What is DC Entertainment doing? What is their plan?

[OsGom]

On a more serious note, I think DC could really do a great job with putting animated films into the theater. Animation is one of their greatest strengths, and building a film universe out of that could be great. If they write it like a live-action film, but draw it like an animated version of a live-action film, it could have massive potential.

I also agree! It is a mistake for DC to try to emulate the Marvel formula of an integrated universe at this point. Therefore they should be looking in another direction. The studio should look at adapting their properties into CGI films. I think WB/DC missed a HUGE opportunity in passing on the acquisition of Dreamworks Animation, which is currently being shopped around. WB is the only one of the Big 3 studios without an in house CGI animation studio. Purchasing DW would not only bring valuable properties like Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Megamind, How to Train Your Dragon and Monsters vs. Aliens in house. It would provide WB/DC with an industry leader to assist in developing their properties in a dynamic and (mostly) unexplored format for the superhero genre.

Now I realize it would be tempting to simply dumb down the source material to fit more securely in the family friendly mold. However, that would be disservice to fans and filmmakers alike. The CGI format should be allowed to grow and studios need to realize that stories can be told with maturity and respect and still appeal to wide audiences.

Anyway, if I were running WB and I really wanted to set my DC properties apart from Marvel, I would pull the trigger on the DW deal and get Batman, Superman, Flash & Wonder Woman in the pipeline. I would want to get something in theaters before a Disney/Marvel/Pixar deal happens. Because you know it is only a matter of time.

 

[Docker2.0]

The only DC hero I can see doing well in DW is Plastic Man which for some unknown reason is barely used by DC but whatever.

 

[Tobias]

The only DC hero I can see doing well in DW is Plastic Man which for some unknown reason is barely used by DC but whatever.

I think CGI is definitely a route WB should take with it's DC properties.

I think WB shouldn't give up on live-action. The test will come with the Batman reboot after Nolan and Bale are gone.

If the Batman reboot does very well then it should tell WB that their success with Batman wasn't a fluke dependent totally on a particular director and actor. And that they can have success with superhero films. I think the new Batman series will be a sort of test for WB and it's commitment to live-action superhero films.

 

[HighFivingMF]

Nah.

 

[Airwings]

No animation or motion capture, please!

It should be REAL people dressed up in these suits. Like it's always have been with masked crime fighters/superheroes.

This is one of the reasons we want to see a superhero adaption. It's not only about the superhero itself and his/her adventures, but also the actors who play the different characters that makes the film into a true cinema experience.

 

[OsGom]

No animation or motion capture, please!

It should be REAL people dressed up in these suits. Like it's always have been with masked crime fighters/superheroes.

This is one of the reasons we want to see a superhero adaption. It's not only about the superhero itself and his/her adventures, but also the actors who play the different characters that makes the film into a true cinema experience.

I disagree. I think Golem, Avatar and the recent success of Rise of the Planet of Apes shows the science of CGI and Motion Capture has evolved and can actually contribute another layer to enhance storytelling with motion capture characters exhibiting just as much range and expression as a live action counterpart.

I’m just saying… WB/DC can continue trying to halfass emulate Marvel’s model for success OR they can move in a fresh original direction and break new ground. If they truly want to set the DC brand apart and not be just a pretender, then they need to find an original formula.

The new Batman franchise is great and I recognize that, however, I don’t have high hopes for Superman (despite a stellar cast). So I am concerned where WB/DC go after Batman.

 

[Raiden]

On a more serious note, I think DC could really do a great job with putting animated films into the theater. Animation is one of their greatest strengths, and building a film universe out of that could be great. If they write it like a live-action film, but draw it like an animated version of a live-action film, it could have massive potential.

I think Marvel should do this as well, now that they're part of Disney & Pixar, two giants in terms of traditional and CGI animations. In fact, I'll be extremely disappointed if they don't take advantage of this partnership and give us something as amazing as The Incredibles in the future.

 

[HighFivingMF]

I’m just saying… WB/DC can continue trying to halfass emulate Marvel’s model for success OR they can move in a fresh original direction and break new ground. If they truly want to set the DC brand apart and not be just a pretender, then they need to find an original formula.

What exactly are they emulating? Filming movies with real people? Marvel didn't do that first...

 

[DrCosmic]

DCE needs a plan to get some power and WB needs a plan to get some money.

For DCE, start with your strengths, and go for animation. Turn out all the stops, and basically Dreamworks it up. A fine bit of CGI work could put DCE on the map internally at WB and give them enough pull to have full control of a modest budget for a superhero film. If they CGI Aquaman into a fantastical adventure of spectacle (It's not like they can do Aquaman realistically anyway), they can have full control over 60-100 Million to do Flash the way it should be done. Letting Johns let someone else steer is a very wise idea, as well. This is a five year plan.

For WB, if they want a new Potter, that means they need to be going somewhere. Instead of the Marvel route: make a few simplistic adventures so we can have a team up movie - start with your Batman and Superman and keep adding new characters. Superman, Batman Reboot, Superman 2, Batman-Superman Teamup, Batman 2, Wonder Woman, Superman 3, Trinity movie, Batman 3, Wonder Woman 2, Flash, Brave and the Bold movie (Bat, Supe, Flash, WW), Teen Titans, Green Lantern (reboot), Batman 4, Wonder Woman 3, Flash 2, Superman 4, Justice League (5-6 man team). The idea is to create one long continuous story, one with a definite ending, just like potter. This keeps people, filmmakers included, interested in what's going on. They're building something.

What exactly are they emulating? Filming movies with real people? Marvel didn't do that first...

I presume he's referring to doing solo movies to build up to a big team up movie.

 

[HighFivingMF]

D
I presume he's referring to doing solo movies to build up to a big team up movie.

If that's the case, you can't continue something you never started and stated you had no plans on starting.

 

[Tobias]

..
The new Batman franchise is great and I recognize that, however, I don’t have high hopes for Superman (despite a stellar cast). So I am concerned where WB/DC go after Batman.

I agree. I think Batman is the key to WB's future.

I think the rebooted Batman will be a key to WB doing more superhero films like WW and others. Assuming that the new Batman team can make another hit Batman film and I'm pretty sure they will.

 

[OsGom]

If that's the case, you can't continue something you never started and stated you had no plans on starting.

They may have publicly denied pursuing a united DCU in film but it's been pretty obvious they wanted it. Sadly WB/DC has started and stopped in so many different directions, I think most people have lost track of any "plan" they might have had. Most of their plans die in developmental hell like Justice League, Superman vs. Batman, Wonder Woman (on screen and TV) or worse get made like Jonah Hex and Catwoman. I don't believe for one second HAD GL been a sucess, they would not have begun tieing in other properties and angling for a team film and various solo projects. It only makes sense to want to tie in properties so connected in another medium together. It is a basic strategy in building a brand. If they weren't looking in that direction they damn well should have.

 

[Tobias]

They may have publicly denied pursuing a united DCU in film but it's been pretty obvious they wanted it. Sadly WB/DC has started and stopped in so many different directions, I think most people have lost track of any "plan" they might have had. Most of their plans die in developmental hell like Justice League, Superman vs. Batman, Wonder Woman (on screen and TV) or worse get made like Jonah Hex and Catwoman. I don't believe for one second HAD GL been a sucess, they would not have begun tieing in other properties and angling for a team film and various solo projects. It only makes sense to want to tie in properties so connected in another medium together. It is a basic strategy in building a brand. If they weren't looking in that direction they damn well should have.

Yes, I think this has always been on the back of WB's mind. They were well into a JL film after plans for an SR sequel were dumped.

If GL had done better there likely would have been a move towards tie-ins.

For now and assuming a new Batman team open to it the "safest" path forward I can see is doing a pair-up film or two with Batman to launch solos.

Batman reboot in 2014 then follow with a Batman/Flash film then maybe Batman/WW.

IMO a full-on JL film is a bit too risky and I'd rather see WB use Batman to launch other characters then, later on, bring them together in a JL film.

 

[Raiden]

Yes, I think this has always been on the back of WB's mind. They were well into a JL film after plans for an SR sequel were dumped.

If GL had done better there likely would have been a move towards tie-ins.

For now and assuming a new Batman team open to it the "safest" path forward I can see is doing a pair-up film or two with Batman to launch solos.

Batman reboot in 2014 then follow with a Batman/Flash film then maybe Batman/WW.

IMO a full-on JL film is a bit too risky and I'd rather see WB use Batman to launch other characters then, later on, bring them together in a JL film.

I don't think it is feasible to put Batman in every one of these movies, so he can help launch their solo movie. Batman may be popular, but I don't think audience wants to see him in every DC superhero movie. Not to mention that they'd have to get an actor who is willing to sign up this kind of picture deal with WB. SLJ can do it, but it is only because Fury has mostly cameo roles in those Marvel Studios movies.

 

[Tobias]

I don't think it is feasible to put Batman in every one of these movies, so he can help launch their solo movie. Batman may be popular, but I don't think audience wants to see him in every DC superhero movie. Not to mention that they'd have to get an actor who is willing to sign up this kind of picture deal with WB. SLJ can do it, but it is only because Fury has mostly cameo roles in those Marvel Studios movies.

True. I'd go for just 1 or 2 Batman team-ups. Not more than that. That could launch 2 DC solo franchises and there might not need to be to be more team-ups.

If they push the reboot maybe 2014 will see the next Batman film. Then 2015 could be a Batman team up. If they really push it then 2016 could be another Batman team up. Then back to solos until JL eventually.

I think a Batman team up is the best way to launch solos right now. Not saying a solo WB film can't make a go of it. GL had a lot of internal problems which hurt it. It's sort of psychological right now. WB needs success beyond Batman and then the creative juices may open up for them.

 

[HighFivingMF]

Yes, I think this has always been on the back of WB's mind. They were well into a JL film after plans for an SR sequel were dumped.

And it would have entirely different Supermans and Batmans than the Singer/Nolan series.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

The CGI route is an interesting idea. A lot of characters could work there who would be difficult to bring to live action (Aquaman, WW, Hawkman).

The problem is...if the genre starts going that way, Marvel has Pixar. That's an unbelievable advantage. DC is practically guaranteed to lose that matchup.

 

[Airwings]

OsGom: Avatar and Rise of the Planet of the Apes are good films. But both of them have real actors too. How many 100 % mo-cap films are that good?
Take it as a proof that Warner Bros should not leave the live action thing completely for superhero adaptions.

JeetKuneDo: Wonder Woman, Hawkman and Aquaman are hard to make as live action. I agree on that. But look at it in another way. The harder an adaption is to make, the more work it demands. The studio needs to hire talented people who are willing to give all they have to succeed technically with the films. Warner Bros should not back off from doing live action just because certain films require a lot of work. Only lazy people pick the easy way to get things done as quickly as possible. The same goes for people who have no real interest in what they are doing, and when they face a boring task they just want to finish it and move on.

 

[Raiden]

I don't think Wonder Woman, Hawkman, and Aquaman are any more harder to adapt than Thor and Capt. America, and Marvel proved that with a good director and creative input from the comic book company itself, it can be done. Unfortunately, DCE doesn't have much creative control within WB, and WB's track record is spotty at best (except for Nolan's Batman movies). As their recent failure with WW TV pilot has shown and the BO bomb of GL has indicated, WB is still clueless about adapting DC to the big or small screen.

 

[jmc]

WB had nothing to do with WW failing.

 

[OsGom]

OsGom: Avatar and Rise of the Planet of the Apes are good films. But both of them have real actors too. How many 100 % mo-cap films are that good?
Take it as a proof that Warner Bros should not leave the live action thing completely for superhero adaptions.

I didn't say they should do 100% motion capture. I was just illustrating the potential an investment in this type of filmmaking could produce. I think they would be fine with just CG animation. Then they would be better able to develop their own visual style and identity. Just like when they started back with BTAS.

As far as being outmatched by Pixar. DW has really come into it's own as a powerhouse in CGI animation. With a colossus like WB behind them they could easily pace Pixar. Marvel properties are already dominating them in film, what do they have to lose? If they are successful then they paved the way for a revolution in Superhero filmmaking. When Pixar starts with Marvel properties it will look like bandwagoning.

Animation has always been a DC strength. It just seems natural to take it to the next level.

 

[BlackLantern]

WB had nothing to do with WW failing.

I dont know about that...when Whedon was working on it a few years ago he was quoted as saying that he'd never worked under conditions where the people in charge were so apathetic about the project

and he wanted to do a very ambitious WW that honored her WW2 roots as well as the modern mythos


and no matter what DC/WB do from now on, people will always see that Marvel did it first

 

[jmc]

I dont know about that...when Whedon was working on it a few years ago he was quoted as saying that he'd never worked under conditions where the people in charge were so apathetic about the project

and he wanted to do a very ambitious WW that honored her WW2 roots as well as the modern mythos


and no matter what DC/WB do from now on, people will always see that Marvel did it first

Yeah but the TV show was all NBC's doing, they acquired the rights for the character, WB/DC had nothing really to do with it, except come out and 'support' it.

 

[BlackLantern]

I expected better from David E Kelley.....he did give us Denny Crane, after all

 

[JeetKuneDo]

As far as being outmatched by Pixar. DW has really come into it's own as a powerhouse in CGI animation. With a colossus like WB behind them they could easily pace Pixar. Marvel properties are already dominating them in film, what do they have to lose? If they are successful then they paved the way for a revolution in Superhero filmmaking. When Pixar starts with Marvel properties it will look like bandwagoning.

Animation has always been a DC strength. It just seems natural to take it to the next level.

I see what you are saying, but have to disagree about DW "easily pacing Pixar". It's never been about having a big studio behind them. They reinvented the genre, made some of the very best animated movies ever produced, and established a record for quality that is the envy of any studio before Disney joined them. (Some would suggest having that big studio behind them hurt them with the Cars movies) I've yet to see Cars 2, but every other movie they've done is good at minimum. Most are modern classics of the genre. I admit DW is getting better....but they are just now getting in the same zip code as Pixar imo.

I really believe the only way DW could ever "pace Pixar" is if Pixar fell off in quality. (Yes...I'm a huge Pixar nerd )

I don't think Wonder Woman, Hawkman, and Aquaman are any more harder to adapt than Thor and Capt. America, and Marvel proved that with a good director and creative input from the comic book company itself, it can be done. Unfortunately, DCE doesn't have much creative control within WB, and WB's track record is spotty at best (except for Nolan's Batman movies). As their recent failure with WW TV pilot has shown and the BO bomb of GL has indicated, WB is still clueless about adapting DC to the big or small screen.

Good point. I have to admit there was a time when I thought X-Men and Spider-Man couldn't be done. I never would have guessed Iron Man would be such a big hit in a million years.

I'm not as big a fan of the Capt America movie as people around me appear to be, but there is no denying it worked well for most people. So maybe WW could work if someone with vision took it on.