I'm probably in a minority but I don't think that the success of a JLA movie is absolutely dependent on the appearances of Superman,Batman or Wonder Woman.Much as I like these characters they've already had their 15 minutes of fame:TV shows,movies,multiple comic book titles.Let them headline their own movies.
I think that a well written and well acted JLA movie featuring the Hal Jordan Green Lantern,The Flash,Green Arrow and Black Canary in the leadership roles would work out just fine.Martian Manhunter can do the Superman stuff--or Power Girl or even Supergirl(I'm ignoring the one that'll be on Smallville).I think a CGI Plastic Man has plenty of possiblities for entertainment--so does Zatanna(for reasons that are obvious).Then there's Hawkman, Hawkgirl,The Atom,Blue Beetle.Take some characters from the JSA as well--like Dr.Fate,Phantom Lady and Hourman.There are plenty of interesting and dramatically viable charactera in the DCU that have the potential to be great on the screen(or maybe not--since the execs at WB indirectly or purposely try to **** them up repeatedly).
And frankly,I don't think seeing a different actor in the Batman costume is a terrible idea for a JLA movie, or another actor playing Superman(I truly respect his efforts, but does anybody really remember Brandon Routh?).And since Silver won't do anything with WW until the comic book movie period seems over--when it can bomb at the boxoffice(so he can blame the character and it's fans rather than himself,the film's miscasting and a ****** script),there are other DC ladies who can take WW's place.No one will miss her.
To assume that a JLA film is doomed because there's no Man of Steel or Batman or Wonder Woman jumping around for a few minutes on the screen sounds so defeatist to me.It sounds like an excuse a WB exec might give to explain why a JLA film will never be made.
Let Singer keep screwing up Superman(no matter how he tries, he won't succeed) and Nolan attempt to reinterpret Batman("We must make this REAL!"), and Silver never make the Wonder Woman movie.Give some of the other DC heroes a spotlight.
Done with an intelligent screenplay that respects the characters involved--and the audience(including fans),I think such a film would work.And it wouldn't require a regular cast, because the JLA always rotates it's membership.
I agree that you can make a good JLA movie without Batman & Superman; but my point is that WB probably doesn't feel that way. If there is a JLA movie, you can be sure that Batman and Superman will be in it because I'm convinced WB doesn't know jack about the DC universe beyond those two characters.
I'm sure the suits would rather have the instantly recognizable big two spearhead the film rather than actually work at promoting other, lesser know characters. I just don't think WB has the imagination, inclination, motivation or ability to nurture its IP's. Compare that to Marvel Comics, who were able to make a blockbuster success out of Nicholas Cage as Ghost Rider and now look ready to dominate next summer with Iron Man, two relatively obscure characters as far as the general public is concerned.
Maybe I am being defeatist, but I just don't care for a lot of what I'm hearing. I do not like the notion of substituting John Stewart for Hal Jordan, ostensibly for political correctness. It smacks of pandering to me and suggests WB is more concerned about the bottom line than making a good movie. The rumor that the story involves OMAC and Maxwell Lord is similarly disppointing to me; neither strikes me as a compelling adversary. Killing off one of the heroes for no apparent reason sounds like a stunt tactic.
I want to see a good JLA movie; not some noisy soap opera full of cliches, weak villains and a cast designed to represent each ethnic category so as to not upset any interest groups.
I hope I'm not coming across as overly harsh, but I just don't have much faith in the WB machine these days. I keep reading how the only reason the JLA movie is being considered is because WB has seen how successful superhero teamup movies like X-Men and Fantastic Four have been and wants a piece of that market. And that is the wrong motivation for making a movie. I've just seen too many garbage superhero movies and would rather they didn't do it that do it badly.
I absolutely HATE the WB machine,It's run by unimaginative morons who couldn't give a damn about the quality of a comic book movie of theirs.All they do is count the money.If vampire hookers sold,then I can guarantee that that's what they'd make movies about.Or singing garbage men--how about "Vampire Hooker Garbage Collectors",has a nice ring to it,doesn't it?The chimpanzees(and this is being unkind to these animals)who run the WB system aren't interested in their own product.Fashions maybe,Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.These WB execs can't find their a_sses from their elbows.They should all be fired.
Considering the level of the WB exec's stupidity,I'd really rather see Jon Stewart play John Stewart than Wesley Snipes or Taye Diggs or whoever(and I like all of these guys).And since it sounds like Captain Marvel's going to be misinterpreted--one WB exec recently called the John August SHAZAM movie "Big meets Superman." No kidding.Why not just sign Jack Black and be done with it?
No one has the guts to look beyond the Big Three because no one really cares.There's the Big Three and nobody else.That's because the execs responsible for these films probably would rather be caught dead of a heroin overdose in a Hollywood bordello in Victora's Secret underwear than even look at a disgusting comic book-"Eww!Don't touch that!It might be radioactive!"But in their eyes,Jackie Collins' books are important.Oprah's O Magazine is important.Adam Sandler and Kevin James and Britney Spears are important but comics are just so much trash created for unsophisticated idiots who can't really read.Like Bryan Singer said(I paraphrase),"Comic books are too hard to follow because of all those little pictures and all those words.They're just too confusing!" Ron Howard(when directing Road to Perdition)said much the same thing.Maybe only Sam Raimi admits to ever having read a comic.
In my perfect world,there'd be some absolutely magnificent comic book movies.Filmmakers wouldn't feel afraid to try dealing with some characters that've never been on the screen before.Filmmakers wouldn't make inadequate movies in order to sell toys--the stories would be important.Top screenwriters would work on these things and the hacks who despise this type of material would never be allowed to go these kinds of films.
And DC would have a team of people to vet the scripts and say no whenever a piece of obvious junk like Catwoman was in the planning stages.There'd also be a say in casting as well--no more "daring" miscasting by a director in order to seek momentary praise from the critics("He's so brave to cast Paris Hilton as Wonder Woman.It's only a comic book character anyway.Who cares about them?"or,"So Neil Patrick Harris isn't everyone's idea of Green Lantern--nobody ever said he couldn't be shorter and ordinary looking.Let's hear it for the average guy!").Crap like this wouldn't happen in my world.
Unfortunately,I don't have a say of any sort when it comes to comics movies.Am I irritated at what's being done with comic book characters on the screen?Yeah--kinda.Sort of.Maybe.How could you tell?
At least comic books and comic strips don't really need to be somehow "validated" by becoming the source of motion pictures.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited August 2007
C'mon, guys let's not lose our heads over this. I mean nothing is a go but I can see where you're both coming from.
Unfortunately, Tony, in the end it is all about the almighty dollar and the WB wants their piece of the cake too. They figure if Marvel can do it, they can do it better or at least that's the impression I get from them. And yes if that's the only point, why even make it in the first place if it's going to be a two-hour soap opera or a multi-starred cast for the sake of a bigger box office take?
If they got a tight enough script, they could put together a very good JLA movie without the big two. There are several others who could take up the slack. Problem is, I wouldn't be in a hurry to see it without Superman & Batman cast as whomever...I don't think I'd be alone in that either.
Could it lead to Bats/Supes overkill? Yeah. But it's not the JLA without them to me. I could easily wait for it to be on cable before I paid to see this. I feel as passionately about that as Tony is with the GL tick...
Honestly, I don't think that this project will ever come to fruition.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Honestly, I don't think that this project will ever come to fruition.
Me neither and the irony is that a series of really well-made JLA movies would be money in the bank for WB.If I were in charge of this project I'd commision some of the very best scripts possible and I'd hire other actors to play Batman and Superman(more than one actor has played 007,after all--same with Tarzan,Dracula,Sherlock Holmes,etc.).There'd even be a Wonder Woman--if Silver said no,there'd be Big Barda or Supergirl or Black Canary.And Green Lantern would be the Hal Jordan version--the actor would look like Hal,too.
There'd even be some lavishly animated JLA/JSA team-ups.And The Long Halloween would be an animated maxiseries for cable.The Spirit would be animated,as well.
All in good fun Rogue; it's good to vent from time to time. But I hope I can be forgiven if I have little faith in WB's film department these days. I do Marvel at the fact that they're even considering a JLA movie at this point in time.
BTW, here's the lost, unused ending to "The Invasion" that was filmed but never released: the pods are defeated but not destroyed. Instead, they go to work as movie executives at WB.
Actually, now that I think of it, there is a good JLA movie on the way. It's called New Frontier and it's coming out next spring. Batman & Superman are in it. And Green Lantern will be Hal Jordan. Fortunately for us, it's a cartoon so the pods at WB will ignore it totally and thus not muck it up.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
BTW, here's the lost, unused ending to "The Invasion" that was filmed but never released: the pods are defeated but not destroyed. Instead, they go to work as movie executives at WB.
)
Does anyone one know when or why Warner Brothers acquired National Publications (DC)? I mean they're sitting on such a goldmine of material that they should be on their 8th or 9th comic film franchise. It's confusing...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
However, both films were considered to have underperformed in comparison to the first two Spider-Man movies, both of which comfortably made it onto a list of the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time. Work on a planned Superman sequel is not yet under way.
Sort of proves a point. Warner wants to "keep up with the Joneses", hence Spidey/X-Men box office numbers and doesn't know how. They could care less about a "critical success"...that doesn't keep some of the exec's trophy wives happy.
A Superman sequel seems more iffy from every article I read nowadays.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
However, both films were considered to have underperformed in comparison to the first two Spider-Man movies, both of which comfortably made it onto a list of the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time. Work on a planned Superman sequel is not yet under way.
Sort of proves a point. Warner wants to "keep up with the Joneses", hence Spidey/X-Men box office numbers and doesn't know how. They could care less about a "critical success"...that doesn't keep some of the exec's trophy wives happy.
A Superman sequel seems more iffy from every article I read nowadays.
As is often the case with The Guardian, they only printed half the story. According to IGN movies, a casting director is supposed to be hired by next week and, even more interestingly, there are rumors that the JLA film will be a motion-captured CGI affair ala Polar Express. Supposedly, Routh will still head up a sequel to Superman Returns regardless of what comes of JLA.
When it comes to WB, everything is iffy. The mo-cap/CGI notion makes some sense as a film in that vein would not be considered to be in direct competition with live action superhero movies. Regardless, I still think this JLA movie will be in development hell for a while. It just doesn't make sense from a business standpoint to have it go into preproduction while a Superman script is being hammered out and a Batman movie is in actual production (and let's not forget that The Flash is also on the drawing boards and even has a director attached to it). If anything, JLA should be a "Plan B" fallback scenario in case Batman: The Dark Knight bombs and the script to Superman: The Man of Steel is rejected.
As for BB and SR underperforming; WB has no one to blame but themselves. I firmly believe BB would have done better if it kept the gothic look to the character and his environment and if the villains were closer to the comics counterparts (if B:TDK similarly deviates from the comics I fully expect it to "underperform" as well). As for SR, you can chock up any disappointment to the rehashed plot, the weak love triangle, and the illegitimate child.
[As for BB and SR underperforming; WB has no one to blame but themselves. I firmly believe BB would have done better if it kept the gothic look to the character and his environment and if the villains were closer to the comics counterparts (if B:TDK similarly deviates from the comics I fully expect it to "underperform" as well). As for SR, you can chock up any disappointment to the rehashed plot, the weak love triangle, and the illegitimate child.
Full on agreement! Someone should pull a Nancy Kerrigan on that kid when the cameras roll again...
Director Lexi Alexander has posted on her website to give an update to Punisher 2: Welcome Back Frank. It seems that Mr. Stevenson has been in rigorous training with Marines to get in condition for the role of Castle. There's even a pic he's taken with the trainers although it's a tad small. He's looking like Frank to me!
I can't remember the last time an actor has impressed me so much with merely an expression. Maybe Meryl Streep?
It's official. Ray Stevenson is the new Meryl Streep. )
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I really don't consider this a spoiler but more of a foregone conclusion to anyone that's familiar with action movies. I'll put the spoiler tag up anyway just in case...
Spoilers From the Hulk Set
Source: William M. Nash August 24, 2007
Scooper 'William M. Nash' told us more of what's happening on The Incredible Hulk set (spoilers ahead!):
I was just talking with a location scout on set of The Incredible Hulk who has told me that Younge Street in Toronto will be closed between Dundas and College from September 17th to the 19th. During this time they will be filming the final fight scene between The Abomination and The Hulk. Also at this time, they will be making this area of town look like New York. The Cannon Theatre will be made to look like the Apollo Theatre...
The Incredible Hulk opens in theaters on June 13, 2008
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited August 2007
Here's something that should be treated as a rumour but is said also to be a reliable source.
From filmick.co.uk:
Monday, August 27, 2007 What's Gonna Come Of The Man Of Steel?
I've had a great tip off that traces back to a decent source with links within Warner Bros. It reveals quite a bit of exciting info about how The Man of Steel is going to go down when Brian Singer steps back behind the camera next year.
Apparently, Singer and Mike Dougherty have crafted a killer pitch and 'concept draft' that had the suits eating out of their hands and even had a knock-on effect for the plans for JLA (I'm told). Several key story points were made clear by the pre-production conceptual art, and here are some SPOILERY details of what those images revealed:
There's a new Kryptonian character coming to Earth as a result of Supes' pilrgimage to Krypton that took place before Returns.
Lex makes a deal with "a new villain" (I read this as new to the films, not new to the mythos, and indeed I have some idea who it is...) in order to have Superman eradicated. This villain double crosses Lex and takes over Lexcorp (yep - sounds like Brainiac to me too). What's more, Jason is a key part in the plot to trap Superman and...
Poor little Jason. He's snuffed out. That should have some of you cheering, you fiends.
So, there's a basic draft of the script (a scriptment?), pre-production art and several sequences storyboarded and, as far as I've been told, it's all going down very well with the execs. Nothing's gonna stand in the way of this film, I'm sure. And, reportedly, this one is really quite action packed with a threatening, smart double team of villains. Can't fail.
Treat this as rumour, sure. If you must. I'm buying it entirely because I know where it comes from.
[And if you don't find this exciting, maybe the big, big Buffyverse splash of the day will float your boat...]
I'll probably regret saying this, but it actually sounds ... pretty interesting. Sounds like Brainiac will be along the lines of the animated show - an AI from Krypton. I'm also intrigued by the use of the word "Eradicated". Will the Eradicator make an appearance as well? Perhaps to help Kal-El in his time of need? Or to revive little Jason and send him to the stars to learn about his Kryptonian heritage. Hmm...........
According to IGN, the new Punisher movie has a new title: Punisher: War Zone. I guess the working title of "Welcome Back, Frank" was not commercially viable enough (and I have to say that I agree, it reminds me of Welcome Back, Kotter). War Zone is of course also the title of a Punisher series so hopefully the fanboys won't be too upset. Interestingly, there is no release date for the film, only a vague "Coming Soon". Click on thru for the entire IGN article.
I quite liked 'Welcome Back Frank.' The Punisher: War Zone sounds like a straight-to-DVD movie to me. I'd rather they just called it The Punisher 2.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited August 2007
Punisher War Zone sounds like the comic I used to buy of the same title; I'm not sure but it sounds like it.
I wouldn't mind either title because Castle is pretty much my favorite Marvel character anyway and always has been. Just hated those white boots.
He's Batman only he CROSSES THE LINE...ALOT. I'm just glad that Lionsgate hasn't given up on this project and I think that Stevenson will make this one the best yet...with the '89 version coming a close second of course.
"LET ME IN! LET ME IN!!!!")
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
And here's some more info on what David Goyer is up to with Magneto and his Green Arrow Supermax project (I thought this one was dead, but no such luck).
Punisher War Zone sounds like the comic I used to buy of the same title; I'm not sure but it sounds like it.
I wouldn't mind either title because Castle is pretty much my favorite Marvel character anyway and always has been. Just hated those white boots.
He's Batman only he CROSSES THE LINE...ALOT. I'm just glad that Lionsgate hasn't given up on this project and I think that Stevenson will make this one the best yet...with the '89 version coming a close second of course.
"LET ME IN! LET ME IN!!!!")
Don't drag Batman down to Castle's level. Batman and Caste are hugely different. For one, I like Batman. )
Here's a link to the latest from John August on his Shazam movie, and it doesn't sound too good. He calls it an "action comedy".
I have to disagree with you here, Tony. The original Captain Marvel comic was always done with a strong sense of humor--remember, one of Cap's best friends is a talking tiger and one of his fiercest villains was a Japanese worm!--so if the film has a light touch, that's fine with me. In fact, I think the reason DC has had such a hard time bringing Captain Marvel back is because they haven't been able to recapture the original sense of whimsy. . .though the recent Monster Society of Evil comes pretty close.
I agree with Tony and Hardy--why go to all the trouble of getting the rights to Green Arrow and then NOT make a movie about Green Arrow?I hope it's not because Goyer always wanted to remake ConAir with comic book characters in the cast or because "Prison Break" is one of his favorite TV shows.I think Goyer did a great job with his Blade trilogy and especially with Batman Begins, so I'm astonished to see how cavalier he is about another character who may even have more motion picture potential than Blade, if only played straight and without being buried in a gimmicky storyline...
And about that new Punisher title--"Welcome Back Frank" was the all purpose title for the TPB reprinting the group of stories the Thomas Jane Punisher film was partially based on.All of those unusual neighbors the cinematic Frank has in his apartment building in the second part of that movie came directly from that particular storyline.This might be one of the other reasons the new movie's title was changed to War Zone.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
I own the entire run of The Punisher: War Zone---from issue 1 until the end! If anyone's interested, let me know
I think 'War Zone' is a great title---more apt than the also-good, but not-violent-enough, 'Welcome Back Frank.'
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Punisher War Zone sounds like the comic I used to buy of the same title; I'm not sure but it sounds like it.
I wouldn't mind either title because Castle is pretty much my favorite Marvel character anyway and always has been. Just hated those white boots.
He's Batman only he CROSSES THE LINE...ALOT. I'm just glad that Lionsgate hasn't given up on this project and I think that Stevenson will make this one the best yet...with the '89 version coming a close second of course.
"LET ME IN! LET ME IN!!!!")
Don't drag Batman down to Castle's level. Batman and Caste are hugely different. For one, I like Batman. )
Beg to differ, Night. Their respective backgrounds are somewhat similiar and you can't be a bigger Bats fan than I. You like him, I love him.
Any man who can outsmart a posse consisting of Daredevil, Spider-Man & Wolverine and nearly beating them is like Batman. Castle wasn't an easy win for those three and he blew Wolverine in two with a landmine because he anticipated Logan's arrogance in the process. Sounds like Bats to me.
He's not all guns and muzzle flash, Night. He's calculating too. For God's sake, the man is a decorated ex-Marine. They're hardly push-overs. Read the MAX series for awhile and you'll agree.
Punisher just needs the right director to make him shine. Something Batman has had the good fortune to have...MOST TIMES . Hopefully that's Alexander.
I take it you just don't care about Castle?
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Here's a link to the latest from John August on his Shazam movie, and it doesn't sound too good. He calls it an "action comedy".
I have to disagree with you here, Tony. The original Captain Marvel comic was always done with a strong sense of humor--remember, one of Cap's best friends is a talking tiger and one of his fiercest villains was a Japanese worm!--so if the film has a light touch, that's fine with me. In fact, I think the reason DC has had such a hard time bringing Captain Marvel back is because they haven't been able to recapture the original sense of whimsy. . .though the recent Monster Society of Evil comes pretty close.
You could well be right HB. The way the article read to me, it sounded like they were going for more broad laughs as subtlety doesn't seem to be in the Hollywood lexicon these days when it comes to these kinds of films. But I freely admit to being a bit more cynical than usual these days. Assuming the product comes to fruition, it will be interesting to see who gets cast as that will also tell a lot about the tone of the film.
Punisher War Zone sounds like the comic I used to buy of the same title; I'm not sure but it sounds like it.
I wouldn't mind either title because Castle is pretty much my favorite Marvel character anyway and always has been. Just hated those white boots.
He's Batman only he CROSSES THE LINE...ALOT. I'm just glad that Lionsgate hasn't given up on this project and I think that Stevenson will make this one the best yet...with the '89 version coming a close second of course.
"LET ME IN! LET ME IN!!!!")
Don't drag Batman down to Castle's level. Batman and Caste are hugely different. For one, I like Batman. )
Actually Night, quite a few writers who have worked on both titles (Doug Moench comes to mind) have remarked on how similar the two characters are, with the obvious exception that Castle has crossed the line when it comes to killing.
BTW, if you want to read a good Batman/Punisher crossover, check out Batman/Punisher: Deadly Nights. Castle trails Jigsaw (who has teamed up with the Joker) to Gotham City where he runs afoul of Batman. A very well written story with some really good one-liners. The final panels are also pretty shocking as they tackle the fundamental difference between Bats and Castle head-on.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited August 2007
Is this the one you're talking about, Tony? I have one where he teams up with Azrael Batman from the early 90s. But I'm not sure if I have this one or not...Too many long boxes at home to search right now anyway...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Yup, that's the one; and it is a sequel to the Punisher/Azbats book you mention. The first crossover had Azbats and Punisher tracking Jigsaw in New York and ended with Jigsaw fleeing to Gotham. By the time we got to part 2, Bruce Wayne was back in the batsuit and Castle and Micro had trailed Jigsaw to Gotham, where he had hooked up with the Joker and was systematically taking out all the other mob bosses.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
And here's some more info on what David Goyer is up to with Magneto and his Green Arrow Supermax project (I thought this one was dead, but no such luck).
After careful and extensive thought, is a Magneto movie even necessary? I mean personally, I'm a little OD'ed on the guy from the X-Men movies and I was never a fan of Sir McKellan's costume at all though more comtemporary it might've been. A very talented actor he is but I don't think that it will be enough to drawn people into theatres.
It's sort of "old hat" with a character like Mags and Goyer running the show only leaves one bracing firmly on the toilet rim... 8-)
I hate that I'm even saying this but I hope that SUPERMAX never gets off of the ground. I feel it's a mistake to approach this in the manner they are envisioning...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
The guys at IESB must be sniffing glue; now they're posting actors up for roles in the JLA movie. Leo DiCaprio as Aquaman? Mel Gibson as Maxwell Lord? Scarlett Johanssen as Talia? Bruce Willis as Lex Luthor? I don't buy any of this speculation for a second. Looks like they've been spying on this thread too because they're reporting that Lawrence Fishburne is up for the voice of the Martian Manhunter ( just as I suggested :v ). Clearly the speculation is in overdrive here and I don't buy any of it as I can't see most of these actors wanting to get involved with a comic book film. But if you're curious click on thru and read away....
Comments
I think that a well written and well acted JLA movie featuring the Hal Jordan Green Lantern,The Flash,Green Arrow and Black Canary in the leadership roles would work out just fine.Martian Manhunter can do the Superman stuff--or Power Girl or even Supergirl(I'm ignoring the one that'll be on Smallville).I think a CGI Plastic Man has plenty of possiblities for entertainment--so does Zatanna(for reasons that are obvious).Then there's Hawkman, Hawkgirl,The Atom,Blue Beetle.Take some characters from the JSA as well--like Dr.Fate,Phantom Lady and Hourman.There are plenty of interesting and dramatically viable charactera in the DCU that have the potential to be great on the screen(or maybe not--since the execs at WB indirectly or purposely try to **** them up repeatedly).
And frankly,I don't think seeing a different actor in the Batman costume is a terrible idea for a JLA movie, or another actor playing Superman(I truly respect his efforts, but does anybody really remember Brandon Routh?).And since Silver won't do anything with WW until the comic book movie period seems over--when it can bomb at the boxoffice(so he can blame the character and it's fans rather than himself,the film's miscasting and a ****** script),there are other DC ladies who can take WW's place.No one will miss her.
To assume that a JLA film is doomed because there's no Man of Steel or Batman or Wonder Woman jumping around for a few minutes on the screen sounds so defeatist to me.It sounds like an excuse a WB exec might give to explain why a JLA film will never be made.
Let Singer keep screwing up Superman(no matter how he tries, he won't succeed) and Nolan attempt to reinterpret Batman("We must make this REAL!"), and Silver never make the Wonder Woman movie.Give some of the other DC heroes a spotlight.
Done with an intelligent screenplay that respects the characters involved--and the audience(including fans),I think such a film would work.And it wouldn't require a regular cast, because the JLA always rotates it's membership.
Just my opinion.
I'm sure the suits would rather have the instantly recognizable big two spearhead the film rather than actually work at promoting other, lesser know characters. I just don't think WB has the imagination, inclination, motivation or ability to nurture its IP's. Compare that to Marvel Comics, who were able to make a blockbuster success out of Nicholas Cage as Ghost Rider and now look ready to dominate next summer with Iron Man, two relatively obscure characters as far as the general public is concerned.
Maybe I am being defeatist, but I just don't care for a lot of what I'm hearing. I do not like the notion of substituting John Stewart for Hal Jordan, ostensibly for political correctness. It smacks of pandering to me and suggests WB is more concerned about the bottom line than making a good movie. The rumor that the story involves OMAC and Maxwell Lord is similarly disppointing to me; neither strikes me as a compelling adversary. Killing off one of the heroes for no apparent reason sounds like a stunt tactic.
I want to see a good JLA movie; not some noisy soap opera full of cliches, weak villains and a cast designed to represent each ethnic category so as to not upset any interest groups.
I hope I'm not coming across as overly harsh, but I just don't have much faith in the WB machine these days. I keep reading how the only reason the JLA movie is being considered is because WB has seen how successful superhero teamup movies like X-Men and Fantastic Four have been and wants a piece of that market. And that is the wrong motivation for making a movie. I've just seen too many garbage superhero movies and would rather they didn't do it that do it badly.
Considering the level of the WB exec's stupidity,I'd really rather see Jon Stewart play John Stewart than Wesley Snipes or Taye Diggs or whoever(and I like all of these guys).And since it sounds like Captain Marvel's going to be misinterpreted--one WB exec recently called the John August SHAZAM movie "Big meets Superman." No kidding.Why not just sign Jack Black and be done with it?
No one has the guts to look beyond the Big Three because no one really cares.There's the Big Three and nobody else.That's because the execs responsible for these films probably would rather be caught dead of a heroin overdose in a Hollywood bordello in Victora's Secret underwear than even look at a disgusting comic book-"Eww!Don't touch that!It might be radioactive!"But in their eyes,Jackie Collins' books are important.Oprah's O Magazine is important.Adam Sandler and Kevin James and Britney Spears are important but comics are just so much trash created for unsophisticated idiots who can't really read.Like Bryan Singer said(I paraphrase),"Comic books are too hard to follow because of all those little pictures and all those words.They're just too confusing!" Ron Howard(when directing Road to Perdition)said much the same thing.Maybe only Sam Raimi admits to ever having read a comic.
In my perfect world,there'd be some absolutely magnificent comic book movies.Filmmakers wouldn't feel afraid to try dealing with some characters that've never been on the screen before.Filmmakers wouldn't make inadequate movies in order to sell toys--the stories would be important.Top screenwriters would work on these things and the hacks who despise this type of material would never be allowed to go these kinds of films.
And DC would have a team of people to vet the scripts and say no whenever a piece of obvious junk like Catwoman was in the planning stages.There'd also be a say in casting as well--no more "daring" miscasting by a director in order to seek momentary praise from the critics("He's so brave to cast Paris Hilton as Wonder Woman.It's only a comic book character anyway.Who cares about them?"or,"So Neil Patrick Harris isn't everyone's idea of Green Lantern--nobody ever said he couldn't be shorter and ordinary looking.Let's hear it for the average guy!").Crap like this wouldn't happen in my world.
Unfortunately,I don't have a say of any sort when it comes to comics movies.Am I irritated at what's being done with comic book characters on the screen?Yeah--kinda.Sort of.Maybe.How could you tell?
At least comic books and comic strips don't really need to be somehow "validated" by becoming the source of motion pictures.
Unfortunately, Tony, in the end it is all about the almighty dollar and the WB wants their piece of the cake too. They figure if Marvel can do it, they can do it better or at least that's the impression I get from them. And yes if that's the only point, why even make it in the first place if it's going to be a two-hour soap opera or a multi-starred cast for the sake of a bigger box office take?
If they got a tight enough script, they could put together a very good JLA movie without the big two. There are several others who could take up the slack. Problem is, I wouldn't be in a hurry to see it without Superman & Batman cast as whomever...I don't think I'd be alone in that either.
Could it lead to Bats/Supes overkill? Yeah. But it's not the JLA without them to me. I could easily wait for it to be on cable before I paid to see this. I feel as passionately about that as Tony is with the GL tick...
Honestly, I don't think that this project will ever come to fruition.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Me neither and the irony is that a series of really well-made JLA movies would be money in the bank for WB.If I were in charge of this project I'd commision some of the very best scripts possible and I'd hire other actors to play Batman and Superman(more than one actor has played 007,after all--same with Tarzan,Dracula,Sherlock Holmes,etc.).There'd even be a Wonder Woman--if Silver said no,there'd be Big Barda or Supergirl or Black Canary.And Green Lantern would be the Hal Jordan version--the actor would look like Hal,too.
There'd even be some lavishly animated JLA/JSA team-ups.And The Long Halloween would be an animated maxiseries for cable.The Spirit would be animated,as well.
BTW, here's the lost, unused ending to "The Invasion" that was filmed but never released: the pods are defeated but not destroyed. Instead, they go to work as movie executives at WB.
Actually, now that I think of it, there is a good JLA movie on the way. It's called New Frontier and it's coming out next spring. Batman & Superman are in it. And Green Lantern will be Hal Jordan. Fortunately for us, it's a cartoon so the pods at WB will ignore it totally and thus not muck it up.
Does anyone one know when or why Warner Brothers acquired National Publications (DC)? I mean they're sitting on such a goldmine of material that they should be on their 8th or 9th comic film franchise. It's confusing...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
http://film.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2154704,00.html
However, both films were considered to have underperformed in comparison to the first two Spider-Man movies, both of which comfortably made it onto a list of the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time. Work on a planned Superman sequel is not yet under way.
Sort of proves a point. Warner wants to "keep up with the Joneses", hence Spidey/X-Men box office numbers and doesn't know how. They could care less about a "critical success"...that doesn't keep some of the exec's trophy wives happy.
A Superman sequel seems more iffy from every article I read nowadays.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
As is often the case with The Guardian, they only printed half the story. According to IGN movies, a casting director is supposed to be hired by next week and, even more interestingly, there are rumors that the JLA film will be a motion-captured CGI affair ala Polar Express. Supposedly, Routh will still head up a sequel to Superman Returns regardless of what comes of JLA.
When it comes to WB, everything is iffy. The mo-cap/CGI notion makes some sense as a film in that vein would not be considered to be in direct competition with live action superhero movies. Regardless, I still think this JLA movie will be in development hell for a while. It just doesn't make sense from a business standpoint to have it go into preproduction while a Superman script is being hammered out and a Batman movie is in actual production (and let's not forget that The Flash is also on the drawing boards and even has a director attached to it). If anything, JLA should be a "Plan B" fallback scenario in case Batman: The Dark Knight bombs and the script to Superman: The Man of Steel is rejected.
As for BB and SR underperforming; WB has no one to blame but themselves. I firmly believe BB would have done better if it kept the gothic look to the character and his environment and if the villains were closer to the comics counterparts (if B:TDK similarly deviates from the comics I fully expect it to "underperform" as well). As for SR, you can chock up any disappointment to the rehashed plot, the weak love triangle, and the illegitimate child.
Here's a link to the IGN article, BTW:
http://movies.ign.com/articles/814/814614p1.html
Full on agreement! Someone should pull a Nancy Kerrigan on that kid when the cameras roll again...
Director Lexi Alexander has posted on her website to give an update to Punisher 2: Welcome Back Frank. It seems that Mr. Stevenson has been in rigorous training with Marines to get in condition for the role of Castle. There's even a pic he's taken with the trainers although it's a tad small. He's looking like Frank to me!
http://www.lexialexander.com/
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
It's official. Ray Stevenson is the new Meryl Streep.
Spoilers From the Hulk Set
Source: William M. Nash August 24, 2007
Scooper 'William M. Nash' told us more of what's happening on The Incredible Hulk set (spoilers ahead!):
The Incredible Hulk opens in theaters on June 13, 2008
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
From filmick.co.uk:
Monday, August 27, 2007
What's Gonna Come Of The Man Of Steel?
I've had a great tip off that traces back to a decent source with links within Warner Bros. It reveals quite a bit of exciting info about how The Man of Steel is going to go down when Brian Singer steps back behind the camera next year.
Apparently, Singer and Mike Dougherty have crafted a killer pitch and 'concept draft' that had the suits eating out of their hands and even had a knock-on effect for the plans for JLA (I'm told). Several key story points were made clear by the pre-production conceptual art, and here are some SPOILERY details of what those images revealed:
There's a new Kryptonian character coming to Earth as a result of Supes' pilrgimage to Krypton that took place before Returns.
Lex makes a deal with "a new villain" (I read this as new to the films, not new to the mythos, and indeed I have some idea who it is...) in order to have Superman eradicated. This villain double crosses Lex and takes over Lexcorp (yep - sounds like Brainiac to me too). What's more, Jason is a key part in the plot to trap Superman and...
Poor little Jason. He's snuffed out. That should have some of you cheering, you fiends.
So, there's a basic draft of the script (a scriptment?), pre-production art and several sequences storyboarded and, as far as I've been told, it's all going down very well with the execs. Nothing's gonna stand in the way of this film, I'm sure. And, reportedly, this one is really quite action packed with a threatening, smart double team of villains. Can't fail.
Treat this as rumour, sure. If you must. I'm buying it entirely because I know where it comes from.
[And if you don't find this exciting, maybe the big, big Buffyverse splash of the day will float your boat...]
http://www.filmick.co.uk/2007/08/whats-gonna-come-of-man-of-steel.html
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
http://movies.ign.com/articles/816/816483p1.html
I wouldn't mind either title because Castle is pretty much my favorite Marvel character anyway and always has been. Just hated those white boots.
He's Batman only he CROSSES THE LINE...ALOT. I'm just glad that Lionsgate hasn't given up on this project and I think that Stevenson will make this one the best yet...with the '89 version coming a close second of course.
"LET ME IN! LET ME IN!!!!"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
http://movies.ign.com/articles/816/816770p1.html
And here's some more info on what David Goyer is up to with Magneto and his Green Arrow Supermax project (I thought this one was dead, but no such luck).
http://movies.ign.com/articles/816/816620p1.html
Don't drag Batman down to Castle's level. Batman and Caste are hugely different. For one, I like Batman.
I have to disagree with you here, Tony. The original Captain Marvel comic was always done with a strong sense of humor--remember, one of Cap's best friends is a talking tiger and one of his fiercest villains was a Japanese worm!--so if the film has a light touch, that's fine with me. In fact, I think the reason DC has had such a hard time bringing Captain Marvel back is because they haven't been able to recapture the original sense of whimsy. . .though the recent Monster Society of Evil comes pretty close.
Now this I do agree with. Make a Green Arrow movie, by all means, but why throw away the concept behind the character? Anyone remember Catwoman?
And about that new Punisher title--"Welcome Back Frank" was the all purpose title for the TPB reprinting the group of stories the Thomas Jane Punisher film was partially based on.All of those unusual neighbors the cinematic Frank has in his apartment building in the second part of that movie came directly from that particular storyline.This might be one of the other reasons the new movie's title was changed to War Zone.
I think 'War Zone' is a great title---more apt than the also-good, but not-violent-enough, 'Welcome Back Frank.'
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Beg to differ, Night. Their respective backgrounds are somewhat similiar and you can't be a bigger Bats fan than I. You like him, I love him.
Any man who can outsmart a posse consisting of Daredevil, Spider-Man & Wolverine and nearly beating them is like Batman. Castle wasn't an easy win for those three and he blew Wolverine in two with a landmine because he anticipated Logan's arrogance in the process. Sounds like Bats to me.
He's not all guns and muzzle flash, Night. He's calculating too. For God's sake, the man is a decorated ex-Marine. They're hardly push-overs. Read the MAX series for awhile and you'll agree.
Punisher just needs the right director to make him shine. Something Batman has had the good fortune to have...MOST TIMES
I take it you just don't care about Castle?
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
You could well be right HB. The way the article read to me, it sounded like they were going for more broad laughs as subtlety doesn't seem to be in the Hollywood lexicon these days when it comes to these kinds of films. But I freely admit to being a bit more cynical than usual these days. Assuming the product comes to fruition, it will be interesting to see who gets cast as that will also tell a lot about the tone of the film.
Actually Night, quite a few writers who have worked on both titles (Doug Moench comes to mind) have remarked on how similar the two characters are, with the obvious exception that Castle has crossed the line when it comes to killing.
BTW, if you want to read a good Batman/Punisher crossover, check out Batman/Punisher: Deadly Nights. Castle trails Jigsaw (who has teamed up with the Joker) to Gotham City where he runs afoul of Batman. A very well written story with some really good one-liners. The final panels are also pretty shocking as they tackle the fundamental difference between Bats and Castle head-on.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
After careful and extensive thought, is a Magneto movie even necessary? I mean personally, I'm a little OD'ed on the guy from the X-Men movies and I was never a fan of Sir McKellan's costume at all though more comtemporary it might've been. A very talented actor he is but I don't think that it will be enough to drawn people into theatres.
It's sort of "old hat" with a character like Mags and Goyer running the show only leaves one bracing firmly on the toilet rim... 8-)
I hate that I'm even saying this but I hope that SUPERMAX never gets off of the ground. I feel it's a mistake to approach this in the manner they are envisioning...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
http://movies.ign.com/articles/816/816926p1.html