"Justice League" movie starts pre-production

[Paxton]

"Happy Feet" director George Miller is in talks to bring the superheroes of the "Justice League of America" comic books to the big screen.

While details about the script are being kept close to the vest, it is known that Warner Bros.' live-action movie will feature such A-listers as Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Aquaman, the Flash and Green Lantern as well as the Martian Manhunter.

Preparations are being made to shoot to the movie in Miller's native Australia.

One thorny issue the production needs to deal with is casting. Warner Bros. is in production on "The Dark Knight," a sequel to "Batman Begins," starring Christian Bale, and is in development on another Superman movie with Brandon Routh as Clark Kent/Superman. Those two actors will not reprise their roles for the "League" movie as the studio is intent on keeping all of its superhero movies as separate franchises. "League" also is looked at as a launchpad for other comic book movies.

As such, the studio is hoping to cast the movie with lesser-known actors, and an international search is under way.

The smaller names in the movie will help with the second issue facing the production: budget. A "League" movie was long thought impossible simply because the thinking was that any undertaking would break the bank on big-name actors and special effects. On the effects front, media like animation were considered before deciding to stick with live action. Miller's "League" will be effects-intensive. Some motion capture likely will be used as well.

 

[jcojax78]

They still haven't ruled out Tom Welling for Superman and they are looking at Ryan Gosling for Batman.

They are also going to make it a motion-caoture movie, not live-action. Very much like the new Beowulf movie that is on its way out. Either way, should be a good flick.

 

[Apollo]

This should be interesting and I understand why they aren't going to do it live-action. It would definately break the bank having all those superheroes on the screen. Imagine the man power needed to get the effects of Green Lantern, Superman, Martian Man Hunter, and the Flash at the same time. If they did live action, it would probably take several years. Especially with the flash and Green Lanterns powers.

 

[GL]

i have my doubts that this one will get off the ground.

the variables involved are fairly complex.

if i had my druthers i would have much preferred a live action Green Lantern film.

but i'll keep my fingers crossed!

 

[Spellbound]

I hope this never happens. It just sounds like a cheesy idea.

Its one thing if all these superheroes appear together in comics or cartoons, but its just too much for a feature film. Even if it is motion-capture. It'll turn out worse than X3 did.

I'd rather them continue making seperate franchises for Batman and Superman, and start new ones for the other heros. Not Aquaman though, because that would be stupid.

 

[bluedragon4]

^ I actually really liked X3. I think a live action movie is possible. But I think a computer generated movie would be really cool also. We shall see. And Tom Welling will never do it. He said he would never ever wear the outfit.

 

[GanymedeATL]

He said he would never ever wear the outfit.

To be fair, he said that a LONG time ago, and that was when he was a newbie to acting and rather capable of getting buff if required. Now it's almost seven years later, and his career looks as if it will be 'Smallville' alone, and he's having way more difficulty getting buff when required. I wish him the best, but, really, setting unrealistic parameters is never a great idea.
On topic, the movie sounds like a fun idea, but I doubt it would find an audience. Too many disparate franchises involved. You leave one or two out, it seems incomplete....all of them in, there's too much to coordinate.

 

[Paxton]

If the X-MEN franchise worked with all those heroes involved, I don't see why this one can't. As long as they give equally screen time to all the league, things won't be too hard to manage.

 

[Angelfan]

According to Variety Jessica Biel is likely to be cast as Wonder Woman although Warner Brothers are keeping quiet until they have a full cast to announce.

 

[luminum]

If the X-MEN franchise worked with all those heroes involved, I don't see why this one can't. As long as they give equally screen time to all the league, things won't be too hard to manage.

Yeah, but the X-Men have mostly always been written in the context of being a team. While there are favorite characters, the franchise bases itself on a team dynamic. Justice League is composed of independent superheroes, all well known, who end up working together. Introducing some independent characters only in the context of a team seems weird.

 

[jcojax78]

According to Variety Jessica Biel is likely to be cast as Wonder Woman although Warner Brothers are keeping quiet until they have a full cast to announce.

Also, a reletively unknown from Australia (Victoria Hill) has auditioned for the role. MHO, I would love to see Kate Beckinsale.

 

[MetaKnight]

Wait I dont get it, so how would this movie be created? Can someone give an example of another movie in the style this one will be done?

 

[Angelfan]

Wait I dont get it, so how would this movie be created? Can someone give an example of another movie in the style this one will be done?

Well they'll put together a cast of actors with a film crew and a special effects team (and probably hundreds of other people) and make a film like the ones you see on the big screen or on DVD or tv.

What style are you referring to? A special effects movie like The Lord of The Rings trilogy?

 

[luminum]

Someone mentioned motion capture?

 

[jcojax78]

It is being done in the motion capture style. The Beowulf movie is an example of that. Just watch the online trailer and you will see how cool it is.

The Characters that I have heard confirmed are Superman, Batman, WonderWoman, Flash, Green Lantern (John Stewart) and Martian Manhunter.

 

[prettyboysing]

the studio is intent on keeping all of its superhero movies as separate franchises. "League" also is looked at as a launchpad for other comic book movies.

Does this seem contradictory to anyone else?

According to Variety Jessica Biel is likely to be cast as Wonder Woman although Warner Brothers are keeping quiet until they have a full cast to announce.

This is probably the best WW rumor I've heard so far.

 

[MetaKnight]

It is being done in the motion capture style. The Beowulf movie is an example of that. Just watch the online trailer and you will see how cool it is.

The Characters that I have heard confirmed are Superman, Batman, WonderWoman, Flash, Green Lantern (John Stewart) and Martian Manhunter.

Aight thanks that what I needed.

Hope this turns out well.

 

[Paxton]

READ THE NEXT POST, PLEASE.

 

[Paxton]

Originally Posted by Paxton
the studio is intent on keeping all of its superhero movies as separate franchises. "League" also is looked at as a launchpad for other comic book movies.

Originally Posted by prettyboysing
Does this seem contradictory to anyone else?

Not at all. That means that they will keep the actors of the established franchises like Batman and Superman away from this project. And in the future, movies like Wonder Woman or Aquaman won't get the same performers featured on this League.

 

[prettyboysing]

Originally Posted by Paxton
the studio is intent on keeping all of its superhero movies as separate franchises. "League" also is looked at as a launchpad for other comic book movies.

Originally Posted by prettyboysing
Does this seem contradictory to anyone else?

Not at all. That means that they will keep the actors of the established franchises like Batman and Superman away from this project. And in the future, movies like Wonder Woman or Aquaman won't get the same performers featured on this League.

But then why call it a "launchpad" if the stories aren't related and they use different actors?

It doesn't really matter. It just seems like odd wording to me. Maybe they are trying to say this movie will generate interest for the future movies?