It was probably the worst kept secret in Hollywood, but now comes the official news - first reported by the Wall Street Journal this evening - that Warner Bros. are on track to make a big superhero team movie of the Justice League. Since Marvel's major success with the Avengers - bringing together many of their major heroes from their solo outings in to one massive tentpole event - all eyes have been on Warners/DC to see what their response would be.
With Man of Steel's sequel (informally being called 'Superman vs Batman') already filling up with characters such as Batman, Wonder Woman and the character of Cyborg (announced this week and to be played by Ray Fisher), some were presuming that the film might actually be a Justice League outing in all but name, but today's news suggests that it will more likely act as a lead-in of sorts.
Warner Bros. President of Worldwide Production Greg Silverman announced the plans. The news on the director will likely continue to divide fans with Zack Snyder, who helmed the controversial Man of Steel outing( and who will also return for the sequel, starting production next month) behind the camera.
“It will be a further expansion of this universe,” said Mr. Silverman. “’Superman vs Batman’ will lead into ‘Justice League.’”
Though plans suggest the film would not hit cinemas before 2018, Henry Cavill is presumed to be returning for Justice League in what would be his third apperance as Superman, with Ben Affleck as Batman and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. In regards to other team characters... so far no recent movies have been made Flash (though a tv show is imminent) or Aquaman and it's likely there will be no formal ties to the previous Green Lantern film that somewhat crashed and burned.
Silverman would apparently not be drawn on what other members of the final team line-up will be...