Movie Monster’s Pitch for a DC Cinematic Universe
Since its launch in 2013 with Man of Steel, Warner Bros.’ DC Extended Universe has received a split reaction from both fans and audiences. Some of the complaints from this franchise include misrepresentations of some of the characters, an inconsistent tone, convoluted plots, just to name a few. However, the franchise has grossed over $2 billion at the worldwide box office and plenty of more installments are on their way in the next five years. But what if WB planned this franchise a little differently from the get go? In this article, I will share with my vision for a shared film universe involving DC Comics characters. I will include the titles, synopses, and who I would choose to direct the films in this franchise. With that said, let’s get started.
Superman: Last Son of Krypton
Directed by David Yates
I feel it is appropriate to kick off this series with a fresh new cinematic take on the character that made DC a force in the comic publishing world. This film would be an origin story for Superman in which he discovers and comes to terms with his powers. It will also deal with how the world reacts to the existence of metahumans, thus laying the foundation of future films. I envision Clark Kent to be around his mid twenties when he begins his career as Superman. Lex Luthor, who would be around his mid forties or early fifties, would serve as the film’s antagonist and play a significant role in future films, especially sequels to this film.
For the director, I nominate David Yates who directed the last four Harry Potter films and most recently The Legend of Tarzan. Yates has the talent to direct films with larger than life protagonists who are still human that way the audience can relate to them. He can create a sense of wonder throughout while still managing to deliver an intense tone during action sequences.
Wonder Woman
Directed by Ava DuVernay
The next film in the cinematic universe will also introduce a larger than life hero and how the world responds to it. That hero would be Wonder Woman, the Amazonian Warrior. The film will establish Diana Prince as a legendary demigoddess who has assisted mankind in wars throughout history. In order to differentiate it from the upcoming 2017 film, this film will tell Wonder Woman’s story in the modern time. The film will tackled issues such as terrorism and gender roles in order to make it relevant to today’s social and political landscape.
For director, I nominate Selma director Ava DuVernay. She has proven with Selma that she is capable of directing a large cast and immersing the audience in the world and issues that surround them. She turned down the chance to direct Black Panther for Marvel Studios so this would be her chance to direct a blockbuster film.
Aquaman
Directed by Joseph Kosinski
Just like Last Son of Krypton and Wonder Woman, the Aquaman film will introduce audiences to a hero from a world very different to our own. Aquaman would tell Arthur Curry’s origin story, have him discover his Atlantean heritage, and traveling to the underwater city of Atlantis which is a totalitarian state under Ocean Master’s rule. Themes explored in this film include tyranny and political corruption as well as family relationships and dynamics.
Joseph Kosinski has an eye for visuals and can give audiences a world that is colorful and grand. He can audiences interested in this underwater society. His two films, Tron: Legacy and Oblivion may have had issues in the storytelling department but I don’t think Kosinski is the one to blame. If he is given a strong script, Joseph Kosinski’s Aquaman would be a unique superhero film.
Batman: The Caped Crusader
Directed by Matt Reeves
The film that introduces Batman into this cinematic universe would be different from the previous films in terms of tone. The film’s depiction of Gotham is dark, dirty, and seedy while Batman would be portrayed as a vigilante bent on justice that still has the ability to scare the living daylights of the criminals who cross him. Batman would not only be skilled in hand-to-hand combat but also in detective skills. In order to showcase this, the villain would be The Riddler who is portrayed as an anarchist with immense mental capabilities. Think Moriarty from Sherlock mixed with a member of Anonymous.
I choose Matt Reeves as director based on his strength to tell stories with a large cast of characters whose moralities are challenged. He portrayed this very well in Let Me In and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. The bleak look he often gives his film would be a perfect way to portray this latest incarnation of the legendary hero.
The Flash
Directed by Joseph Kahn
Like the title character, The Flash would be a fast-paced and energetic movie that will offer audiences thrilling action sequences and a lead they will be rooting for throughout. Much like the current CW series, the film will be light-hearted but still create its own feel to make it feel distinct from it. The movie would feature Barry Allen but references to the Jay Garrick Flash would be made due to the Wonder Woman movie setting up that metahumans have existed for many years. The film’s villain would be Captain Boomerang, a tough-as-nails Australian thief and assassin who does not have a fetish for purple unicorns. Both the hero and the villain would have snarky senses of humor that way they could play off each other.
Joseph Kahn would be my personal choice for director. He has only made two films, Torque and Detention, both of which I have yet to see. I have chosen him based on the strength of the many music videos he has directed and his gritty short film, Power/Rangers, which was a viral hit last year. He can create something with a lot of energy and style that can easily captivate an audience. Why this man hasn’t done much Hollywood work is beyond me.
Justice League of America
Directed by Francis Lawrence
Now that the majority of the characters have been developed, it’s time for them to unite in the team-up film, Justice League of America. The plot will bear similarities to Justice League of America #9 in which the team assembles in order to combat Darkseid and the Appelexians. Seeing how this is a threat of cosmic proportions, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter are introduced in this film to assist in the battle. The film will have the tone of an epic and feature comedy, drama, action, and thought-provoking themes.
Francis Lawrence directed the last three Hunger Games films as well as I Am Legend. His films have a sleek, polished look and deliver a story that has compelling characters, exciting action, drama, and a dash of humor. He also has experience working with the IMAX format and should utilize that technology for the more grander set pieces in this film. Lawrence has the capability to deliver a memorable film for the iconic superhero team.
Green Lantern Corps
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Following his introduction in Justice League of America, Green Lantern would spin-off into his own movie that will feature John Stewart and other popular members of the Green Lantern Corps. The film would briefly introduce Hal Jordan and the purpose of the Corps in the opening scene before throwing us right into action. The tone for Green Lantern Corps would be a rousing and humorous space adventure like Guardians of the Galaxy with the size and scope of a Star Wars film. There are many aspects of the Green Lantern mythos that can be explored in this film and subsequent films as well.
My choice for director would be Guy Ritchie who brought us Snatch, Sherlock Holmes, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Guy Ritchie is a skilled action director and his writing gives personality and spunk to its characters. He can also direct ensemble casts pretty well and build chemistry between the actors. Ritchie has dabbled with gangster films and period pieces and I’d be curious to see what he can do with a sci-fi/superhero movie.
Shazam
Directed by Jeff Nichols
The next hero to be introduced is the mighty mortal, Captain Marvel, or Shazam. Shazam would blend elements of fantasy, science fiction, and superhero fiction. Billy Batson would be portrayed a plucky young lad blown away by the heroes in this world that surrounds him. After an encounter with the wizard, Shazam, Billy must learn how to properly harness his newfound abilities that the wizard grants him and battle Black Adam, a villain just as powerful as him. The themes that can be explored in the movie include growing up and learning how to control one’s power. Black Adam would be the antagonist Shazam would face in this movie seeing how he is just as powerful and how one can use their powers for evil can be explored as well.
Jeff Nichols should direct this movie based on his talent of directing young actors as shown in his movies, Mud and Midnight Special. Both of these films involved characters who are caught up in circumstances far out of their reach and how they cope with it. Nichols’ directing style is a mix of dramatic and exciting with characters that feel like real people. This is what I would want a Shazam movie should be like.
Suicide Squad
Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Of the three DCEU films thus far, Suicide Squad is my favorite. It’s not a perfect movie but I had a lot of fun watching it. I do feel it was weird to introduce this team of antiheroes so early in the franchise. I would introduce them much later that way they can be seen as an anti Justice League, a complete 180 of that team. The line-up would be similar to the that of David Ayer’s film and would allow characters such as Boomerang, Killer Croc, and Katana to shine. The villain would be someone whose combat and strategic skills can match the Squad’s. I would go with either the KGBeast or Maxwell Lord for the villain. The film is crazy, over the top, anarchic, and action-packed but also has a hint of darkness.
Ruben Fleischer would be my choice for the director of Suicide Squad. His first film, Zombieland, was a fun horror comedy that managed to blend thrills and a sense of fun. The cast of characters were likable despite some of their questionable decisions. Fleischer’s most recent work, Gangster Squad, shows that he might want to experiment with more serious fare. A film like Suicide Squad would be right up his alley.
Green Arrow
Directed by Gareth Evans
The Emerald Archer’s cinematic debut would highly differ from the current CW series. This film follows a much older Oliver Queen and take inspiration from Mike Grell’s run on the comic series. It will offer the audience a more experienced and aged vigilante. His relationship with Black Canary can also be featured and how she deals with being a vigilante herself. Much like the Batman film, Green Arrow will be dark but given the appearance of the character, some swashbuckling elements can be thrown in. The villains for the film could either be his nemesis, Brick, or Cupid, who often gets in the way of Oliver and Dinah’s relationship.
Gareth Evans directed two of the best action films of the decade, The Raid and The Raid 2. Both films featured incredible fight choreography and stunt work as well as gritty storylines. Since Green Arrow is not a metahuman, the direction of this movie could be more grounded and practical and Gareth Evans is just the man for the job. If you’ve seen the Raid films, expect to see some jaw dropping action.
Teen Titans
Directed by Matt and Ross Duffer
What, another ensemble superhero movie? Trust me, this is the last one. For now. With the planned live-action TNT series being scrapped, it would not surprise me if Warner Bros. are pursuing a Teen Titans movie. I would be entirely for it. The film would have the scope and high stakes of Justice League of America or Green Lantern Corps with a youthful twist on it. Themes that would be explored include adolescence, love, loyalty, and friendship. It’s a movie that would really delve in what it means to be a teen.
The directors should be Matt and Ross Duffer or the Duffer Brothers. Their series, Stranger Things, successfully blended many genres (horror, sci-fi, adventure) all while getting strong performances out of its young cast. The Duffers know how to direct an ensemble of young actors all while creating an exciting and memorable viewing experience. Stranger Things shows that these two have a very cinematic approach to storytelling so why not give them a chance to direct a big budget film to showcase their talents? They can be DC’s answer to Marvel’s Russo brothers.
That’s it for the first part of my pitch. The second part will include pitches to sequels to some of the films listed above as well as some new films that will introduce new heroes into the series. I might even do a fancast in the future as well. I hope you enjoyed reading this and don’t forget to leave your responses and suggestions in the comment section below. Movie Monster out! Peace!