Several weeks ago, Warner Bros announced they are planning to fill the gap left by the culmination of the Harry Potter franchise with DC superhero films. With "Green Lantern" due out in theaters next summer, along with the third installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman, and a rebooted Superman film the following year, fans were beginning to wonder how soon it would be for these heroes came together into one ensemble movie. Now we're a few steps closer.
A Justice League of America film has been given the tentative green light by Warner Bros. Though the film is still in its very, very early stages (no script has been officially worked on, but the basic plot is outlined). Actors are quietly being pursued to test for the roles. The big surprise is the current team roster: Green Lantern, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter. That's right, folks, no Superman or Batman; at least not yet. The film will be used to introduce Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter to general audiences. Both Green Lantern and The Flash movies will have already been released in theaters, so there would be no need to delve into their origins. Either Superman or Batman, or both, could eventually make their way into the script; though at this time the studio is slowly moving forward without their inclusion. Several comics series, including the team's first outing in "The Brave and the Bold," have worked quite well without Batman and Superman as a part of the initial team.
With the role of Green Lantern already taken by actor Ryan Reynolds, four slots are waiting to be filled. Can a JLA film meet the expectations of fans, and gain general audience approval, without the inclusion of DC Comics' "big two" heroes? Fans will have to wait and see.