Let’s get right to it. At Warner Bros.’s Comic Con panel today, the veil was lifted on major plans for the DC cinematic universe. Extremely major plans. WB is setting on the path to creating a DC Universe much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with a Man of Steel sequel, a Flash movie, and perhaps the biggest news, firm confirmation of a Justice League movie.
In the panel’s final moments, Man of Steel director Zack Snyder came on stage to the iconic image of the Superman/Batman symbol, and announced:
“It’s official that we are going to make another Superman movie. I’ve poured through the DC universe for a way to tell this thing.”
This led to Harrry Lennix (Man of Steel’s General Swanwick) quoting one of Batman’s most badass lines in comic book history, taken straight out of Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns:
“In all the years to come, in all the most private moments, I want you to remember my hand at your throat. I want you to remember the one man who beat you.“
It was later clarified that the Man of Steel sequel, which will be penned by David S. Goyer, won’t be directly based on Year One (which was also quoted) or The Dark Knight Returns but that, according to Deadline, Zack Snyder said “it will help them in the story they’re telling.”
Snyder went on to say “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world.”
It’s worth mentioning again that Christian Bale is a definite NO for reprising his role as Bruce Wayne, so a new Batman will be duking it out and/or fighting alongside Cavill in the film. We’re anxious and excited to see who ends up taking Bale’s place. So much so, we came up with this list for our dream Justice League movie cast.
Warner Bros released their official statement following the announcement:
BURBANK, CA, July 20, 2013 – On the heels of the worldwide success of “Man of Steel,” director Zack Snyderis bringing together the two greatest Super Heroes of all time—Batman and Superman—for the first time on the big screen. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution,Warner Bros. Pictures.
The current hit, Man of Steel, has taken in more than $630 million at the worldwide box office to date, and climbing. Along with its star, Henry Cavill, the upcoming film brings back Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. The new Batman has yet to be cast.
Snyder is co-writing the story with David S. Goyer, who will then pen the screenplay. Production is expected to begin in 2014, with an anticipated release date in Summer 2015.
Silverman stated, “Zack Snyder is an incredibly talented filmmaker, but beyond that, he’s a fan first and he utterly gets this genre. We could not think of anyone better suited to the task of bringing these iconic Super Heroes to the screen in his own way.” Kroll added, “We are thrilled to be back in business with Zack and his team on this next movie. The success of ‘Man of Steel’ is a wonderful testament to the love and support that both fans and new audiences, worldwide, have for these characters. We are very excited to see what Zack has in store for all of us.”
Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment, noted,“Superman and Batman together on the big screen is a dream come true for DC fans everywhere. All of us at DCEntertainment could not be more excited for Zack’s continuing vision for the DC Universe.”
Zack Snyder, who made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con today, breaking the news to audiences there, later said, “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world.”
The new film brings back Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder as producers. This time, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas are serving as executive producers, along with Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan.
Thomas offered, “Whilst our ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy is complete, we have every confidence that Zack’s fresh interpretation will take the character in a new and exciting direction. His vision for Superman opened the door to a whole new universe and we can’t wait to see what Zack does with these characters.”
The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment.
But that’s not all! Collider reports that, in addition to the massive news above, fans will get a Flash movie in 2016 and, after what feels like a decade of starts and stops, a Justice League movie in 2017!
We all knew that Man of Steel sequel would be a given after its recent success, and plans for a Justice League team-up have not been kept quiet, but the announcements are pretty crazy nonetheless.
Grizzly Bomb 