The Dark Knight Rises Zack Snyder wants to make a "The Dark Knight Returns" Movie!

[Terminator]

Snyder eyes 'Dark Knight Returns' Movie
Friday, December 26 2008, 05:12 GMT

Zack Snyder has revealed that he wants to adapt Frank Miller's comic book The Dark Knight Returns into a feature film.

Snyder, who helmed a film version of Miller's 300 and upcoming comic movie Watchmen, told iFMagazine that he has asked studio Warner Bros about creating a big screen adaptation of the story, which focuses on an ageing Bruce Wayne as he comes out of retirement to defend Gotham City for a final time.

"I said I'm interested in Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns," he commented. "That's really my favourite comic book."

The director admitted that his chances of making the movie are slim as it is likely to conflict with Warner Bros's Christian Bale-led Batman series.

"The studio has this massive franchise and I don't think they'll let me make a Batman movie where he's 50 years old and Ronald Reagan is President," he said.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a139234/snyder-eyes-dark-knight-returns-movie.html

Hey, wait your turn, *****.

 

[Matt.S99]

I love Mickey Rourke, he's phenomenal but his face is falling off faster than Clayface. (you can take it as a joke but its true)

David Bowie rules, I'm all for that.

Batman would be hard to cast. The guy I suggested from Mad Men does look to young but by the time they would make this maybe 7 years from now he would be 44 but i would rather have a Bruce Wayne in his 50's. So I'm a little

Haha, its true, but Rouke is still badass. Also, Bruce has a very rough, mean look to him in DKR, I think Rourke could still work.

The only two others I like are Willis and that guy from Law and Order(his name slips my mind and thats the most popular thing he's been in so I'll just refer to him as that ) And of course Eastwood who is a bit too old now.

 

[CConn]

Hey, wait your turn, *****.

 

[Dark Phantom]

HAHAHAHA^^

oh my god. i'm sorry CConn...but that made me laugh out loud

 

[CConn]

Don't be sorry, it was supposed to.

 

[margon]

this is a DUMB idea. people who entertain it are DUMB

1. you cannot adapt DKR outside of the context of the Cold War
2. you cannot "age" Batman AND simultaneously place him in period timeframe. you can't put Batman forwards while time goes backwards.
3. if you replace the Cold War with any other future conflict (e.g USA vs Russia II, USA vs China, USA vs Middle Eastern rogue nation/terrorists) then you've altered DKR so much already that you may as well throw out the idea of an adaption altogether. Keep the broad themes which make it attractive but apart from that just do whatever you want. But it will be no longer DKR.

At this stage it would probably start borrowing from Batman Beyond in fact.

I think a mix of Knightfall, Return of the Joker and DKR would be the best way to go. one big epic told in a trilogy.

 

[Cunning Stunts]

this is a DUMB idea. people who entertain it are DUMB

1. you cannot adapt DKR outside of the context of the Cold War
2. you cannot "age" Batman AND simultaneously place him in period timeframe. you can't put Batman forwards while time goes backwards.
3. if you replace the Cold War with any other future conflict (e.g USA vs Russia II, USA vs China, USA vs Middle Eastern rogue nation/terrorists) then you've altered DKR so much already that you may as well throw out the idea of an adaption altogether. Keep the broad themes which make it attractive but apart from that just do whatever you want. But it will be no longer DKR.

At this stage it would probably start borrowing from Batman Beyond in fact.

You're aware of the definition of "adapt" right?

adapt: make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose; "Adapt our native cuisine to the available food resources of the new country"

The book MUST be changed if it's going to fit, therefore making it an adaptation of the graphic novel.

I think a mix of Knightfall, Batman Beyond and DKR would be the best way to go. one big epic told in a trilogy.

... Which would, in turn, be an adaptation.

 

[DSET]

im not a fan of snyder yet
watchmen trailer looks good

but reading line for line and following a comic beginning to end should not give anyone credit as a good director, 300 is good for 1 reason visuals and the fight sequences everything is is complete trash.

if he does an exact copy of TDKR and continues i think it will be craptastic

also
I dont think TDKR as it stands is suitable for the big screen

it would have to be tailored IMO

 

[Crook]

but reading line for line and following a comic beginning to end should not give anyone credit as a good director

Why? The two have nothing to do with each other. If anything, it simply means said director does not deserve credit for being a good writer. Directing is a whole different ball-game and often takes more responsibility especially when it comes to film.

also
I dont think TDKR as it stands is suitable for the big screen

That's what everyone has been saying about Watchmen for 20 years. It's the un-filmable graphic novel.

 

[Ace of Knaves]

TDKR could be adapted to film. It doesn't HAVE to include the whole Cold War thing. It could just be the return of Batman after a 20 year hiatus to a new world with new criminals. The main theme was the effect Batmans return had on the citizens and criminals of Gotham after so many years without him. That could be portrayed on film quite brilliantly IMO. And the whole idea of Joker waking from basically a coma when he hears of the dark knights return could be very interesting on film.

 

[The Batkilt]

I think saying Batman's return was the main theme is, well, wrong. It's the plot, yeah, but the entire book is littered with political commentary from Miller. Without those themes the book loses a lot of what makes it great. That's why I'd rather see an adaption based more around Batman Beyond. It can still capture a lot of the feel of TDKR as that's what Beyond did, and you don't have to struggle to keep to a story that doesn't work when you remove it from the Cold War era.

 

[Ace of Knaves]

I don't mean his actual return being the main plot, I meant the effect it has on a society that has learned to live without him for all them years. It's different from him first turning up.

 

[NinjaTurtleFan]

Haha, its true, but Rouke is still badass. Also, Bruce has a very rough, mean look to him in DKR, I think Rourke could still work.

The only two others I like are Willis and that guy from Law and Order(his name slips my mind and thats the most popular thing he's been in so I'll just refer to him as that ) And of course Eastwood who is a bit too old now.

Eastwood I always said would be good as Bruce Wayne for a "Batman Beyond" film but good luck with that being made when you got villains like Blight, Inque, Willy Watt and Gollem, and those methumans running the show. The only villain you could really do would be Joker and The Jokerz but then you're doing a complete remake of "The Return of the Joker."

 

[WeaponXProject]

this is a DUMB idea. people who entertain it are DUMB

1. you cannot adapt DKR outside of the context of the Cold War
2. you cannot "age" Batman AND simultaneously place him in period timeframe. you can't put Batman forwards while time goes backwards.
3. if you replace the Cold War with any other future conflict (e.g USA vs Russia II, USA vs China, USA vs Middle Eastern rogue nation/terrorists) then you've altered DKR so much already that you may as well throw out the idea of an adaption altogether. Keep the broad themes which make it attractive but apart from that just do whatever you want. But it will be no longer DKR.

Snyder can still use the cold war aspect. Why can't he? No one is complaining that Watchmen is in the 80's with Nixon in his 5th term. It doesn't have to be modernized version.

but reading line for line and following a comic beginning to end should not give anyone credit as a good director

Adapting comics and books is what most of Hollywood does. Adapting a comic page for page is what fans want for a film like this Watchmen, 300, and TDKR. He is bringing it visually to life, whether that makes him a great director or not isn't the issue...he is doing this for the fans. It's what we want.

As for adapting books closely it has been done by almost every director. Snyder is just doing it scene by scene once again for the fans. I would rather Watchmen, 300 and TDKR be that way. I don't want someone coming along modernizing them and changing it to their view. It's for the respect of the writer's and illustrators like Alan Moore and Frank Miller.

 

[I Am The Knight]

Snyder can still use the cold war aspect. Why can't he? No one is complaining that Watchmen is in the 80's with Nixon in his 5th term. It doesn't have to be modernized version.

Correct.

 

[Rasputin911]

Wouldn't the war on terror work just as well? You could keep all the same themes.

Rather than a Soviet attack plunging America into chaos by killing electricity, it could be a terrorist attack that does the same thing. And rather than Corto Maltese, Superman could be operating in Iran or Pakistan or something after a war breaks out. These scenarios are quite similarly to the ones Miller was writing about. Just different enemies.

 

[Gilpesh]

That's what everyone has been saying about Watchmen for 20 years. It's the un-filmable graphic novel.

And it still is that way. The story had to change for them to even attempt it.

 

[StorminNorman]

Snyder can still use the cold war aspect. Why can't he? No one is complaining that Watchmen is in the 80's with Nixon in his 5th term. It doesn't have to be modernized version.

Watchmen is a standalone film - not a continuation of a franchise. Batman is a franchise character, you can't make a one shot with him. This is the biggest difference between comics and films - money and dedication of viewer.

 

[COMPO]

i'd have bruce willis i mean, he can play the dark broody bad ass guy who lost stuff in his life(die hard 4.0) as well as the fatherly type character for carrie.

 

[WeaponXProject]

Watchmen is a standalone film - not a continuation of a franchise. Batman is a franchise character, you can't make a one shot with him. This is the biggest difference between comics and films - money and dedication of viewer.

I think that's looking to far into it. Batman has changed from Adam West's to Burton's to Schumf***ers to Nolans and all are not a continuation. He has changed a few times. A stand alone film, AFTER NOLAN'S FILMS ARE DONE, would be fine if it didn't effect the series that is currently going on. The only way to not effect that series is to make it very different from Nolan's and wait until he is finished. I do see in a way that moving him from one time period to another could be difficult but I think the general audience understands that Batman is viewed differently and has been shown differently from time to time already.

I can see a fan based reaction to Nolan's movies would be unhappy at the change but I think once Nolan's third movie *crosses fingers* is finished people will have a sigh and be satisfied with Batman. Then making another movie in a completely different fashion, as in the essence of 300 and Watchmen, it would be okay.

Definitely I understand it would be a risk but the comic is so well known that people, especially fans which is what Snyder cares about, will jump out of their seats to go see it. Fan boys are coming out now bc Hollywood is showing their appreciation for them. Don't get me wrong, I see what you mean and that could be an issue with a franchise continuing.

Also, with Nolan's probably ending after a third, I wonder if WB would rather continue the series with a different director and probably actor as Batman then do an alternate Batman? I would rather them continue if the people behind the material are legit.

The new Hulk was not a continuation of Ang Lee's and it was very well accepted by the fans and did okay by the box office. Though, again I agree it was not a completely different time period. And who knows perhaps Snyder would change the coldwar theme to something else entirely.

 

[Tatsumarushinob]

I say do that film, after the three Nolan movies, and maybe the franchise before that. Batman will go on overkill then dissapear and BOOM: The Dark Knight Returns, literally.

 

[StorminNorman]

I think that's looking to far into it. Batman has changed from Adam West's to Burton's to Schumf***ers to Nolans and all are not a continuation. He has changed a few times. A stand alone film, AFTER NOLAN'S FILMS ARE DONE, would be fine if it didn't effect the series that is currently going on. The only way to not effect that series is to make it very different from Nolan's and wait until he is finished. I do see in a way that moving him from one time period to another could be difficult but I think the general audience understands that Batman is viewed differently and has been shown differently from time to time already.

But Batman Forever and Batman & Robin were in continuity with Batman and Batman Returns. Batman is always going to be a movie FRANCHISE, not a movie character. You simply don't make a single Batman movie with no thoughts on how to continue. If its not in continuity with Nolan's Bat Franchise, or with any other Bat Franchise, it won't be made. Its a waste of the character's potential from a Film Producer's point of view. Now we can talk about dream scenarios and what should happen in a perfect world - but thats all it would be, a dream.

I can see a fan based reaction to Nolan's movies would be unhappy at the change but I think once Nolan's third movie *crosses fingers* is finished people will have a sigh and be satisfied with Batman. Then making another movie in a completely different fashion, as in the essence of 300 and Watchmen, it would be okay.

If Nolan's third movie is good, then I think it will be time to move on with the next installment. People haven't gotten tired of Harry Potter, or of Star Wars, or of Indiana Jones, or of James Bond, etc.

Definitely I understand it would be a risk but the comic is so well known that people, especially fans which is what Snyder cares about, will jump out of their seats to go see it. Fan boys are coming out now bc Hollywood is showing their appreciation for them. Don't get me wrong, I see what you mean and that could be an issue with a franchise continuing.

Fans of TDKR are going to see any Batman film. TDKR is not that well known to the mainstream - and most of the people that know OF it really don't care to know it personally.

Also, with Nolan's probably ending after a third, I wonder if WB would rather continue the series with a different director and probably actor as Batman then do an alternate Batman? I would rather them continue if the people behind the material are legit.

They will continue the franchise with a new director and actor almost certainly.

The new Hulk was not a continuation of Ang Lee's and it was very well accepted by the fans and did okay by the box office. Though, again I agree it was not a completely different time period. And who knows perhaps Snyder would change the coldwar theme to something else entirely.

It was accepted by fans but disappointed at the Box Office.

 

[Ace of Knaves]

Yea I think after Nolans series I would like to see a more stylized approach to the dark knight. In the same sorta mould as Sin City and 300. Like the comic has leapt straight off the pages.

 

[Terminator]

 

[WeaponXProject]

But Batman Forever and Batman & Robin were in continuity with Batman and Batman Returns. Batman is always going to be a movie FRANCHISE, not a movie character. You simply don't make a single Batman movie with no thoughts on how to continue. If its not in continuity with Nolan's Bat Franchise, or with any other Bat Franchise, it won't be made. Its a waste of the character's potential from a Film Producer's point of view. Now we can talk about dream scenarios and what should happen in a perfect world - but thats all it would be, a dream.



If Nolan's third movie is good, then I think it will be time to move on with the next installment. People haven't gotten tired of Harry Potter, or of Star Wars, or of Indiana Jones, or of James Bond, etc.



Fans of TDKR are going to see any Batman film. TDKR is not that well known to the mainstream - and most of the people that know OF it really don't care to know it personally.



They will continue the franchise with a new director and actor almost certainly.



It was accepted by fans but disappointed at the Box Office.

I'll agree to disagree with your point on Batman franchise needing to be continuing franchise. I think our opinions are based on who would want to see TDKR and when. I think Batman Forever was a continuation but it was completely different in the same way. It had a completely different feel than Burton's. That is an example of what Marvel did with TIH after Ang Lee's. It was seemingly a continuation with some changes and a different feel. TDKR would be completely different but would have Batman in it.

I agree that making a TDKR while continuing Nolan's universe could be odd to the public but since it is made in a style of 300 and Watchmen I think people will like it. The issue more than we have discussed is it being a finale while the other series continues onward. I am still adamant on saying if the style is soooo different than Nolan's, which I would think it most likely will be, then it won't be an issue to fans because we understand that Batman has different worlds from different writers.

Most of who I know that read TDKR liked it alot which is why it is so well known and is even a discussion. I guess that's mostly what I disagree on. I always thought that was the one comic/graphic novel of Batman's that stood out to the public the most like The Long Halloween and The Killing Joke.

We agree on them wanting to continue the same franchise. Unlike Schumacher it will be more in the vein of Nolan's more. Same visuals and same more realistic feel.

You said exactly what I said about the Hulk.

Like I said before, If you asked me if I wanted to see TDKR or a continuation of Nolan's movies, I would have to pick Nolan's.