It is finally happening, folks! A match made in heaven (or hell depending on where you stand)! The man who brought us Watchmen and Man of Steel is bringing the big two grand-daddies of comics on to the big screen! Batman and Superman
At 2013's Comic Con, Zack Snyder took to the stage to announce that the movie was happening. He brought aboard Harry Lennix to give everyone the big hint. The crowd erupted in cheers as he finishes the passage from the legendary/infamous "The Dark Knight Returns". A story, as we all know, that depicts Superman and Batman at odds. With Batman having the advantage. (How a nuke can weaken a man that walks on the sun is beyond me) An important thing to remember this is non canon. Back to the point....
After the dust settled, and everyone had some time to think, worries began to brew. How could the guy that just brought back Superman into a modern day, adapt a story about Batman basically beating him into submission? How dare he! The thing is...he isn't *adapting* "The Dark Knight Returns". This is by far the most important thing to remember. He is using it as some influence to help tell this story. This chapter of Superman and a new Batman's life. In fact, he even says at the announcement:
"We are not adapting this thing, but it is the thing that will help tell that story"
(As seen here around the 3:10 mark)
It appears many people missed that. And fear this movie will be a Bat loving fest. Zack loves Batman...and he loves Superman. We should also reffer to this video, to those that are worried still. A video of Zack Snyder on the big "Who would win".
That should say enough.
Also, this conversation with Kevin Smith around 2:40
I should add that personally, I do really enjoy "The Dark Knight Returns". I think its an awesome Batman story, and ends there. Obviously, not a greatly written Superman. But I believe we can have something truly special here. It is still 100% possible for this movie to be influenced by elements of that story and have it's very own, distinct feel to it. There is another little movie, in recent memory, that was inspired by the events of this little book about this little character:
Christopher Nolans' "The Dark Knight" and "The Long Halloween".
The movie had some very large parallels to one of the biggest Batman story lines ever written. Large ones being Batman's relationship with Gordon, Harvey Dent, and the GCPD in general. How corrupt they were, and would work for the highest bidder. The birth of Two Face. "Batman Begins" delved more into the gang problem that was present in the book, but there is no denying the relationship between the book and movie. A big change Nolan made was making Joker a large player in the story, when he was a small catalyst in the book.
I fully understand that Snyder is not Nolan, but we have no reason to think that this movie will be "The Dark Knight Returns: Ft. Superman". A little reminder of what we have seen, and do know:
- The film features WAY more Superman supporting characters than Batman ones
- We know a large portion takes place in both Gotham, and Metropolis
- There is a large LexCorp presence
- Lex Luthor is the main villain.
- We have a good bit of Superman set photos, none of Batman
- Snyder has said the film is about Superman finding his place on earth (Not Kal, not Clark) after the events of "Man of Steel"
-The film IS PULLING from good inspiration, if the right elements are drawn from that book
In conclusion, just remember what we do know, my fellow comicbook movie fans. It can be easy to let the 10,000 rumors get to your head. Just remember, the film is done shooting. How many pictures of a tangible, real, Batman did we see? In this day and age? And people are believing that everyone on the internet and their mother has read the script and has infinite scoops on it. Be patient. This is going to be a big surprise. Can't wait for Zack Snyders'...
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice