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Post by All Star Batman on Feb 23, 2007 17:11:05 GMT -5
WARNER BROS STARTS JUSTICE LEAGUE FILM PROJECT
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Holy cow, Batman.
As comic book movies have proliferated over the past few years, comic fans have begun to wonder – when will we start seeing the team-based films? As Marvel’s X-Men films have shown, putting more than one super-powered character into a film can work…but what about the icons joining up?
Possibly sooner than expected.
According to Variety Warner Bros. is looking to produce a Justice League movie, and has hired Kiernan and Michele Mulroney to pen the script. After rumors of a possible Batman vs. Superman film this is the first actual news that the studio is looking to make a feature based on more than one hero.
As the trade reported/speculated, such a film would certainly include some blend of DC Comics’ iconic heroes, rather than wholly B-listers.
"The Justice League of America has been a perennial favorite for generations of fans, and we believe their appeal to film audiences will be as strong and diverse as the characters themselves," Warner President of production Jeff Robinov said in announcing the hiring of the Mulroneys.
As Variety mentioned, and fans will surely begin to discuss, such a film has many complicating issues inherent, such as cast – will Warner Bros, if they include Superman and Batman in the mix, cast Brandon Routh and Christian Bale – their current Superman and Batman, or will they re-cast the roles for this project (as each approach would come with budgetary considerations)? Will the film version of the Justice League be connected to the heroes’ solo films? Where does the film take place in the heroes’ lives, and the team's timeline? How will a Justice League film coordinate among all of the production teams working on the various individual properties?
While the Justice League has starred in a handful of their own animated television series over the years, the idea has been tested out in a live action manner, in Warners’ Smallville, which has featured a growing list of other young heroes (Green Arrow, Cyborg, Flash, Aquaman, along with a young Superman) in guest appearances, which culminated in the episode entitled “Justice.”
If the potential problems can be hammered out, the inclusion of a Justice League film franchise would add a major player to Warner Bros. superhero film slate, which already has a Batman sequel set for a 2008 release, and a Superman sequel for 2009, with Wonder Woman trying to get off the starting blocks.
And of course, the Justice League may not be the only team in town – Marvel has previously announced their intent to produce a film based on it’s premiere super-team, The Avengers. Although, Marvel has said it would like to see an Avengers film occur after Iron Man, Thor and Captain America have their own individual film franchises launched.
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Post by Dark Nightwing on Feb 24, 2007 1:59:53 GMT -5
I would love it if this works out. The questions stated are quite valid though, so I have my concerns. We will have to just wait and see. Considering the majority of DC's film franchises have been canned or are experiencing a major facelift, it is hard to believe anything that WB says. Marvel might not being turning out great movies for the most part, but at least they are getting them out there.
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Post by HUSH on Feb 24, 2007 4:44:01 GMT -5
This could probably be cool if they did it right- problem is, it seems to me that this kind of thing would have a slim chance of being done just right. a Justice League movie would be super-complicated to do- and I don't think either Nolan's Batman or Singer's Superman would fit in a League movie. They'd have to create a whole new continuity, in an way. Hopefully it turns out okay, although like Dark Nightwing said, many attempts like this have been made to no avail, like the rumored World's Finest movie a while back. We'll see.
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Post by Jack-Ups on Feb 24, 2007 5:49:38 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Totally agree,
at least when Warner does bring out a film it is always high quality which is unlike Marvel Hulk anyone marvel.[/glow]
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Post by jasontodd2 on Feb 24, 2007 12:16:49 GMT -5
A Justice League film would totally rock, and it's very exciting and cool to hear there are talks of one in the works, or trying to get one approved.
If they could get Bale & Routh they should do it, if they want the Big Guns in the JLA, then they should bring THE BIG GUNS to play them as well.
As for a timeline, I say do whatever works, even if it doesn't fit in, no big deal IMO, they do stuff like that in the comics all the time. As long as they make a great film, with the best storyline possible, great acting, and very cool special effects it will definately work.
If a JLA project couldn't get off the ground then I would suggest that Warner Brothers take a crack at doing a JSA film! ! !
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crusader185
Legions of Gotham Police Officer
DCAU Rules!
Posts: 189
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Post by crusader185 on Feb 28, 2007 1:27:43 GMT -5
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Post by The Dark Knight on Feb 28, 2007 7:35:00 GMT -5
Very cool, though I dont think Bale has enough time on his hands to get tied in with another film, if he does, this will rock!
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Post by J-Man on Feb 28, 2007 11:35:49 GMT -5
I've always been a bit leery about a Justice League movie, but as long as there is a decent screenwriter, a good director and a solid cast, this has the potential to be amazing. Of course, I'd rather WB wait until we get an origin film for most of the League members-- Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, etc.--but that's just me.
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Post by Batlaw on Feb 28, 2007 20:32:13 GMT -5
Such a movie defies all Hollywood $ense and $tandards. There is $imply no way a JLA movie could ever $atisfy.
The only way(s) this movie could REALLY work and be worthwhile would never be done.
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Post by The Dark Knight on Mar 3, 2007 22:03:57 GMT -5
I dont think this would work at all. Even with Bale and Routh, I just can't see a LIVE movie depicting these characters the way the comics and television series do. Its just not the same thing. You'd need a hell of a script and some really good 3-D graphic designers and an imaginative director. But all in all, I'm just wondering how it'd turn out anyways.
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Post by HUSH on Mar 4, 2007 0:45:25 GMT -5
I dont think this would work at all. Even with Bale and Routh, I just can't see a LIVE movie depicting these characters the way the comics and television series do. Its just not the same thing. You'd need a hell of a script and some really good 3-D graphic designers and an imaginative director. But all in all, I'm just wondering how it'd turn out anyways. Not to mention that, if it was Nolan's Batman on the team, the sense of realism created by Begins would totally be knocked away by all those other super-powered, CGI-requiring heroes.
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Post by Jack-Ups on Mar 4, 2007 7:09:12 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300] I'm looking forward to it , very interested how they are going to pull it off , and also slightly worried , but saying that Dc know what they are doing , most of the Dc films are a good quality which can be said for a a quarter of the Marvel one's. They may do a non-canon Batman they may use Nolan type bats, but the film is going to be so expensive all those heroes needing screen time, think about the Costs, [/glow]
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Post by arkhaminmate on Mar 4, 2007 15:23:02 GMT -5
I've always wanted to see a JLA movie. But I'm a bit leary at the same time. This is either gonna be shear genious or complete crap in the vein of Catwoman & B&R. I can't really see Batman working well in a JLA movie. The Batman of film is completely different from the Batman of the Tim-verse. There are certain parallels but it's night & day. They're gonna have to be seriously thinking about this involving Bruce & Clark. I don't want a team with no inner conflicts who just go after the bad-guy in a happy go lucky kinda way. This needs real dynamics, I mean these two people wouldn't like each other, ones a vigilante who's sole purpose is vengeance & loves scaring the $#!t outta people, & a super powered boyscout, both of whom lead the JLA. It just seems to complicated for film
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Post by Dark Nightwing on Mar 4, 2007 23:31:57 GMT -5
If this does work out well, it could lead into some solo projects that otherwise wouldn't be approved (Martian Manhunter).
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Post by All Star Batman on Mar 20, 2007 16:11:17 GMT -5
Superman Sequel Scrapped? Man of Steel may join JLA instead. by Stax March 19, 2007 - Last week's news that Bryan Singer was developing a new thriller with his Usual Suspects screenwriter Chris McQuarrie sparked the speculation that the director's Superman sequel may have stalled.
Now comes a report that claims the sequel may have been scrapped entirely, but that doesn't mean Brandon Routh will be retiring his Super-duds anytime soon.
According to Moviehole.net, Warner Bros. is considering postponing (or outright shelving) a direct sequel to Superman Returns in favor of putting the Man of Steel in their recently announced Justice League of America movie.
The site adds that Batman would not be involved in the Justice League film, leaving that franchise separate from both Superman and JLA.
IGN heard the same rumors over the weekend, but our inquiries to our Superman sources had gone unanswered at time of publish.
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Post by jasontodd2 on Mar 20, 2007 22:11:57 GMT -5
I have been reading reports about this as well, and personally I wouldn't mind seeing Supes in a JLA movie, and pushing back a Superman Returns sequel which has been tentatively titled "The Man of Steel". I think it would make a ton of sense to do a JLA film and include The Flash, GL, & Wonder Woman and then you can introduce the general public to these characters get a feel for them and have them do solo films afterwards...
It stinks Batman won't be involved because WB has more faith in the Batman Franchise and don't want to mess with it because of the money it will bring in.
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Post by DrGreenEvil on Mar 21, 2007 1:00:18 GMT -5
I like the idea of starting out the DC movies with one movie. Making a JLA movie would help to see if people are ready and would want to see a whole movie devoted to one of the characters. It would also be a quick way to start up Wonder Woman and Flash movies, and Superman sequels. You would just have to find a way to balance everything. Bring in the writers from the X men movies, they did a good job at that.
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Post by coliv1977 on Mar 21, 2007 18:02:03 GMT -5
Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:11:09 -0500 > > >by Stax >March 19, 2007 - Last week's news that Bryan Singer was developing a new >thriller with his Usual Suspects screenwriter Chris McQuarrie sparked the >speculation that the director's Superman sequel may have stalled. > >Now comes a report that claims the sequel may have been scrapped entirely, >but that doesn't mean Brandon Routh will be retiring his Super-duds anytime >soon. > >According to Moviehole.net, Warner Bros. is considering postponing (or >outright shelving) a direct sequel to Superman Returns in favor of putting >the Man of Steel in their recently announced Justice League of America >movie. > >The site adds that Batman would not be involved in the Justice League film, >leaving that franchise separate from both Superman and JLA. > >IGN heard the same rumors over the weekend, but our inquiries to our >Superman sources had gone unanswered at time of publish. >
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Post by Jack-Ups on Mar 22, 2007 11:40:21 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]THIS STRAIGHT FROM IGN,[/glow] US, March 21, 2007 - Rumor spread this week that Warner Bros. was considering shelving the Bryan Singer-directed sequel to Superman Returns in favor of putting the Man of Steel in the studio's recently announced Justice of League of America movie.
Now Variety reports that development on the sequel is continuing but that Singer will direct a World War II thriller with Tom Cruise first. In their initial March 19th report, Variety took the Internet to task for spreading the Superman rumor, yet the trade paper neglected to address the JLA rumor.
"Assertion would be on a par with saying Sony or Paramount would put their respective Spider-Man and Indiana Jones properties into turnaround," according to the report.
That's not quite true. Variety itself began the Superman sequel doom and gloom last summer when it reported that the sequel was not a sure thing considering Superman Returns' lukewarm domestic box office.
It is also interesting that they mention Indiana Jones since Variety recently reported that Shia LaBeouf is going to play Indy's son in the fourth installment, a claim that the actor has repeatedly denied since it was reported.
In other Superman sequel news, SupermanHomepage.com claims to know who the bad guys will be. "The script has not yet been written, but discussions are being bounced around in regards to the major villains being Metallo and Brainiac."
They add, "Apparently the 'Bank Gunner' from Superman Returns (the guy who shot Superman in the eye) will be the man who becomes/gets turned in to Metallo. It's unknown if he'll be referred to as John Corben or not." [glow=red,2,300] Thank god as much as I love the JLA idea, I love the superman film franchise(1-2 and returns) just as much, they are always great, plus supes deserves to be in his own films series, plus with this film having loats of ation it should be good.[/glow]
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Post by jasontodd2 on Mar 22, 2007 12:03:38 GMT -5
I wouldn't mind seeing a JLA film with Superman or a Superman Returns Sequel that may be titled The Man of Steel...
Going with Brainiac and Metallo is a step in the right direction, I will be totally p*ssed if they use General Zod and the whole Phantom Zone stuff that has already been done in the new Superman movie. But from what I read Brandon Routh has gone on record saying that they won't be going in that direction, which I say phew, that is a sigh of relief....
But back to the JLA, if they don't have Superman or Batman in it, could it really work? I mean every single big JLA that has mattered always had one or both in it, even my favorite run in the comics back in the late 80's early 90's had Bats in it.
So if they don't use Batman & Superman but go forward with the JLA project which 7 should/would they use?
I would go with:
1. Flash (Wally West) I only say Wally because he is more known as the Flash than Barry Allen
2. Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) 3. Wonder Woman 4. The Martian Manhunter 5. Green Arrow 6. Firestorm 7. Black Canary
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Post by Dark Nightwing on Mar 22, 2007 23:35:21 GMT -5
As much as I hate to say this, I think it is better that Batman not be in this and make it pretty much all the super powered members in the JLA. I would like to see Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Black Canary, and Orion.
Make the villain Darkseid and his minions.
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Post by jasontodd2 on Mar 23, 2007 0:20:46 GMT -5
Darkseid is a must for the villian I totally agree with you on this one... And he has really cool minions, starting with Kalibak, then you have Deesaad, and Steppenwolf, plus those cool looking Parademons, tons of potential...
There are alot of rumors going around with this JLA film, and I hope that something solid comes of it, because now I hear Batman will be in it 110%
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Post by Jack-Ups on Mar 23, 2007 15:06:38 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]STRAIGHT FROM IGN ,TONIGHT:[/glow]
Initial reports also claimed that Warners did not want to include Batman in the JLA movie. But a new story claims that the Dark Knight will indeed be part of the film's roster of superheroes.
According to IESB.net's sources, reports of Batman's exclusion from the film are untrue and that Warners intends on utilizing their other most famous comic book hero besides Superman for what could be a hugely expensive film.
They also point out that Christian Bale said while doing press for Batman Begins that he was signed to a three-picture deal, one of which could be a team-up film of some kind.
Think of JLA as Warners' answer to Fox's X-Men franchise -- the third installment of which out grossed Superman Returns at the 2006 summer box office -- or their Fantastic Four series (the first FF film accomplished something that Batman Begins could not at the time, which was to break the summer '05 box office slump).
Kiernan and Michele Mulroney (the Mr. & Mrs. Smith TV pilot) are writing the JLA script.
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Post by crazyhatter on Mar 24, 2007 14:15:53 GMT -5
Sadly when it comes to a movie of this cost is going to be a big factor. I think cost to make is going to help determine probably who would be on the team, who the villians are, etc. I think they could really only use Darkseid as a villian only if the movie was almost entirely shot on green screen similar to what the did with Sin City and 300.
My JLA would be : Superman Batman Green Lantern Flash Green Arrow or Hawkman Wonder Woman Martian Manhunter
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Post by jasontodd2 on Mar 24, 2007 14:26:37 GMT -5
So if the JLA movie is on with Batman & Superman in it then my 7 would be:
Batman Superman Wonder Woman The Flash (Wally West) Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) Black Canary The Martian Manhunter
You need The Martian Manhunter there he has been part of every single version of the JLA and I think he is the glue that actually holds this unit together
I don't want to see Aquaman at all, if he needs to be there perhaps a cameo or something. Instead I choose to add The Black Canary, not only is she cool, but there needs to be atleast two female's in the group, possibly even three...
And if JLA franchise could take off like the X-Men, there is always room in later films to see other heroes, probably in small roles, but it might spark interest in solo projects as well. But just like in the X-Men movies we saw countless cameo's from other mutants and hopefully the JLA will do the same
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Post by coliv1977 on Mar 25, 2007 17:18:15 GMT -5
My JLA movie would have: Superman Batman Wonder Woman Aquaman GL(Hal Jordan) Flash(Barry Allen) MM
As for villains, I would start with origin stories of a few of the Legion of Doom and leave it open for more in sequels. I would start with Luthor, Sinestro, Cpt Cold, Cheetah, Riddler, pick maybe 2 of those and go from there
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