Joss Whedon Responds To Directing CAPTAIN MARVEL; Reveals Female BATMAN Movie Idea

BuzzFeed was able to get writer-director Joss Whedon to sort of expand on his comments from his interview with Digital Spy, where he voiced distain for Hollywood's handling of the female superhero genre. Mainly, about Marvel Studios moving forward with Captain Marvel.


Yes, and not expecting it to get any traction, honestly. That’s something that [Marvel Studios chief] Kevin [Feige] has been working on for a while. And I obviously was a cheerleader, but he had to get all the ducks in a row and get all the minds in agreement. I think being a part of Disney maybe makes it easier, because they’re open to it. And Marvel now is in a position to shake up its own paradigm, because it’s got such a success record. 

Honestly, you know, Guardians [of the Galaxy] might have helped it, just because that was outside what was considered to be their box and did so well that— Well, let’s put it this way: If a raccoon can carry a movie, then they believe maybe even a woman can.

They then directly ask him if he'd be willing to make Captain Marvel.

Um, I would never rule anything out, because I like working here. By the same token, the biggest thing for me is that I need to do something that I create myself. It’s been way too long since I created a universe. The last thing I did before The Avengers was [directing an episode of] Glee, and in between I did Much Ado About Nothing. So I haven’t created my own universe for over five years. That feels wrong. You know, my own universe might be a book of haiku. I’m not necessarily saying I’ve got a grand scheme. 

I will say that when I was thinking about, Well, if I wasn’t going to do Avengers 2, what would I want to do? — of course the first thing I thought of was “turn-of-the-century female Batman.” Not Batman actually. But, you know, something cool. One person. Can’t stress that enough. Movie about one person — not a team, not 10, just one. But [I would] do a nice sort of hard action movie that combined all my favorite things. Something that would be the love child of Sam Fuller and Edward Gorey. You know, I’ve had many thoughts since then. Oh, I could do this! Oh, I could do that! But it is my instinct to want to tell those stories. 

Captain Marvel I don’t know as well. There have been a few [versions] of her. I have the first issue of Ms. Marvel, back when she was that, and had the Farrah hair. My only issue with her is that she always felt sort of on top. She was very driven. A winner. I always like to dig into the soil of things to find my heroes, if I can.

This is actually the first time we've heard Joss talk about making a turn-of-the-century female Batman film. We know he tried to get Warner Bros. to make his Wonder Woman adaptation, maybe they'll warm-up to this idea now that they know he's open to developing new superhero projects.

I mean, what studio in their right mind would reject a superhero film project from Joss after The Avengers? Plus, this isn't the first time DC Comics has played with timelines with their heroes.

Imagine Whedon making a steampunk Justice League movie.

SOURCE: BUZZFEED 

RUMOR: WB Planning On Releasing THE BATMAN In 2019 And Will Ben Affleck Direct?

LatinoReview has another big DC scoop, this time it concerns our favorite caped crusader. We recently learned that Warner Bros. is setting-up a large slate of DC films, shockingly a solo Batman movie wasn't on that list. LR reveals that the studio is tentatively placing a new Batman standalone in their 2019 release lineup, and giving it the working title of The Batman. Fans might recognize that title, as it was the original title for Batman Begins.

There is also a bit of speculation that Ben could also direct the film, something we've been expecting since he was originally announced for the role. There had been rumblings that Ben's deal with Warner Bros. was so extensive, that it could include clauses to direct as well. This was never confirmed or announced by the studio, so it's currently unknown if this is indeed their plan or if Ben is obligated to direct.

After watching Affleck's films Gone Baby Gone and The Town. It's easy to see the director has a grasp on the gritty world of crime, and could be a decent successor to Christopher Nolan. The release date is also another hint to Affleck directing as well, since it would allow him plenty of time to film Batman v Superman, Justice League and his period gangster film Live By Night.

At this point there isn't even talk of a script being put together, which might be another reason for the 2019 release date. Giving the studio plenty of time to setup a new trilogy and make the first installment a solid one. Let's not forget that Ben also has an Oscar for screenwriting.

SOURCE: LATINOREVIEW

FIRST LOOK: Ben Affleck As Batman In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN And The Batmoblie

Zack Snyder has shared the first still of Ben Affleck in his Batman costume on the set of Batman Vs Superman, along with the first look at the Batmoblie. I love the costume and it seems to fit the descriptions of the costume.

SOURCE: ZACK SNYDER

RUMOR: Orlando Bloom Possible Front-Runner To Play New BATMAN?

TheDailyExpress (via ThinkMcFlyThink) reports that sources close to Warner Bros. are revealing that Lord of The Rings and Pirates of The Caribbean actor Orlando Bloom is the front-runner to play Batman. Bloom seems to have a strong relationship with the studio after reprising the role of Legolas in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug later this year. Considering his previous success with billion dollar franchises he could be a strong candidate to take over the Bat Cave. They also state that Ryan Gosling, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (hinted to in Rises he would become the new Batman) and Armie Hammer are still in the mix. Nothing is for sure, as there was talk of Christian Bale being offered $50 million to reprise the role.

It's starting to sound like Bruce Wayne will be played by an older actor with the torch being passed to a younger hero (John Blake?). Yet, I assume Wayne will have to come out of retirement to help his protege. Superman Vs. Batman is likely a way for Warner Bros. to give Snyder his Man of Steel sequel while setting up a new Batman for Justice League (and future Batman films). There had been rumblings of a Batman Beyond-type storyline for a purposed Batman follow-up to The Dark Knight Rises. Having John Blake and Terry McGinnis take over the mantle would allow future directors to keep Batman within the Gotham that Nolan created.

Gerard Butler Also In The Mix For New Batman In BATMAN VS SUPERMAN?

We recently heard names like Josh Brolin being the front-runner to play the new Batman in Zack Snyder's Batman Vs. Superman. However, LatinoReview reveals that Snyder alumni Gerard "300" Butler is also in the mix. Bulter has the size and action background needed for the part. It doesn't hurt he already has a previously working relationship with Zack and the studio. He's also in a position to commit to more films (such as Justice League installments) since he doesn't have other franchises on the horizon. Gosling might commit to three Star Wars films which is why I don't really think he's in any serious contention for the part.

JUSTICE LEAGUE Lineup Revealed?

LatinoReview has another scoop this time concerning Justice League. They say the official lineup for the film includes the main five heroes Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and The Flash. The site previously revealed that the villain of the film would be Darkseid. The cast hasn't been locked down but Henry Cavill and Joseph Gordon-Levitt could be the leads. There hasn't been word if the studio is looking to re-cast Green Lantern after the box office disaster. Switching out Hal Jordan for Jon Stewart could be how the studio fixes Green Lantern. A director for the large event film hasn't been hired but is expected to go into production this year with a Summer 2015 release date.

It's possible we could also be seeing cameos from Aquaman and Martian Munhunter.

Guillermo Del Toro Writing Outline For DARK UNIVERSE Confirms They've Found A Screenwriter

IGN talked to Guillermo del Toro on his in-development DC Comic film Heaven Sent. Previously, coy about the project Guillermo was a little forthcoming with details revealing it's working title is Dark Universe. Confirming that he's currently writing the outline and has hired a screenwriter to flush out the script. However, the film hasn't been greenlit by the studio which will likely come down to how the script turns out. He names Swamp Thing, John Constantine, Deadman, Spectre, Zatanna and Etrigan The Demon as being involved in the film. Warner Bros. could be looking to start-off their own cohesive DC Universe with Man of Steel leading to Justice League. It's possible that Dark Universe could somehow inhabit the same cinematic world as Justice League.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt Playing BATMAN In JUSTICE LEAGUE?

HitFix is reporting that Warner Bros. is looking to cast a member of the Justice League. While the the lineup is uncertain we know that Superman and Batman will be involved. Sources tell HitFix that Joseph Gordon-Levitt (John Blake) will be playing Batman in the film. At the end of Rises Blake was given the keys to the Batcave, allowing a transition for a new actor to take over the franchise. Zack Snyder recently hinted his film Man of Steel (produced by Nolan) could be setting up Justice League. Giving the impression that Henry Cavill could also be involved in the film aimed for a 2015 release date.

The Wachowskis Wanted For JUSTICE LEAGUE?

According to MovieHole Ben Affleck isn't the only high profiled director Warner Bros. is pursuing to direct Justice League. They name The Wachowskis (Matrix) as possible candidates to make DC's answer to The Avengers. Apparently, the studio loves their experimental film Cloud Atlas and believe the duo have what it takes to make a summer spectacle while developing the characters properly. The Wachowskis are an inspired choice considering The Matrix was a massive ode to anime and manga material. I can only imagine what they could do within the DC Universe and given the time/freedom to make their own vision. I assume that they would end up with creative control and a complete re-casting of the entire hero lineup will happen. Meaning, JL won't have any direct links to the Nolan Batman films, Man of Steel or even Green Lantern.




What do you think of this directing rumor? Is it a mistake or could the Wachowskis use their skills to create the next Avengers?

'JUSTICE LEAGUE' Get's A Writer

Warner Bros. is feeling the sting of a missed opportunity as Avengers is now the #3 domestic and worldwide box office record holder. ShowBlitz reports that the studio has now hired Will Beall (Gangster Squad) to pen a script for Justice League. While it's interesting they'll finally be moving forward, it doesn't seem as inspired as they haven't really introduced the rest of the main lineup yet. If DC Entertainment plans on competing with Avengers they'll have to hire a rather talented writer/director with a massive vision or it will bomb twice as much as Green Lantern did.

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Zack Snyder Confirms His Superman & Nolan's Batman Won't Be In Justice League, Will Have It's Own Takes On The Heroes

HeyUGuys was able to ask director Zack Snyder a Justice League question during the UK premiere of Sucker Punch. They asked how his Superman would fit into DC's answer to the Avengers. Zack stated that both his take on Superman and along with Nolan's Batman won't be involved. They will have a separate take on the heroes.

"It doesn’t. Like what Chris Nolan is doing and what I’m doing with Superman, what they’ll do with Justice League will be it’s own thing with it’s own Batman and own Superman. We’ll be over here with our movie and they kinda get to do it twice which is kinda cool."

It's unknown if Ryan Reynolds' Green Lantern will be included or not. This could give a clue on purposed Batman reboot. That it might still be set in the Gotham City Christopher Nolan has created. There is also the possibility that the established cast could stay in the roles.