If Man Of Steel was intended to be the launching point for the DC Cinematic Universe, where do they go from here?
While I still think Warner Bros. was asleep at the wheel when Marvel created their own studio and laid the ground work for the Avengers, I do believe they can still make something out of a Justice League feature film. The only problem, with each passing Summer, their window of opportunity shrinks.
The first thing I think should happen is that WB needs to form a DC Comics Studio that rivals Marvel Studios. They need to put in place a brain trust that would oversee the development of their catalog of heroes that would appear in feature films. They’ve already done so with the creation of the DC Animated Universe. DCAU continuously puts out several well made features every year for the last 5-6 years. They’re so well made that they rival some live action films involving the same characters. If only WB put that same effort with a cinematic division. Whether Dan DiDio, Jim Lee or Geoff Johns would be interested in such a role remains to be seen. I would start with them and go from there. From a directing standpoint, I would make Christopher Nolan an offer he couldn’t refuse. You need visionaries like Nolan or Guillermo del Toro or even JJ Abrams for that matter to make it credible.
With the box office success of MOS, a sequel is on the horizon. I know there were some hidden gems regarding Lex Luthor and Wayne Enterprises within MOS but they may have been a little too hidden for the average person to take notice. Missed opportunity yet again. Before a sequel comes out, I would roll out another DC character. Someone like The Flash or dare I say it, Wonder Woman. This time, make the hidden gems not so hidden and more obvious. Things like a Daily Planet Newspaper, a reference to what happened in Metropolis during MOS would go along way. It doesn’t have to be a big event but it will be enough to satisfy the fanboys/fangirls out there. The payoff would be during the post credits where I would have Superman appear to that particular DC character. A small exchange of “if you ever need me, I’ll be there. We would make a great team… etc etc.” The fan base would eat this up and crave more.
Fast forward now to Man Of Steel 2. During the ending credits show someone entering or reviewing information regarding Superman, the Ryan Reynolds Green Lantern and whichever character DC had decided to do next where Superman made his appearance. As the camera pulls away for a wider shot, the outline of Batman’s cowl can be seen. Fade to black. Imagine the buzz that follows. Whether Christian Bale reprises the role or not it wouldn’t matter and the need for another origin story would cease to exist.
Now, why did I add Green Lantern given its box office failure? I believe in the character and the actor who played him. Green Lantern was a victim of an uneven script and rushed storyline. A better more cohesive script would aid in its success. Also, by showing that GL is in the same universe as the others, would spark interest in a sequel. People would go just to see what happens next.
How about having the new actor (if Bale is not available) playing Bruce Wayne/Batman make his first appearance here in a small cameo role? Imagine him just passing though and having an exchange with Hal Jordan Jordan
That’s my blueprint for a potential Justice League. I’m sure WB has their own… well, maybe. Okay, let’s be honest, probably not. I’m a fanboy at heart who wants to see his superheroes come to life on the silver screen. This is my idea on how to do it but as long as it gets done and it’s special, who cares who’s idea was used. I’ll be there on opening night with a bucket of popcorn, some soda and a t-shirt with the Justice League on it. Ahhh… a dork can dream.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
