First Look at Superman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
We've already seen what Ben Affleck as Batman will look like in Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but there were questions as to what Henry Cavill's Superman will look like. Anybody expecting something drastically different from Snyder's Man of Steel look will be very disappointed, considering it's the exact same costume. The first image gives off a sense of gloom as Superman is in the middle of a torrential rainstorm, which befits Batman more than it does Superman. I guess this is Snyder's way of juxtaposing the optimistic and cheery Superman with the dark and depressing Gotham setting.
Man of Steel wasn't an amazing film in itself, but it set the tone for future Superman films and was a great foundation for Warner Bros. and DC to build from. By putting Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman in Dawn of Justice, I worry that it'll be overkill and not formed naturally the way Marvel's The Avengers was put together. Then again, I've always been pessimistic when it comes to DC films outside of the Nolan Batverse.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice won't be in theaters until May 6, 2016, so we have a little less than two years to continue speculating over the film.
[via Collider]
Man of Steel Sequel Officially Named Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Zach Snyder's sequel to Man of Steel has been unofficially called Batman vs. Superman since its announcement, but an official title has finally been revealed. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is the film's proper name and has begun principal photography in Detroit. Following last week's first look at Ben Affleck as Batman, the added subtitle of "Dawn of Justice" will certainly stoke the fires along for the already announced Justice League film. What's interesting is the simple use of "v" instead of the more combative "vs." Could the early implications of Batman facing off against Superman simply be just that? Or is this Snyder's coy way of beating around the bush?
Regardless, it seems like DC and Warner Bros. finally have a solid game plan in place for the future of their film properties. I still have my reservations about what's to come over the next few years, especially in a world where Marvel has dominated both the box office and critical reception, but it's good to see the seeds planted for something much bigger. If only I had more optimism in Snyder's directing ability... I feel like WB is using Dawn of Justice as a testing ground to see how receptive audiences will be towards having new versions of Wonder Woman, Lex Luthor, and Batman on the big screen before spinning them off into their own films, much like Marvel did with The Hulk in The Avengers. However, without the considerable build-up Marvel did with their Phase 1 films, I fear that Dawn of Justice will be too hobbled with an excess of characters.
Nevertheless, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has begun filming, so it's only a matter of a few short months before we can see our first glimpses of Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman.
First Official Look at Ben Affleck's Batman, Batmobile
Speculation has been running high ever since it was announced that Ben Affleck was going to don the Batman cowl for Batman vs. Superman. What type of Batman would he be look? Would he be able to live up to the precedent set by Christian Nolan? Would Zack Snyder be able to maintain the status quo that Christopher Nolan established with the Dark Knight Trilogy? Above all else: What will the new Batman suit look like?
At least one of those questions was answered today when Snyder himself revealed the first look at Affleck in the cowl alongside the Batmobile. Shot on a Leica M Monochrom (major street cred there, Snyder), the first official look at Batfleck looks amazing. The short ears definitely bring a comparison to Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, while the Batmobile has more in common with the Batman films from the '90s instead of Nolan's "Bat Tumbler" from his Dark Knight Trilogy.
I still have my hesitance over the entirety of Batman vs. Superman, but I feel more at ease knowing Batman won't look like a chump.
[via Zack Snyder's Twitter]
Jesse Eisenberg set to play Lex Luthor in Batman vs. Superman
...what?! In an announcement that seriously comes from left field, Warner Bros. has announced that they have cast Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) as Lex Luthor in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film. With the litany of names thrown out for consideration, such as Joaquin Phoenix, I don't think many people would have guessed that Eisenberg would come out on top for the role... and with good reason, too.
The very obvious reason is the fact that Luthor has always been depicted as an older, bald businessman. However, as technology has risen and the corporate structure has shifted more towards younger generation, it's only fitting that Batman vs. Superman's Luthor would be a younger man. Furthermore, this opens up narrative possibilities for DC and WB that would include Eisenberg being used for a long-term, multi-picture deal, as well as have the artistic creativity to further create stories that distance themselves from the same old canon. As somebody who detests DC comics (and the structure of their films outside of the Nolan Dark Knight Trilogy), this is a great move for a company that desperately needed one.
Also cast into the film is Jeremy Irons (The Borgias) as Bruce Wayne's (Ben Affleck) butler, Alfred, to round out a cast that features Eisenberg, Gal Gadot, Affleck, Henry Cavill, and Amy Adams. Sounds like DC and WB are creating quite the stable for their little film that could. For their sake, let's all hope that it works out in the end.
[via /Film]
Joaquin Phoenix wanted for Batman vs. Superman
The mess that is Batman vs. Superman just became a bit cleaner today. Variety is reporting that Warner Bros. really want Joaquin Phoenix (Her) to portray an antagonist in the upcoming sequel to Man of Steel. While sources haven't confirmed the role, it's assumed to be for the film's main villain and Superman's greatest adversary, Lex Luthor. However, an official offer hasn't been made, and there's no indication that Phoenix would even want to take on the role.
As can be seen by his resume since 2010's controversial I'm Still Here, the actor has been more interested in visceral, smaller budget films in lieu of big Hollywood productions. The opportunity to join such a huge property, especially one that features a cast that includes Ben Affleck and the recently-announced Gal Gadot, is a tough one to balk at. Still, I'm holding on to the chance that Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston will ultimately be cast for the film.
Nevertheless, we'll report more as the story develops.
[via Variety]
Gal Gadot confirmed for Wonder Woman in Batman vs. Superman
Finally, the long hunt for Wonder Woman has concluded. Fast & Furious 6 star Gal Gadot has been confirmed to portray the iconic female superhero in the upcoming Man of Steel sequel, the rumored Batman vs. Superman. Director Zack Snyder recently released the following statement:
Wonder Woman is arguably one of the most powerful female characters of all time and a fan favorite in the DC Universe. Not only is Gal an amazing actress, but she also has that magical quality that makes her perfect for the role. We look forward to audiences discovering Gal in the first feature film incarnation of this beloved character.
When it was revealed last month that Gadot, Elodie Yung, and Olga Kurylenko were rumored to play Wonder Woman, my personal vote was for Gadot based off of her two roles in Fast Five and Fast & Furious 6. Knowing that Gadot will appear in the film gives me hope beyond my personal bias. Granted, Batman vs. Superman faces a lot of problems, but it's good to know that they at least got Wonder Woman right. Plus, any excuse to see more of Gadot on the big screen is always a good one.
[via /Film]
Girls' Adam Driver considered for Batman vs. Superman
Last week, news broke that WB and DC were looking for an actor to portray an older Dick Grayson (Nightwing) for Batman vs. Superman. Over the weekend, it was rumored that Girls actor Adam Driver is being considered the frontrunner for the role. Two other names, Ezra Miller (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) and Penn Badgley (Gossip Girl), were also mentioned, but it appears that the role is Driver's to lose.
Driver is relatively new to Hollywood, but with appearances in Frances Ha and Lincoln on his resume, Batman vs. Superman could be the big push the actor needs to enter the mainstream. Badgley would also make a good Dick Grayson, at least in terms of physical appearances. Miller, on the other hand, doesn't necessarily fit the big budget superhero film mold; then again, most don't think Affleck fits the Batman mantle, either. However, if Driver doesn't take the role and Miller is, in fact, cast as Batman's former sidekick, I'd love to see what he could do with the role. He's certainly showed off his acting chops in Perks and We Need to Talk about Kevin, so a role in one of Summer 2015's biggest films would serve as a huge challenge for the immensely talented actor.
[via TheWrap]
Three actresses have tested for lead role in Batman vs. Superman
With all of these rumors of various characters appearing in Batman vs. Superman comes speculation as to who should portray them. The landscape is shaping up a bit more as it's being reported that three actresses have done (or will do) screen tests for the lead female role in Batman vs. Superman. This is no confirmation that the aforementioned role will be for Wonder Woman. However, given the names revealed, it's practically confirmed that the role will be something much larger than just a love interest for either Batman or Superman.
Gal Gadot (Fast & Furious 6), Elodie Yung (G.I. Joe: Retaliation), and Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace) are the three actresses DC and Warner Bros. are interested in. Given their filmographies, it's easy to assume whoever wins the role will, in fact, play Wonder Woman. My personal vote goes for Gal Gadot. Not only is she stunningly beautiful, she's a talented action actress and will be great alongside Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck.
[via /Film]