We’ve talked many times on this site, including in our last podcast, about how Warner Bros needs to get their act together in regards to their movies based on DC Comics. Marvel Studios was created for the specific purpose of creating a cohesive film universe for the comic book company’s properties (outside of Spider-man and X-Men, already controlled by Sony and 20th Century Fox, respectively). The results have been spectacular, with Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk already getting positive responses. In September, we reported that Warner Bros. had created a new subdivision, titled DC Entertainment, with the sole purpose of recreating Marvel’s model. As of yet, nothing has come of that new arrangement, and with the new Batman series the only thing going for them, the pressure is on to start making things happen.
Well, thanks to Sherlock Holmes producer Dan Lin, we know that DC Entertainment does have something in the works. Check out this blurb from MTV summarizing a Collider interview with Lin about the now-defunct Justice League movie he’s been attached to:
“[They’re] unveiling their DC strategy in January so you’ll hear more about that and they’ll speak about that in the new year,” Lin said of the WB’s plans. “[It] seems like they’re building to Justice League instead of going with the team movie first and doing individual movies after that.”
So, it looks like Warner Bros. is pulling straight from the Marvel Studios playbook. Just as Iron Man, Captain America, and others are leading up to the Avengers movie, WB will release individual movies first, then have them group up for Justice League. Smart idea. The question is, who will be in the League? Obviously Green Lantern has to be on the list, as that film is already in development. While there is talk of other characters getting their own movies (i.e. Flash and Wonder Woman), whether Batman himself joins is still up in the air. If WB does decide to use the Dark Knight, will they tie it into their already huge franchise, or just get someone else to do it and have it be separate. We’ll have to wait and find out.
If you’re wondering about Superman, I think it’s a sure bet he’ll be in the Justice League movie. They need that big name to sell it, especially if they aren’t able to work in Batman. Plus, whenever they finally make a new Superman movie, it will most likely start from scratch, so they can do whatever they want to make it work. Also, check out the Collider article for more on Wonder Woman.
Are you excited to hear about Warner Bros’ plans for the DC film universe?