Latino Review and Collider.com have learned that Happy Feet director George Miller is interested in helming Warner Bros. Pictures' Justice League of America. The latter site adds:
The next thing I've heard is which Superheroes might be in the running for the first big budget team-up movie. They would be Superman, Batman, The Flash, Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern.
I've also heard from sources that the "Justice League" film is more of a priority for WB than the sequel to "Superman," so don't be surprised if you see Brandon Routh in "Justice League" before any new "Superman" film.
It was announced in February that writing duo Kiernan and Michele Mulroney were hired to pen the script. __________________
Can't say I'm too happy with that. Now they'll have to waste screen time introducing Flash, GL and WW to mainstream viewers. They should do individual flicks for each character before JLA. Not that I don't want to see a JLA movie, but I think it would be better to wait. __________________
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Posted: 06 Aug 2007 16:54
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Maybe they'll just assume the characters are familiar enough that they won't have to introduce the characters. I hope Superman ends up getting the most screen time. __________________
I'm delighted if true, (The Latino Review is pretty reliable as well as Collider.com..The Latino Review was the FIRST to break the story of Brandon Routh being cast as Superman, and weeks later Warner confirmed it.)
Seeing the Superman sequel pushed further back warms my heart..I quote the Collider,..
"...the “Justice League” film is more of a priority for WB than the sequel to “Superman,” so don’t be surprised if you see Brandon Routh in “Justice League” first.
And here’s a last bit of news… the biggest rumor that I’d heard (from another source) is that one of the superheroes in "Justice League" wouldn’t see a sequel. Yup, WB is planning a death. And while I can go further… I’ll stop there and let you wonder who won’t make it."
Ok, me Clark again..
For me personally this is WONDERFUL news..Especially if it pans out.
Latino Review has a very good track record on reporting behind the scenes Hollywood scoops, as well as the Collider.. The fact that the Collider breaks the story from a different source with the same information is encouraging.
In conclusion, the writer of the Collider article says,...
"And before you go… let me be clear. Everything regarding any “Justice League” movie can obviously change. It’s so early in development that a new script could dramatically alter how they make the movie. But as of right now, the info I just wrote is as accurate as it can be. Obviously as I find out new info I’ll pass it on…."
I don't know what excites me most. Whether it's because the JLA development is moving forward, or that the Superman sequel is being pushed further back...
I have read rumors months ago when talk of a JLA movie started surfacing, that because of Superman Returns lack luster performance, the WB was thinking along the lines of delaying a sequel, and try to further establish Superman in the Justice League film, and thereby increase interest. THEN afterward, go for a Superman sequel.
Typically, the Exec thinking is that the problem with Superman in film is that Superman isn't relevant anymore. Priming him up in the JLA movie is their way of fixing the problem.
They fail to see that Superman as a movie property isn't a problem, The way Bryan Singer presented him IS the problem.
Superman Returns and Brian Singer supporters tout Returns as being a financial success, but fail to point out it took the world wide distribution, along with the domestic, and FINALLY, the addition of DVD sales ALL COMBINED together before the movie ever came out of the red and could be called making a profit.
It is STILL on the list of one of the all time slowest films to ever reach the two hundred million mark.
Most successful super hero films hit the 200 mil mark during their first few weeks domestic run in theaters alone, not counting what else they take in on the world market, or the later DVD sales.
I'm just delighted if Latino Review and Collider.com are correct, and the Superman sequel is shoved further back.
Posted: 06 Aug 2007 20:31
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Quote: WB is planning a death. And while I can go further… I’ll stop there and let you wonder who won’t make it."
Aquaman or the Flash. Flash maybe because he's already been killed twice in the comics that I know of at least. First Barry Allen then Bart Allen.
Now Aquaman could be on the list because nobody has ever really cared about Aquaman. Even when he's been updated and toughened up people still think of him as the Super Friend that talks to fish. Maybe that would have changed if the Aquaman tv show had got picked up. I saw it on the web, and it was really good. I think they could have changed Aquaman's bad rep with that one. __________________
It's a toss of the coin..I would say it's most likely the Flash not only because of the tendency to give him the axe in comics, but the Flash movie deal fell through too, and was killed.
So was the proposed Wonder Woman film. (I'm glad about that, never was a fan of Wonder Woman.)
However, the most useless and un-interesting member of the JLA is Aquaman..At least Marvel long ago made the Sub-Mariner interesting.
A regal, strong personae, wings on his feet for flight, and a true king of the sea.
Aquaman is just too, well,... Aquaman.
So even though I would normally lean toward the Flash getting offed, most likely it'll be Wonder Woman or Aquaman.
I just don't see the Martian Manhunter or Green Lantern going down..They're heavy hitters.
Posted: 06 Aug 2007 23:10
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Intersting ok.Thanks.
Posted: 19 Aug 2007 03:38
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Major Update on JLA movie!!!
I'm sorry for those of you that thought Superman Returns was such a great film. For me, this news is just more evidence of Warner's displeasure of Singer's terrible efforts, and they are pushing the Justice League ahead of any proposed Superman sequel..Even Routh's return to the role is in question at this time.
I couldn't be happier if all this is true as ISEB reports....
Below are tid bits from ISEB.net...
"When the news broke that JLA (Justice League of America) was moving forward with a script written by Kiernan and Michele Mulroney, speculations began that the follow-up to Superman Returns, The Man of Steel, would be delayed or even completely scrapped.
WB studio sources quickly said that was just mere speculation and The Man of Steel was still planned for a first quarter 2008 start date. Even recently, Brandon Routh told us the same thing during a quick red carpet interview at the premiere for Transformers."
ME: Now,ISEB goes on to put Routh's assertion in doubt..
"At the same time, we are hearing some execs over at the WB were not happy with the way Superman Returns performed regardless of the $390 million plus worldwide box office take and that’s why Justice League is being pushed through the studio at a record pace."
ME: Now you can hardly blame Warner Bros..Most successful Super hero films break the 200 million dollar mark within the first two or three weeks of their premier. (That's not counting world wide distribution OR DVD sales)
Superman Returns has the dubious distinction of making the list of all time films that were the SLOWEST to hit the 200 hundred million mark. (Check out Box office MOJO for confirmation.) It took the combined domestic, worldwide, and DVD sales to get Superman profitable.
ISEB: "The JLA script has been received with open arms by Warners and the goal is for the film to be the launching point for The Flash, Wonder Woman, The Green Lantern and Aquaman as well as rejuvenate Superman.
When do the powers-that-be want to start production on Justice League? Apparently, as soon as the first quarter of 2008, that’s right, WB sources have informed the IESB that execs behind the Justice League of America want it to be in production as early as February/March 2008 to be ready for a summer of 2009 release."
ME: Hmmmm, (in case you didn't catch that, "HMMMM")
ISEB:"Some questions arise. What will happen to The Man of Steel film that Bryan Singer has already signed on to do?"
ME:I'm quoting someone else here.."It wouldn't be the first time WB has lost money on a pay or play deal with a director on a Superman movie. Something tells me based on their past experiences with Tim Burton, Bret Ratner, Michael Bay, and McG, that WB covered themselves a bit more when they negotiated with Singer."
ISEB:"Would Warner Brothers be willing to lose the money they would have to pay to Singer regardless if he directs the film or not? Will Christian Bale and Brandon Routh reprise their roles as Batman and Superman?
Some rumors indicate that studio execs have considered recasting Superman and a few names have popped up. But the honest truth is that the studio just does not know at this time whether Routh will return or not. We’ll just have to wait and see."
ME: Hope springs! I truly, from my heart, want no more Superman sequels from Bryan Singer.
ISEB:"Finally, what about Singer’s The Man of Steel? At this stage in the game, yes, it appears that the Man of Steel will be pushed back to accommodate Justice League."
ME:I grew up on Superman. When my oldest son was murdered, I couldn't turn to religion as a coping strategy. It's been my life experience that God rarely steps in to comfort those who need it most in their darkest hour.(With all due respect to those of you who feel or believe otherwise. You haven't lived my life, nor I yours.)
I instead retreated in a creative vent to my childhood icon. I used the Superman character in a fan based story I had written as self therapy, my coping strategy, and the story itself was a tribute and memorial to my lost son.
So you see, my barrage over the handling of Superman by Bryan Singer is coming from something deeper, much more heartfelt, than that of some comic book geek or lunatic
Superman fan.
ISEB goes on to hope for and push for the best regarding the Superman sequel. But Warner Bros wouldn't be pushing the Justice League ahead of a Superman sequel if there wasn't trouble in Singer City.
I'm delighted in this development. I hope when the dust settles, Singer is gone, a new director for Superman is found, and the franchise gets a new start.
Quote: studio just does not know at this time whether Routh will return or not.
Well, I hope at least Routh get's to keep his job. I'm not for constantly changing actors for superhero roles. The only way it would be ok to me would be if Tom Welling got to play Superman.
Quote: When my oldest son was murdered
Sorry for your loss. I can't imagine going through that kind of thing. __________________
With respect, I totally disagree on Routh keeping the role.
First of all, IF Warner decides to restart the Superman franchise, Routh is already (in the minds of the audience) associated with Singer's film and continuity. But most of all, I just don't think he's that good of an actor.
He brought nothing fresh to the role. At best he was a poor imitation of Reeve, far too stiff.
Reeve brought life and personality to the role. Most actors who have ever played Superman brought SOMETHING to the table. Routh didn't.
George Reeves made an indelible mark in his time, and Chris Reeve did in the seventies.
Brandon Routh chose to play the part of a mime, and try to make people believe he was Christopher Reeve.
Pardon the choice of words, but it just didn't fly with the majority.
Lets be honest here. If Superman Returns was such a great film, Warner would be following with a sequel in a timely manner (as most successful super hero films do). Instead, the Superman sequel is being pushed back in favor of the JLA.
I refuse to wear blinders and take a narrow view.
If, as speculation goes, Warner does reboot the Superman franchise without Routh, and Welling doesn't assume the role, I'm not going to close my mind to anyone else being able to do it.
You've got to remember, when George Reeves took on the role of Superman, he didn't even really WANT it.
He had went in to read for the role of a villain, but the producers cast him as Superman instead. He had protested at first, but needing the money, went ahead and took it on. The rest is history.
I know you want an old time feel to the Superman films from your posts.
If you had read my Destiny's Choice serial from start to finish, you'd see it's steeped in Golden Age and Silver Age material, but the heart of the story is relevant to today, and holds elements that anyone can relate to, and have empathy with. There are things in it that people can identify with.
Superman Returns doesn't. It has no heart. It's a shadow.
The Superman character is at odds with itself in the film. He's portrayed as either a sick minded stalker, or a deity too far removed from humanity for the audience to be able to relate to on their level.
All of it wrapped in the silly plot elements of a Donner film.
I don't want a Donner Superman film. It's wrong for this day and age. I especially don't want a Donner version served up by Bryan Singer.
I know, I'm taking the long way around to say it. But I want Routh gone as well. I want a fresh start with nothing attaching Superman to Singer's film. So I definitely want to see a new actor in the role. Someone that brings life to it, something fresh.
If it's Tom Welling, that's fine. He at least can believably project a wide range of emotions. If not, that's fine too. There's an actor out there somewhere that can play the part, and I believe play it much better than Routh.
I'm open.
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The direct story from Variety.
The JLA is OFFICIALLY on the move, and director George Miller is signed.
Posted: 21 Sep 2007 16:38
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I like this part.
Quote: To work around these issues, the studio explored making "Justice League" as an animated film or with motion capture, but all indications are that the pic will be an f/x-driven live-actioner.
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