My Thoughts on the Rumored DC Universe

My Thoughts on the Rumored DC Universe

Recently, we got wind of a rumor which told us what Warner Brothers' plans are for the next couple of years of DC films. These are my thoughts on the rumored films, and what I think should come after.

Editorial Opinion
By TheSuperguy - Jun 14, 2014 12:06 PM EST
Filed Under: DC Comics
So DC fans (And comic fans in general) were recently treated to some exciting news. Apparently, this is the layout for the next couple of years of DC films:

May 2016- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice 
July 2016- Shazam
Christmas 2016- The Sandman
May 2017- Justice League 
July 2017- Wonder Woman
Christmas 2017- Flash/Green Lantern
May 2018- Man of Steel 2

So there you go. Some pretty exciting news, huh?! I know I was taken completely by surprise. So I'm going to give a brief description of my feelings about each film. 

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice- I don't think there's anything I can say that hasn't been said, speculated, and screamed across the internet already. I think Ben Affleck will do a great job as Batman, I'm interested to see Eisenberg's take on Luthor, and the addition of Wonder Woman should have everyone excited. I hope to see Metallo as a main villain, with Luthor being a background villain for either Justice League or Man of Steel 2 (More on those later). I wouldn't mind seeing some Nightwing and Joker cameos, but that won't make or break the film for me. 
 
SIDE NOTE: I think Sharlto Copley (Elysium, District 9) would be the perfect choice for Joker. 

Shazam- This is one that caught me completely off guard. I know there had been rumors but I never thought Warner Brothers would actually get around to making it. But hey, this is great news! If I had to choose one specific story arc for the film to be based on, I would go with Geoff Johns' New 52 run. It's a fantastic take on the character that updates and changes; but maintains a respect for the original concept. This would be a perfect way to introduce the magic side of the DC Universe, which will be expanded upon in my next topic.

The Sandman- We all know that last year Joseph Gordon-Levitt and David Goyer were pairing up to finally bring Morpheus to the big screen. To be honest, I thought this would linger in development hell a lot longer. I didn't know that it would get going this soon. But, like Shazam, I'm happy that it's happening. I would really like it if the DC shows were connected to the films, because then Matt Ryan could make an appearance as John Constantine (Because the film is going to be based on the Preludes & Nocturnes story arc). However, it is highly doubtful that the shows will have anything to do with the films. But, a fan can only hope! 

Justice League- Okay, here we go. The big one. The one we've been waiting for. The film that every comic book fan has wanted and never thought would happen. The world's greatest super heroes finally teaming up on the big screen! So, let me start by saying who I have to see in this film. If you're going to make a Justice League film, you HAVE to have: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and the Flash. I also REALLY want to see Aquaman, but those 5 are mandatory. Now, we know Cyborg is going to be in it, and Shazam will probably be a part of the team because of his movie coming out the year before. But here's another character I hope they use: Stephen Amell's Green Arrow. Arrow is a fantastic show, and Amell is perfect as comic's best archer (sorry, Hawkeye). It would be such a waste not to include Arrow in the films. And speaking of wasting talent, please have Grant Gustin play the Flash! From what we've seen, his take on Barry Allen is perfect, and if Flash is anything like Arrow, we're in for one hell of a show! We already know Gotham won't be a part of the films (not too distraught there, though it is a waste of potential), and Constantine most likely will not be a part of the films (which sucks). But Arrow and Flash are both on the CW, so if Warner Brothers could just strike a deal with that one network, the DC Cinematic Universe will get even better, and they'd be showing that they really care about their fans! 

Now, when it comes to story, there are two ways you can go with this film: Luthor or Darkseid. Personally, I'd prefer the latter. Luthor is a fantastic villain, but he is a Superman villain. (Yes, I know Darkseid can be a Superman villain, too, but come on...he's a Justice League villain). Save Luthor for Man of Steel 2, where you have a better chance to expand upon his character. Plus, having him as a background character in Justice League allows you to build him up further, so he can be seen as an even bigger threat in Man of Steel 2. Anyway, enough about Justice League. Let's move on. 

Wonder Woman- This is another one that fans have been clamoring for for years. I knew this was going to happen eventually, but I didn't expect it to be this soon. That seems to be a running theme in this article, doesn't it? Anyway, it's finally happening! It's about time, because like every other comic book fan, I think Wonder Woman is long overdue for a film. If I had to pick a story for this film, I think it should be based on the 2009 Wonder Woman animated movie. But instead of having her discovering the outside world, you could change it to where she returns to Themyscira to discover a new threat has risen. There are so many ways you could go with this film, you could do a prequel that takes place before Batman/Superman and shows her origin, but the important thing is, it's happening! 

Flash/Green Lantern- This is one that REALLY took me by surprise. I was not expecting them to get a Flash or a Green Lantern film out this fast, much less a team-up film! Personally, I love this idea! If they're using Grant Gustin's Flash, the show will be a couple seasons in by now, so you don't have to waste time with origins or character set up, that's already been dealt with on the show. And Green Lantern has already been introduced in Justice League, but you could expand upon his character in this film. I hope they use Hal Jordan, both in this film and Justice League, because he's the most classic Lantern. He deserves to be in this universe and treated with some respect, rather than being passed over for John Stewart or Kyle Rayner. Anyway, when it comes to the story, you can't really use any Green Lantern villains. The reason you can't is because if any Green Lantern villains are used, then the Corps, and then the Guardians, have to be involved. Make no mistake, I want to see the Corps and the Guardians, but save those for a solo film. The only Green Lantern villain you could use in a team-up movie would be Hector Hammond. Or, you could use all of the Rogues working together, and Flash must enlist the help of Green Lantern to stop them. Whatever they do, I'm really excited for this movie! 

Man of Steel 2- Okay, I know the comic book community is completely divided over the first film, personally, I loved it. I am completely psyched for a new solo Superman film. Like I said before, I'd like to see Luthor used as a villain in this film. Maybe you could have him team up with Brainiac take out Superman. I'd love to see the Death of Superman story arc, but I think it's a little too early in the universe to do that. So I think Brainiac and Luthor should be the villain of this film, with Doomsday being saved for either Justice League 2 or Man of Steel 3. 

SIDE NOTE: If I had to choose an actor for Brainiac, I would choose either Benedict Cumberbatch or Jackie Earle Haley. I wouldn't want the character to be played as too robotic, I'd like to see him be played with some menace. 

Now, before I go, it looks like Warner Brothers are planning on releasing 3 DC films a year (2016: Batman/Superman, Shazam, and Sandman. 2017: Justice League, Wonder Woman, and Flash/Green Lantern). So, we only know (and I use the word 'know' very loosely here) about one film for 2018, which is Man of Steel 2. So, here are the other 2 DC films I'd like to see in 2018. 

July 2018: The Batman- A solo Bat-film starring Ben Affleck. I would love to see other members of the Bat-family in here, especially Nightwing. If they do do a solo Batman film, it will most likely be directed by Affleck. So I think the perfect storyline for this to be based on is Hush. It's a suspenseful mystery, which plays to Affleck's strengths as a director. Plus, you can have appearances by a lot of other Bat-villains, who can be used in future films.

SIDE NOTE: I've already mentioned that Sharlto Copley would be the perfect Joker. I also think that Chris Pine (Star Trek Into Darkness, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit) would make a great Nightwing. In addition to that, I think Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Godzilla) would be the perfect commissioner Gordon, Patrick Wilson (Insidious, Watchmen) would make a great Scarecrow, and Javier Bardem (Skyfall, No Country For Old Men) would make a fantastic Two-Face. 

Christmas 2018: Aquaman- This is one film that I think is LONG overdue. I personally think Aquaman is a fantastic character, and he certainly deserves his own film. If I were to choose a storyline for this to be based on, I would have to go with the first volume of the New 52 series, the Trench. It's a smaller scale story, which allows you to spend more time building Aquaman's character. Then you could do Black Manta or Ocean Master in the sequel. Hell, the 'Throne of Atlantis' story arc could be used for a Justice League film! 

So there you have it. My thoughts on the rumored DC Cinematic Universe. I for one am completely psyched about this universe and cannot wait to see what it has in store for us! Thanks for reading! 
 
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EhMaybeSays
EhMaybeSays - 6/14/2014, 2:01 PM
That rumor was absolute rubbish. Shazam two months after BvS yet it doesn't even have a director.
MrBlackJack
MrBlackJack - 6/14/2014, 2:01 PM
@GliderMan

Justice League will likely be filming in part of 2014 and 2015, a Wonder Woman film could film in 2015 and 2016 and be ready by 2017
MrBlackJack
MrBlackJack - 6/14/2014, 2:05 PM
A Shazam film for 2016 is still completely possible. Production could start later this year and they would be able to wrap it up next year. Hell, because the film is going to be a smaller production they might even be able to do it all in 2015 (very unlikely).
Klone
Klone - 6/14/2014, 2:40 PM
I like the sound of their film lineup, as long as they don't [frick] up these amazing characters like poor Superman, all should be good.
Klone
Klone - 6/14/2014, 2:41 PM
*sees BlackJack and smacks own head into a wall until bleeding in utter, uncontrollable rage and hatred*

BLAAACCCKJAAAAACCCKK!!!!!!
TheOverlord
TheOverlord - 6/14/2014, 3:13 PM
Mark my words: the WB plan is to put out 3 films a year, with Supes, Bats and JL each anchoring a year.

The first solo Batman film will anchor the 2019 line-up, JL2 will anchor 2020, and MOS3 in 2021.
JillyMcBeam
JillyMcBeam - 6/14/2014, 4:42 PM
The actors chosen for some of these rolls have been subpar at best. Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman? Putting her physique aside, her acting ability is something that is not worthy of a lead role in a solo movie this big, and Jason Momoa as Aquaman? This is a new world that could rival Pandora ("Avatar") in my opinion and Snyder and Goyer pull this crap? I just don't have faith in the direction of these franchises, and I tend to favor DC Comics over Marvel Comics. I guess this is something that I will have to patiently wait for and see how it turns out (BvS:DoJ that is) to see how I will really feel going ahead.
Lhornbk
Lhornbk - 6/14/2014, 8:04 PM
*sigh* an editorial about rumors *sigh

Until I hear confirmation from WB, I'm not believing any of this except that a Justice League film is coming (the title of BvS pretty much guarantees that.) They're gonna suddenly have a Shazam movie 2 months after BvS when they havn't announced a writer, director, cast, anything? Yeah, it might be technically possible, but I don't see it. And frankly, they would be stupid to release cbms that close together, especially Shazam just 2 months after Superman. The characters' powers are too similar. Plus, no Batman solo film? That is nearly impossible to believe.

I might be able to see 3 cbms per year, if one of the films is almost totally unrelated to the other 2, and if they were spread farther apart. Sandman would be an example of that. But most of these films are related, and most of this just makes no sense when you actually examine it. Wonder Woman 2 months after Justice League? Justice League will probably still be out, at least in dollar theaters, so I have a hard time seeing that happening. A Flash/Green Lantern teamup later that year? WB would end up saturating the market, and general audiences may get tired of it. (Never mind that general audiences won't entirely understand that particular teamup anyway.) If WB does try to do this exact schedule at least one, maybe 2-3 of these movies will crash and burn. And it'll probably be the lesser known characters, and WB will be too scared to ever try smaller characters again. So personally, while I would like to see most of these films, I hope WB doesn't do it this exact way.

As for your exact ideas, BvS is already written, so it's irrelevant what you want. I don't really care about Sandman or Shazam. JL does NOT have to have Green Lanter, and Darkseid is ok for a villain, but it might copy the comics and MoS too much. No to Green Arrow having anything more than a cameo, and yes to Gustin as Flash. No, no, no, no, no, and oh, btw, NO to having Wonder Woman even remotely resemble the animated film. Flash/Green Lantern may be a bad idea period, but I don't care if it's Jordan or Stewart, just no Rayner (no, it does NOT disrespect Jordan to use Stewart first.) I loved MoS, so I trust them on MoS 2. Just a huge Hell No! to ever using the Death of Superman storyline. I might be okay with Nightwing and Batgirl in a Batman movie, but no to the rest of the Bat-family (such a dumb name, btw.) A very large no to Chris Pine as Nightwing though. Among other things, he'll be too old by then. And until he is used in a JL movie first and there is evidence that general audiences accept him, a thousand no's to an Aquaman film.
Forthas
Forthas - 6/14/2014, 8:59 PM
This schedule will never happen for the following three reasosn

1) Batman v Superman will make a profit but will dissapoint at the box office

2) WB scheduled their movies in May of every year putting them head to head with Marvel. Marvel has no incentive or fear to back away from its May date. I don't think the box office can support two summer blockbusters that close together.

3) Shazam and Sandman have a tiny niche fan base so it will be hard for them to make significant money. They have admitted that they don't know what to do with Wonder Woman so I am not expecting they have a plan yet and are banking on her acceptance from Justice League...in fact they will likely ignore her origin and try to give her a new adventure. As proof this will not happen where is Justice League Dark...which was supposed to be in development but is absent from the line up.
MightyZeus
MightyZeus - 6/15/2014, 7:01 AM
I do like the film lineup. All i know if it's true we are all going to be in for a treat. I really hope that these films will be great in quality and will be entertaining, WB's has not dropped the ball yet.
MightyZeus
MightyZeus - 6/15/2014, 7:02 AM
Yeah, i'm also sad that Justice League Dark is not a part of that line up but hopefully we could here something soon about the project.
Prime
Prime - 6/15/2014, 9:27 AM
Why the [frick] does everyone want to see the Death of Superman? Why. The. [frick].
MisterHolmes
MisterHolmes - 6/15/2014, 11:03 PM
i cant see a Shazam movie being made, hes not that popular amoung GEN. Audiences and DC hasnt built up to the point where they can put out anything like Marvel did with GOTG, not everyone knew about them and it was a risk, but hell im excited for it! what im saying is Marvel built up enough hype to everyone that they get excited about the next MARVEL movie, DC hasnt done that yet, most ppl just see Batman and Superman, i think it will take a few more solid movies for them to pull a risk taker and have it work.
AquamanIsTheBest
AquamanIsTheBest - 6/16/2014, 9:36 AM
The release dates are BS, therefore the rumors are invalid
1) Shazam should have at least a confirmed director two months ago for a release that it's looking for, plus it's just weird. If WB wants to set up their DCCU by doing JL first why throw in a random solo movie BEFORE JL? It's stupid!
2) I suppose Gadot has no problem living on set for the next two-three years, constantly staying in shape at the sane time mind you
AquamanIsTheBest
AquamanIsTheBest - 6/16/2014, 9:37 AM
I do want an Aquaman movie though...another reason I'm calling BS...but then...I guess DC she's love screwing him over soooo we'll see
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