk about the film besides the repetitive denial statements. What's curious to me is that one of the DC SDCC exclusives happened to be this item, which was a homage to The Brave and the Bold issue 328; the first assemblage of the JLA:

The other thing I've noticed being questioned is the credibility of this information. Now, I'm not here to convince anyone that my sources are viable, that's for you to individually consider. But for those of you unaware of my scoops, I'd advise you to check out my news feed: http://**************.com/fansites/Poniverse/

In the 9 months I've been contributing to CBM, I've had over 40 exclusives regarding WB comic movies (and at least 15 for Marvel), none of which have been proven false. The most important being the official Green Lantern synopsis. I am not **************, and therefore don't feel the need to justify all the information posted there, I'm simply a journalist who contributes to the site.

Hope that helped.

 

[Willi Berg]

poni- you've had some great scoops and coverage on your site and you're a great and genuine fan but I am a little more skeptical about this particular rumour.

How I would feel if it were true- I'd really have mixed feelings.

 

[MultiPurposePon]

poni- you've had some great scoops and coverage on your site and you're a great and genuine fan but I am a little more skeptical about this particular rumour.

How I would feel if it were true- I'd really have mixed feelings.

During my short time in this industry do you know what I've learned above all else?

Fanboys (and girls) rarely ever question scoops they like (i.e. Krona to Appear in GL). But when it's something they REALLY don't like it's automatically 'fake.'

I've seen it countless time, and it's understandable. People don't like hearing news they consider 'bad.' News is objective, opinions are not. It comes with the territory.

Oh, btw, I didn't mention this earlier but this info came from two separate sources that don't even know each other (after I heard it once I had to double check before posting it, like I do with most major scoops). The first being the agent of an actor who has been asked to test for Aquaman, the second being a production assistant at WB who has furnished me with the majority of my previous GL intel.

And while on the subject of GL, I see there is some confusion as to the rumor GL2 will begin production before the first hits theaters. Allow me to clarify:

The rumor came from BleedingCool.com, who "appear to have been schmoozing with some of the movie's production crew around the New Orleans bars." This was their statement:

"...the word is that shooting on Green Lantern 2 is scheduled to begin before the first movie is even released.

So confident of a smash are Warner Bros, that they already making big plans to use current shooting location New Orleans as a stand-in for DC’s Coast City in the sequel, which will be announced for either a Summer or Christmas 2012 release, depending on where the Flash movie fits in.

And if the first film does the megabucks they are expecting, then Warners will greenlight a third Green Lantern movie to be shot back to back with the second, for release in 2013. "

From what I know, this is by no means true.

- The first draft script for the sequel is due in November of this year.

- Filming for the sequel will not be green lit until the first film is released internationally.

- Ryan Reynolds is booked up through September of next year at the very earliest. His next projects immediately after GL are The Change-Up, The Croods and R.I.P.D. He's also involved in Motorcade and Most Wanted. Not to mention Deadpool.

 

[Willi Berg]

I base my skepticism on news that I have read about over a long time about the JL movie. This is a little bigger than a cameo of a character like Krona.

It's not just because I outright hate the idea, it's because it goes against everything else we've been hearing. And the nature of the article and source is vague.

I think it's healthier to be skeptical of this news than to just blindly accept it based on very little and when it contradicts a lot of previous news.

And there is a difference between "news" and "rumours".

 

[dnno1]

jmc,

Yeah. You're right. That makes no sense. Potter is ending for WB. They need franchises to last them another ten years. Six or seven DC characters with their own films would do it...not to mention other films in the WB stables that aren't comic book properties.

Just Batman, Superman and Green Lantern alone could last them that long.

 

[MultiPurposePon]

It's not just because I outright hate the idea, it's because it goes against everything else we've been hearing. And the nature of the article and source is vague.

Might I ask, what else have you heard and where did you hear it? From what I know, there has been no word as of late, from any party, about a JLA movie. So what is contradictory?

Regarding the "source" issue, I understand your stance as well. But let me ask you this, what is the difference between writing the information in the manner I did and quoting an "inside source"? To me, at least, seeing the words inside, anonymous or studio source mean little. It's the information itself that matters.

And I wholeheartedly agree with the difference between news and rumors. I don't expect you to take what I say for face value unless you're both familiar with my body of work and trust me as a viable journalist. But there is a difference to me in this regard, and it is why I consider it "news"... I'm the one who heard it directly from those involved. To you guys it's second hand information, to me it's not.

 

[Willi Berg]

Might I ask, what else have you heard and where did you hear it? From what I know, there has been no word as of late, from any party, about a JLA movie.

So what is contradictory?

And I wholeheartedly agree with the difference between news and rumors. I don't expect you to take what I say for face value unless you're both familiar with my body of work and trust me as a viable journalist. But there is a difference to me in this regard, and it is why I consider it "news"... I'm the one who heard it directly from those involved. To you guys it's second hand information, to me it's not.

Well, it sounds contradictory because of all the interviews that Robinov, Horn, Nelson and Johns have given over the last couple of years. I mean, all that stuff about planes lining up on the runway etc and building up to the JLA movie after the solo movies. To suddenly not include Superman and Batman, that's what sounds contradictory.

I've read your site for a long time. I know you've gotten scoops and you go out of your way to find out good stuff like GL. But I still take this as a rumour because you still got the info. second hand. You heard it from an agent and a production assistant- that's still a rumour when you've heard it like that. An interesting rumour nonetheless. And it could still change or not come about that way. There's no script and no one cast, so I don't see how a JL movie can be greenlit at this point. I'm not doubting that you heard this but I am more skeptical of what will eventuate from all of this.

 

[MultiPurposePon]

Well, it sounds contradictory because of all the interviews that Robinov, Horn, Nelson and Johns have given over the last couple of years. I mean, all that stuff about planes lining up on the runway etc and building up to the JLA movie after the solo movies. To suddenly not include Superman and Batman, that's what sounds contradictory.

I've read your site for a long time. I know you've gotten scoops and you go out of your way to find out good stuff like GL. But I still take this as a rumour because you still got the info. second hand. You heard it from an agent and a production assistant- that's still a rumour when you've heard it like that. An interesting rumour nonetheless. And it could still change or not come about that way. There's no script and no one cast, so I don't see how a JL movie can be greenlit at this point. I'm not doubting that you heard this but I am more skeptical of what will eventuate from all of this.

Gotcha. But a quick correction: I never said the film was "greenlit" I said WB gave the green light (as in the go-ahead, not the production term) for the pursuit of actors, screenwriters and a director.

Also, I have yet to see/hear any interview from Horn, Johns or anyone else at WB/DC that states each and every JLA character will have a solo film building up to a JLA one. Right now the scripts for GL2 and Flash are being worked on; those two films are definite. WW is still in developmental hell. I really, really doubt we will see either an Aquaman or Martian Manhunter solo movie; but maybe that's just me. As far as Batman goes, we already know Batman 3 will be a huge success, but will need a reboot to fit into JLA continuity; now that Nolan is doing his own thing with Superman that takes him out of the running (albeit temporarily) as well.

 

[jmc]

WB and Dc Entertainment have rocks in their head if they think the fans will support a JL movie sans it's two biggest draw cards. This is BS.

 

[Willi Berg]

Gotcha. But a quick correction: I never said the film was "greenlit" I said WB gave the green light (as in the go-ahead, not the production term) for the pursuit of actors, screenwriters and a director.

Also, I have yet to see/hear and interview from Horn, Johns or anyone else at WB/DC that states each and every JLA character will have a solo film building up to a JLA one. Right now the scripts for GL2 and Flash are being worked on; those two films are definite. WW is still in developmental hell. I really, really doubt we will see either an Aquaman or Martian Manhunter solo movie; but maybe that's just me.

Yeah, I never expected a Martian Manhunter solo. I did expect a Wonder Woman movie and yes, even an Aquaman movie. This news sounds like they're cutting their losses and saying "Yeah, let's throw 'em all in there, the ones we can't figure out/don't belong to Nolan."

Another thing was Straczynski was just saying at Comic-Con that Wonder Woman was being worked on. And Johns on the DC panel did say he had news of a WW movie that he couldn't talk about. I really thought that was still on track, after those hints at Comic-Con.

Following JL news, since the rise and fall of "Justice League: Mortal" it's been full of everything- right, wrong, scoops, fake scripts etc. etc. It's easy to be wary of any JL news after all of that. But it is interesting to see what comes about, because news changes too even if it is official, we get a lot of promises that don't necessarily come about.

 

[MultiPurposePon]

Yeah, I never expected a Martian Manhunter solo. I did expect a Wonder Woman movie and yes, even an Aquaman movie. This news sounds like they're cutting their losses and saying "Yeah, let's throw 'em all in there, the ones we can't figure out/don't belong to Nolan."

Another thing was Straczynski was just saying at Comic-Con that Wonder Woman was being worked on. And Johns on the DC panel did say he had news of a WW movie that he couldn't talk about. I really thought that was still on track, after those hints at Comic-Con.

Following JL news, since the rise and fall of "Justice League: Mortal" it's been full of everything- right, wrong, scoops, fake scripts etc. etc. It's easy to be weary of any JL news after all of that. But it is interesting to see what comes about, because news changes too even if it is official, we get a lot of promises that don't necessarily come about.

See, I came onto the comic movie news scene after Mortal was scrapped so I barely know anything about it. But if the fiasco surrounding it is as bad as you make it sound it's totally understandable why anyone would be leery of JLA info.

The only things I know that I haven't shared yet are that the basic plot outline is shaped loosely around Justice League: Year One and that the WW solo film is happening but may come after the JLA one.

 

[MultiPurposePon]

WB and Dc Entertainment have rocks in their head if they think the fans will support a JL movie sans it's two biggest draw cards. This is BS.

"Fans" make up less than 10% of the potential box office profits. Nolan proved that you have to please general audiences before you worry about the fans; hell, he hates hearing what fans have to say about his Bat films.

Remember, the main demographic (over 50%) for these films are children. And I don't care HOW much of a Batman or Superman fan you are, if your kid begs you to take them to a JLA movie that doesn't have those two in it you obviously will. And then buy them the Happy Meal. And the toys. Probably the Aquaman Halloween costume too.

 

[MultiPurposePon]

BTW whoever introduced me to these boards: You suck. It's addictive as all hell and I can never get any work done

 

[Willi Berg]

See, I came onto the comic movie news scene after Mortal was scrapped so I barely know anything about it. But if the fiasco surrounding it is as bad as you make it sound it's totally understandable why anyone would be leery of JLA info.

The only things I know that I haven't shared yet are that the basic plot outline is shaped loosely around Justice League: Year One and that the WW solo film is happening but may come after the JLA one.

Hmm...thanks for sharing that...Well, at the time Mortal was said to be a way to introduce Wonder Woman because there was a lot of focus on her, since she is major to the OMAC plot. (As well as the others without a solo movie of course.)

I don't know...if this is the plan, now all I'm asking is "WB, what are you doing?"

 

[MultiPurposePon]

Hmm...thanks for sharing that...Well, at the time Mortal was said to be a way to introduce Wonder Woman because there was a lot of focus on her, since she is major to the OMAC plot. (As well as the others without a solo movie of course.)

I don't know...if this is the plan, now all I'm asking is "WB, what are you doing?"

My guess?

A) Turn a profit

B) Don't piss off Nolan

C) Try not to blatantly copy Marvel Studios

... in that order

What I'd RATHER they do is put Captain Marvel on the big screen before Marvel puts theirs (which they are already planning to do). Whoever gets theirs up first gets to keep the movie moniker.

 

[jmc]

"Fans" make up less than 10% of the potential box office profits. Nolan proved that you have to please general audiences before you worry about the fans; hell, he hates hearing what fans have to say about his Bat films.

Remember, the main demographic (over 50%) for these films are children. And I don't care HOW much of a Batman or Superman fan you are, if your kid begs you to take them to a JLA movie that doesn't have those two in it you obviously will. And then buy them the Happy Meal. And the toys. Probably the Aquaman Halloween costume too.

50% huh? Don't remember too many kids in my theartre when i saw TDK 3 times. Even anyone outside the fans circle knows JL comprises of Superman and Batman first and foremost, hell the JL animated series helped spread that gospel. You wanna do a team up film with the 'left overs'? Fine, but don't dare tell me that it's a JL film when it's missing the two members that everyone wants to see first and foremost.

 

[DarkKnight FTW]

BTW whoever introduced me to these boards: You suck. It's addictive as all hell and I can never get any work done

That would be me!