Batman news including The Batman 2, Robert Pattinson, Matt Reeves, James Gunn, Brave and the Bold, Ben Affleck, Dark Knight, Caped Crusader, DC Comics and more.
Alan Moore, known for writing Watchmen, V for Vendetta, From Hell and a plethora of other comics, has announced he’s done with the business. The Guardian reports while at a press conference for his latest book, Alan Moore announced the news. Moore said he had “about 250 pages of comics left in me”. And those […]
With rumors swirling that the Red Hood may be featured in the upcoming Ben Affleck The Batman movie, check out fan art of what the former Jason Todd Robin could look like. Boss Logic put together the following piece of fan art with actor Zac Efron as the Red Hood. Good choice? Not much is
A few days ago saw DC Comics announce their first Rebirth event with Justice League vs. Suicide Squad. DC Comics co-publisher Dan DiDio chats with DC All Access about the event and also chimes in on Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Rebirth has changed the lives and world of your favorite DC heroes forever… and
Ben Affleck is set to take on Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke in the upcoming solo Batman movie. Affleck recently shared a set video featuring Deathstroke in action (watch below). DC Entertainment president, chief creative officer and the co-chief of DC movies, Geoff Johns, confirmed Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke for the Batman movie. In addition, Joe Manganiello
With Warner Bros. getting their DC movies in order by recently introducing Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the rest of the Justice League, it’s probably safe to assume we’ll see the Batman family of characters at some point, especially with the upcoming solo Ben Affleck The Batman movie. As we already know a Robin existed
Following Batman: The Killing Joke, the next DC animated movie will be Justice League Dark. Now it’s learned animated films for the Batman stories, “Hush” and “A Death in the Family,” might be in the works which would feature the voice talents of Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy. It’s reported that both Mark Hamill and
What would happen if WB originally did Batman Vs. Superman 30 years ago or so?! Check out a cool fan-made retro trailer of Batman Vs. Superman along with Wonder Woman. Footage used includes the Michael Keaton Batman, Christopher Reeve Superman and the Lynda Carter Wonder Woman coupled with the recent Zack Snyder Batman Vs. Superman
Batman vs. Superman production designer Patrick Tatopoulos has revealed a new piece of Batman concept art. The art features Batman crashing through the windows when he saves Martha Kent. “From a rough key frame concept to final movie frame. Sometime it sticks,” Tatopoulos posted on Instagram. Watch the scene below, too! “Batman v Superman: Dawn
If you haven’t seen it, check out a behind-the-scenes look at the Justice League heavyweights duking it out for Batman Vs. Superman. We hear from Henry Cavill, director Zack Snyder and the stuntman involved as well as get a peek at Ben Affleck. Also check out a previously released Batman Vs. Superman behind-the-scenes image of
It looks like we have a first look at the Gotham version of Killer Croc. A new “Nothing Else Matters” promo for Gotham Season 3 features Gordon battling one of this season’s monsters, which very well might be Killer Croc. Bear in mind this version of Killer Croc is set before Batman and is considered
FOX has released a new Gotham Season 3 trailer, poster and teaser image as well as that the title of Season 3 will be “Mad City.”
Check out the “Plenty Of Monsters” trailer and the poster featuring Gordon below. We also get a look at Bruce Wayne’s doppelganger.
The chaos that engulfs Gotham continues in the season premiere on Monday, September 19th on FOX! The series stars Ben McKenzie as James Gordon, Donal Logue as Harvey Bullock, David Mazouz as Bruce Wayne, Sean Pertwee as Alfred Pennyworth, Robin Lord Taylor as Oswald Cobblepot, Erin Richards as Barbara Kean, Camren Bicondova as Selina Kyle and Cory Michael Smith as Edward Nygma.
This handsome fellow returns to an all-new #Gotham in THREE WEEKS. pic.twitter.com/BjnCxd3zev
— Gotham (@Gotham) August 29, 2016
With Ben Affleck releasing the Justice League video, it’s wondered where is the footage from?
Obviously as Zack Snyder is filming Justice League, it seems likely Deathstroke will be appearing in the film.
Further evidence of Deathstroke in Justice League may actually come from that one set image a while back that Zack Snyder released of the Justice League costumes (see below) which seemingly features Deathstroke’s armor and costume.
The footage may also feature Deathstroke in the Justice League Flying Fox hellicarrier which set visits revealed was retrofitted from an old Wayne Technologies project. The Justice League Flying Fox hellicarrier is a plane that has three levels, with the bottom housing the Batmobile, seats on the walls, and a ramp that lowers. The second level has a cockpit with a gun (Justice League movie concept art featuring Alfred as the gunnery) and an armory of weapons. The third level also has the main cockpit where two pilots can sit.
“It’s big enough for the Batmobile and it can house other of the Bat gadgets. It’s definitely its own self contained, fantastic piece of equipment,” producer Charles Roven said about the Justice League Flying Fox hellicarrier in a previous interview.
Regarding why Deathstroke might be on the Flying Fox is unknown, but fans are already theorizing that perhaps Steppenwolf creates an army of Metahumans. Is Deathstroke their leader?
via reddit:
“Justice League” has a November 17, 2017 release directed by Zack Snyder starring Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Ezra Miller as The Flash, Ray Fisher as Cyborg, J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon and Willem Dafoe as an Atlantean.
Earlier saw Ben Affleck tweet out video of Deathstroke, which may be for the Justice League movie or the solo Batman flick.
Deathstoke, aka Slade Wilson, was created back in 1980 created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. The character was originally a primary villain of the Teen Titans, but has since been made to be a villain of Batman as well as Green Arrow. Deathstroke is an assassin and mercenary, who was given powers by a secret experimental serum. Powers for Deathstroke include superhuman strength, agility and an expert at martial arts.
Deathstroke was most recently played by Manu Bennett on Arrow, but the character was taken off the air because WB wanted Deathstroke for another project, which now looks to be either Justice League or The Batman (or both).
The inclusion of Deathstroke in the DCEU may even suggest Nightwing and the Titans exist. Interestingly enough, a live action Titans TV series was recentlys scrapped. Maybe to make way for the Titans in the DCEU as well? Geoff Johns did confirm huge plans are in store for the Titans.
Related: Deathstroke speculated for Justice League.
“Justice League” has a November 17, 2017 release directed by Zack Snyder starring Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Ezra Miller as The Flash, Ray Fisher as Cyborg, J.K. Simmons as Commissioner Gordon and Willem Dafoe as an Atlantean.
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) August 29, 2016
Following up on the last batch of DCEU rumors, which interestingly enough did list Doug Liman as directing a DC movie (but not Justice League Dark), now the latest rumors also include DC TV shows.
Worth a mention is that the rumors state WB may be eyeing more serious takes on DC TV characters akin to Game of Thrones with shows on HBO. It’s also said some of the new rumored TV series might tie into the DC movie universe as well.
Other rumors mention Zack Snyder off Justice League 2; Man of Steel 2 definitely happening and without Snyder; George Miller eyed for a Jack Kirby property (New Gods was previously rumored); Suicide Squad 2 in the works; the Green Lantern Corps movie would be based on Geoff Johns’ Sinestro War (would be awesome!), and lots more.
Obviously take these with a grain of salt as a reddit user put together the following list from 4Chan:
Booster Gold is still in the works, treated more as a Deadpool February release film. No production date set.
Lobo is currently up in the air, being eyed as a potential TV series set in the DCEU movie universe.
Deathstroke no longer in the works. Ayer wanted to use him in Suicide Squad 2, will have an antagonist role.
Metal Men being eyed as a start for animated DC movies. If Lego Batman is successful, Warner plans to push forward development and Warner Animation Group will create the movie.
WB wants to make a few “in-universe” tv shows for the DCEU, multiple smaller teams and smaller characters being eyed. WB wants these shows to be “premium cable” type shows akin to Game Of Thrones
Fables Movie adapt canceled. Currently being eyed as a television show, although worried it may draw the comparison from Once Upon a Time. Up in the air if it will happen or not.
Sandman movie currently being developed. Giving it as much time as it needs to develop. Could very well be canceled. Joaquin Pheonix approached after Joseph Levitt left.
Sam Raimi being courted to direct a DCEU movie.
100 bullets still in development, although will not at all be marketed as a comic-related movie. Will have the Vertigo banner, but will be along the lines of Kingsman. Was envisioned as a “Sin City” type film, but is currently now a singular story. Will focus on one man’s story with the gun, and have appearances throughout by the Minutemen and the Trust.
The Question being developed for HBO as a smaller scale “gritty noir” show.
Suicide Squad 2 production begins soon, Ayer started writing the script in July, expected to shoot late-spring 2017. Will reportedly be dialed back from SS1, with less CGI, a more human threat, and no pop music at all. Slightly lower budget.
George Miller attracted to making a Jack Kirby property movie, working on Mad Max sequel in-between potential DCEU movie.
Man of Steel 2 is happening, Snyder not returning to direct.
Snyder no longer wants to return to direct JL 2, has opted out. Plans to direct a smaller scale movie for next project.
Shazam to be a one-off movie unless it does extremely well.
Cyborg currently up in the air. If he’s a breakout character in JL, he will get a movie, if not, it’ll be repurposed.
Legion of Superheroes canceled. Deemed “too early” to be developed.
Darkseid could potentially be saved for JL 3, having more background development in other movies for New Gods and Apokolips. New Gods property being heavily eyed as a film.
Green Lantern Corps will be an adaptation of Sinestro Corps War. Will have Guy Gardener, John Stewart, and Hal Jordan as the only human lanterns. Red Lanterns won’t appear but will be teased.
JSA was originally being worked on, expected to be teased in Wonder Woman with them being in WWI instead of WWII heroes. The idea was scrapped due to it not fitting the general plot of Wonder Woman. It was decided to relegate these characters to the CW shows.
Scalped being worked on by WGN network. Was held up with Doug Jung working on Star Trek movie. Jung expected to show run the series. Geoff Johns wrote the pilot.
WB wants to keep a 3-year release schedule with solo movies for A-listers . Wants to keep diversity in the lineup and keep filmgoers interested without being fatigued. On DC Animated movies, plans are to increase production to 4 movies per year. Doing “event” animated movies with a limited theater release ala Killing Joke will probably happen yearly.
Old scripts being revitalized as animated movies might still happen. Batman Beyond script by Boaz Yakin has been floating around.
WORLD PREMIERE OF BATMAN: RETURN OF THE CAPED CRUSADERS AT NEW YORK COMIC CON
WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT TO DEBUT FULL-LENGTH ANIMATED FEATURE FILM OCTOBER 6 ON MAIN STAGE OF JAVITS CENTER
ADAM WEST HEADLINES POST-PREMIERE PANEL
BURBANK, CA (August 25, 2016) – In poetically appropriate fashion, Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders will have its World Premiere in Gotham itself as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment debuts the full-length animated Batman feature film on Thursday, October 6 at New York Comic Con.
Available November 1, 2016 on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD, fans will get their first chance to see the film during a two-hour premiere and Panel starting at 5:30 PM on New York Comic Con’s Main Stage at the Javits Center.
Adam West (Batman) headlines the post-premiere Panel alongside director Rick Morales (LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes – Justice League: Cosmic Clash) and screenwriters Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go!) and James Tucker (Justice League vs. Teen Titans). Tucker and Jelenic also serve as Supervising Producer and Producer, respectively, on the film. Warner Bros. Animation President and the film’s Executive Producer Sam Register will moderate the festivities.
Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, the film takes fans back to the 1960s as Batman and Robin spring into action when Gotham City is threatened by a quartet of Batman’s most fiendish foes – Penguin, The Joker, Riddler and Catwoman. The four Super-Villains have combined their wicked talents to hatch a plot so nefarious that the Dynamic Duo will need to go to outer space (and back) to foil their arch enemies and restore order in Gotham City. It’s a truly fantastic adventure that will pit good against evil, good against good, evil against evil … and feature two words that exponentially raise the stakes for both sides: Replicator Ray. Holy Multiplication Tables!
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders will be available to own on Digital HD starting October 11, 2016.
WB released the full trailer and info for the upcoming animated Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders movie featuring Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar.
Find the trailer and announcement below:
ADAM WEST, BURT WARD & JULIE NEWMAR PROVIDE VOICES OF BATMAN, ROBIN, CATWOMAN FOR ALL-NEW ANIMATED ADVENTURE IN WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT’S
BATMAN: RETURN OF THE CAPED CRUSADERS
FULL-LENGTH FEATURE FILM ARRIVES NOVEMBER 1, 2016 ON BLU-RAY TM COMBO PACK, DVD & DIGITAL HD
BURBANK, CA (August 23, 2016) – Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment take Batman fans on a journey into the iconic past with the full-length animated Batman feature film – Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders. The film features the vocal performances of Adam West (Batman), Burt Ward (Robin) and Julie Newmar (Catwoman). Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders will be available November 1, 2016 on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack ($24.98 SRP) and DVD ($19.98 SRP). Order due date is September 27, 2016.
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders will be available to own on Digital HD starting October 11, 2016.
It’s back to the 1960s as Batman and Robin spring into action when Gotham City is threatened by a quartet of Batman’s most fiendish foes – Penguin, The Joker, Riddler and Catwoman. The four Super-Villains have combined their wicked talents to hatch a plot so nefarious that the Dynamic Duo will need to go to outer space (and back) to foil their arch enemies and restore order in Gotham City. It’s a truly fantastic adventure that will pit good against evil, good against good, evil against evil … and feature two words that exponentially raise the stakes for both sides: Replicator Ray. Holy Multiplication Tables!
Adam West steps behind the microphone to bring Batman to fully animated fruition. Burt Ward joins the fun as Batman’s sidekick, Robin, giving The Boy Wonder his voice in animated form. And Julie Newmar, star of stage (Tony Award winner for The Marriage-Go-Round) and screen (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), dons her feline ears to bring Catwoman to life.
Rick Morales (LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes – Justice League: Cosmic Clash) directs from a script by Michael Jelenic (Teen Titans Go!) and James Tucker (Justice League vs. Teen Titans). Tucker and Jelenic also serve as Supervising Producer and Producer, respectively, on the film. Sam Register is Executive Producer. Benjamin Melniker and Michael Uslan are Executive Producers.
“Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders is an excellent addition to the ever-growing canon of Batman entertainment, offering a fun, playful animated version of the character’s adventures,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Vice President, Family & Animation Marketing. “Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is proud to initiate a series of animated movies – under the new ‘DC Classics Collection’ brand – and honored to have Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar give life to these iconic characters.”
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders Blu-ray™ Enhanced Content includes:
• “Those Dastardly Desperados” featurette – Joker, Catwoman, Penguin and Riddler are impossible not to watch! Those Dastardly Desperados explores how these fiends became more than just antagonists in a Batman story; they became icons in American pop culture.
• “A Classic Cadre of Voices” featurette – A new talented cast of actors join Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar in Batman: Return of The Caped Crusaders. Go behind the scenes and witness the vocal techniques and timing needed to deliver a classic Bat-Comedy!
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders will be available to viewers for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on their favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. Starting October 11, 2016, Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders will also be available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.
ABOUT DIGITAL HD
*Digital HD allows fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital HD is included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. Digital HD allows consumers to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through UltraViolet retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster, VUDU and more. For more information on compatible devices go to wb.com/ultravioletdevices. Consult an UltraViolet Retailer for details and requirements and for a list of HD-compatible devices.
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.:
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.
About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, etc.), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables, etc.) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics in the world.
Following the debut of the trailer, the box art and synopsis for the upcoming animated movie Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders has been released.
Batman: Return Of The Caped Crusaders will be released on Digital HD on Oct. 11 and Blu-Ray on Nov. 1 starring the voice talents of Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar.
Synopsis:
It’s back to the 1960s as Batman and Robin spring into action when Gotham City is threatened by a quartet of Batman’s most fiendish foes – Penguin, The Joker, Riddler and Catwoman. This time, the four Super-Villains have combined their wicked talents to hatch a plot so nefarious that the Dynamic Duo will need to go to outer space (and back) to foil their arch enemies and restore order in Gotham City. It’s a truly fantastic adventure that will pit good against evil, good against good, evil against evil … and feature two words that exponentially raise the stakes for both sides: Replicator Ray. Holy Multiplication Tables!
Check out the trailer below for Batman: Return Of The Caped Crusaders featuring Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar, which is based on the Batman ’66 TV series.
The trailer also teases Joker, Riddler, Penguin and Catwoman.
Batman: Return Of The Caped Crusaders will be released on Digital HD on Oct. 11 and Blu-Ray on Nov. 1.
A new batch of DC movie rumors has hit the net.
They come from 4 Chan so obviously take this with a grain of salt, but at least they’re rather fun.
We see J.J. Abrams is listed as a contender to do the second Superman Man of Steel 2 film. Abrams did write the Superman: Flyby script around 2002, plus he has had success reinventing the Star Trek and Star Wars‘ franchises. Maybe Superman needs a reinvention as well?
Spider-Man director Sam Raimi is said to be up for Dwayne Johnson’s Shazam, which isn’t a bad choice at all. It’s possible Sam Raimi may want another crack at a superhero franchise following the disappointing Spider-Man 3, and also there is the fact that his Spider-Man 4 never got made.
George Miller, who was said to be directing Man of Steel 2, is listed as directing a New Gods movie. Miller is also rumored to be a producer on Justice League.
Gravity‘s Alfonso Cuaron is said to be in talks for the Green Lantern Corps movie. Cuaron also directed Children of Men and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
It’s said Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins may be directing Justice League 2, which would mean Zack Snyder wouldn’t be returning for the sequel.
The rumors also include a list of release dates for upcoming DC movies. Worth a mention is that a Cyborg movie is missing. It seems a majority of the rumors coming out of 4Chan seem to insinuate a Cyborg movie might be off the table; however, earlier yesterday saw the news that Cyborg is being included in Justice League and The Flash to increase interest in the character and the planned 2020 Cyborg movie.
The release dates list below also has Ben Affleck’s solo The Batman movie hitting in 2019, which may hold some merit as Affleck and Geoff Johns may be taking their time to get the script right.
Here is the full list of rumors (via Reddit):
• Top candidates to direct Man of Steel 2 are Doug Liman, J.J Abrams and Edgar Wright.
• Top candidates to direct Shazam are Sam Raimi and Shawn Levy.
• New Gods will be directed by George Miller.
• Alfonso Cuaron is on talks to direct Green Lantern Corps.
• Patty Jenkins might direct Justice League II.
• David Ayer will direct Suicide Squad 2.
• Warner Bros will be making casting and film announcements for their films in early September.
• Ocean Master will be in Aquaman but Black Manta will be the main villain. Ocean Master is being saved for a later film.
• Deathstroke will be in Suicide Squad 2.
• Multiple TV shows that connect to the DCEU have been discussed. Titans and Secret Six are the top candidates.
Rumored DC movie release dates list:
Wonder Woman- June 2nd, 2017
Justice League- November 17th, 2017
The Flash- April 13th, 2018
Aquaman- July 27th, 2018
Man of Steel 2- October 5th, 2018
Shazam- April 5th, 2019
Batman- June 14th, 2019
Suicide Squad 2- November 1st, 2019
New Gods- April 3rd, 2020
Green Lantern Corps- July 24th, 2020
Justice League II- October 2nd, 2020
A new trailer has been released for the Batmam: Arkham VR game with “Wear The Cowl.”
Info:
At this year’s Comic Con International: San Diego, we gave over 500 fans the chance to #WearTheCowl – they are among the first people in the world to play Batman:Arkham VR.
If you haven’t witnessed first-hand what it’s like to become Batman, then the newest trailer for Batman: Arkham VR will give you a glimpse of what players are calling the closest you’ll ever get to stepping into the role of the World’s Greatest Detective.
Batman: Arkham VR is the winner of the first ever E3 Game Critics Award for Best VR Game. Developed by Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham trilogy, Batman: Arkham VR is based on DC’s core Batman license and will be available exclusively for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system with PlayStation®VR in October 2016 for MSRP of $19.99.
Batman: Arkham VR immerses you in the Dark Knight’s Universe and redefines what it means to Be the Batman.
Experience Gotham City through the eyes of the World’s Greatest Detective in an all new Arkham mystery.
Think like Batman. Utilise his legendary gadgets in Virtual Reality to unravel a plot that threatens the lives of Batman’s closest allies.
Long time Batman voice actor Kevin Conroy offers his thoughts on Ben Affleck as the new Dark Knight in addition to his feelings on Batman Vs. Superman.
While promoting the animated Batman: The Killing Joke movie – that is not without its own controversy and negative criticisms – Kevin Conroy offers the following to IGN.
Regarding Ben Affleck as Batman:
I love the fact that Warner Brothers have for the live-action Batman changed the casting so frequently. I think it’s really interesting to see different actors in the role, to see what they bring to the character. Everyone brings something different.
And there have been so many actors that have been wonderful. I liked Michael Keaton and I like what Ben Affleck is doing with it now. But they couldn’t be more different. It’s just the same with the Joker. When I started working with Mark Hammill I thought no one would ever nail the Joker better than Mark Hamill, and then I saw Heath Ledger, and he knocked it out of the park in just a different way.
While Kevin Conroy may be a fan of Ben Affleck, he notes he wasn’t all too thrilled with what went down in Batman Vs. Superman.
Personally I love the fact that Batman – in the stories I’ve done, and the way he’s been rendered by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, the people I’ve worked with most closely – he never kills anybody. He doesn’t cross that line. Batman is not a killer.
He puts them into Arkham Asylum, which is what is so brilliant about the Arkham Games – someone realized, ‘my god, all these incredible villains are all in the same institution – let’s get a video game in there’. It’s a brilliant idea. But the fact that Batman never kills anyone – I loved that fact.
In the most recent live action movie, that seems to have been a line that was crossed and it’s not one I’m particularly comfortable with.”
Check out video below that Kevin Conroy released a while back where he discusses who would win between Batman or Superman. Conroy goes into why Batman is such a relatable character and offers that Batman thinks his way out of things, which probably explains why Batman doesn’t need to kill — at least in Conroy’s mind. Stick around until the end to hear Conroy offer Batman’s perspective on the matter (and voice).
A couple of weeks ago saw a rumor hit that suggested both Constantine and Batman would be a part of the CW DC TV universe.
Now EP Greg Berlanti is stating that’s not the case.
At the Television Critics Association press tour, Berlanti said, “We haven’t had any conversations with them about Constantine. Constantine exists in a certain place in the DC world and universe. They’re kind of internally examining what they want to do with that character next.”
Berlanti mentioning they are internally examining what they are going to do with Constantine may suggest the character could be featured in the DC movies.
Regarding Batman on the CW, Berlanti shot down the rumors of using Batman, Batwoman and Oracle, and said they are “completely baseless.”
Berlanti said there are currently no plans to include Batman characters in Arrow, Supergirl or any of the Arrowverse shows.
The original rumor mentioned that Fox owned the Batman rights and would have to share the Batman rights for a fee, so it’s possible Fox may have scoffed at the idea.
(via IGN via CBM)
We get some backstory on Batman, the dead Robin Jason Todd, and Joker in the DCEU.
Empire caught up with Suicide Squad director David Ayer who offers up the reason why Joker has certain tattoos as well as why he wears a teeth grill, which has to do with what went down with Robin.
“This is sort of my personal thing and maybe less about a larger connection,” Ayer said. “But Joker killed Robin and Batman basically smashes his teeth out and locks him up in Arkham Asylum. It’s in the asylum where Joker would have done the ‘damaged’ tattoo as a message to Batman saying, ‘You’ve damaged me. I was so beautiful before and now you’ve destroyed my face.’ That’s where the grill comes from.”
Suicide Squad also revealed that Harley Quinn had a hand in Robin’s death.
Jason Todd is currently rumored to be returning as Red Hood in the solo Ben Affleck Batman movie, with a separate rumor stating it may take place within Arkham Asylum.
“Suicide Squad” is directed by David Ayer starring Will Smith as Deadshot, Jared Leto as the Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Cara Delevingne as Enchantress, Jai Courtney as Boomerang, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Adam Beach as Slipknot, Karen Fukuhara as Katana, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc, Jay Hernandez as El Diablo, and Scott Eastwood in an unknown role.
Synopsis:
It feels good to be bad… Assemble a team of the world’s most dangerous, incarcerated Supervillains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government’s disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?
Jared Leto let it be known a lot of Joker scenes were cut from Suicide Squad, and now it’s learned the number of scenes was actually enough for an entire solo Joker movie (meaning a real lot!).
What’s interesting is that (assuming the rumors are true), WB seems to have cut scenes from Suicide Squad that would have made the Joker (and just about every character) look a lot more bad than what we saw in the movie. For example, the 22 Suicide Squad cut scenes list states the Joker/Harley Quinn helicopter scene was a lot different in that originally Joker pushed Harley Quinn out of the helicopter to kill her, and he didn’t try to do that to save her which was the final version. There’s also the scene were Joker hits Harley that was cut.
In a new interview, Jared Leto talks about the amount of cut scenes and lets it be known he wishes Suicide Squad has been R-rated.
Here are some highlights; the full video interview is below:
Leto describes Joker in Suicide Squad:
“I don’t know how the Joker fits into the film. At least when I read the script, the Joker was kind of a parallel story, and my character, the Joker, was out to rescue Harley and get Harley back from the Suicide Squad.”
Leto offers he feels Suicide Squad is some of his best work:
“I think that scenes we did on the day, and I understand there’s quite a bit that’s been cut out, but the scenes we did on the day were some of my favorite work that I’ve ever done with anyone in a film.”
Joker versus Batman:
“I think the Joker is the perfect villain because he’s the antithesis of Batman who’s this stoic black and white character both visually and in so many other ways, morally. [Batman is] someone who strives for perfection and control filled with restraint. The Joker is complete and total insanity, you know, technicolor… madness… I think that’s why he’s so much fun to play.”
On enough footage for Joker movie and wanted Suicide Squad rated-R:
“I think that I brought so much to the table in every scene that it was probably more about filtering all of the insanity, because I wanted to give a lot of options, and I think there’s probably enough footage in this film for a Joker movie. If I were to die tomorrow maybe the studio would roll something out. A Rated-R or Rated-X performance somewhere in there.”
On a Joker and Harley Quinn spinoff movie:
“That would be sick and twisted fun. I always wished this film was rated-R, and I had actually said that when we were starting. It felt like if a film was ever going to be rated R, it should be the one about the villains.”
Jared Leto also said it would be interesting to have a Joker and Batman team-up movie, and also says he definitely wants to see more of Joker. Watch more in the video below.
“Suicide Squad” has an August 5, 2016 release date directed by David Ayer starring Will Smith as Deadshot, Jared Leto as the Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Cara Delevingne as Enchantress, Jai Courtney as Boomerang, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Adam Beach as Slipknot, Karen Fukuhara as Katana, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc, Jay Hernandez as El Diablo, and Scott Eastwood in an unknown role.
Synopsis:
It feels good to be bad… Assemble a team of the world’s most dangerous, incarcerated Supervillains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government’s disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?
So far 2-for-2 as Jason Todd has been referenced twice with the release of Batman Vs. Superman and Suicide Squad.
We all know the dead Robin suit from Batman Vs. Superman that’s in the Batcave, now we get another reference to Jason Todd in Suicide Squad with Harley Quinn.
As the members of the Suicide Squad were introduced, each member was given an intro featuring credits where it’s learned Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn was involved with the death of Robin (see the image below).
“Accomplice to murder of ROBIN,” Harley Quinn’s intro says.
Joker killed the Jason Todd Robin in the comics as well as the DCEU.
It’s also been rumored that Jason Todd may come back in the upcoming solo The Batman movie as The Red Hood.
Regarding Robin:
WB did confirm it’s Jason Todd.
Robin died around ten years earlier or so in a run in with Joker.
Bruce Wayne is bitterly disappointed and has had previous devastating losses.
The loss of Robin contributed to Batman’s hatred of Superman.
“Suicide Squad” is now in theaters directed by David Ayer starring Will Smith as Deadshot, Jared Leto as the Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Cara Delevingne as Enchantress, Jai Courtney as Boomerang, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Adam Beach as Slipknot, Karen Fukuhara as Katana, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc, Jay Hernandez as El Diablo, and Scott Eastwood in an unknown role.
Synopsis:
It feels good to be bad… Assemble a team of the world’s most dangerous, incarcerated Supervillains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government’s disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?
Jason Todd reference in Suicide Squad:
Batman, Bruce Wayne and Ben Affleck actually had more screen time than previously thought in Suicide Squad.
Check out the extended version of the scene shown off in the Suicide Squad trailers of Batman chasing Joker and Harley Quinn.
In addition to this scene, Batman appeared in a couple of other scenes as well.
“Suicide Squad” has an August 5, 2016 release date directed by David Ayer starring Will Smith as Deadshot, Jared Leto as the Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Cara Delevingne as Enchantress, Jai Courtney as Boomerang, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, Adam Beach as Slipknot, Karen Fukuhara as Katana, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc, Jay Hernandez as El Diablo, and Scott Eastwood in an unknown role.
Synopsis:
It feels good to be bad… Assemble a team of the world’s most dangerous, incarcerated Supervillains, provide them with the most powerful arsenal at the government’s disposal, and send them off on a mission to defeat an enigmatic, insuperable entity. U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller has determined only a secretly convened group of disparate, despicable individuals with next to nothing to lose will do. However, once they realize they weren’t picked to succeed but chosen for their patent culpability when they inevitably fail, will the Suicide Squad resolve to die trying, or decide it’s every man for himself?
The Joke’s on Us
A Film Review of Batman: The Killing Joke
Once again, Warner Bros. has seen fit to prod their golden goose of infinite, licensed content that is the one and only Batman. The Killing Joke is an animated feature based on a graphic novel of the same name written by the caustically polarizing Alan Moore who wove a gruesome tale of sexual assault, torture and taking a peek behind the veil of pure insanity in order to present an origin story of the Dark Knight’s arch nemesis, the Joker. Originally published as a one-shot in 1988, the gravity of The Killing Joke sent terrifying shockwaves through the entire Batman mythology, fundamentally altering the makeup of every participating character from that point forward.
Director Sam Liu and Executive Producer Bruce Timm present an adaptation of this iconic story that valiantly attempts to channel the same sense of terror and revulsion in addition to restraint and sympathy held within the original graphic novel. The first act of this film, however, is an addendum which establishes a certain relationship between Batgirl and Batman in order to set the audience up for the actual Killing Joke story later on. This element of the feature has been a major point of contention within the fan community for just about every reason under the sun, but mostly because it doesn’t belong.
As much as I can understand these criticisms, its addition is not completely without merit. First, it provides viewers not familiar with the Bat-mythology a specific reason why Batman would be personally vested in the conflict to come. Second, it generates a decent amount of action for a story never having been lauded for its intense combat sequences or martial arts work by any character. Third, it reestablishes the same implied relationship between Barbara and Bruce that was suggested towards the end of the Batman animated series when Tim Drake Robin and Batgirl replace Dick Grayson Robin as Batman’s sidekicks. Thinking about the hooks to this subplot: stalker obsession and the issues that come from working under Batman (no pun intended) could have easily transformed into its own feature, one-shot novel or comic series by itself. Unfortunately, it was tacked on in the beginning and wrapped up as quickly as possible because the name of this film still happens to be The Killing Joke; a plot the film hadn’t actually begun yet. As a result this subplot overall feels vapid and rushed. Developing it into something more interesting would have defeated the purpose of this production all together.
The rest of the film does an adequate job at breathing life into the bullet points of The Killing Joke. The same story is told; the exact same story and therein lies my criticism. An adaptation affords the filmmaker a unique opportunity to fill in the blanks between the panels of comic fiction, but this film didn’t seem too concerned with pushing the envelope beyond the base recreation of those panels. Perhaps Liu and Timm felt they had reached their “creative meddling limit” with their ultimately unnecessary first act, but expanding upon The Killing Joke plot by making it more suspenseful, violent and shocking is something I was not only looking forward to, but also expecting considering its R-rating.
As it turns out, this production wasn’t going for that kind of edge in the first place. There’s no doubt that the filmmakers of The Killing Joke were mindful of dangling in the range of PG-13 (the highly coveted rated for maximized profitability). Apparently, they seemed to forget about the massive inferiority complex western society has about sexuality vs. violence that has always been reflected by the MPAA because they were a tad miffed at getting the big “R.” According to Sam Liu during this past Comic-Con in San Diego:
“We‘ve had many films where people get shot and there’s blood, things that make me think we’re going to get an R-rating! For whatever reason violence is – there’s a certain desensitization that’s happened. That’s not as shocking anymore. But for some reason, sex and psychological torture is more touchy ground.”
The Killing Joke adaptation certainly has enough content “on paper” to qualify for its rating, but seeing it all play out in real time doesn’t feel very harsh at all. As a matter of fact, it’s about as soft as R-ratings come. Nudity is constantly cut away from or conveniently obscured by foreground/background framing. There are a few curses in passing dialogue, but they seem forced and awkwardly placed. There were even some instances where characters would build up to drop an F-bomb and then is curiously replaced by gosh-darned cleaned up alternatives. Yes, there is violence here, blood is shown and some succumb to headshots, but even this is tame in comparison to something along the lines of Ninja Scroll (1993).
Other things bothered me about this feature such as the musical number sung by Mark Hamil’s Joker that was composed specifically for this production. It was far too whimsical and childish in its melody and lyrics that it really belongs in one of Timm’s BAS episodes and specifically not this adaptation. The documentary featurettes would have you believe this segment was designed for maximum disgust, horror and fear, but I literally laughed at the screen when I heard those talking heads say that. (Note: the Mark Hamil interview is the best part of this entire production)
I also could not wrap my head around the inconsistent art design for the characters in this film. Non-primaries have the exact same Bruce Timm style from his classic animated series. Joker has his own unique style which transitions to and from an anime-style during more emotive moments. And then there’s Batman … ugh! His design is some abomination hybrid between Brave and the Bold and New Frontier, and it simply looks ridiculous when paired with the Kevin Conroy’s legendary baritone voice.
In the end, The Killing Joke is a film that plays out in a very average way which is fitting for the summer of 2016: the year summer blockbusters (overall) were so dedicated to tedium they almost broke the superhero genre. It isn’t terribly bad, nor is it terribly good, but it could be a waste of time if you had anything else interesting to do. If I wanted a motion comic of The Killing Joke, I would hold the graphic novel above my head, move it around and read it out loud.
