EDITORIAL With All The News Related To DC's Film And TV Properties, Is The DCCU Expanding?

EDITORIAL With All The News Related To DC's Film And TV Properties, Is The DCCU Expanding?

With the news of the upcoming Flash series and the rumor of an unnamed/unannounced Gotham PD series (which is said to take place between The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises), there seems to be no real sign of a cohesive DC Universe for film and television; or is there?

Editorial Opinion
By Amalgam - Aug 07, 2013 01:08 PM EST
Filed Under: Other

Lets take a closer look that the projects and rumored projects that DC has in place and see what we can make of it.

Lets start with the Flash series. The show is going to center around Barry Allen, who is going to be introduced on CW’s other current series, Arrow. This is a surprising move, mostly because the producers of Arrow declared that never was there to be super powers in their universe, a move all too similar that was made with Batman in the Nolan films. However the very same producers made the claim that Flash will indeed have his powers in his show, and will even have his traditional costume and no silly name. So what happened? For unknown reasons, the Arrow producers have recanted their no superpowers policy and are going to introduce the first super powered individual into the Arrow universe. Now, while Barry will be powerless on Arrow, it cannot be ignored that Arrow and Flash will both be in the same shared universe.

Next, lets look at the already anticipated Batman/Superman film. Since this is the sequel to Man of Steel, it looks to introduce a hero, who has no superpowers into a world with superpowers, set in a realistic tone. Now, regardless of if this film is a team-up, a verses, or a combination of both, this film is going to have some real obstacles to overcome. First, how grounded is Batman? Obviously he has no powers, but is he going to be able to take a hit from Superman? If it is a verses how does Batman at least survive the attack? Does he have a battlesuit? What is the setting, i.e. how long after Man of Steel does it take place? These are really just a small sample of questions. Unlike the Marvel properties, where combining them is easier and more sensible, Batman/Superman will have some things to work out. But the most important thing is that he is a grounded Batman.

So, as of now, we have two separate universes, both containing grounded superpowered beings and grounded non powered beings. Now lets look at the rumored Gotham PD series which is set to take place between The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. As far as we have been told, The Dark Knight Trilogy is over. But what if this is not true? Why else would they create a show, set between 2008 and 2016 (based on the viral marketing of TDK which set the film in July 2008 and adjusting for the 8 year gap between TDK and TDKR) at the same time that they have one show based on another realistic vigilante (Arrow) and have a show set to premiere with a superpowered Flash, both within the time gap between The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. This may all be speculation but the pieces are coming together. DC is starting to build their Cinematic Universe, and they are using their television properties as stepping stones.

Back to the Batman/Superman movie. What does this all mean? What does it mean if the universe in which The Dark Knight Trilogy is set? Well, here is my speculation. I believe that since they are not going to be able to get Christian Bale back to play Batman, they are still going to use the grounded Batman from the series. Honestly, why completely reboot him? Instead, tweak him. I honestly would have believe that Batman Begins would have fit nicely with Man of Steel and Arrow because Batman had a sort of mystic reality about him, and about the whole movie, something that really was missing from The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. As for the Gotham PD show, it is the perfect way to cameo their new Bruce Wayne, who will be in the Batman/Superman film and beyond. For me, it only makes sense to have a unified set of TV series, and when one of them in clearly set in the Nolan Batman films, it stands to reason that all of the TV series are set in the same world. In this case, with Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD being an offshoot of the still ongoing films, it would only make sense for the series in which is housed in the Batman films, would still be continuing to have films in the series. To me, the only possible conclusion is to have The Dark Knight Trilogy, Green Lantern (yes I know what you are thinking) Arrow, Man of Steel, and Flash in the same universe.

Now, before someone sends me hate mail, here is my case for this combined cinematic universe. Lets start with Arrow. Obviously, as mentioned before Flash is going to be in the same universe as Arrow, which allows for other supers to be mentioned, and even cameo without their powers. One such superhero has been hinted at when Oliver stopped missiles from hitting a Ferris aircraft. Even though this is just a subtle wink, there has always been a rumor to introduce Hal onto Arrow, and doing so in the same season as introducing the Flash is perfect. Now, as for Ryan Reynolds. You don’t have to keep him, though I would prefer it, just like I would prefer Bale to stay on as Batman. However, just as I mentioned earlier, Arrow, like the Gotham PD series, would be a perfect way to introduce a new actor in the same role. As for the movie, just don’t discount it and give Hal a new origin story; it would be pointless. As I mentioned before, just crossover Arrow and the Gotham PD series and you have placed The Dark Knight Trilogy in the same universe, allowing for powers to be accepted in that universe. And now, how and why to connect these properties to Man of Steel and the Batman/Superman movie.

First of all, by including Flash in the same universe Arrow opened the door for The Dark Knight Trilogy to allow something such as Man of Steel to happen. It’s honestly okay to have a superpowered Superman to be in the same universe as Batman Look at the original comics. Would anyone have thought that Batman should meet Superman? Eventually yes, just like eventually Batman no longer just worried with corrupt officials and mob bosses, but also being with powers that he couldn’t explain. It just happened. So why can’t that be the case for cinema? I mean, we really don’t need another Burton/Schumacher Batman, Nolan’s is perfectly acceptable. Secondly, I love nods and winks so for me, when Superman and Zod destroyed the satellite in Man of Steel, having the Trilogy’s Wayne Enterprises logo on it is enough for me. Thirdly, both The Dark Knight Rises and the upcoming Batman/Superman movie are both based on the same core book, The Dark Knight Returns. Simply put, treat them like the animated feature. Two separate stories which tie into each other. Why else have a Batman that is late 30’s early 40’s when the Nolan Batman was 38 in The Dark Knight Returns. They aren’t giving Batman an origin story again either. To me, the execs are saying that they want Batman to pick up where he left off. I know what you are saying; but having anything continue the story that Nolan told in any way is just going to ruin everything that he did. No, it won’t.

First, Robin John Blake ‘rose up’ to be the new Batman of Gotham. Second, Wayne left Gotham with Selina Kyle and clean slate or not, she’s going to provoke him. Third, Bruce Wayne died the night his parents were murdered and was replaced with Batman. Regardless of what you say, Bruce can not, not be Batman. Take a cue from Batman Forever. He has found a will and reason to live, but he can’t be Batman pointlessly. He can’t just be Batman and battle the Bruce inside, he has to join them to be his honest and true self. I’m not saying all of this to say that you have to have a Batman Incorporated film with Blake protecting Gotham and Bruce protecting the world from super-threats, but it’s not a bad concept (hint, hint.) Additionally, allow this version of the same Batman to show the sides that he didn’t show off to well in the Trilogy. Give his character, along with every other one, a good story arc with a beginning middle and end. I’m not saying kill him, but treat it like a book. Or a series of books. You move on when you need to, but that does not mean that you start with new characters, you just make better stories.

So there you have it, there is my take on what is going on, and what should go on with DC’s Cinematic Universe. I hope you enjoyed, please comment below.

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TheOneAboveAll
TheOneAboveAll - 8/7/2013, 2:07 PM
maybe
LEVITIKUZ
LEVITIKUZ - 8/7/2013, 2:09 PM
Yea that Gotham PD show is likely bullshit.

IMO if you want to do JL, do a Wonder Woman film for 2016 and JL for 2017.

We don't need a Flash movie by the suppose same cast and people behind this Flash show. Just keep the Flash show and do a Wonder Woman film.

You could easily introduce a GL (Hal or John) and Martian Manhunter in JL. Maybe even have Arrow in JL.
40oz
40oz - 8/7/2013, 2:13 PM
My head hurts.
m0th3r
m0th3r - 8/7/2013, 2:14 PM
ive felt for a while that it will the be "Trinity" characters in theaters and the second tier via TV...would make u wonder how much of a loss a TV show would be worth if you could use it to seed characters...anyone got production budgets for Arrow?
JoeMomma29
JoeMomma29 - 8/7/2013, 2:14 PM
Who knows! DC/WB is a hot mess, they are like one of those chicks that piss you off all the time but you keep banging her. Yup and then she will anger and annoy you more but she draws you back in!

Mrsinister
Mrsinister - 8/7/2013, 2:16 PM
I'd prefer flash to not have a TV show. He's better suited for movies. Arrow is just a little to CW TV for me and wouldn't make sense in the Snyder world. Maybe if arrow focuses less on his sister the next season it might change my mind
LEVITIKUZ
LEVITIKUZ - 8/7/2013, 2:18 PM
Maestro

Flash on TV isn't as bad as you think. Barry is a forensics scientist. A Flash show would basically be similar to a CSI show and those shows are awesome.
GuardianAngel
GuardianAngel - 8/7/2013, 2:20 PM
I really find no reason for them to reboot Batman. Sadly they listen to the loud minority who know nothing a good strategy for films. Seriously, these are the same people who whined about Spider-Man being rebooted and want Clayface to be the main villain in a Batman movie.
JoeMomma29
JoeMomma29 - 8/7/2013, 2:21 PM
@ Cipher

I have been there LOL!
GinjaNinja
GinjaNinja - 8/7/2013, 2:23 PM
Its not confirmed that we have a flash show. Also nobody knows what DC is thinking. That have been makin random stuff for forever like the Gothom PD TV series. Nolans batman won't be in another universe, that's a fact. DC as of now has Man of Steel and Man of Steel 2 and that's it. They won't tie in a TV show to the movies because then all the people who don't watch the TV show will wonder who the heck this guy is.
JoeMomma29
JoeMomma29 - 8/7/2013, 2:24 PM
Hmmmm I wonder if they made a show about $HIT, what would Grif say?
JoeMomma29
JoeMomma29 - 8/7/2013, 2:24 PM
@ dougieisrolling

Ummmm a Flash show has been confirmed!!!!!
jamesbrando3
jamesbrando3 - 8/7/2013, 2:28 PM
I like this theory a lot. I wouldn't have any problem with keeping the same Batman from the trilogy with that backstory but recasting Bruce Wayne. I don't think they should ignore any of the work they've put into the past films or especially these current films/television shows. At this point it wouldn't be TOO hard to loosely connect them all and say they all fit together. It would be amazing if one day we're all thinking that DC has been behind Marvel but in reality they've been building for just as long the next. Think about it, if they decide to make The Dark Knight Trilogy, Green Lantern, Arrow, Man of Steel, Flash, & Gotham Central co-exist, almost all of the work for a future Justice League film is already done. All you'd need to introduce is Wonder Woman and either Aquaman or Martian Manhunter and the team is made. It would be the smartest and most economically move for the story and characters if WB hired some capable people to make all these properties intermingle.... What do you guys think? Or would you rather it all be seperate?
CherryBomb
CherryBomb - 8/7/2013, 2:30 PM

DC/WB are cowards.

Marvel has big balls, they take risks by making films of lesser known characters like Captain America, Thor and arguably Iron Man and it paid off.

DC are very very reluctant to stray from the safety of Batman and Superman and those are the only movies we'll probably get from them, either Batman or Superman related stuff. Green Lantern didn't work because they didn't take it seriously enough, they should've treated the character the same way they treated Batman and Superman, seriously.

We'll probably never see a Flash or Wonder Woman movie, because they're cowards.

StrangeBlackPantherDoctor
StrangeBlackPantherDoctor - 8/7/2013, 2:34 PM
If Arrow and The Flash aren't in the DCCU its a huge missed opportunity.
ABH1979
ABH1979 - 8/7/2013, 2:35 PM
Based on the Batman casting rumors, I almost wish they would continue to Nolanverse -- but ONLY if they can get Bale to come back. Without Bale, then start fresh. I don't understand the desire to keep the Nolanverse going, if neither Chris nor Christian want to keep it going.

Besides, as much as I liked the Nolan movies, they weren't perfect, so let's aim a little higher the next go-round.
LEVITIKUZ
LEVITIKUZ - 8/7/2013, 2:35 PM
CherryBomb

I could make a comment on your attitude, but I think it wouldn't be best.

;P
SnapperCarr
SnapperCarr - 8/7/2013, 2:37 PM
Hopefully the Flash CW sow doesn't go through.
Wonder Woman and the Flash need live action movies. Both are a-listers and more popular than Green Lantern is in terms of the general audience.

For Wonder Woman, the villain should be Ares.

For Flash, the villain should be Captain Cold, but Weather Wizard is also acceptable.
SnapperCarr
SnapperCarr - 8/7/2013, 2:37 PM
Intruder's back?!?!?
SaxoWolf
SaxoWolf - 8/7/2013, 2:38 PM
Who knows what goes inside the executive's heads over at WB/DC
SnapperCarr
SnapperCarr - 8/7/2013, 2:38 PM
*show
HulkbusterNYC
HulkbusterNYC - 8/7/2013, 2:38 PM
First off, Gotham PD is POINTLESS without Batman.. No other heroes have any buisiness being in Gotham if Batman is supposed to be there so I dont see what advantage this show could have.. WB is reaching and so are you if you believe WB cares enough about the characters to think about connecting all the movies and tv series the way you have laid it out.. Its too perfect lol.. While it would be cool this will never happen.. They have no plan and anyone thinking otherwise is just wrong.. They are doing this one move at a time.. Its all riding on this Batman/Superman movie folks.. If it doesnt do the numbers they want it to they wont know where to go next from there.. Feige said Marvel had plans until 2021 or something lol I doubt WB even knows what the story will be for Batman/Superman (hell, they dont even know what the title will ne yet lol) you can forget about them having a plan like this right here brother..
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 8/7/2013, 2:39 PM
I'll believe it all when I see it.
SnapperCarr
SnapperCarr - 8/7/2013, 2:40 PM
@SaxoWolf This:
CrimsonFlash
CrimsonFlash - 8/7/2013, 2:40 PM
I'll be so upset if the flash they plan on using in arrow is the one that will be in justice league. He truly does deserve his own movie.
jamesbrando3
jamesbrando3 - 8/7/2013, 2:42 PM
I love the entire concept of The Flash tv show, it would break barriers if it was made and became a hit. How can we expect a A-List Batman show someday if we can't tolerate Flash getting his own show because he "deserves" a movie? Who says he can't have both? Barry on tv, Wally on the big screen and they cameo when necessary. Have an open mind people, everything is possible, have faith...
SaxoWolf
SaxoWolf - 8/7/2013, 2:44 PM
whatever. there's always other movies to watch.
GinjaNinja
GinjaNinja - 8/7/2013, 2:45 PM
The dark knight trilogy had heath ledgers joker, thats why its so hyped.
LEVITIKUZ
LEVITIKUZ - 8/7/2013, 2:46 PM
Flash TV show is a great idea if you think about.

CSI on Barry side

Then we have Flash.

Please have Gary Sinise. I miss CSI: NY.
Gnyah123
Gnyah123 - 8/7/2013, 2:47 PM
i honestly dont care if they make a flash TV show as long as we get a flash movie in the future....

also i STILL think and Believe about WB/DC doing a multi-universe....MEANING...they will have 1 actor play batman in the superman sequel...and then have another actor play batman in JL if they ever make it....same with FLASH
if a flash movie is made..they will have 1 actor play him in his solo...while another plays him in JL movie again IF this gets made...

and that rumor about batman beyond movie...IF that is still set and planned then i think its safe to say that a multi-verse will happen...

i personally think it will happen but only time will tell

and for nolans batman...bale isnt coming back!....move on from him ppl!...and there is no way they will tie nolans batman with zacks superman they r 2 different worlds/universe...1 has super powers and the other doesnt

i like how he brings up a good point too...about batman in MOS 2
how badass will he be?!?!?...i want batmans punches and kicks to HURT! like in the cartoons...when he punches or kicks some1 they go flying into a wall or flying back then falling on the ground...i want batman to have a little power in his punches so he can at least do a little damage to superman when n if he punches him lol
jamesbrando3
jamesbrando3 - 8/7/2013, 2:47 PM
They should get JGL to guest star on the Gotham Central show (he's no stranger to television) have it be 13 episodes a season on a channel like FX with an serious tone and budget, get real actors and smart writers and it could totally work. It could be a suspense thriller like the Shield within the DCU. Introduce other Batman family heroes and villains along with it to expand the mythos as well. There's many ways these tv ideas could flourish, give it a chance guys...
WarnerBrother
WarnerBrother - 8/7/2013, 2:50 PM
@dougie

Yes it has been confirmed that a Flash series is on the way.

@Worldbreaker

Wayne lost control of Wayne Enterprises due to fraud from Daggit,Talia and Bane.
Foxx spoke about being able to prove fraud in time in TDKR.

Talia was exposed as a terrorist out to nuke the city so nobody is going to have a hard time giving her share of the company back to the Wayne estate.

As far as Bruce Wayne goes,he had already been declared dead before in Batman Begins and named Alfred to run his estate.Alfred had no trouble bringing Bruce
legally "back to life" and giving him his company back. Why would it be a problem to have Bruce declared dead as he was in TDKR as a result of Bane,then reemerge a few years later and chalk it up to the mass confusion from Bane's reign of terror?

I mean,rich people were being dragged from their homes,given mock trials and put to death by their follow citizens. Nobody would blame Bruce Wayne if he said he thought about staying gone forever after seeing how Gotham acted,but thought it over and wanted to come back to help his city heal.

Bruce Wayne gets declared alive again and Alfred returns control of the company(with its restored billions) to him just like he did in Batman Begins.

As far as the boys home in Wayne Manor,Bruce could leave it alone and use the spare Batcave in Gotham while living in Wayne Tower, or he could simply pull a "dick" Wayne move like he did in Batman Begins and order the kids out (while quietly paying for another building to house them) That way he could use the Manor again.
LEVITIKUZ
LEVITIKUZ - 8/7/2013, 2:50 PM
Listen this shit doesn't take a [frick]ing genius you noobs.

If you can get just have Man of Steel, Batman/Superman, and then a Wonder Woman film your [frick]ing set. You just need to introduce the [frick]ing Trinity.

Bring the Flash show canon, have an alien threat that brings in Green Lantern (Hal or John) and Martian Manhunter.

This isn't [frick]ing brain science.
Gnyah123
Gnyah123 - 8/7/2013, 2:50 PM
there was a article on here i think last week where WB said they dont think wonder woman will do well on the big screen...what do yall think of that?
she does deserve her own movie but not a lot of movies with woman leads tend to not sell a lot! but true comic book fans will indeed go see this movie if they make one for her...but i dont think she will do well in her own solo movie...at least need a cameo from MOS to make it sell a little bit more
GinjaNinja
GinjaNinja - 8/7/2013, 2:53 PM
Flash would be far from breaking barriers, it would be lame. help anyone, all it would be is a copout for the actual thing. if your going to go the TV rout do what marvel did, make the movies first.Spin off the TV show later.
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