The Justice League movie has been the cause for a lot of speculation, and I’m here to do nothing but add to it. But there are four obstacles (a few of which I’m fairly certain haven’t been discussed at length) that I’d like to analyze as some issues the author(s) penning the script for the movie just might have to face. Some refer to the characters within the confines of the movie, and some to how the general audience will respond to these characters.
So, sit back, read away, and have at those comment boards to discuss just four obstacles Will Beall and others should face. NOTE: I’m also assuming the Justice League movie would come before the solo films for the sake of this article.
4. Batman’s Love for Gotham City
If there’s anything comic lovers should know, it’s that Batman loves him some Gotham City. And as we’ve seen in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, he’s got every reason to; Gotham City makes Batman who he is. His infatuation with protecting literally consumes him, night and day. And he’s not so eager to travel around the world and defeat evil in all its forms. He stays in Gotham with his feet planted on the ground, assuming every tactical position before every battle. Bruce Wayne is obsessed with Gotham City, and while in the comics he’s able to leave and help the Justice League when they call on him, he probably doesn’t mind leaving Gotham in the capable hands of vigilantes like Nightwing, the Huntress, Batgirl, Robin, etc. etc. Point is, he’s got help that he doesn’t really have in the movies.
In this awesome article posted yesterday, the author gave his reasons for why Batman would be the “Nick Fury” of the Justice League, bringing them all together to fight crime. I respectfully disagree, unless the threat was in Gotham City. That article very much analyzes how Batman’s role in the Justice League movie would help the film from a financially and narrative standpoint; my point is that Batman putting together the team within the confines of the movie doesn’t make much sense to his character.
We’ve gotten early reports that Will Beall’s script is darker in nature, and with the Man of Steel trailer, we can feel out a more dramatic sense of tone; so I wouldn’t expect to see a Batman much different than the one in Nolan’s trilogy. They may not be connected, but I’m fairly sure it will be used as a blueprint for the character. In that way, I think that Batman could be the last member to join the team. He’s not going to be desparate to leave what makes him…him anytime soon, especially not with the lack of helping hands that have yet to be introduced (aside from the Schumacher era) in the cinematic Batverse.
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3 Comments
I think they could introduce the entire team within the first 5 minutes, like in Hot Fuzz when Angel talks about his character while showing clips, they could do that with perhaps The Martian Manhunter talking about his team to a computer recording or summat while showing clips of Batman, Superman, Aquaman etc,
that way they would show the audience, the heroes, their powers, who they are and where they come from etc all in the first 5/10 minutes,
E.G “The next one I recruited was Clark Kent, alternatively known as Superman. He was the sole survivor of the planet Kyrpton when it imploded and has since been living in the city of Metropolis, he has many skills from flying, super strength and the abilty of laser vision, he will be a crucial part of this team”, the next one is…” or summat, while he is saying this clips from Man of Steel could be playing over and for other heroes they film new clips, this way they don’t have to worry about the origins and recruiting of the league
Thanks for the article Cameron.
I agree that these obstacles need to be addressed, but it wouldn’t be too difficult to do so.
In order to necessitate the JL, there will need to be a global threat with multiple enemies. Batman will care because Gotham is part of the globe under threat. The rest of the JL will be needed because Superman cannot be everywhere at once.
The secret identities thing I think is a bit of a non-issue. Most of the league members won’t care so much about the others knowing their identity with the exception of Batman. A mention of the lead-lined cowl I think would be enough for a first film. A Tower of Babel story would be great though :)
Agreed the biggest issues will be WW and making Aquaman cool. They could just avoid the Aquaman issue by putting in Cyborg. He is instantly cool.
I disagree with the first three issues:
4) I have never gotten the impression that Batman would not leave Gotham city to fight crime. The impression that I have always had is that there is SO much crime in Gotham city Batman has more than enough criminals and threat to deal with PLUS that is where his home is. In a sense he needs to be there to keep up the persona of Bruce Wayne and since he does not fly at super speed, it is just more practical for him to focus on one location.
3) I am not sure that having Superman negates the need for Flash because they are both fast. That would be like saying the avengers don’t need Iron Man who flies, because Thor can also fly. Perhaps a situation requires that you have two people with Super speed…one to reach the missile detonator before it hits while the other one flies after the second missile…for example.
2) The secret identity thing is really a non-issue. Assuming that the team has at least heard about the other members… let’s say on the news, then I think they would know they fight for the same cause and therefore respect their right to privacy and maybe even divulge their identity trusting their teammates would not tell. In the Dark Night trilogy Alfred, Rachel Dawse and Lucius Fox all knew who Batman was. I think in certain circumstances they could trust each other with that information…at least eventually.
But the last issue you hit right on the head…
Wonder Woman and Aquaman need a re-imagining in the worst way. I would even add Green Lantern to that list (just try to imagine the Green Lantern movie in a Nolan Batman universe). There are ways to reintroduce these characters…hopefully in solo efforts and to do so respecting the source materials. If that does not happen then this movie is not going to seem credible.