With the Marvel Cinematic Universe enjoying all the Hollywood success in the superhero genre throughout the years, its about time that DC Comics answered back with their own films. DC teamed up with Warner Bros. in 2013 with Man of Steel to kick off what would be the start of their long list of movie's announced up to 2020. They are currently hard at work with their sophomore effort, Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice; a crossover film, the first of its kind in recent years. Much like how Marvel first introduced a film with a group of heroes in the first Avengers movie, DC will also be putting out a Justice League film.
But is it too late for DC to start introducing all these new characters with Marvel dominating the box office? What can we expect from another superhero team up movie and what do we know about the film so far?
First are the characters:
Superman, is by far the only superhero from DC that has been established (not counting Christopher Nolan's Batman) in Hollywood. Henry Cavill debuted in Man of Steel and has just wrapped up filming with Dawn of Justice and most likely will be starring in the Justice League movie or in any of the films mentioned up to 2020 wherever Superman is concerned.
Batman will be re-introduced after Nolan's and Bale's final Batman incarnation back in 2012. The latest version of the caped crusader arrives on 2016 for Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice, directed by Zack Snyder who is also responsible for Man of Steel and enlisted Ben Affleck to play the new Dark Knight. Like Superman, it seems that Ben Affleck will hold on to the cape and cowl for a while, also expected to show up in the Justice League movie that is rumored for 2017. Snyder's version of Bruce Wayne will have a slight change in his character, a much older Bruce Wayne who isn't just starting with cleaning up Gotham, but a veteran who has already made his way out of his own city and into Metropolis.
Wonder Woman, who is reported to debut in Snyder's Dawn of Justice will also be having her own solo film. The new Wonder Woman will be played by Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who has proved her Hollywood bankability starring in the Fast & Furious films. It is also reported that when the actress signed on to DC back in December 2013, she also set a three-picture deal, with Justice League likely to be included in the list.
Another character announced appearing in Dawn of Justice is Aquaman. Like Batman, DC is giving the character a twist removing the old notion that the king of The Seven Seas has limited powers compared to his fellow heroes. This includes changing his image, Jeff Sneider of The Wrap reported earlier in the year that "he's going to be this buff Hawaiian guy covered in tribal tattoos and stuff". DC has hit the spot in who has been cast to play the character; Game of Thrones star Jason Momoa has offcially been announced to take on the role. Momoa has also been reported to have his own solo movie.
The Flash & Green Lantern are two characters expected to show up in the Justice League movie. The Flash isn't as popular on the screen as he is in the pages of comic books; he got a one season that ran back in the 90's. The speedy superhero is however, back on TV and has been enjoying steady success with CW's The Flash. That much can't be said for Green Lantern, who's latest incarnation was played by Ryan Reynolds back in 2011. The feature film failed to perform at the box office, met with criticism by fans and even worse with the critics. Fortunately, DC has the chance, as with the new Batman, to re-introduce the character. It is certain that Reynolds won't be returning to play Hal Jordan, as the actor has already signed on to Marvel for a Deadpool film where he plays the title role.
Shazam has been announced having a solo film, might have a part in Justice League. There isn't much known about the Shazam film or his participation in JLA, except that his rival Black Adam has already been cast and will be played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
Finally, a character originally known to be a member of the Teen Titans is Victor Stone AKA Cyborg. The Character was introduced in The New 52 as being a full fledged member of the Justice League. Actor Ray Fisher has landed the role and will be having his own movie in 2020.
For more news on the Justice League movie, stay tuned to the Franchise Herald.
