With the mixed to negative reviews of Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League Part 1 to begin filming in a few weeks it looks like WB/DC has plans to stick with Zack Snyder to helm both upcoming films. I personally would have stuck with him for BvS but not for Justice League. Not that I find him to be a bad director but sometimes a fresh perspective can help. I’m confident at the moment that BvS will still pull in tons of money regardless of the reviews however, this is two times I think the movie could have been better (Man of Steel) (Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice). I’ve already written a review on the movie and voiced my opinions, which I’ll link below.
I personally love the tone of these movies and I think DC should continue to stick with the more realistic approach however, I think Snyder should have been done after BvS. One of my main points in my previous article was these DC films need to be more than just good comic book movies, they need to be good movies in general. If Snyder was to be removed who would direct? Here’s a short list of directors I think would be awesome for JL and some that would probably never get the job but I’m throwing them in anyway. Also I’d love to hear who you guys think could be right for the role. Leave your ideas in the comments below.
1. Brad Bird
(The Incredibles, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Tomorrowland)
Brad Bird is someone who really caught my eye with Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. This was his first live action directorial debut and he crushed with critics, fans and the box office. He revitalized the Mission Impossible franchise and although Tomorrowland wasn’t a huge success, people saw its potential, including me. He has done a lot of Disney movies so working with the darker tone could be challenging however, it could be something he would be interested in tackling, and quite frankly I think he could do it.
2. Steven Spielberg
(Jaws, Indiana Jones, War Of The Worlds)
This one is probably a shot in the dark but Spielberg is a world-class director who has directed tons of big budget movies that usually are well received. Putting the JL movies in his hands wouldn’t be something I think anyone would worry about. He also has worked with darker themes in his movies, War of The Worlds comes to mind especially. The washed out look of it actually reminds me of a Snyder movie, and shares a common theme with aliens coming to earth (Superman). He didn’t make that movie with only CGI action scenes in mind; it had heart and seriousness to it.
3. George Miller
(Mad Max, Babe Mad Max: Fury Road)
So as most of us movie buffs and comic nerds already know, George Miller was already signed on to direct a Justice League movie a few years back that ended up getting canceled. At first I was totally iffy about that, then I saw Mad Max: Fury Road and said “Holy S#&T this man can still direct!” I knew watching that movie in the theater that it was different and special and I called it right after walking out, that it was going to win awards. Everything is set in place for George Miller, which could be a problem or a godsend. Either way I think he could come in and really make a great film. That’s what JL needs in my opinion. I’m still waiting for the day that a comic book film gets nominated for best screenplay or picture. Are we far off? Why don’t we start with Justice League!
4. Ridley Scott
(Alien, Blade Runner, The Martian)
Another long time director whose resume has all different genres of movies however, there is more times than not a common theme of space travel and aliens. I remember watching Exodus: Gods and Kings and although I didn’t love it, visually it was stunning and I think the critics bashed it because it didn’t bring any new info to the aged story of Moses that most already know. A few years later The Martian was released and it easily ended up on my top 5 list of 2015 movies. This man can do sci-fi movies and not only do they usually end up being good sci-fi films, they end up being good FILMS in general that everyone can enjoy.
5. Michael Mann
(Heat, Public Enemies, Collateral)
So this is easily the weirdest out of place one on the list but one thing Michael Mann can do well is make a movie feel so real. I don’t think he’s really ever directed a sci-fi film and frankly who knows if he could, this is more of one of those things where id love to see how it would pan out if given the opportunity. If he could bring his feel to a sci-fi JL film or even a stand alone Superman, Batman or another DC film I think it would be awesome to see.
Bonus Mention
1. Max Landis
Hasn’t directed anything on a big scale, but has written plenty. Cleary has a good handle on most of these characters especially Superman.
2. Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Would never happen, but I’d love to see what happens when an two time back to back academy award winning director gets put on a superhero film.
3. J.J. Abrams
Star Wars will be consuming his life for a while and also was attached to Superman Flyby back in the day. Most likely would never have the time to do it, but if given the opportunity I think a great film would turn up.
That’s just an extremely short list of people I think DC/WB should look into if they decide to scrap Zack Snyder as director. I think all of these guys have what it takes to make these movies good MOVIES. Also, id love to see what happens when an award winning, prestigious director gets attached to a superhero film. Would it be a hit or a flop? Sound off below! And make sure to leave some names of people you would like to see direct an upcoming Justice League or DC film!
Here's my movie review of Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice which you can find under the "Reviews" tab
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/batman_vs_superman/spoilers-batman-v-superman-dawn-of-justice-review-analysis-a132471