THE DC CINEMATIC UNIVERSE: How I would handle it.

What follows is a hypothetical plan for the DC Comics Cinematic Universe and how I would handle it. I'll be basing my opinions off the already established DC movie cannon I.E Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and jumping into Justice League and beyond.

First off let me comment on Man of Steel. I for one believe that the character of Superman is a perfect choice to begin the journey into the broader DC movie Universe. Not only is it symbolic considering his status in the comics but the very nature of the character allows for all the weird and wonderful characters that follow. When we open up the window to the fictional world using such a spectacular character, he's a godlike alien, when we follow up with the rest of the roster it's quite easy to accept masked vigilantes, Amazonian Warriors and Atlantean Princes are a part of this world. If you can accept a man can fly and shoot fire from his eyes the rest, in my opinion, is easy pretty to swallow.

And then of course there is the tone. For me the film is grounded in a world familiar to ours yet fantastic enough for us to accept the otherworldly. Many fans have decried the somewhat sombre tone of MoS but for this comic fan and moviegoer I feel it is what will ultimately set it apart from it's nearest rival. I believe that this tone should be maintained throughout the connected movies. Whereas Marvel Studios is popcorn entertainment, that is not a slant as it's the formula that makes them billions, DC should be a more darker alternative. I'm not saying that it should be pitch black and super serious to the point of depression but its over all tone should be a counterpoint to Marvel or else they would be just trying to copy their formula and be derivative.

Contrary to many vocal opponents of the decision I think DC's choice of a Batman/Superman team up movie prior to JL and/or other solo outings is a astute move. Batman and Superman are DC's most iconic and well recognized characters and the absolute best way to open up the audience to the Cinematic Universe. Everybody and their grandparents know who Batman and Superman are even if they have never picked up a comic. Both characters are multimedia icons and therefore can be the audiences gateway into their world. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice can work two fold, bring in satisfy the fans and be a guide into the world established by MoS. In my opinion it is a perfect way to establish the Cinematic Universe prior to the Justice League film without several solo movies. We come to see these Iconic Heroes duke it out but along the way we learn about their world, I.E Wonder Woman, Aquaman etc etc.

But how to follow up?

Well the obvious answer is Justice League. Many people, including myself in my own fake script, believe the best way to get the League together is to face off against the most powerful of DC bad guys, DARKSEID. He's the obvious choice after all, a malevolent galactic conqueror with myriad powers and a vast army at his disposal and while I at first was all for seeing him onscreen battling the League I've had a change of opinion. I think the most suitable villain to get the League together would in fact be the villain that brought them together in the comics, STARRO. Not exactly everybody's first choice but let me explain.

Imagine this: We open above the Atlantic Ocean and from the Heavens we see a ball off flame descend crashing into the sea. We follow it down into the depths until we see the lights of a under sea city in the darkness, then we cut to black. Later we see Aquaman, beaten and bloody, emerge from the Ocean and call on his friends, Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman. His Kingdom has been taken over by a parasite alien which has multiplied and taken control of the minds of all his subjects. Soon we learn that cities all over the world are under attack by Atlantean forces who have grotesque starfish like creatures attached to their faces. One by one entire cities, Metropolis, Gotham, Central City, fall to the Atlanteans and the populations taken over by the parasites. Green Lantern comes to Earth to find the creature but realizes he may be too late. The Justice League comes together to battle the Alien Parasite who's followers include the very people the League has sworn to protect., the fate of whole world hanging in the balance.

The reason I would choose Starro is that a villain that could potentially take control of the most powerful beings on Earth and use them to do its bidding is very compelling. What would the League have to do should Superman come under its thrall? How would Batman deal with a possessed Alfred who is trying to kill him? What would Wonder Woman and Aquaman do in a scenario when they are faced with going to war with their own peoples? It's the Justice League vs The World.

Later on we can get to other Justice League villains and Darkseid. I imagine there will be a series of Justice League films there is no real need to jump straight into the New Gods.

I'm assuming that Warner Bros/DC are planning on spinning the solo movies off the JL film and I think that this is a great way to handle it. We've seen the League in action and now we will get to learn more about the individual members in their own solo adventures. Unlike their counterparts at Marvel I'd like to see each solo movie as a separate story. Know forcing of interconnecting plot lines or character cameos. Set them in the same Universe but not have them be burdened with establishing the next big story or continuity or character introduction. BvS and JL can do that job perfectly. The world has been established now focus on the characters.

The first solo movie I would like to see is Wonder Woman. The idea of Diana facing off against powerful Gods and Demi-Gods is exciting. I think they should use Azzarello's New 52 run as an inspiration for both tone and aesthetic but take ample amounts of material from her past incarnations. I would focus a lot on the magical elements and the world behind the world, I.E have the Mythological Greek Gods as actual Gods, not aliens or any inter dimensional life form BS. The reason I say this is that Wonder Woman can help set up the occult aspect and allow for the inclusion of characters like Constantine, Swamp Thing and Zatanna etc etc in future films. And of course Shazam.

Now there has been a lot of talk as to how exactly a character like Shazam can exist in the Universe established by MoS. Many people believe that the nature of the character doesn't allow for coexistence with Superman or Batman? To this I say... Why not? The idea of little Billy Batson becoming the worlds mightiest mortal by saying the word 'Shazam' may seem at first to be a little too out there for some but I think it can work. If you can accept Wonder Woman and her Amazons then Shazam fits too. I think what colors peoples opinion is the perceived lack of humor in MoS means that there can be none in Shazam should it be set in the same world. MoS and it's story didn't allow for lots of humor, dying planets, genocidal Kryptonians and cities being demolished aren't exactly a recipe for comedy but Shazam, being about a boy who becomes a super powered man, does. Billy Batson/Shazam could be used in the DC Cinematic Universe just like he was in Young Justice, endearing and funny but doesn't take away from the over all seriousness of the story.

For the next solo film I think the most intriguing prospect is the proposed Green Lantern/ The Flash team up movie. To some this idea seems absurd and unworkable but not to me. Its the buddy movie premise brought into the superhero genre. For example imagine the personality clashes of a smart ass Wally West and a more serious John Stewart. Just think of the potential of those two opposite personalities working together to bring down the Flash's Rogues who have been imbued with some sort of cosmic power/weaponry that is Green Lantern's reason for being part of the tale. Regardless of what story they use to bring the two together it's still an exciting premise.

Aquaman needs his own movie too and having him battle for the Throne of Atlantis seems to be the most obvious way to go. It would be amazing if instead of bringing him to the surface the story could keep him in Atlantis. I say set the whole movie entirely in Atlantis, that way the audience could be immersed in Arthur Curry's world and culture. Just think of how beautiful the Under Sea realm would look on screen in IMAX for example. It could be to the levels of Avatar in it's world building. Giant battles, bizarre creatures, epic struggles for power, and Aquaman solo movie could have it all.

And that's why doing the JL movie first is so smart. In that we can get to see the heroes in a relatable setting before delving deep into their own worlds and mythologies in their solo movies.

Running parallel with these big budget blockbusters I think WB/DC should produce a series of smaller movies like Suicide Squad and Justice League Dark. Quality mid budget films that while fleshing out the greater DC Universe tell unique stories not burdened by being connected to the stories JL and the solo films are telling. Set them in the world but let them be their own thing.

That's just how I would do it.

SoA.