The Next Great Cinematic Universe

Henry Cavill as Superman may be the best choice in casting since Christopher Reeve. Snyder’s outlook on that film, Man of Steel was very much like watching a comic book (Personal story line differences aside), come to life on the big screen…it was a great flick, and I am actually excited for this Batman/Superman film. I have always been okay with Affleck as Batman, and I’ve based that solely on the fact that his role as Daredevil was such a letdown. Not to mention he’s friends with Kevin Smith, and I don’t think Smith would ever let him live that down if his performance is not up to par.

Jason Momoa being cast as Aquaman, and the writing of Geoff Johns on the New 52 series, may hopefully be enough to allow this extremely underrated hero to finally rise as high as the tsunamis raised by his wife Mera. And hopefully with today’s CGI, the special effects will be amazing and allow for Aquaman’s true powers to show.

Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson has showed the world, time and time again that he can be an amazing force not only in the ring, but on the screen as well. This is a man the spotlights flock to. His rumored casting as Black Adam will more than likely outshine whoever is cast as Captain Marvel, but at the same time…it will also define that actor, because we all know that a hero is defined by his enemies. And Mr. Johnson can take his acting to both ends of the spectrum of realism, as well as dance from one end to the other.

Does Gal Gadot have what it takes to pull off an Amazon Warrior Princess? I have to say that her acting is quite exceptional and if anyone out there could pull it off without actually being an Amazon…its Gal. And the camera angles and CGI can give the illusion that she’s much taller than she really is.

Zack Snyder being able to direct the Justice League movie will without a doubt, give the Avenger movies a run for their money. Nothing against Whedon, that man’s a genius. Marvel has definitely set the bar for comic book movies up on a higher level, but so far Snyder has not disappointed. My question for this is will it have the Martian Manhunter in it? I know he wasn’t in the first few volumes of the new 52 Justice League books, but he’s such a loved character that popularity may force him to be in the flick. I have no problem with that, I love J’onn J’onzz, but I wouldn’t want them to take out someone like Cyborg. Although they’ve already released Ray Fisher’s name as Cyborg on the IMDB page for this flick…that doesn’t always mean its set in stone. And there isn’t any talk of having Martian Manhunter in it, so that does worry me a bit. But even though he’s a huge demographic to the older JLA storylines, the NEW 52 was not lacking, and Cyborg’s abilities to link into every single computer in the world is definitely close to J’onn J’onzz’z mind reading abilities. Not to mention Cyborg’s optic blast, strength and teleportation, or “Boom” effect, basically make him a perfect replacement.

I seem two have forgotten two of my favorites…Flash and Green lantern. As it stands while I write this, there is no mention on IMDB as to the casting of either of these. But…my ears have been ringing with the hint that the Green Lantern won’t be the acclaimed pilot, but Detroit’s architect…John Stewart. But who would make a great ex—marine turned Galactic police officer? Denzel? Will Smith? No…my vote is for Idris Elba. I know he’s not that young, but after his performance in Pacific Rim…I think he’s got the moxie to play John Stewart.

Grant Gustin seems to be making a very good impression as Barry Allen, but for the 2018 Flash movie, IMDB has the role cast to Ezra Miller. I am unfamiliar with Mr. Miller’s body of work, but that’s not to say it won’t work…maybe this is a contractual decision, or the lawyers have stepped in to try and ruin the fun, but I’m not worrying, many times in the past no name actors have stepped into roles and blown us away, and I have faith in Warner Bros.

In this writer’s opinion I have to say that I have a very good feeling for the future of DC comic book movies in a whole. I’m sure there will always be the occasional Dark Knight Rises, or Batman & Robin film, or even a Superman Returns, but as a whole…I think the future looks bright for the fans of those who wear tights and save the world. Why? Why wouldn’t I. These are the men of steel that project hope, speedsters representing truth, teens who are only alive do to their fathers intelligence in robotics and love for his son. A lost woman from a lost world, that just wants to see what else is out there, and maybe can bring hope to both us and her lost world. A rightful king to a sunken city, who was an outcast due to the fact that his father is a land dweller, and one of many of a police force for the universe, who once was thought to be part of an unworthy race, but has time and again shown the universe that we are.

Lastly…the tormented child of billionaires, who witnessed the death of his parents first hand and since then vowed to rid the streets of his city of the filth that crawls through the dark underground, rising up to wreak havoc on said city. This is why the future of DC is bright…it’s characters are true to their mission, and even in the hardest times, are always there to stand up for what is right and true.