The day we heard from “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight’s” writer David S. Goyer that the rumours of a third movie in production were unfounded, we all wept in a certain way. The next news we were to hear from executives at WB/DC that there was to be a “lock down” of sort in their comic book movie franchise was actually worse. Not only did it say to us that there wouldn’t be a third Batman but also no other superhero adaptation that were slated for our near future.
Quickly fans rejoiced in hearing that the execs came back from their pep talk with plans for several Batman movies to come. But to me, I couldn’t help but think of what Goyer had mentioned earlier. Goyer had specifically mentioned that he spoke to Nolan and that there was just no plans for a third movie yet. Would this recent news mean that the studio will be using the same pressure tactics with Nolan than they used with Tim Burton? If so, it sure as hell doesn’t sound like good news to me. I’m sure a director of Nolan’s stature wouldn’t appreciate being pressured after not only delivering the most profitable comic book adaptation to the big screen ever made but also the second most profitable motion picture ever brought to the box office!!!
Pondering this situation further and discussing this with others, I came to the realisation that “logic” wouldn’t give us many outcomes in this matter. If Nolan sticks around for a third movie, I’m sure DC/WB hasn’t changed their minds in going on ahead with their project for a Justice League movie despite Nolan’s lack of interest. His pride behind his creation which is a “realistic” approach to Batman’s universe goes against the very concept of every other Justice Leaguer and quite frankly doesn’t or shouldn’t provide much comfort to us DCU fans. Some of you are actually seeing where I’m going with this. I get the gut feeling that we won’t like where the studio is going with this character. The first outcome from this would be for Nolan to make the third chapter of his creation which excludes the possibilities of tie-ins with the DCU and for DC/WB to “replace” Batman’s character in the JL with another member, which they didn’t want to include in the first place such as Martian Man hunter, Aqua man or maybe even Hawk man. This idea to me sounds just about god awful. It would be the same as having The Avengers without Ironman. Possible yet lacking incredibly!
The other outcome would be to have two separate Batmen. Having already three different takes on Batman is bad enough as it is so I find this option to be the worst and also the most ridiculous. Unfortunately we’re running out of answers for this dilemma which brings me to this last one. The reality is that with the stellar work he has done with TDK, Nolan really doesn’t need to come back for a third one. It would be more “realistic”, speaking of Nolan, to think that he would rather end with a “bang” than risk his very reputation. Of course this in no way means that DC/WB are stupid enough to “change” once again the style of the bat-franchise, risking yet another dreaded fiasco much like Schumacher’s version. Most likely they will try and find a promising young lad straight out of film school to do their bidding but then again… not having enough experience alone could also ruin the franchise so I started to think of what the next Batman movie could look like? Who would be involved for the cast as well as the characters? In which style would it be filmed and of course who would have the talent to not only follow in Nolan’s footsteps but to bring it to new heights that wouldn’t make it a considerable flop. The fact is that there is no chance that it could surpass TDK but depending on who is appointed at the helm, it could very well be as enjoyable and somewhat profitable.
I think it is safe to say that regardless of our own personal preferences, the majority in itself does prefer to have The Riddler be the next main antagonist. And the most favoured actor to play the role is none other than Johnny Depp. Now Depp, being one of the most versatile actors in the business, wouldn’t need any help to bring justice to this repeatedly raped role. However the way he will be filmed counts for much more than what we would want to admit. In thinking of Depp with the green outfit along with his hat and cane made me think of a scene in one of my favourite movies of all time where it was abrupt and suspenseful and the soundtrack provided such an intense atmosphere to it that it seemed perfect for this character. Of course the green lighting in the background is probably what made me remember it from the beginning but putting details aside, it felt as if this was the very “vision” that could break the 3rd chapter curse Hollywood seems so obsessed about.
And so I went researching for the director that brought us that inspiring motion picture. And when I found him on IMDB, I was shocked at all the accomplishments he was responsible for. Granted some are probably not on your all time favourite movie lists but all of them without exception, are all awe inspiring breath taking visual spectacles. As he is not responsible for the “lacking” scripts, his filming style speaks for itself and his resume is one to make his peers jealous! Here is his best work listed: Mortal Kombat, Soldier, Resident Evil, AVP, Death Race and my own personal favourite, the very picture that brought me this vision, Event Horizon!!! You have guessed it by now, I am of course talking about Paul W.S. Anderson. His style of filming is not only realistic but he has the ability to “realistically” incorporate “fantasy” smoothly in a very believable manner. This would be ideal since he would be able to keep Nolan’s realistic approach and incorporate the Justice League smoothly to co-exist in Batman’s new realistic universe. He would also be able to add more suspense and “edge of your seat” action to this franchise as it needs it to move forward. To keep the same recipe without adding a different dash of spice to it once in a while, get’s dull in the long run.
Of course by choosing someone else than Nolan, it might also convince Christian Bale NOT to return for the next chapter. It would be unfortunate but if it would be his wish, I would nominate Adrian Pasdar as the 1st contender for the cape and cowl. This time around, I think that Bruce Wayne’s half of the character shouldn’t be taken lightly and Pasdar captures Bruce’s essence naturally all while having the required “darkness” for the Dark Knight. He has proven to have talent beyond expectations in the series “Heroes”. And although Paul W.S. Anderson is slated to be a big part in the production of my upcoming “fanboy dream come true” movie adaptation of the video game titled “Castlevania”, he has handed down the director’s responsibility to his protégé Sylvain White which might give Anderson the opportunity to work on batman’s franchise. I do understand that all this sounds like sacrilege but reality’s purpose is not to give us all what we want which would be for Nolan to change his mind and adapt his vision to incorporate the DCU. To me, I think I might just have provided the best alternative. Your thoughts are more than welcomed!
Shaman
