Batman V Superman Trailer #3 Is Here And It's Spectacular!

HOLY SHIT!!! HURRY UP MARCH!!!!

Ben Affleck To Direct The Batman; Geoff Johns to Co-Write Script

Forget Batman and Superman, the real greatest team up of all time is taking place behind the camera. Warner Bros has announced that Academy Award winning talent and current Batman, Ben Affleck (The Town), will be directing as well as starring in the next Batman solo film! So who did WB decide to team with their one man wrecking crew to write this bad boy? None other than their top DC comics writer, Geoff Johns (The Flash)! Holy shit, right? That is one hell of a tag team. Affleck is a life long fan of the character and Johns has written the Bat on multiple occasions. So expect the most comic accurate and badass Batman to date on the silver screen.

The movie is expected to shoot after Affleck wraps up production on Dennis Lehane's Live By The Night. So a tentative mid 2017 release date sounds likely!

Source: ComicBookMovie

What direction do you want Affleck+Johns to take Batman? Who should the villain(s) be? Sound off in the comments or tweet at us @Caped_Informers or me @cstrand73. And make sure to tune in for all our TV + movie reviews. as well as our editorials.

P.S. Please be these guys.

Director Michelle MacLaren Leaves Wonder Woman

Bad news for Wonder Woman fans! The Hollywood Reporter has found out that director Michelle MacLaren (Game Of Thrones) has left the upcoming Wonder Woman film that is set to star Gal Gadot (Fast Five) and maybe Scott Eastwood (The Last Ride). The main reason for her departure is being cited as "creative differences with WB" for the direction of the project. No replacement has been named and the movie is still currently slated for 2017.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Wonder Woman is an icon. She has long deserved the movie treatment. And this news is just another kick in the balls. Michelle MacLaren is a talented person. It sucks to lose her. Similarly Joss Whedon left a potential Wonder Woman movie a few years back. My question is what the fuck are the "creative differences" that WB wants that are turning off all these talented people off with? Do want her to be a damsel in distress for Steve Trevor to save? Do they want her to be a porn star? Cause seriously whatever it is they need to cut the shit and let the creative people craft the character and story. 

          My best guess to why MacLaren left is that WB probably wanted a large romance subplot tied to Scott Eastwood's Steve Trevor and she didn't want to focus on that bullshit and left. That's just me though cause I'm pretty much done with romance in superhero properties. (I'm such a happy person!) It's ruining Arrow right now. Olicitiy is a fucking disease that has infected the show and changed the funny, charismatic Felicity into weepy romantic fodder for Ollie and Ray to fight over. But back to Wonder, my point is that WB needs to stop turning everyone off with their idea of a Wonder Woman movie. Cause clearly people who know stuff about the character don't like their ideas. 

          Diana is one of my favorite heroes. She has had many great runs in comics by some awesome writers like George Perez, Gail Simone, Greg Rucka, and most recently Brian Azzarello. The movie could just put the ideas straight from there and I'd be happy. Or fuck it be lazy just adapt the 2009 animated movie that starred Keri Russell (The Americans) as Diana. Personally I don't care what you do just get this movie made. We have heard bullshit excuses for years like "writing a female led film is tricky" and "we just got to get the right people in place". I'm done with that crap. Hunger Games is one of the highest grossing franchises of all time. Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow is one of the most popular characters at Marvel. Women can kick ass. They are not tricky to write for. Just ask Game Of Thrones author George RR Martin.

          There is nothing tricky about it. Craft a vision for the characters and let's do this shit. Stop the excuses. Stop the dumbass demands to your creative talent. And make a movie about a superhero that every wants to see. Not just because she is a woman, but because she is an inspiring character who has earned the right to grace the silver screen. (End Rant)

Thanks for reading! What director do you want for Wonder Woman? Is there a character that you are really passionate about that deserves a movie? Let us know in the comments or tweet at us @Caped_Informers or me @cstrand73. And make sure to tune in for our weekly Arrow, Flash, and Daredevil reviews.

Zack Snyder Releases the First Picture Of Aquaman!

Just under an hour ago Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice director Zack Snyder released the first official image of Jason Mamoa's Aquaman via Twitter. Check it out!

I think he looks fantastic. He is absolutely rocking that beautiful armor and amazing trident. And don't forget about his Atlantian symbol on his belt.

As for "Unite the Seven" it could mean either unite all seven members of the Justice League or it could mean unite the seven seas. Personally I think (more like hope) we are going to get a series of these photos each featuring a new member of the Justice League until Batman V Superman is released. But holy shit just seeing Aquaman is exciting. What do all those naysayers think now? #UniteTheSeven!

You the man, Zack Snyder!

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters March 25th, 2016.

Exploring The DC Cinematic Universe: Batman

Batman

Release Date: Unknown

Who is Batman?: Batman is the secret identity of Bruce Wayne, an American billionaire, industrialist, and philanthropist (You hear that Tony Stark?). Having witnessed the murder of his parents as a child, he swore revenge on criminals, an oath tempered with a sense of justice. Wayne trained himself to peak human physical and intellectual perfection. Often called "The World's Greatest Detective", he dons a bat-themed costume to strike fear into the heart of criminals and to fight crime in Gotham City.

Director: Ben Affleck (The Town)

Why?: Batman directing a Batman movie. In the immortal words of Stan Lee "Nuff said". But seriously Affleck is a major asset to the DCCU not just as an actor, but as a director. In all three of his directoral features Ben has displayed that he knows how to shoot dark and gritty. But what he handles best are the characters in his movies. Each one is an unique and interesting individual provided with kickass dialogue. In addition to shooting the film, Affleck, who is big comics fan himself, should co-write this script with his boy Chris Terrio (Argo).

Proposed Story: Batman thinks he knows his city better than anyone, but is he ever wrong. After a string of strange murders that implicate Dick Grayson (Nightwing), Batman must investigate into an urban legend, that he looked into as a child, called the Court of Owls. He soon finds there may be some truth to the legend, but will he be able to stop the Court's plans before they take out their next target, Bruce Wayne.

Inspired By: The main story will be inspired by Scott Snyder's The Court Of Owls. This story in particular showcases Batman's detective skills and expands upon the ever-growing Batman rogues gallery. 

Lead Characters (Cast): I'm only sticking to the main Batman family. So just Batman, Nightwing, and Alfred will be in this film (Sorry Damian, Babs, Jason, and Catwoman).

1. Batman/Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck)

Why?: Affleck is going to be a great Batman. I have confidence in him. But in order to differ from Bale's version of the character,  this Batman should be emphasized as"The World's Greatest Detective". He needs to show his skills of detection and solve a mystery. The Court of Owls storyline gives the character the chance to do just that.

2. Nightwing/Dick Grayson (Logan Lerman)

Why?: Dick is an essential part of the Batman mythos. Yet he has not had a proper film treatment (That's right Chris O'Donnell, you sucked. And JGL's "Robin" Blake doesn't count either) that the character so deserves. Having Ben Affleck as an older Batman allows for Dick Grayson to have already been Robin and don the mantle of Nightwing. I chose Alex Pettyfer because he is in good physical shape and is an up and coming actor (loved him in Fury). I would love to see some intense acrobatics in Dick's fight scenes as well.

3. Alfred Pennyworth (Jeremy Irons)

Why?: Alfred is Bruce's right hand man and confidant. There is no Batman without him. He provides Bruce with comfort along with some occasional dry wit. Jeremy Irons is an acclaimed British actor. He is a perfect choice to pick up the mantle of the World's most famous butler from Michael Caine. 

Villains (Cast)

1. The Talon/William Cobb (Scott Adkins)

Why?: The current Talon (assassin) for the Court of Owls, William Cobb carries out any murder that the group asks of him. This part is mostly action focused and doesn't require the actor to take off his mask for pretty much all of it. I chose Scott Adkins because he is a martial arts master.

2. Lincoln March/Owlman (Casey Affleck)

Why?: The surprise villain of the film, Lincoln March is a seemingly straight-edge mayoral candidate that actually has ties to the Court and Bruce Wayne. Casey Affleck is a solid actor. I have fan casted him previously. Click here to read it.

3. Harley Quinn/Harleen Quinzel (Margot Robbie)

Why?: Harley would be great as a villain to be beaten down in a cold opening. Margot Robbie will have previous been in Suicide Squad by this point. So her appearance would bring more continuity to the universe. Could also lead to a Mr. J tease at the end.

4. The Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot (Nick Frost)

Why?: Iceberg club owner/notorious criminal Oswald Cobblepot becomes a high profile target of the Court of Owls. Batman is forced to protect his nemesis from an assassination attempt. Nick Frost is known for his comedic roles. He has talent. I think he is ready to break into drama and The Penguin is just the part to do it.

Thanks for reading! The 12 days of Editorials continues tomorrow with a write-up on Justice League Pt.2! Be sure to check back here then to see it for yourself! And read our first 3 articles on the DCCU by clicking the links below.

• Suicide Squad
• Wonder Woman
• Justice League
• The Flash
• Aquaman

More Batman V Superman Rumors!

The most anticipated movie of 2016 may show it's first clip of footage at San Diego Comic Con '14 according to Latino Review's El Mayimbe. The insider tweeted "HOT #SDCC2014 RUMOR! The DC/Warners panel will show a hot clip from BATMAN v SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE. FIND SPOT @ HALL H line NOW!"

Hall H went crazy last year when Zack Snyder announced Batman would team up with Superman, but imagine the enormous reaction from the crowd if they saw a clip of the two heroes suited up next to one another. Or even better a quick fight scene? Odds would be against a fight clip appearing, but even if the clip is Superman waiting outside of a bathroom while Batman takes a shit, it's worth seeing.

Clip from the reveal at San Diego '13.

Source: El Mayimbe

More News on Lex and Tao Okamoto in 'Batman V Superman'

Forget everything I just said! Well maybe not everything. Lex will still have blonde hair, but ComicBook.com is reporting a better description of Luthor's character from a supposed on-set source:

"Our source also offered that they felt that Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice’s interpretation of Lex Luthor is much better than it might sound from initial descriptions, describing him as “a slimy businessman we can all despise.” Our source indicated, “You are going to hate this guy. You are going to root for him to be punched by Supes when he weasels his way out of legal trouble. He is cocky and confident because he is THAT good at what he does. He's a billionaire who knows he is more powerful than the Senator and Congressman visiting because he's a billionaire.”

Now that is much more like Lex. He should be confident because of his genius intellect and infinite wealth.

Fuck Hector Hammond, Lex Luthor is in the house! Stop screaming Hector, you big headed bitch!

In other Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice news, ComicBook.com is also claiming that Tao Okamoto (The Wolverine) will be playing Lex Luthor's assistant Mercy Graves. It was originally reported that Okamoto would be playing an "original" character for the film, but this contradictory report says otherwise. 

"Our source indicated that Japanese actress Tao Okamoto is playing Lex Luthor’s assistant, who is named “Mercy.” In the comic books and Superman animated series, Mercy Graves is Lex’s personal assistant and body guard, where she is portrayed as highly intelligent and experienced in hand-to-hand combat." 

I'm all in for Mercy Graves. I'm a big fan of the character that is why I speculated Emily Blunt (Looper) could be Mercy a few weeks back when she was supposedly up for a role in the movie. So even though it isn't Blunt, I would be incredibly pumped to see Tao by Lex's side. 

Source: ComicBook.com

I need this Harley vs. Mercy fight re-enacted in live action. Make it happen Zack!

Lex Luthor Has Hair in 'Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice'?

Sounds like Jesse Eisenberg didn't take my advice. Batman-News is reporting that Eisenberg has been spotted on the Batman V Superman set sporting long wavy dirty blonde hair. Lex is apparently now a surfer bro. The site also claims "Eisenberg’s Luthor has spastic mannerisms, like a 20-something guy that pounds energy drinks all day." So  the new Lex Luthor will be a blonde haired, energy drinking, Zuckerberg-like douche. Could be interesting take on Lex. Or he might end up being the worst villain in a DC movie since Green Lantern had Hector Hammond and a space shit monster (Parallax). I'm not sure which way to lean, but whatever the outcome of Jesse's Lex what has to happen is he needs to lose his hair. At least have Lex have some semblance of his comic counterpart. Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice is shooting now and will open in theaters May 2016.

Source: Batman-News

Super-Cut from our friends at ScreenJunkies

Jason Momoa Is Playing Aquaman in 'Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice'!

After months of speculation and on the heels of Ryan's fan cast of Black Manta, Hitflix claims that Jason Momoa will indeed play Arthur Curry in the upcoming Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. Momoa has denied any involvement in the past, but Hitflix guarantees that are not crying wolf this time. To directly quote the article: HitFix can confirm that he will be playing the part, and that Zack Snyder has already finalized his designs for the character so shooting can take place soon. Khal Drogo as Aquaman. Fucking awesome news. Momoa will not have a major role in the film, but his part will set him up for 2017's Justice League. 

Source: Hitflix

Better get Michael Bay ready to direct and Kevin Smith ready to write the solo outing!

Nah! Just fucking with ya. Vinnie Chase's Aquaman couldn't lick Momoa's Aquaman's jockstrap. Four words A CROWN FOR KING!!!

First Good Look At Lexcorp From 'Batman V Superman'

ComicBookMovie has released a picture of the new Lexcorp facility from the set of Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. It's got a real Silicon Valley type feel to it.

So there is Lex Luthor's stopping grounds. I really am liking the new logo. Jesse Eisenberg (Rio) is expected on the set later this week. Cut the curls Jesse and wear a suit. Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice will be shooting for the entire summer and is expected in theaters in 2016.

Source: ComicBookMovie

Emily Blunt in 'Batman V. Superman'?

Spanish website El Multicine is claiming that actress Emily Blunt (Looper) is up for a role in Zack Snyder's Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice. No one knows the validity of this rumor, but it's always fun to speculate. Blunt has been offered comic book roles in the past such as Black Widow and Peggy Carter, but the Edge Of Tomorrow actress passed on both. So I find it curious that now she would all of a sudden accept a role in DC's most important film to date. At this point who the hell would she even be playing? Catwoman? Silver St. Cloud? Hopefully if this rumor is true, Blunt will play a real comic character like those and not an "original creation" for the movie. Perhaps she would be a fellow Amazonian alongside Wonder Woman or Lex's loyal driver/assistant Mercy. Damn, this rumor is getting me excited and it's probably just a big pile of bullshit. Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice is filming now and check out Emily Blunt in this week's Edge Of Tomorrow.

Source: El Multicine
Read More: ComicBookMovie

She definitely has a better shot at kicking Superman's ass than Jesse.

'Man of Steel' Sequel Gets a Title!

Warner Bros has released the official name and logo for Zack Snyder's Man of Steel sequel. The film will be titled Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. The new title almost assures this film will be a lead-in for a Justice League movie. I would have preferred they just call it Batman vs. Superman, but I guess the new title is alright. Batman Begins already used the word "begins" and The Dark Knight Rises took the word "rises" so I guess all that was left to describe a beginning of justice was the word "dawn". Sounds a little "Twilightly", but maybe it will grow on me. What do you think of the title? Sound off in the comments.