What’s in Store for the DCEU?
After the incredible success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, all in the span of 8-9 years, no less, DC clearly wishes to have something to compete against Marvel; while grossing high in the box office, that is. After a mediocre Man of Steel, and the two ghastly films, Batman v. Superman and Suicide Squad, despite recieving mixed to awful reviews from critics, the DCEU train is going full steam ahead, with 7 films officially announced. These seven are Wonder Woman (2017), Justice League (2017), The Flash (2018), Aquaman (2018), Shazam (2019), Cyborg (2019), and Green Lantern Corps (2020). In other recent projects, there has been rumors of several Suicide Squad spinoffs, but it’s The Batman that has turned the most heads, with Ben Affleck being constantly badgered by rumours to the point of annoyance. Affleck has already casted Joe Magniello as Deathstroke, released test footage, and written a screenplay. Filming might take place in 2018. The DCEU is currently receiving a bad reputation, yet some of these movies might just set this critically-panned franchise in the right direction.
Wonder Woman‘s trailer has already been released, telling us that it will be a prequel, as it’s set in the time of World War I. This will be directed by Patty Jenkins, who only has five films under her belt. She did receive a DGA award for her directorial role in the pilot episode of The Killing. It may be interesting to see what she can bring to the table here, but I believe a more experienced director should be in charge. Gal Gadot will be reprising her role, which is a good thing, considering her praiseworthy performance in Batman v. Superman. People are saying that this may be the film that sets the DCEU in the right place, but that’s what was said about Suicide Squad, so I’m not getting my hopes up too high.
Justice League also has a trailer released, although it’s a small one. One thing that did strike me odd was that the Justice League members had their solo films after the Justice League movie. Just look at Avengers, where they went through two Iron Man films, one Thor film, one Captain America film, and two Hulk films. That helped the Avengers, along with the great script, develop and balance the character development. I really don’t see Justice League doing that. Justice League will be directed by Zack Snyder, so hopefully, he’ll have learned from his mistakes and create something riveting and exciting.
The Flash already has already burnt through two directors, both leaving due to creative differences. Meanwhile, Ezra Miller (Perks of Being a Wallflower) has already been casted. A screenplay is set, and we have gotten our first look at the Flash. With Ezra’s charm and charisma, the Flash may be a fantastic film, complemented by a lovable main character. Many have been disappointed that Grant Gustin will not be casted, but I was quite glad; Grant Gustin was a good Barry Allen in the respect that he portrayed the emotion and complexities of being a superhero, but Ezra’s charm will likely win me over. I do have rather high hopes for this film.
With Jason Momoa casted as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, Amber Heard as Mera (Aquaman’s wife), and Patrick Wilson as Orm Marius/Ocean Master, the film seems quite set. Jason Momoa is certainly a talented actor, and it will be interesting to see his performance as the tough, battle-hardened Aquaman. In the comics, Ocean Master is Aquaman’s half brother, who obtains magical powers and rivals Aquaman. Whether this storyline can create a compelling movie or not is debatable, but I don’t see much hope for the film.
Unlike Batman v. Superman‘s dark tone, Shazam will be treated with fun and a sense of humour. Of course, that requires clever dialogue, and thus the film is written by Toby Emmerich, who really only has three decent films to his name: Goosebumps, Turbo, and Lost. It’s hard to say whether this film really has potential, because it’s so far awy. Dwayne Johnson will be playing Black Adam. Johnson’s tough-guy attitude may serve the villain’s character well, but the titular role hasn’t been confirmed. The way I see it, there is a likely chance that this film will turn into a mess of CGI and stilted dialogue, but you never know…
That leads us onto Cyborg. We already see a glimpse of a rather awful-looking Cyborg costume, donned by Ray Fisher, who’s more of a theater actor, really. It’s surprising to see that there wasn’t any other more experienced actor to take the role, but Ray Fisher might have what it takes to make Cyborg a good film. Now, speaking of the Cyborg costume itself, it has a really over-styled quality to it. The titular character is an athletic star named Victor Stone, who is deformed and injured in a lab accident, but is put together by robotic parts and fights evil. I’m already annoyed that Cyborg will be 100% CGI. CGI will have to play apart in the movie, but overbloated CGI can absolutely ruin movies.
There has been talk of Ryan Reynolds reprising his role in the new Green Lantern Corps, which hopefully doesn’t happen. Ryan Reynolds has quite a bit of talent, but only in selected roles. Whenever he’s on screen, it’s clear that he seems to be entertaining himself more than the audience; that’s what made him so good in Deadpool, but the character of Hal Jordan is meant to be more mature and disciplined, albeit arrogant. David S. Goyer is writing the screenplay for this film, but I can’t say for certain whether it’s a good thing; the script for Batman v. Superman and Man of Steel ranged from decent to ridiculous. There has been talk that John Stewart and Hal Jordan would be teaming up, which, again, is not exactly a good or bad thing. Idris Elba, Common, and Tyrese Gibson have all been linked to the role of John Stewart. I have no doubt that the each of the actors could give a convincing performance, but it’s too early to say for certain. One of the biggest concerns is how much CGI will be involved. I just hope that the costumes are real.
Those may be the official films, but I must say that the only film for me that stirs up excitement is The Batman (which Affleck is supposedly now calling it). Joe Manganiello has the right build Deathstroke, which is the first time in the big screen the character has been featured. The aforementioned test footage shows Deathstroke in the classic black and orange costume, although (and I love this) the black is very prominent compared to the subtle orange hints. Joe Manganiello looks like the perfect actor, living up to the expectations Manu Bennett has set after his intensely devastating role in Arrow. But best of all, the two most experienced people will be at the helm: Ben Affleck and Jeremy Irons. Both have won Academy Awards, and from their work in the DCEU, appear as they know what they’re doing, instead of the amateur trash that’s being served at the moment. The two have excellent chemistry as Batman and Alfred, for it was them who made Batman v. Superman tolerable. Hopefully Irons will have a prominent role, because the makes as a fantastic Alfred. Affleck will be directing, which is a smart move, considering he’s easily the best man for the job, after winning Academy Award for Best Picture in Argo. Affleck’s performance as Bruce Wayne has also garnered its much-deserved praise, with people even comparing it to Bale’s Batman.
Hopefully, with the two fantastic actors, The Batman will strengthen the DCEU’s reputation and truly make for a fantastic viewing experience.
