WB Starts Rolling Out JUSTICE LEAGUE Merchandise; Are They Paving The Way For The Movie?
Based on "The New 52" characters, Warner Bros. has now started a bid to raise awareness about the Justice League with a big merchandise push in Target stores. Are they preparing consumers for the planned Justice League MOVIE? Read on for details.
Unlike Marvel Studios, Warner Bros. don't have a series of solo movies which have helped to build up brand recognition for the Justice League members. Green Lantern was a commercial failure, Batman's story came to an end in The Dark Knight Rises and it's Man of Steel which will seemingly serve as the launching point for a reboot of the DC Cinematic Universe. Should that prove to be a success, a Justice League movie is expected to hit by 2015 at the very earliest.
In an interesting report over at Variety, they reveal that Warner Bros.' consumer products division is now getting consumers familiar with the team by launching a huge range of products exclusively through Target. Despite being inspired by "The New 52" (which many fans hope will also be the main inspiration for the movie) and focusing on Aquaman, Batman, Cyborg, The Flash, Green Lantern, Superman and Wonder Woman, the site speculates that, "getting stores used to carrying Justice League merchandise beyond the traditional toy aisle could create a boon for WB once the 'Justice League' film bows years from now."
This is a very smart move by the studio, especially as it seems they've made the decision to introduce their superheroes all in one film rather than one by one. As the site points out, "Target deal could highlight which products consumers gravitate toward more before the full 'Justice League' movie line debuts." If Aquaman and Cyborg products sell well, that may just increase the likelihood of both appearing in the Justice League movie. What do you guys think? Be sure to sound off with your thoughts on this news in the usual place!
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