2. We'll Finally See Batman vs. Superman
Remember when Superman and Batman were rumored to square off, before Christian Bale's time as The Dark Knight? Wolfgang Petersen remembers, and he remembers it well, as he was up to bat in 2003/2004 to direct what would have been a Bale/Josh Hartnett showdown as the world's finest superheroes. Unfortunately, this was during those wilderness years where Warner Brothers couldn't seem to revive Batman or Superman, as they had recently passed on J.J. Abrams "Superman: Flyby" during that time frame. Alas, Troy was too good of an opportunity for Petersen to pass up, so he ditched a sure fire Summer blockbuster for a swords and sandals epic that pretty much succeeded in making more people laugh than clap. (Poseidon didn't help him much either.) Still, the public remains in the tank for a Superman/Batman film, as they've successfully teamed up/squared off in three animated films and a comic series. So what's the problem here? Why are we more sucessful with individual franchises for these characters, and yet when we try to make the jump to crossover pictures we fail? Whatever that reason is, the Justice League project would be able to overcome whatever obstacle stands in the way of these two titans going toe to toe. In fact, Man of Steel would be the perfect (albeit implausible) time to start sowing the seeds. Picture if you will the following three act scenario: Act I: Man of Steel. Superman saves the day, and Batman comes into town to congratulate him. He proposes a partnership, they shake on it and go ahead. Act II: The Justice League is formed, and like Cain and Able, Supes and Bats butt heads a little too much. Clark wants truth, justice, and the American way; while Bruce wants total intimidation and domination of the criminal underworld. He'll use theatricality, he'll use fear, he'll use strength. The scene is set for the end of the Justice League film to send everyone on their merry way, but to leave some distrust between these two. Act III: All hell breaks loose. The camel's back is broken as Lex Luthor successfully navigates between these two and splits them apart. The mother of all showdowns happens, and ultimately they beat the hell out of each other, but realize what's up and gain that much more respect for one another. We end with an uneven, but necessary truce. Because should these two come to blows again, someone's going to die. It might not be much, but it's a good jumping off point, wouldn't you say? Also, this approach comes with the added bonus of sticking it to Marvel for not going ahead (at least, not that they'll admit to it) with Planet Hulk/World War Hulk films. It shows that DC isn't squemish when it comes to pitting their favorite sons head to head, and it shows they have guts.