WB's Justice League Coming to Light

Warner Brothers Studios has had a difficult time with their DC Comics properties for quite some time, outside of Batman and Superman that is with the former performing much better then the latter of the two. However, with the success of the expansive and large cinematic universe that Marvel has created it is easy to see how WB is trying to capitalize and piggyback on that success knowing now that audiences are open to the idea of a connected universe of films. However, they are going about it in a completely different process. Instead of building up the major characters with their own origin films leading into a team-up movie, they are going big from the get go. As we know, Batman will be in the pseudo Man of Steel sequel alongside Wonder Woman with cameos made by Aquaman, Flash and Cyborg. WB has also supposedly put together their schedule of films that are supposed to follow Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. A proposed solo film starring Shazam will release on July of 2016 just two months after Dawn of Justice. In 2017, they will release Justice League in May followed by Wonder Woman in July.

Of course, all of this has started with the vision that Zack Snyder had with Man of Steel. It laid the ground work for a much bigger universe with it's hints to other characters. LexCorp was featured on buildings and trucks throughout the film as was a Wayne Enterprises satellite that sadly got destroyed during the climatic Zod vs Superman fight at the end. S.T.A.R. Labs was also briefly mentioned among the military officers in a bar scene. Now the fallout of Superman's stand will be a big driving force of the Dawn of Justice film. Can humanity trust this super-powered god like being? It seems to be the case that is why Batman's inclusion fits into the movie. The title also indicates more of a political fight between the two heroes as opposed to an actual fist fight. The title reads "Batman v Superman" not "Batman vs. Superman". It could be me just looking to far into it but with Lex Luthor's addition to the film it seems likely. In fact, maybe the government turns to Luthor for a weapon to deal with beings like Superman in which case he is hesitant to hand over to the government and holds the power to himself putting him on the path of becoming Superman's greatest adversary. I am also sure that Lex will eventually develop a deep seeded hatred towards Superman. It is reported Lex will have hair in the beginning of the film, I'd bet that it is safe to say he will not by the conclusion of the film and he will blame it and his unfortunate downfall on Superman. Directing all of his hatred on Metropolis' golden boy.

Another rumor out about Dawn of Justice is that Aquaman will be played by Jason Momoa. This had been a rumor going around the mill for a little over a year now, and the film has been talked about for around the same amount of time. I think Dawn of Justice was delayed for this reason, so that they would be able to lock up the actors that they wanted in the roles that they would play for the foreseeable future. Like Momoa as Aquaman and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. I am sure the same will be said about Cyborg and Flash when we see them. As for Aquaman's addition to the film, it is due to his anger over the damage done to the Indian Ocean from the World Engine that Superman destroyed in order to save the world from being terraformed into Krypton.

At this point, it is tough to judge how WB is handling their characters and I am sure they will have a big showing in a month at San Diego's Comic Con. Many believe that WB is going about it the wrong way as it is simply a knee jerk reaction to Marvel's success with The Avengers, but DC Comics is an entirely different tone and it is hard to judge a product that we have not truly seen yet. That being said, I am simply cautiously optimistic when it comes to WB's plans for the Justice League. Meanwhile with each passing day more and more rumors will continue to pour out due to the world will live in today with social media. As a continuation to this article I will write where I think the future movies will go with each individual character. Starting off first with Shazam, seeing how his character will be the first to get a solo film. When the articles are finished I will link them to this article here.