Moviefone Editorial

Tag: DCEU

  • DCEU Updates on Young Batman Movie, Joker Filming, and ‘Back to the Future’ Flash

    The DC/Warner Bros. world is all shook up at the moment. Behind-the-scenes, several studio execs have departed, with some reshuffling of the brass.

    The Hollywood Reporter has a lengthy new report out, updating on the current state of the many projects in development. Walter Hamada is now the president of DC Entertainment-based film production at Warner Bros, and he’s the one who “walked into a sh*tshow” and is now “trying to clean it up.” That’s the colorful description from one of THR’s insiders.

    So a lot is in flux, but we know “Aquaman” is opening this December, “Wonder Woman 1984” now filming for release next year, and “Shazam!” also in the books for 2019.

    THR shared some tidbits on the other films we’d heard conflicting reports about:

    • BATFLECK IS OVER? “The Batman” writer-director Matt Reeves reportedly turned in the first act of a new screenplay over Memorial Day weekend. “It’s said to focus on a young caped crusader, and while the studio would not comment, it’s unlikely that Ben Affleck, who has played Batman in three features, will again don the cowl.”

    Deadline had a similar “rebooting” comment about a new Batman the other day. It’s looking increasingly like Ben Affleck is really out. But, if so, who will be in?

    • JOAQUIN’S JOKER STEPS UP: There are currently two “Joker” movies in the works — one in the DCEU with Jared Leto reprising his role from “Suicide Squad,” and another separate from the DCEU with Joaquin Phoenix and director Todd Phillips. THR’s new report says the Phillips/Phoenix movie is expected to start filming this fall with a budget of $55 million. That’s pretty small for a superhero movie, but it’s fitting for a film under the new DC umbrella they say could be called “DC Dark” or “DC Black.”

    • THE FLASH AIN’T SO SERIOUS: Ezra Miller‘s “The Flash” standalone movie is still happening, with production set to begin in early 2019. Thankfully they have decided to embrace the humor of the character instead of “the somber themes it had been expected to tackle.” THR added that the movie is looking to “Back to the Future” as a touchstone, with “Spider-Man: Homecoming” team John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein on board.

    • THE OTHER WONDER WOMEN: THR also said “Birds of Prey” is still moving forward with Cathy Yan as director, and Christina Hodson is currently writing a script for the Batgirl movie that no longer has Joss Whedon involved.

    Read more from THR’s latest update on the many changes in the DCEU world.

    Don’t forget that we also have the standalone streaming service DC Universe; James Wan’s “Swamp Thing” is scheduled to premiere on the SVOD platform in 2019, following “Titans,” “Young Justice: Outsiders,” “Harley Quinn,” and “Metropolis.”

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  • ‘Aquaman’ Producer Says ‘Extraordinary’ Movie Puts DCEU ‘On the Right Path’

    It will be a while before fans get to see upcoming DC standalone flick “Aquaman,” but according to the team behind the film, it will be more than worth the wait.

    In a series of interviews with Entertainment Weekly, producers and Warner Bros. executives touted the Jason Momoa flick, and director James Wan‘s vision in particular. Warner Bros. chief Toby Emmerich praised the “incredible job” that Wan and his team have done on the film, which is “imagining the underwater world in a way you haven’t seen before.”

    The labor-intensive effects that went into the flick have been duly noted (and are at least partially responsible for all of the delays that have plagued the project). But it’s the film’s eclectic tone that will really set it apart from other DC Extended Universe offerings, producer Peter Safran told EW.

    “[The film has] the great action you expect, it’s got a lot of great humor, it works on so many levels … it’s a testament to James’ unique vision,” Safran explained. “I think it’s an extraordinary step in [the] DC Universe that sets it on the right path.”

    That should certainly be music to DC fans’ ears — and have them eager to open their wallets. “Aquaman” is due in theaters on December 21.

    [via: Entertainment Weekly]

  • Penguin May Be the Villain in ‘The Batman’ or ‘Birds of Prey’

    While we still have no idea when “The Batman” is hitting the big screen, we may now know who will be antagonizing the titular hero.

    Variety reporter Justin Kroll has been tweeting about a new rumor floating around the DCEU, focused on the Penguin. The villain is apparently currently the main choice to appear in director Matt Reeves‘s spinoff flick, according to Kroll’s sources.

    The reporter cautions that fans should “Take this with a grain of salt as things are constantly changing in the DCEU,” but the word on the street is that studio Warner Bros. is very keen on including Penguin in some fashion on the big screen, “sooner rather than later.” If the villain doesn’t ultimately end up in “The Batman,” there’s a very good chance he’ll star in the “Birds of Prey” spinoff, fronted by Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn.

    That’s certainly some intriguing scoop, and we’re curious to see how another actor portrays the quirky character, who was previously memorably played by Danny DeVito in Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns.” (And is also featured on Fox’s prequel series, “Gotham.”)

    Of course, as Kroll noted, this is all speculation right now, since Reeves clearly isn’t anywhere close to shooting, and we don’t even have a release date yet for “The Batman.” And then there’s the question of who exactly is going to play the Caped Crusader, since Ben Affleck is heavily rumored to be looking for a way out of the DCEU ASAP.

    Fans will likely have to wait a while for answers. In the meantime, feel free to dream cast who you would want to play the new version of the Penguin.

    [via: Justin Kroll/Twitter]

  • Will Peter Jackson Join Amazon’s ‘LOTR’ Series or Enter DC Universe?

    Rumor has it, Peter Jackson is deciding between Amazon’s new “Lord of the Rings” prequel series and the DC Universe.

    Which would you prefer? Maybe he can do both? Or neither?

    Peter Jackson directed “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” movies, and Amazon’s new LOTR series reportedly has the option to use material from those films. Jackson has been invited to participate as an executive producer. Last we heard, that was up to him.

    But now Comicbook is sharing the rumor from TheOneRing.net that Jackson and his New Zealand-based team are debating between returning to Middle Earth for Amazon’s $1 billion series or joining the DC Universe in some fashion:

    Let’s assume for a moment this is legit. DC’s new SVOD service is specifically called DC Universe, so is that what Jackson would be joining, or do they mean the DC Extended Universe with Superman/Wonder Woman/Batman, etc., or just the DC Comics/Warner Bros. film world at large?

    DC has a ton of projects coming up beyond “Aquaman” and “Wonder Woman 2,” including Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn spinoff, whatever is happening with Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker movie, “Swamp Thing” for the SVOD service, and more projects in and out of the DCEU.

    This poll suggests fans would prefer Jackson return to the LOTR prequel series:

    Then again, that’s a poll from an account run by Tolkien fans. Of course they’d pick Middle Earth.

    The LOTR/DC debate is unconfirmed, but it’s believable enough to think Jackson and company are weighing options before possibly jumping in with Amazon. Apparently that series needs to be in production within two years or the deal with the Tolkien estate falls apart.

    So should he join DC? Return to LOTR? Skip both and focus on that “Tintin” sequel for Steven Spielberg?

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  • Kristen Wiig May Play ‘Wonder Woman 2’ Villain

    With the world soon to be threatened again in “Wonder Woman 2,” Warner Bros. needs to cast its latest villain — and one has possibly been found.

    Kristen Wiig is reportedly in talks to play a trouble-making character in the upcoming sequel. Variety‘s sources say the actress is a front-runner for the part. No deal has yet been reached and the studio declined to comment, but the publication’s intel says Wiig has met with studio execs.

    If Wiig does indeed sign on for the film, she’ll star opposite Gal Gadot, who gained international recognition when she first played Diana Prince (aka Wonder Woman) in 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Wiig, on the other hand, has a comedy-heavy resume. The “SNL” vet notably starred in “Bridesmaids,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp.” That said, she can do serious, too, like in the Academy Award-nominated film “The Martian.”

    Director Patty Jenkins is returning for “Wonder Woman 2,” and though she is keeping the story under wraps, she has promised “an entirely new adventure” for fans. We’re on board for that, and we’d be thrilled to see Wiig be a part of it, too.

    “Wonder Woman 2” hits theaters Nov. 1, 2019.

  • Zack Snyder ‘Liked’ a DC Fan’s Post Shading Joss Whedon After ‘Batgirl’ Exit

    Do Joss Whedon and Zack Snyder have Taylor Swift/Katy Perry-level bad blood?

    Director Zack Snyder launched the DCEU with “Man of Steel” and “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Whedon took over directing “Justice League” after Snyder was reportedly fired last year. After the disappointment of the final product — which still has Snyder’s name on it — DC fans have been pushing to see Snyder’s director’s cut of “Justice League.”

    Well, yesterday, Whedon said he was exiting the “Batgirl” movie he was supposed to write and direct for DC/Warner Bros. He supposedly just didn’t have a story, but others suspect the flaws of “Justice League” (and some of his own personal issues) may have been to blame.

    One DC fan responded to a Vulture report on Whedon’s exit by saying it was basically good news for the DCEU that Whedon was out. Her Vero post shading Whedon (and the media) was liked by both Zack Snyder and DCEU photographer Clay Enos. Here are screen shots via Batman-News:

    Clay Enos definitely seems to be Team Zack Snyder; Snyder directed “300,” and Enos responded to another fan’s joking support of Snyder as “The Tragic Hero” (with Whedon as “The Abominable Weapon”):

    Twitter does need an edit button.

    The DCEU keeps subtracting people — from Snyder and Whedon to possibly Ben Affleck, depending on what’s up with the Batman standalone. Reports just came out yesterday that James Wan’s “Aquaman” is looking solid, but it’s early days for that movie. And fans have been burned before. But here’s hoping DC fans do end up having some good news to rally around and celebrate by the end of the year.

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  • Joss Whedon Bails on ‘Batgirl’ Movie: ‘I Really Didn’t Have a Story’

    Looks like Batgirl will have to wait a while longer to see her story told on the big screen: Writer-director Joss Whedon has left the high-profile project.

    In a surprisingly candid statement issued to The Hollywood Reporter, Whedon explained his decision to bail on “Batgirl,” chalking it up to essentially a nasty case of writer’s block. Here are his full remarks:

    “Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realize I really didn’t have a story. I’m grateful to [DC president] Geoff [Johns] and [Warners Picture Group president] Toby [Emmerich] and everyone who was so welcoming when I arrived, and so understanding when I… uh, is there a sexier word for ‘failed’?”

    Whedon caused some major whiplash among comic fandoms when he signed on for “Batgirl” back in March of last year, switching teams from Marvel (for which he directed “The Avengers” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron”) to DC (for which he helped finish “Justice League“). But it seemed like he was a natural fit for the project, excitedly discussing his vision and sharing his hope that he could cast an unknown actress in the iconic part.

    There were some early roadblocks, though, with THR reporting that Whedon “could not crack the code” for the film, and was perhaps a bit overshadowed by the monster success of last summer’s “Wonder Woman,” putting more pressure on the project — and him.

    THR writes:

    Industry sources add that even as Whedon faced story issues, in today’s cultural entertainment environment, a male filmmaker may have faced greater public scrutiny if he were to have tackled a movie with such feminist importance such as Batgirl or Wonder Woman, much like a white filmmaker would have seen backlash if they were to take on the Black Panther movie.

    So perhaps it just wasn’t meant to be. Here’s hoping Warner Bros. and DC continue to pursue a “Batgirl” feature anyway (and maybe hire a female filmmaker this time around).

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter]

  • DC Wants Michael Bay to Direct ‘Lobo’ Movie

    Michael BayDC has reportedly met with “Transformers” director Michael Bay to take charge of its upcoming “Lobo” movie.

    TheWrap reports that DC and Warner Bros. hopes Bay can turn what would be his first superhero film into their answer to Marvel’s “Deadpool.” In other words, a monster box-office hit. With ample use of, we assume, Bay’s trademark 360-degree hero shots.

    Lobo, to the uninitiated, is a blue, 7-foot-tall alien with more muscles than Jason Momoa. The official DC Comics site describes him as a “foul-mouthed brawler” who’s “the most brutally effective bounty hunter in the galaxy.” So, Deadpool meets Boba Fett. Got it.

    “Wonder Woman” scripter Jason Fuchs is reportedly reworking the script based on notes from Bay in hopes that the director will sign on, according to TheWrap.

    “San Andreas” director Brad Peyton was previously attached to direct “Lobo,” and before that, Guy Ritchie was on board.

    [Via TheWrap]

  • Sorry, Jared Leto Fans: Joaquin Phoenix in Talks to Star in Joker Movie

    People weren’t necessarily thrilled to hear that the Joker is getting a standalone movie, but fans can rest assured that the supervillain will be played by a talented actor. While “Suicide Squad” star Jared Leto isn’t reprising the role in this particular project, another Academy Award winner is poised to take over.

    Joaquin Phoenix is in talks to star in the standalone Joker movie, Variety reports. After meeting with director Todd Phillips, he has reportedly decided he wants the part. That’s just as well, because he is said to be the helmer’s top choice. Leonardo DiCaprio was previously said to be in consideration.

    Fans like the idea of Phoenix as the Joker, if Twitter activity is any indication. Although a lot of people are still wary of the project, news of Phoenix’s potential involvement has done a lot to quell their aversion.

    Phillips, along with Scott Silver, is writing the film, and it will explore the Joker’s path to becoming the twisted villain that he is. It will be set in the ’80s, according to Variety’s sources. What’s unclear to us is how much of an origin story this will be given Phoenix’s age. Apparently, we’ll have to wait and see. So far, the film does not yet have a release date.

  • Jason Momoa Is Avoiding ‘Justice League’ Criticism: ‘I Don’t Think That’s Useful’

    'Justice League' PhotocallPeople can say what they will of “Justice League,” but Jason Momoa isn’t keeping tabs.

    The actor has opened up about critics’ negative response to the film, and it sounds like he isn’t interested. Rather than dwelling on the film’s lukewarm reception, he is largely avoiding it.

    “I try to stay the f— away from what people say,” he told EW, revealing that some of his friends told him the film hasn’t been “doing well.” The news was disappointing to him, but he has refrained from obsessing over the disappointing reviews that have emerged.

    “I don’t want to look up the bad and the negativity,” he said. “I don’t think that’s useful; it doesn’t help.”

    He defended the final film, including the decision to remove some of the backstory of his own character, Aquaman. While he acknowledged that “a lot of things got cut,” he pointed out that the movie had to introduce three new characters — Aquaman, The Flash (Ezra Miller), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher).

    “There was a lot that … we just couldn’t get in,” he said.

    Momoa assured fans that we’ll get plenty more of Aquaman in his standalone movie. The film will continue the DCEU’s growth and bring more of its superhero adventures to screen.

    For his part, Momoa loves “Justice League” — so much so that he plans to take his kids to see it again in a theater with regular moviegoers.

    “Justice League” is in theaters now.

    [via: EW]