Shared cinematic universes are all the rage in Hollywood these days, and you have Marvel to thank for that. Not only is the Marvel Cinematic Universe an amazingly fun world for fans to enjoy, but it's also one of the most profitable endeavors in film today. The culmination of that interconnectedness are the two "Avengers" movies which currently rank fourth and sixth on the all-time box office list. Obviously, Warner Bros. took notice of this and is in the midst of trying to launch their own version with the ever-growing DC Extended Universe. Their goal is to build a web of connected superheroes blockbusters that can rival the MCU with the planned two-part "Justice League" serving as the main course.
But what do we actually know about the film so far? Very little, in fact; Warner Bros. has been tight-lipped about their coup de grâce. So we've put together a list of all the information we have about the star-studded superhero team-up so you have as clear of a picture as possible.
1. New Batman
Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale set the gold standard for Batman with the "Dark Knight" trilogy, but now we're closing in on the introduction of a new Gotham vigilante in "Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice." Early reports surrounding Ben Affleck's Batman have been so positive that WB is reportedly working to make the character the center of the DCEU.
What does this mean? Batman will likely serve as the connective tissue between each big DCEU film. That's why he's arguably the main character in "Dawn of Justice" and will be making cameos in "Suicide Squad" and quite possibly "Wonder Woman." Plus, the studio is laying the groundwork for a Batman solo film sometime in 2017.
As opposed to the MCU, which built its canon from the ground up, the DCEU will kick off with an established history already in the books. That is why Affleck will be portraying an older Bruce Wayne who has been in the crime-fighting game for quite some time. It will be a new take on a familiar character.
2. Superman Lost in the Shuffle?
The DCEU consists of all of one movie right now: 2013's "Man of Steel." Unfortunately, that film was met with a divisive reaction from fans and critics and failed to generate the type of record-setting box office numbers WB was shooting for. As a result, plans for "Man of Steel 2" have fallen to the wayside for the moment.
Given that, and the fact that Affleck's Batman is winning over WB executives, Henry Cavill's Superman may not be as central of a figure in the "Justice League" films as previously believed. He'll still be viewed as a leader and their top feature on offense, but he may not be quite as present as he was in the source material.
3. And the Villain is...
We don't know who the Justice League will be fighting in its two part series (though early unconfirmed rumors have suggested Brainiac). In fact, we don't even know if DC will follow the same formula as Marvel.
Thanos is the Big Bad looming over everything in the MCU. But Warner Bros. could easily decide that "Justice League Part I," due out on Nov. 17, 2017, will have its own self-contained villain while "Justice League Part II," set for June 14, 2019, is a more traditional follow-up without a narrative through line.
It's also worth noting that "Flash," "Aquaman" and "Shazam" solo films will all be dropping in between "Part I" and "Part II." That could open the door to a lot more storytelling possibilities in the second "Justice League" feature.
4. Other Heroes
Everyone knows that Wonder Woman will be accompanying Bats and Supes in "Dawn of Justice." As the only female on the team and one of the most bad-ass superheroes of all time, she will likely play a major role in the "Justice League" films. But who else will round out the roster besides the Trinity?
The "Green Lantern" movie from 2011 was such a flop that WB scrapped their plans for any immediate follow ups. That's why we won't see another standalone film in that world until 2020's "Green Lantern Corps" hits us with the entire army of ring-slingers. But it's still rumored that Hal Jordan, Jon Stewart or even both GLs could join the "Justice League" roster. Neither role has been cast at this point.
Other heroes include Ezra Miller's Flash and Jason Momoa's Aquaman, though both are rumored to have brief appearances in "Dawn of Justice" first. Ray Fisher's Cyborg will become an official member as well, though it's unknown if he'll get a brief introduction in "Dawn of Justice" as well. Cyborg will headline his own solo film in April 2020.
5. Zack Snyder
The director is WB's go-to guy within the DCEU and will be entrusted with both "Justice League" movies. But is that really such a good thing? Snyder is a polarizing figure among fanboys for his hit-and-miss resume.
I'm of the opinion that "Dawn of The Dead," "Watchmen" and "300" are all highly entertaining and stylistic films, while "Sucker Punch" and "Man of Steel" left a lot to be desired. Is that enough to generate full confidence in the "Justice League" series? For WB, it appears so.
Snyder will team with "Argo" and "Dawn of Justice" writer Chris Terrio to pen both films. Undoubtedly he will bring his patented flare for action, but can he also bring a touch of subtlety to the films as well? That remains to be seen.
