When and how will we next see Batman on film? There are a lot of theories, suggestions and rumors floating around the web about that very topic now that Christopher Nolan's work on the "Dark Knight" trilogy is completed — and if one rumor is to be believed, the Caped Crusader's next on-screen assault won't come by way of a solo film.
Jett at Batman-On-Film.com reports that Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment are planning to reintroduce Bruce Wayne and his crimefighting alter-ego as part of their planned "Justice League" adaptation, not sooner. Rather than following "Man of Steel" with another Batman movie, the report suggests that "Justice League" is the studio's next big superhero priority, with solo movies based on the team-up's cast — Batman included — spinning out afterwards. A reverse "Avengers," if you will.
Keep in mind that we're firmly in rumor mode on this one. But if it pans out, I'm not necessarily opposed to the idea of "Justice League" introducing characters who go on to have their own movie franchises. I think that's not a bad way of giving us our first live-action dose of Wonder Woman, for example; show audiences how badass Princess Diana of Themyscira really is, and watch them line up in droves for her solo outing two years later.
Batman, on the flip side, is a character that everyone is deeply familiar with at this point, currently in the context of the Nolan films. Reintroducing him through "Justice League" recontextualizes Batman in a greater DC Universe, leading the way for another series of Bat-films that are as far removed from the Nolan era as possible — hopefully only in terms of content, not in terms of quality.
If "Justice League" really is the next DC film following "Man of Steel," here's hoping they keep the roster tight (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter, if I had my way), and that the writer and filmmaker knows what they're doing.
Speaking of directors, CBM has a rundown of some possible names being bandied about for the "Justice League" movie. Proceed with a serious helping of salt at your disposal.
Are you on board with the rumored plan to use "Justice League" as a launch pad for the next Batman movie? Let us know in the comments section or on Twitter!
