During this weekend's episode of "Real Time," Bill Maher's HBO talk show, director Ron Howard ("Angels and Demons," "Frost/Nixon") spilled some details on a "What If?" scenario that could merit some discussion among comics fans. Meanwhile, the series' host did his best to make sure fans of comic book movies won't be tuning in for any future episodes.
"I had a chance at 'Batman' years ago, and 'Spider-Man,'" said Howard when asked if there were any films he had the opportunity to make, but never ended up directing. You can watch the relevant portion of their discussion after the jump (it begins around the 6:35 mark, and the video has some salty language) -- but Howard's comments aren't the only elements of the episode that should have comics fans buzzing.
While the products of Howard-directed "Spider-Man" and "Batman" movies are certainly worth rolling around in the ol' brainpan, Maher made it clear that such a discussion wouldn't be occurring on his show.
"Good for you," interrupted Maher while Howard explained his decision to pass on the blockbuster superhero films. "Those are comic book movies, and they're all alike."
"I hate it when someone says 'Catwoman' was a piece of sh--, but 'Spider-Man' was genius," continued Maher. "It's the same godd--- story. I'd much rather watch 'Catwoman' because I get to look at Halle Berry the whole movie."
Shrugging his shoulders, Howard initially seemed to acknowledge that he wasn't going to budge the curmudgeonly host of the series, but the director eventually piped up as Maher continued his rant against comic book movies.
"Not the 'Spider-Man' that my daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard was in," Howard announced, defending the third "Spider-Man" film. "Don't we all love that one?"
"They're all for children," said Maher.
Would Ron Howard have been a good choice for the "Batman" or "Spider-Man" movies? What do you think of Bill Maher's comments about comic book movies? Let us know in the comment section!