With MARVEL’S AVENEGERS ASSEMBLE taking an estimated $200 million in its opening weekend stateside, let’s assume the superhero movie is only just getting started. Marvel Studios’ efforts have been a resounding success: expertly replicating their comic universe, expanding ever so slightly with each new movie, and culminating with Joss Whedon’s ultimate spandex-clad smackdown, proving the superhero ensemble can work. Can we now expect DC Comics to follow suit with its own super-squad, The Justice League of America?
Though DC are falling behind on big-screen solo projects, they do have an advantage: owned by Warner Bros, there will be no quibbling over character rights, and whilst Marvel will have to wait an age (and shell out big bucks) before they can include later members Spider-Man and Wolverine in their Avengers movies, DC will have no such problem. And with Marvel taking just four years to build a blockbusting franchise, DC may not be far behind. After years of speculation, could next year’s MAN OF STEEL be the first steps toward a JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA movie?
Though DC Comics is less accessible to the casual reader/viewer (some titles require a substantial knowledge of back-story – a problem addressed when DC set some titles back to ‘issue one’ last year), some JLA members are arguably better known in the public consciousness, and could mean big box-office for Warner Bros (as THE DARK KNIGHT confirms). But before we get too excited, let’s take a look at DC’s premier superhero team, and what a big screen version may have in store…
SUPERMAN
Who He? Man of Steel, Kal-El, Krypton’s last son… you know the score. One of the world’s oldest and surely the best-known heroes, Superman is the archetypal costumed crime fighter: nerdy reporter Clark Kent by day, insufferable do-gooder by night. Crusader for peace, justice, and the American way.
Super Powers? Faster than a speeding bullet, leaps over building in a single bound etc. Originally from the planet Krypton, Earth’s Sun gives Superman his powers: flight, x-ray vision, super speed and strength, general double-hard bastardry.
Major Enemies? Superman has traded blows with many high-profile bad guys over the years, but the most famous are General Zod and Lex Luthor. With Zod’s mighty powers and Luthor’s ability to bankroll major carnage, both are likely candidates for top villain duties in a JLA movie (assuming Michael Shannon’s Zod survives MAN OF STEEL, of course).
Movie History? Superman has five major movies to his name, numerous TV shows and cartoons (spanning from the 1940s to present). Immortalized by Christopher Reeve in 1978’s SUPERMAN, unjustly overlooked in SUPERMAN RETURNS, and all set for the reboot treatment next year…
Man Behind the Mask? Depending on the success of Zack Snyder’s MAN OF STEEL, there may be no need to recast Henry Cavill, who’s currently donning the blue tights. Whilst Cavill’s recent efforts IMMORTALS and THE COLD LIGHT OF DAY do not bode well, Christopher Nolan’s involvement as producer does. However, most troubling is Cavill’s lack of red pants…
BATMAN
Who He? The Dark Knight? The Caped Crusader? Have a day off, son – it’s only bloody Batman. Alter ego of billionaire Bruce Wayne, Batman stalks his native Gotham city, kicking ass and taking names.
Super Powers? No powers as such, but an expert martial artist, the world’s greatest detective, and super pissed-off that his parents were murdered in front of his little kiddie eyes.
Major Enemies? Despite a vast rogues gallery including Bane, Two-Face, and Ras al-Ghul, Batman’s biggest adversary is the Joker. He could be a player in a JLA movie depending on where the franchise goes following…
Movie History? THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, anyone? Debuted in 1940s serials, became a household name in the deliciously camp 1960s TV show, went all Goth in Tim Burton’s 1989 effort, and turned laughing stock in Joel Schumacher’s BATMAN & ROBIN. But Batman got serious with Nolan’s BATMAN BEGINS and THE DARK KNIGHT, which, next to AVENGERS ASSEMBLE, are perhaps the finest blockbusters of the modern age.
Man Behind the Mask? Nolan’s realistic and gritty Batman does NOT belong to the JLA universe, which features a great deal of alien, inter-dimensional, and fantasy-based action. Expect Christian Bale to relinquish the role following TDKR, and for Bruce Wayne to be recast for the already-announced reboot (possibly set to tie in with JLA). We need someone suave, buff, and cold as ice. Pray for Ryan Gosling. Fear Bradley Cooper.
WONDER WOMAN
Who She? Amazonian warrior princess, feminist icon, and a right nice dolly bird. Under her civilian name, Diana Prince, she is also now a government agent and founding member of the JLA.
Super Powers: Given her abilities from the Gods, Wonder Woman possesses super speed, super strength, flight, enhanced healing abilities, and a loving heart. Which is a bit girly.
Major Enemies? Amongst her most prolific foes are Ares, Cheetah, and Silver Swan. However, as they remain largely unknown to the casual viewer, don’t expect either to make an appearance in the JLA movie.
Movie History? Famously portrayed on TV by Lynda Carter in the 1970s, it’s been a long while since Wonder Woman was a success on screen. Despite a number of animated shows, her last high-profile outing was a failed 2011 TV pilot. However, there has been much speculation of a new movie project, with Joel Silver reportedly attached as a producer.
Woman Behind the Mask? It’s high time Wonder Woman made her name on the silver screen; with a lack of successful female-orientated superhero movies, the Amazonian Princess is top candidate to break through the proverbial glass ceiling. With her good looks and genuine nails-hard credentials, Gina Carano is THN’s top choice to fill those saucy red boots.
GREEN LANTERN
Who He? AKA Hal Jordan, former fighter pilot and top banana with intergalactic enforcement outfit the Green Lantern Corps. Just don’t mention bananas around him – Jordan’s powers come from the colour green, and his weakness is the colour yellow…
Super Powers? The standard: strength, flight, speed etc. But the Lanterns each draw their abilities from a green ring, from which they can also shoot lasers and create constructs from the ‘Green Light of Willpower’. Think big comical green fists and anvils.
Major Enemies? Both Parallax and Sinestro appeared in last year’s GREEN LANTERN. Whilst Parallax was reduced to some rubbish yellow dust, Sinestro’s reign of terror may live to fight another day (or GREEN LANTERN 2 at least, assuming it actually happens). With his band of evil Corps and galactic-scale tyranny, Lantern-turned-space bastard Sinestro is top choice for JLA’s villain duties.
Movie History? Despite a green bucket-load of cartoon appearances and two 1979 specials, LEGENDS OF THE SUPERHEROES (don’t ask), Hal Jordan’s only major appearance was Martin Cambell’s disastrous movie. The antithesis of THE DARK KNIGHT, GREEN LANTERN was CGI-heavy, riddled with plot holes, and generally annoying.
Man Behind the Mask? After the critical mauling of GREEN LANTERN, a sequel is allegedly in the works, but let’s not hold our breaths yet. If it happens, expect Ryan Reynolds to continue as Jordan for the JLA movie, but those looking for a more intense, less irritating portrayal may consider Joel Edgerton as a sound choice.
MARTIAN MANHUNTER
Who He? Otherwise known as J’onn J’onzz (or John Jones – take your pick), Manhunter is the last surviving Martian. Also known to moonlight as a hard-boiled detective.
Super Powers? Flight, speed, strength, shape shifting, telepathy, invisibility. Pretty much all your bog-standard super fellow requirements.
Major Enemies? Amongst others are Bel Juz, Despero, The Headmaster, and The Prophet. Heard of them at all? No. Thought not. J’onzz’s true arch nemesis is his twin brother Malefic, who possesses almost identical powers. A possibility for the prospective JLA movie, but don’t count on it.
Movie History? Much like Green Lantern, J’onzz has been mostly reduced to animated appearances. He did, however, appear in SMALLVILLE (played by Phil Morris). Indeed, a JLA movie could prove the Martian Manhunter’s chance at Hollywood stardom.
Man Behind the Mask? Just as Marvel’s Hulk smashed via the wonders of motion-capture, Martian Manhunter may benefit from such CG wizardry. And let’s be honest, although Mark Ruffalo did a fine job as Ol’ Green Skin, for first-class mo-cap, there’s only one man – Andy Serkis.
AQUAMAN
Who He? Also known as Orin, Aquaman is the King of Atlantis and other underwater territories. He’s basically a double-hard fish man.
Super Powers: Speed, strength and… er, swimming. Also uses telepathy to communicate with other aquatic life forms (presumably for joining in a fishy chorus of ‘Under the Sea’ and such the like).
Major Enemies? A long list of villains with fish- or fisherman-based gimmicks, most of whom boast interminable, pun-heavy names (King Shark and Marine Marauder to name but a few). Black Manta is Aquaman’s biggest adversary – an orphan nutcase who enjoys submerging himself in icy cold water and murdering Aquaman’s children when possible. A supporting role in JLA may be likely.
Movie History? Another veteran of animated shows, Aquaman also appeared in SMALLVILLE and even his own doomed 2007 pilot, the appropriately titled AQUAMAN (played by Justin Hartely, who coincidentally played Green Arrow in SMALLVILLE, fact fans).
Man Behind the Mask? With his exquisite physique, chiselled looks, and Aryan colouring, the JLA movie will be looking for one of Hollywood’s current buff tings. That being the case, Armie Hammer or Channing Tatum could be potential Aquamen. They could always die their hair nice and blonde.
THE FLASH
Who He? One of several men known as The Flash, Barry Allen is a founding member of the Justice League of America. And he does a lovely line in red tights.
Super Powers? When a freak lightning bolt struck a chemical cupboard in Allen’s general vicinity (what are the chances?), the former police scientist – whatever that is – was afforded seriously super speed and other related abilities.
Major Enemies? Flash has accrued a large number of enemies, with names such as Captain Boomerang and The Trickster making numerous appearances. In recent years the most well known is perhaps Zoom, who, with his reverse colour costume and similar powers is almost the anti-Flash. Could be a contender for a supporting role due to his place in the public consciousness.
Movie History? Along with the standard cartoons and SMALLVILLE appearances, Flash starred in his own TV show in the early 1990s, and even some straight-to-video movies (played by John Wesley Shipp). The JLA movie could mean a welcome return, especially as the Flash has been a major player in the DC Universe over the years.
Man Behind the Mask? The words Duane ‘The Rock’ Johnson appear to have surfaced from somewhere, and now we can’t seem to get rid of them.
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES arrives in UK cinemas 20th July 2012 & MAN OF STEEL arrives June 2013.
Rob W
May 8, 2012 at 5:56 pm
As a lifelong DC fan, the writer gives a great argument for a Justice League film, the best I’ve heard in fact. Even his casting suggestions are faultless, with the exception of The Rock for the Flash. Barry Allen’s blonde hair and 60s Van Johnson looks makes Armie Hammer a much more likely choice! It should be noted however, during DC’s reboot last year, the League’s origin story was changed, in my view primarily to help its page to screen adaptation. Martian Manhunter, a great character but whose powers were always a little too close to Superman’s, was dropped from the original League lineup. His replacement was teen athlete Vic Stone who, after an accident destroyed most of his body had his life saved by cybernetics, becoming Cyborg: a part-man/part-robot with enhanced strength and the ability to talk to computers. He’s not only an easier character for DC virgins to get their heads ’round in terms of powers and abilities but, as an African-American, widens the League’s appeal by meeting diversity targets in the bargain. True Blood’s Mehcad Brooks would be a great choice to play him.
Theo
May 9, 2012 at 8:24 am
LOL Wonder Woman’s Description is pretty bad. pretty far of the mark. She does not work for the Government, She has no secret identity, She will kill if necessary, and is NOT really portrayed as a Feminist ICON. Jenna Carano would make a terrible wonder woman! She does not have enough acting experience for a big budget movie with possible sequels and solo spinoffs minimum 3 big budget movies with Gina Carano as wonder woman? HELL NO. Unless the intent is to never have Wonder Woman talk on camera Gina Carano is BAD. Almost anyone is better
Theo
May 9, 2012 at 8:50 am
Lets be serious The Martian Man hunter is in no way essential to any Justice League movie. Give him a VERY small part or just get rid of him. His presence may distract from the rest.
Max
May 9, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Wonder Woman was a government agent for the dept of meta human affairs. She goes under the name Diana Prince which is not a secret identity, but the writer never said it was. And I’d say she was a feminist icon – one of the most recognisable and powerful women from pop culture. So there.
Sean
Jun 3, 2012 at 2:43 am
Some pretty questionable casting,
keep Cavill as Superman
Armie Hammer, Luke Evans, or Jon Hamm as Batman
Lena Heady for Wonder Woman
Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, or Terrence Howard if they wanna introduce Jon Stewart
Colin Salmon as Martian Manhunter
Joel Edgerton as Aquaman
Ryan Gosling as Flash
Bee
Aug 15, 2015 at 8:34 am
Armie Hammer is of part Jewish descent.
Actors of fully Jewish background: Logan Lerman, Natalie Portman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mila Kunis, Bar Refaeli, James Wolk, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Julian Morris, Adam Brody, Esti Ginzburg, Kat Dennings, Gabriel Macht, Erin Heatherton, Odeya Rush, Anton Yelchin, Paul Rudd, Scott Mechlowicz, Lisa Kudrow, Lizzy Caplan, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Gal Gadot, Debra Messing, Robert Kazinsky, Melanie Laurent, Shiri Appleby, Justin Bartha, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Margarita Levieva, Elizabeth Berkley, Halston Sage, Seth Gabel, Corey Stoll, Mia Kirshner, Alden Ehrenreich, Eric Balfour, Jason Isaacs, Jon Bernthal, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy.
Andrew Garfield and Aaron Taylor-Johnson are Jewish, too (though I don’t know if both of their parents are).
Actors with Jewish mothers and non-Jewish fathers: Jake Gyllenhaal, Dave Franco, James Franco, Scarlett Johansson, Daniel Day-Lewis, Daniel Radcliffe, Alison Brie, Eva Green, Joaquin Phoenix, River Phoenix, Emmy Rossum, Rashida Jones, Jennifer Connelly, Sofia Black D’Elia, Nora Arnezeder, Goldie Hawn, Ginnifer Goodwin, Amanda Peet, Eric Dane, Jeremy Jordan, Joel Kinnaman, Ben Barnes, Patricia Arquette, Kyra Sedgwick, Dave Annable, Ryan Potter.
Actors with Jewish fathers and non-Jewish mothers, who themselves were either raised as Jews and/or identify as Jews: Ezra Miller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Alexa Davalos, Nat Wolff, Nicola Peltz, James Maslow, Josh Bowman, Winona Ryder, Michael Douglas, Ben Foster, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nikki Reed, Zac Efron, Jonathan Keltz, Paul Newman.
Oh, and Ansel Elgort’s father is Jewish, though I don’t know how Ansel was raised. Robert Downey, Jr. and Sean Penn were also born to Jewish fathers and non-Jewish mothers. Armie Hammer and Chris Pine are part Jewish.
Actors with one Jewish-born parent and one parent who converted to Judaism: Dianna Agron, Sara Paxton (whose father converted, not her mother), Alicia Silverstone, Jamie-Lynn Sigler.