Writers Hired For JLA Film
Warner Brothers has hired writers Kiernan and Michele Mulroney to pen the script for its hoped-fpr Justice League of America movie, based on the DC Comics franchise, Variety reported. It's the first major action the studio has taken on the project, the trade paper reported.
The franchise features the superhero team of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, the Flash, the Green Lantern and the Martian Manhunter, among other heroes. The studio isn't saying which ones may be included in the film.
Development of the film is complicated by the fact that Warner has already revived its Batman and Superman film franchises, with Christian Bale's Batman Begins and the upcoming The Dark Knight and Brandon Routh's Superman Returns and its upcoming sequel. The studio is also developing a Wonder Woman film.
Filmmakers Chris Nolan (Batman Begins) and Bryan Singer (Superman Returns) are each on board to helm the next installments in the two respective franchises. The Dark Knight is eyeing a 2008 release, and the next Superman is slated for 2009.
The JLA has spawned several cartoon TV series, including the 1960s and '70s show Super Friends and the current Cartoon Network series Justice League Unlimited, from Warner Brothers Animation.
Live action?!?!?! :jawdrop
Much as I love JLA and would love to see a movie....it may be a bit too much at this point...especially, like they said, with the studio already producing 2 (or 3) of the main members movies. Who will play the parts of Supes and Bats. I think the public at large is used to see Chritian and Brandon in those roles at this point so it would be weird to cast others.
I don't know maybe they could do with some of the more minor heroes....Martian Manhunter, Captain Marvel (Shazam) was member in the comics....Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Green Lantern...those guys.
Is JLA Picking Up Steam?
IESB.net reported a rumor that a script for a proposed Justice League of America movie is done and that the movie is moving forward rapidly.
Kiernan and Michele Mulroney's script has been warmly received at Warner Brothers, and the studio is envisioning the movie as a launching pad for others movies based on The Flash, Wonder Woman, The Green Lantern and Aquaman, as well as a shot in the arm for the Superman franchise, the site reported, citing anonymous studio sources.
The studio wants to start production on Justice League as soon as the first quarter of 2008 for a summer 2009 release, the site reported. That calls into question the timing of an expected sequel to Superman Returns, which is expected to be called The Man of Steel.
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=43412
This would be very cool if they can pull it together. It would be great to see the new Batman and Superman actors show up in it too.
I am really looking for to the animated DVD "The Death of Superman" due out next month too.
Justice League to be a CGI/Motion Capture Film!?
http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6235
Source: IESB.net
August 22, 2007
One of the most talked-about topics online these days is Warner Bros.' Justice League of America adaptation, which Happy Feet director George Miller is reportedly attached to.
Reports have said that the superhero team-up movie would include Batman, Superman, The Flash, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern, that casting would start next week, and that Christian Bale (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) and Brandon Routh (Superman, Superman: Man of Steel) would not be involved.
It didn't quite make sense how Warner Bros. would be able to pull it off, but perhaps now we know how they can. IESB.net says that the movie might be a CGI/performance capture project, much like The Polar Express, and the upcoming Beowulf and Avatar. Here's a bit of the scoop the site received:
However, and take this with a grain of salt, Imageworks are apparently in the running to provide services on the JLA film, competing with R&H and possibly WETA (the latter being unconfirmed).
But the real interesting thing about this is that the contract is for an all-cgi "photo-real" motion capture movie, much like the upcoming Beowulf.
I have mixed feelings about this. I would love to see a live action JLA, especially if Christian and Brandon could reprise their roles in the film. It would give great continuity. However, if that is not possible than a CGI version is probably their best alternative. I love the JLA animated series! One of the best cartoons ever made imho.
Kevin
Jessica Biel â€" Wonder Woman?
http://www.sliceofscifi.com/2007/09/25/jessica-biel-wonder-woman/
As strange as this idea may sound to some hard-core Wonder Woman fans, actress Jessica Biel (â€The Illusionistâ€) is in talks to play the lasso-weilding wonder lass in the upcoming Warner Bros./DC Comics “Justice League of America†big screen, live-action film.
“Justice,†which is penned by Kieran Mulroney and Michele Mulroney, could help ramp up a Wonder Woman spinoff, according to “Variety.â€
The proposed “Wonder Woman†flick has been on again/off again for quite some time. Joss Whedon (â€Fireflyâ€/â€Serenityâ€) was on tap to direct the stand alone “Wonder Woman†feature but has since dropped off the project citing creative differences with the film’s producer Joel Silver.
Official word at this time from Warner Bros. is Christian Bale (Batman) and Brandon Routh (Superman) will NOT be featured in their respective roles in the “Justice League of America†movie. The movie is currently looking at a 2010 release date, depending on how talks between the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) go. Any strike by the WGA could postpone the release.
Regardless of the official stance at this time, I won't be surprised to see Brandon Routh appear as Superman in this film.
It would be great to see this all come together but I really have my doubts. It's a huge thing to try and do - and do well. I like the idea of Jessica Biel as Wonder Woman. We'll see how this all plays out.
I have mixed emotions on this type of film. Yes, I love the comics but I am not sure how that would translate onto the the big screen. My concern is that with so many strong personalities and stories it would be almost impossible to give them enough time. With a 2hr movie I feel that it's hard to focus on too many sotry lines or people at once. I think this is where XMEN was at it's weakest and I dont think that the XMEN have nearly the same characters as JLA does. I say keep making Superman and Batman movies and leave JLA to either a TV servies or animation. Just my humble opinion.....
I agree that this is where the X-franchise failed, X3 being the most extreme example.
However, it can be done. There were many, many episodes of Justice League and JLU which served the characters well, while telling compelling stories, with great action pieces.
Should be interesting if it happens
Quote from: pickard on September 26, 2007, 07:23:36 AM
I agree that this is where the X-franchise failed, X3 being the most extreme example.
However, it can be done. There were many, many episodes of Justice League and JLU which served the characters well, while telling compelling stories, with great action pieces.
I really hope you are right. I just cringe when I hear of movies with multiple big stars or multiple big stars as the villans like Batman II and Spiderman III. Here's hoping....
Yeah, you'd hope they could learn from their mistakes. But Batman Returns was followed by Forever and then Batman & Robin, each worsening the problems of the previous film.
I haven't seen Spidey 3 yet, but none of my friends with similar tastes enjoyed it.
Not everything has to be character driven to be compelling. If the script is good, some balls to the walls action and fight scenes featuring some of our most favorite iconic characters could translate into the best movie of the year. It boils down to what you really want to see out of comic book adaptations. Action and adventure, right? In my opinion the best parts of the Spider man movies, especially the last one, were the action sequences. I'd rather see some all out battle royale than delve into the deepest motivations and personal angst of the Martian Manhunter anyway.
Who is Testing for Justice League ?
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
October 14, 2007
http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6403
The Hollywood Reporter says that a slew of young actors are testing for the roles of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, Green Lantern and the Martian Manhunter in George Miller's big screen Justice League adaptation. The director is seeing 35-40 actors for roles in the Warner Bros. comic book movie from Sunday through Monday.
Included in the casting sessions are: Adam Brody ("The O.C."), Joseph Cross (Running With Scissors), D.J. Cotrona ("Windfall"), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Grindhouse), Michael Angarano (Sky High), Teresa Palmer (The Grudge 2), Max Thieriot (Jumper) and rapper Common.
The trade adds that the cast of NBC's "Friday Night Lights" is well-represented as well, with Minka Kelly, Adrianne Palicki and Scott Porter also among those testing for parts.
Miller is reportedly looking for the young actors to grow into their roles over the course of several movies. The director is due to present his findings to the studio midweek.
....been trying to cover a few of the heroes of JLA in my recent podcasts (Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, Batman) found that the Martian Manhunter has a great backstory in both the DC Universe and the Animated version...don't know if they will stretch to include him, but i hope so....in smallville he saves Superman but you never see him....you just see a half eaten oreo cookie....his trademark...for a quick link to itunes or to just listen at your computer www.heroesofsciencefictionandfantasy.com
JLA's Batman Cast?
IESB.net reported a rumor that Armie Hammer will play Batman in the upcoming Justice League movie.
Hammer, the 21-year-old great-grandson of his namesake, industrialist Armand Hammer, is a relative newcomer, having played roles in TV series such as Veronica Mars and Desperate Housewives. IESB reported that Hammer is 6 feet 5 inches tall.
Weta To Design JLA Suits
New Zealand's Dominion Post newspaper reported that Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop physical-effects house will design and make costumes for George Miller's Justice Leage of America movie.
The shop will reportedly come up with costumes for Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the Flash.
Miller will begin shooting the movie in Sydney this year.
The film's Wellington, New Zealand,-based American producer, Barrie Osborne, who produced Jackson's The Lord of the Rings, confirmed Weta Workshop's involvement to the newspaper.
this is great news as I have always had a soft spot for the JLA. I am also looking forward to a movie about another on agan, off again JLA member...Captain Marvel (Shazam!)
Strike To Hang Up JLA?
Entertainment Weekly magazine reported in its Jan. 18 edition that George Miller's upcoming Justice Leage of America film may face a delay because the ongoing writers' strike could forestall a desired script rewrite.
Citing an anonymous source, the magazine said that producers want a rewrite, but are debating whether to begin shooting without one. Warner Brothers has until Jan. 15 to either green-light the movie for a spring production start for a summer 2009 release or push it until after the strike is resolved.
Meanwhile, the magazine reported that all seven superheroes have been cast.
Well this is pretty bad news...
JLA Postponed Indefinitely
Alas, there is hope for a new Superman sequel to "Superman Returns" after all. The one thing holding it back was the announcement earlier last year that a "Justice League of America" (JLA) movie would have to come first, however, Warner Bros. has just pulled the plug on their highly sought after JLA film.
The film studio has let the waivers on all the cast go leaving director George Miller without actors.
The movie was to begin production two days ago but now has been put on hold and may not get going again until November or December 2008, if at all.
Warner Bros. sited several factors in their decision to let the actor's options go by the wayside. One reason was the ongoing writer's strike and upcoming negotiations with both the Directors Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild, as well as, problems getting their expected tax breaks for shooting most of the film in Australia.
The script was less than Warner had expected leaving no where to turn for rewrites because of the strike. By not exercising cast options the entire recasting process will have to begin again once the project gets back underway, causing even further delays. And, while it is expected that the relatively unknown actors will make themselves available, if and when the shoot begins again, Hollywood can be a very fluid town and some of them may have found their fame by then and it could end up costing the studio more than initially budgeted for.
Not too surprised. TV has been impacted greatly by the writers strike, movie productions are next. This is just the start of it. Right now I'm guessing that 2009 is going to be a very weak movie year.
LAME LAME LAME!!!!!!
Oh well, what can ya do?
JLA Back In Production
Now that the writer's strike has been successfully concluded, contract signed and scribes are back at their desks the Warner Bros. live-action flick "Justice League of America" is gearing up again, according to Variety.
Because of the long delay all the actors originally attached to the film no longer have cast options. However, the studio is actively re-negotiating with them to return. Some of those cast before the strike began were Adam Brody ("The O.C.") as the Flash, Singer turned actor Common ("Smokin' Aces") to play the Green Lantern, D.J. Cotrona ("Venom") was rumored to star as Superman and Teresa Palmer ("The Grudge 2″) as Talia Al Ghul, the estranged daughter of the supervillain Ra's al Ghul. Other rumored cast members were Armie Hammer Jr. as Batman and Megan Gale as Wonder Woman.
The script was begun before the strike and now scribes Kieran and Michele Mulroney are back at work putting the finishing touches to it.
George Miller is still on board to direct and has begun the pre-production process. Warner is shooting for release sometime in 2009. After JLA goes to the big screen, filming on the Bryan Singer directed "Superman: Man of Steel" movie should begin.
Justice League tabled
One good thing to come of yesterday's report that a Wonder Woman movie may be on the fast track to big-screen development–the news has official "tabled" the Justice League movie.
Producer Joel Silver confirmed the Justice League film has been put on the back-burner for now, effectively canceling the current project that was due to start production next year. It will release the proposed cast from their contracts and allow the production to try again in a few years.
&^%@
Frak! I love the idea of this movie but I can see where it may be a bit too big also....I guess.....Frak!
Looks like the on-off-on-off JLA movie is back on again - and they have picked a Wonder Woman. Australian model/actress Megan Gale has been picked by George Miller to play the Amazon princess. She's got the looks, the question is can she act.
More info here:
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/news/articles/4916.asp
Ummm -- who cares !!??
Quote from: markinro on August 06, 2008, 10:06:18 AM
Ummm -- who cares !!??
Now Mark - you know you will see the movie when it comes out. ;)
Quote from: markinro on August 06, 2008, 10:06:18 AM
Ummm -- who cares !!??
Ever the voice of reason.
;)
King
Quote from: Rico on August 06, 2008, 10:48:22 AM
Quote from: markinro on August 06, 2008, 10:06:18 AM
Ummm -- who cares !!??
Now Mark - you know you will see the movie when it comes out. ;)
This one will depend - it can go either way.