At the world premiere of "Justice League: War" in New York Tuesday night, producer James Tucker discussed the direction Warner Bros. may be headed with DC Animation - a shared universe. Apparently there will be a continuity based off of (but not directly adapted from) the New 52.
"It's our own version of the New 52 universe, our own start," says Tucker. He also advises they'll leave room for original stories within the universe they create down the line.
Regarding voice talents, they hope to keep the voices consistent, though voice director Andrea Romano did caution since this is a series of films and not a TV series, some may have to come in and out. They may also recast to fit different art styles or story styles.
"We try to start from a story, then go to an art style, and let that dictate the rest," says Romano.
Dream projects Tucker and director Jay Oliva mentioned included "Gotham by Gaslight," "Red Son," "Long Halloween," and "Kingdom Come." They said that the last one would be especially difficult, as Alex Ross's art would be hard to mimic and animate. Tucker was also careful to emphasize "dream projects" as neither are in development.
"Son of Batman" and "Batman: Assault on Arkham" have been announced for 2014. But, thanks to an after-credits scene for Justice League: War, the next New 52 film may be heavily teased.
Justice League: War POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT!
After the devastation to Earth due to the attack by the forces of Apokolips, a shot of the ocean is shown. A vessel rises and Ocean Master, Aquaman's brother, emerges. In his arms is a dead old man. "The Surface Dwellers have killed our king. This is an act of war. And they will pay", says Ocean Master.
While the panelists wouldn't (or weren't allowed to) say any more about the scene or what it implied, they did reiterate that they had plans for Aquaman. When Newsarama asked if we'd see an adaptation of "Throne of Atlantis," the storyline that crossed over Aquaman and Justice League in the New 52, Tucker simply stated…
"You'll see a movie with Atlantis in the title."
"Justice League: War" is available digitally now, and on DVD/Blu-Ray February 4, 2014. What do you think about a shared animated DCCU?