Hoping to build on the success of Marvel's The Avengers which has eclipsed $600 million domestic (nearly $1.5 billion worldwide), movie production of properties based on Marvel characters are moving full steam ahead. Along with Marvel Studio's own post-Avengers Phase 2 plan, there are more movies in development for the X-Men franchise, Spider-Man, and a couple of other new kids on the block. With fresh Comic Con scoop, lets take a look at the current slate of Marvel movie's currently being churned out of the machine.
2011 will kick off to a quick start on January 9th with the hour long superhero drama The Cape on NBC. Ol wikipedia describes the series as:
"The series, set in the fictional metropolis of Palm City, follows an innocent cop who has been framed for a crime he did not commit and then left for dead after he is caught. He is eventually saved by a circus ringleader who prepares him with special abilities to defend himself against his foes. Separated from his wife and son, he tries to clear his name while protecting them from being killed in the event that he should be reported alive. He takes the law into his own hands by taking the guise of his son's favorite comic book hero, The Cape, after he is given a special suit that has unique capabilities. Vowing to get rid of the corruption that has taken over both the city and the police force, he goes after the person responsible for setting him up and causing his "demise"."
Color me skeptical. The title is lame and the promo looks a bit Heroes season 4 meets The Greatest American Hero, but who knows. "Suit Up!"
The Green Hornet
Just 5 days later on January 14th, the first superhero movie of the year arrives in theaters, The Green Hornet. Oh, and its in 3D of course. I don't know about this one either. It looks like a decent B grade superhero movie like a Rocketeer, but the January release scares me. January is not friendly to movies as its known as the dumping ground of crappy films. The Hornet may get stung and is surely going to struggle to earn back its $90 million budget. I am guessing it tops out at around $75 mil.
All Star Superman
On to February and one of my more anticipated entries this year with the release of the animated movie All Star Superman. I am sure that many of the good moments from the graphic novels won't make this 70 some minute movie, but hopefully most of the great moments will. This is a quintessential Superman story and if the movie lives up to the hype it will be a classic.
Thor: Tales of Asgard
On the other hand, the Thor: Tales of Asgard movie from Marvel may or may not arrive in February after a delay of more than a year. As far as I understand, the movie is complete, but just waiting to capitalize on the release of the Thor movie in May. The Marvel movies just haven't been quite as good as those from DC and this "teen Thor" doesn't really excite me. I mean, doesn't Thor have a hammer. That's like the one thing people know about him. This is the last announced animated movie from Marvel so depending on its performance there may not be any more for a while.
Thor
March and April will be the quiet before the summer storm ushered in by Thor on May 6th. I have to be honest, as big of a fan of Green Lantern as I am, the marketing for Thor thus far has been far superior. This just looks like an awesome movie. Thor is less mainstream than even Iron Man, but who knows, maybe Marvel will score another mega-hit here. I think it has the potential, though I expect something more in the modest $200 million range which is nothing to sneeze at since neither Hulk movie was able to reach that milestone.
Oh and psst... Hawkeye is rumored to appear in a post credits sequence ala Mjolnir and Nick Fury.
X-Men: First Class
On June 3, less than a month after Thor, Fox will release another Marvel film with X-Men: First Class a pseudo prequel to the X-Men trilogy and even less related to X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Its odd that we still know so little about this movie. We know it focuses on young Magneto and Charles Xavier and a bunch of X-Men that haven't been on screen yet. It also seems unlikely that continuity can be maintained with the other movies, but really who cares? A trailer should be coming soon, but in the mean time all we have are some images of Emma Frost with a fuzzy Bondesque hat. This movie will make back its $120 million budget, but will not reach the $200 million mark landing in Wolverine territory and paving the way for even more X sequels, prequels, spinoffs, and faux reboots.
Green Lantern: Emerald Knights
Days after the X-Men return, DC will premier its second animated film of the year on June 7th with the anthology Green Lantern: Emerald Knights. I don't know if "Knight" is code for anthology since the last such movie Batman: Gotham Knight aka Batmanime has a similar multi-story structure. This movie will include six segments featuring various rings possibly including Rori Dag, the first Green Lantern, Mogo, Abin Sur, Kilowog, Sinestro, and Hal Jordan. We should know a lot more about this when All Star Superman arrives.
Green Lantern
Just 10 days later, on the 17th of June, the long awaited Green Lantern movie hits theaters. Hopefully this movie lives up to its epic potential giving this generation a new Space Opera. Can you tell I'm excited? The first trailer makes it seem that a few kinks still need to be worked out with the animated suits and hopefully the trailer is also playing up the humor. Depending on how good this is, I see $250 million plus potential paving the way for the planned trilogy and a slew of additional DC movies.
Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon
Albert Einstein said insanity is doing the same thing over and over an expecting a different result. Well, I must be crazy because I have hope for this movie. Arriving on July 1, just in time to cash in on another July 4 weekend, Transformers 3 may prove to be a Teflon coated movie. With its awkward title and all I suspect people will try and forget Transformers 2 with its racist twins, robot heaven, and nonsensical plot and make this entry another gargantuan hit. I mean, people just can't get enough of giant robots killing each other, and where the heck is Voltron? I do expect some drop-off from part 2, but $350 million is not out of the question.
Captain America: The First Avenger
By July 22, superhero fatigue will have to have set in giving the Cap an uphill battle for winning fans. One thing going for this movie is that it is set during WWII times, giving it a unique aesthetic. From the images released so far, it looks as though they have found a balance between keeping true to the spirit of the comics without going too cheesy... that's quite a trick for this character. Expect Captain America to fall short of Thor's earnings but to muster around $150 million.
Alphas
From the mind of the writer of X3 and Elektra, the SyFy network has also imagined up the superhero series Alphas, set to debut in the summer of 2011. The series is described as, "Alphas follows a team of ordinary citizens whose brain anomalies imbue them with extraordinary mental and physical abilities. Taking the law into their own hands, the unlikely team, led by Dr. Lee Rosen, investigates cases that suggest other Alpha activity to uncover what the CIA, FBI and Pentagon have not been able, or willing, to solve. These gifted individuals must balance their quirky personalities and disparate backgrounds with their not always visible powers as they work to solve crimes, stop the ticking time bomb and catch the enemy." I'm cautiously nervous for this one.
Batman: Year One
Fall 2011 is still a ways away, but we do know there will be a highly anticipated third DC animated film in the September time frame, an adaptation of Batman: Year One. Although not a well known as The Dark Knight Returns, in my opinion, this is the superior story. A faithful adaptation will be a big hit.
Green Lantern: The Animated Series
Like 2010's Young Justice premier event, expect the Green Lantern animated series to make a showing in late 2011 with some sort of double episode movie event. This series will introduce viewers to many of the lesser know members of the GL Corps along with their enraged counterparts of the Red Lantern Corps. All I can say is, its about time GL got his own series.
The Toxic Avenger 5: The Toxic Twins
Another entry hardly worth mentioning is the upcoming Toxic Avenger direct to video fourth sequel. That mention is more than it probably deserves and I don't even know why I am aware of this. It will probably make like $50.
Fall TV series
As we delve into speculatory territory, there are rumors of a few upcoming superhero television series debuting in the fall. DC has threatened a Raven series to replace the outgoing Smallville featuring the Teen Titans character. I don't mind Raven and even think a Teen Titans / Raven series has potential, I just don't want to see a Twilightesque Raven but knowing the CW that may be just what we get.
Marvel on the other hand has three projects in the mix. Giving up on big-screen Hulk, they may be casting the 4th Hulk in the last decade for a TV spinoff / reboot. Also in the works are takes on Jessica Jones AKA Jewel AKA Knightress AKA that supereheroine from the Alias comic of no relation to the TV series other than oddly existing at the same time. Lastly, Cloak and Dagger may also be getting a treatment, though likely not until 2012 or beyond.
So, in a nutshell, 2011 is going to be a busy year for superheroes. Sadly, I just don't know if there is a rich enough audience for all of these properties to thrive. And just think, on top of all this we almost also got Spider-Man 4 vs the Vultress. But alas, we will have to make due with a mere 3 Marvel branded Summer blockbusters, 3 Green Lantern projects, and a smattering of other nuggets to carry us over until 2012 brings out the big screen big guns (Batman, Spider-Man, "The" Wolverine, and possibly Superman).
Part 1 covered upcoming shows through June. In part 2, we will finish off 2010.
02 Jul 2010 - The Last Airbender
Avatar: The Last Airbender is an amazing TV series. I do not expect The Last Airbender movie (having dropped the Avatar to avoid confusion with the current phenomenon) to be as good, but hopefully M. Night Shyamalamading-dong can do the series some justice. If not, at least we will always have the animated version. Either way, landing the 4th of July weekend was a big win for this movie and may allow it to follow in the footsteps of last years Ice Age 3 (released during the same weekend made $884 million worldwide) on its way to global domination.
Summer 2010 - Batman Under the Red Hood
Though no details have been released, the title for DC's summer DtV movie Batman: Under the Red Hood has been announced. Believe it or not, this is only Batman's second solo feature in the line and the first, Gotham Knight, was more of a gimmick that a movie with a story. So, I am looking forward to this one even though it seems like focusing on an obscure villain is an interesting choice. Who knows, its possible Red Hood is the Joker. That makes more sense.
Augustish 2010 - Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
I don't know much about Scott Pilgrim other than that he is a comic book character that must defeat 7 ex boyfriends to win a date with a bonnie lass. Does that make him a superhero? I guess that depends on whether or not he wins.
05 Nov 2010 - Megamind
Originally Master Mind then Oobermind, its now Megamind. Dreamworks is no Pixar but its also no Fox animation studios, so maybe this will be an interesting "fractured fairy tale" like take on the Superhero genre.
17 Dec 2010 - The Green Hornet
Will The Green Hornet be this years surprise hit as was Sherlock Holmes? Maybe. If it is a big hit, I will be surprised. Will it be this generations lackluster Dick Tracy. Also fairly likely. Then again this picture is all we have to go on thus far.
Sometime in 2010, Maybe
A couple of other projects are in the works with release dates that are still up in the air.
The Black Panther will be the star of an animated mini-series on BET. The motion comic style episodes may air elsewhere as soon as February, but in these United States we still don't know when they will arrive.
The Canadian made Woody Harrelson film Defendor debuted in 2009 at the Toronto film festival and will probably be seen in broader release at some point. Does this description excite you? "Arthur Poppington is a regular but delusional man who believes that he is a superhero named Defendor. He combs the city streets at night in search of his arch enemy, Captain Industry, befriending a young prostitute in his quest."
Lastly, the Phantom having already aired in Canada is set to debut as a mini-series on SyFy. Hardly anyone seems to have watched it when it was on, but those that did don't have much favorable to say. So, don't go signing up for cable to watch this one.
With so many projects forthcoming, surely some of them have to be good. Right? If not, fear not. In part 3 we will look at all those other sci-fi and fantasy movies that will be vying for your hard earned cash.
2010 is upon us and this is your guide for what to expect from:
02 Feb 2010 - Planet Hulk
One of 2010's first treats will be the animated Planet Hulk DtV described as, "When the Hulk becomes too dangerous for the Earth, the Illuminati trick Hulk into a shuttle and launch him into space to a planet where the Hulk can live in peace. Unfortunately, the Hulk's struggle to escape and a malfunction in the shuttle causes Hulk to land on the planet Sakaar where he is sold into slavery and trained as a gladiator. With the aid of fellow gladiators Hiroim, Korg, Miek, and Elloe Kaifi, the Hulk forms the Warbound in a plot to overthrow the Red King." The last Marvel DtV, Hulk Vs was well received and this one will probably be as well. Unfortunately, this will be the solo release from Marvel this year.
05 Feb 2010 - Absolute Justice
Anticipation for the Smallville two-parter featuring the Justice Society was so high, the network decided to build a movie event. Absolute Justice will feature Dr. Fate, Stargirl, Hawkman, and cameos by other Society members including the Green Lantern and Sandman.
23 Feb 2010 - Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
Also in the jam-packed yet tiny month of February will be the release of the Justice League alternate Earth movie. Not sure if this alternate Earth Joker is supposed to be good or bad, but either way, he should be entertaining.
23 Feb 2010 - The Spectre
Packaged with the Crisis movie will be DC's first in a new line of hero shorts featuring lesser knowns like Señor Spectre. Not sure he is going to be the next big thing, but these shorts are pretty nice way to sell a few extra DVDs.
16 Apr 2010 - Kick-Ass
Yet another take on "real" superheroes. I guess this one is supposed to be extra violent. Sounds fun.
07 May 2010 - Iron Man 2
The most anticipated superhero show of 2010 has to be Iron Man 2. I hope this doesn't pull a Spider-Man 3 because its stuffed full of characters. You get not only Iron Man, but War Machine, Black Widow, Whiplash, Justin Hammer, and of course Nick Fury. Either way, its going to make a ton, possibly becoming the biggest movie of 2010.
18 Jun 2010 - Jonah Hex
Rather than releasing a new Superman or Batman movie or even going with the Flash, Wonder Woman, Blue Beetle, Plastic Man, Captain Marvel, Green Arrow, or even Aquaman WB opted for Jonah Hex- basically an old west bounty hunter that looks like Two-Face. This one might get lost in the summer crowd.
Classic Show DVD releases
On January 5, Wendy and Marvin will finally make their DVD debut on the Super Friends Season 1, Volume 1 release. Not really sure how the folks at Warner decided the release order for this show but I guess its finally season 1's moment.
On March 3, its rumored that the final volume of the X-Men animated series will be released including the Captain America / Wolverine team-up. And that's a look at whats coming in the first half of this year, stay tuned for part 2 coming soon.
Some may argue that The Last Airbender is not a "superhero." Well, I would assert that Aang is a hero, and he certainly has super powers. I mean, can you control the four elements? I didn't think so. Thus, the upcoming The Last Airbender will be covered on this site.
The movie is based on a popular animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender which aired for three seasons on Nickelodeon. Each episode of the series was introduced as follows:
Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony; but that all changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements could stop them, but when the world needed him most...he vanished. A hundred years past and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar, and airbender named Aang. And although his airbending skills are great...he has a lot to learn before he is ready to save anyone. But I believe...Aang can save the world.
Here is perhaps a better description for the uninitiated:
In a world where the four elements (Fire, Earth, Water, and Air) can be controlled, the Fire Nation is waging a ruthless, oppressive war to control the other great nations. The only hope for stopping the brutal Firebenders rests on the shoulders of a reluctant young boy named Aang. The last known survivor of the peaceful Air Nomads (Airbenders), Aang is also the "Avatar", the physical incarnation of the world itself who possesses the ability to manipulate all four elements. Aided by a protective teenage Waterbender named Katara and her bull-headed brother Sokka, Aang begins a perilous journey to restore balance to their war-torn world. Standing in his way is the Prince Zuko, the banished Prince of the Fire Nation, who seeks to capture the young Avatar in order to restore his honor.
The series had a surprising amount of character development, continuity, and cultural detail for each of the 4 element-based nations in the show. Also, the main antagonist, Zuko, was a refreshingly developed and interesting villain.
The movie incarnation is dropping the Avatar to avoid confusion with the upcoming but unrelated James Cameron movie Avatar (what are the chances of two films called Avatar being made at the same time?). It is hoped that this live-action adaptation will launch a trilogy of films, each based on a season long arc of the original series.
The original source material was superb (check out my season 1 review), but I am apprehensive about this film series. In animation, it is much more believable that kids could win a fight with adults. But in live action, I don't care how many black belts you have, an unpowered kid shouldn't be able to defeat an adult soldier. Its just not believable, see The Chronicles of Narnia. The film is going to be directed by M Night Shyamalamadingdong, who I personally like quite a bit, but who has fallen from popular favor over his last few films. Hopefully, people wont expect a trademark twist from The Last Airbender and will give M Night a break.
The film also got off to a controversial casting of an all white group of kids to represent the ethnically diverse characters from the original series. This has since been somewhat rectified with some recasting. The Last Airbender opens on July 2, 2010, hoping to capitalize on the 4th of July Weekend. I have tempered high hopes. Look for the trailer to be attached to this months Transformers 2.
As long as the profits keep rollin' in, no movie studio exec is ever going to say, "We have enough of those movies, lets try something new." And so it goes with superhero films, you will always expect to hear rumors of a sequel, regardless of the previous pictures performance. Here are the likely sequels, prequels, and reboots that we will see in the next 5 years.
Iron Man 3
Likelihood: Extreme
Why its likely: When it comes to superhero box office coinage, iron is the new gold standard. Iron Man 1 was huge, Iron Man 2 is hugely anticipated, and movie studios love trilogies. There is already talk of what is being saved for the 3rd Iron Man movie, so barring the apocalypse, its coming.
Spider-Man 5
Likelihood: High
Why its likely: Tobey Mcguire signed a two-movie extension on his contract making him available for a Spidey 5. Spidey 3 was a low point for the franchise, but if #4 manages a bounce back 5 will be in the bag. Actually, as long as #4 is even moderately successful, There will be a Spider-Man 5. Let's hope that there are still some decent villains around. I would prefer that they not scrape the bottom of the barrel to give us Spidey vs the Kangaroo.
X-Men Origins: Magneto
Likelihood: Below average
Why its not so likely: The best thing a Magneto movie would have going for it is Ian Mckellen who most likely would not be in this prequel. Besides, there are plenty of mutants out there, and the X-Men will probably always bring in an audience, but I think people would rather see more new mutants on screen than an origin of a villain set as a period piece, especially a holocaust drama. Sure, there is a script for it, so Fox has been mulling it over, but if they were certain about this movie, it would be further along in production. If X-Men Origins" Wolverine makes a billion dollars, that could help this one get a greenlight, then again, it would probably just assure a more bankable Wolverine Origins 2: The In Between Years.
X-Men: First Class
Likelihood: Better than average
Why its likely: This is seeming more and more like the direction Fox wants to take the X-Men franchise. It allows them to reuse popular mutants (sans the now solo Wolverine) without rebooting. They also seem keen on upping the teen factor (why not just call it 9-0-2-1-X) which would be easier to do with an X-Team origin than a Magneto one. ScreenRant.com just ran an interesting column speculating that this team would include Beast, Cyclops, Emma Frost, Jean Grey, and Storm though not Gambit. Also not likely to appear in the movie would be Ice-Man, Rogue, Angel, Colossus, Shadowcat, or Nightcrawler due to their roles in the previous X-Films. So who else might appear? Let me suggest Havok, Psylocke, Forge, or perhaps Polaris.
Why its looking likely: Wolverine is going to make money and Fox never says "no" to more of an even marginally profitable series (see Elektra). The fact is, taking Wolverine to the Land of the Rising Sun just might inject some freshness into the franchise. As for Deadpool, I think people paid to see him in Wolverine-even if he wasnt really in it-and will probably pay to see him again considering he would probably actually be in a movie of his own. Hopefully they can come up with better titles than I did.
Hancock 2
Likelihood: High
Why its likely: Hancock made a lot of money and people love Will Smith. If he signs for an MiiiB (Men in Black 3) I can't see what would stop him from making a sequel to this.
Daredevil Reboot
Likelihood: So-So
Why its not so likely: There has been chatter lately of a new stab at Daredevil, and even though I probably enjoyed the first more than most, I don't sense a high demand for more. Sure, replacing Ben Affleck would be a start, but what else could get people excited for take 2? If it gets made, it will mainly be to renew Fox's license on the character so it doesn't revert back to Marvel Studios. What a noble cause. Maybe they will opt instead for Daredevil Origins: Bullseye.
Superman Reboot
Likelihood: Who knows
Why it should be likely: Its freaking Superman. Everyone knows who he is and loves the guy, if done right. And that's the problem. The folks at WB have no idea how to package him in a way that will be popular. Then again, his profit potential is too big to pass up and I am sure another Superman will get made eventually. Whatever happens, I expect the next Superman movie will have a lot more punching and a lot less moping.
Silver Surfer
Likelihood: Mild
Why it is not likely: If Fantastic Four 2: Rise of the Silver Surfer had been a hit, this would be a no brainer, but I doubt the studio folk believe a spin-off of a mildly received, mildly profitable film would do too well. Furthermore, the most maligned aspect of Fan 4: 2 was the whole Galactus storm cloud SNAFU. An entire movie focused on a storm cloud probably belongs on the weather channel more than in theaters (or in Star Trek), and sadly, the Silver Surfer (the best aspect of Fan 4: 2) may have to wait a while before returning to the big screen.
Fantastic Four Reboot
Likelihood: Not for a while
Why it may be a while: I don't think many would argue that the Fantastic Four movies could have been better. Then again the characters have a big following and The Incredibles demonstrates the successful execution of a similar concept. Superman Returns takes a lot of flack for its lack of action, but Fan 4: 2s biggest action moment featured the Four versus a giant Ferris wheel. Fan 4: 1 had a major action sequence of the Four versus a fire truck. In both Dr. Doom was castrated. This series deserves a second chance, but we are going to have to wait for the bad taste to go away first.
Ghost Rider 2
Likelihood: Possible
Why it just may happen: Nicolas Cage will do anything (Next, Knowing, The Wicker Man, Ghost Rider 1) and he seems excited to return to Ghost Rider. The movie was panned and still performed OK, and there is just something about the visual of a flaming motorcycle ridden by a flaming skull. Ghost Rider also set records for a February opening weekend so there may be a financial justification for a sequel. I actually think that this could be a good avenue for some of the Marvel monsters like Morbius, and I would be curious about another installment if they kept the Cage to a minimum.
Spawn Reboot Likelihood: Likely
Why it might happen: Creator Todd MacFarlane loves pimping his stuff and Spawn is pretty well known and the first film was a Hellboy sized success (and hey Hellboy got a sequel). It sounds like, depending on who he licenses the character to, he may get to direct. Not that its the best idea, but like Frank Miller (see the Spirit), these comic book artists can't resist the chance to direct a movie. The previous Spawn movie was not so great, but with that as the bar, makers of the reboot have to feel good about a better second attempt.
Well that's all folks, I think we are all caught up on what is and may be coming soon to a theater near you.
While the date hasn't been announced yet, its 95% certain the eagerly awaited sequel to The Dark Knight will hit in Summer 2012. After a four year wait, audiences will be salivating. Not sure who the villains will be, but going with the realistic theme Riddler and/or Catwoman have to be the front runners. Please NO Penguin.
Green Arrow
Back in 2007, development of a movie focusing on a wrongly accused Green Arrow's efforts to break out of a supervillain prison, was announced. "Super Max" had a lot of potential for supervillain cameos including-Riddler, Lex Luthor and the Joker-and also offered something different than the tired origin tale. Since the original announcement, Green Arrow has continued to enjoy increasing exposure on Smallville and in animation appearing in The Batman and Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
According to script writers, "We're in a world where instead of just trying to contain a guy who's really big, you're trying to contain a guy who can — in the case of Icicle — who can freeze things. What kind of a cell would a guy like that need in order to have his powers neutralized? So to escape from Super Max they have got to go through the most elaborate heist we've ever seen, involving superpowers. Because the prison itself kind of has superpowers!"
I am all for this movie, but no official "green" light yet.
Other possible DC movie are pure speculation with hopes that a phoenix will rise from the ashes of many recently abandoned projects:
Wonder Woman
For a while there, a Wonder Woman film was getting under way and looked likely to happen. Then in February 2007, it fell apart. Director Joss Whedon announced:
We just saw different movies, and at the price range this kind of movie hangs in, that's never gonna work. Non-sympatico. It happens all the time. I don't think any of us expected it to this time, but it did. Everybody knows how long I was taking, what a struggle that script was, and though I felt good about what I was coming up with, it was never gonna be a simple slam-dunk. I like to think it rolled around the rim a little bit, but others may have differing views.
Word is, WW is still being mulled around, but nothing firm.
Flash
The day after the Wonder Woman debacle, director David Goyer announced:
I am sad to say that my version of The Flash is dead at WB. The God's honest truth is that WB and myself simply couldn't agree on what would make for a cool Flash film. I'm quite proud of the screenplay I turned it. I threw my heart into it and I genuinely think it would've been the basis of a ground-breaking film. But as of now, the studio is heading off in a completely different direction. I expect you'll hear of some new developments on that front shortly.
...Still waiting on some new developments, but I have to assume Flash is on a short list of next in line projects.
Justice League: Mortal
In 2007, efforts were made to rush out a Justice League movie before the writers strike could kill it. A script was written, a director hired, and casting begun with a $220 million budget. Due to script concerns, the film was put on hold. At the time, Adam Brody had been cast as Barry Allen / The Flash, D. J. Cotrona as Superman, rapper Common as John Stewart / Green Lantern, supermodel Megan Gale as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman, Armie Hammer was cast as Batman. The character of Ra's Al Ghul's daughter Talia was also rumored to be in the film.
Fans hated the idea of a teen / early 20's league and hated the idea of a separate Batman from the one established in Batman Begins. The success of The Dark Knight put the final nail in this coffin though A Justice League film may eventually happen if solo DC hero projects are successful (the Marvel Avengers model).
Captain Marvel AKA Shazam!
And another one bites the dust. In January 2009 the long in production lighthearted action comedy Shazam! movie featuring Captain Marvel died. Screenwriter John August said:
In retrospect, I can point to two summer Warner Bros. movies that I believe defined the real issue at hand: Speed Racer and The Dark Knight. The first flopped; the second triumphed. Given only those two examples, one can understand why a studio might wish for their movies to be more like the latter. But to do so ignores the success of Iron Man, which spent most of its running time as a comedic origin story, and the even more pertinent example of WB's own Harry Potter series. I tried to make this case, to no avail.
The above quote is pretty insightful as to what is going on with DC properties at Warner Brothers. They have a ton of great properties to work with but want every one of them to be a huge success. Unfortunately, you don't get your Iron Man's without your Ghost Rider's too. Hopefully a hit with Green Lantern will inspire more DC heros to get off the bench and into the game.
The Doom Patrol
In 2006, word broke of a possible Doom Patrol movie. For the uninitiated, the Doom Patrol team consists of several DC outcasts and has been seen in the animated Teen Titans series. No word on this project for over a year.
Constantine 2
As recently as last week, word of a Constantine 2 continues to trickle forth. Not sure who is clamoring for that, but if he beats Flash out of the gates, I will not be happy.
Also no word yet about Aquaman, The Wonder Twins, The Atom, or the The Teen Titans. Any other DC dudes worthy of a feature film?
Up Next: The Infinite Potential for Sequels, Prequels, and Reboots *Prequels, Sequels, and Reboots Not Included
