So sit back, and enjoy!

DCN PODCAST #171

What are we covering this week?

• The Passing of Hawk & Dove co-creator, Steve Skeates
• The Passing of Batman: TAS writer, Michael Reaves
• New Set Photo From Joker 2
• Mike Flanagan Pitched Clayface Movie
• James Gunn Debunks More Superman Casting Rumors
• James Gunn Teases The Terrifics
• Ben Affleck Reveals Details About Cut Wonder Woman Cameo In The Flash
• My Adventures With Superman Heads To Cartoon Network
• Jason Todd To Return On Titans
• Gotham Knights To Bring In The Mutant Leader
• WBD Announce Streaming Event For HBO Max/Discovery+ Merger
• Superman Gets Different Outfit In New Series
• Tom King Releases April Fool’s Variant Covers
• Poison Ivy Win GLAAD Award For Outstanding Comic Book
• Dawn Of DC Trailer Revealed At MegaCon
• Joshua Williamson Takes On New Batman & Robin Series

Steve J Ray: www.twitter.com/el_steevo

Brad Filicky: www.twitter.com/filickyb1

Seth Singleton: www.twitter.com/1MoreSingleton

Damian Fasciani: www.twitter.com/Damian_Fasciani

Kelly Gaines: www.twitter.com/KelGainesWrite

Kendra Hale: www.twitter.com/DevourAllWords

Editor-in-Chief – Josh Raynor: www.twitter.com/MovieBlogMerc

Be sure to also subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play, and if you like what you hear, please give us a 5-star rating and review!

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The post DCN Podcast #171: Clayface Movie Pitched By Mike Flanagan, Poison Ivy Series Wins GLAAD Award appeared first on DC Comics News.

So sit back, and enjoy!

DCN PODCAST #168

Steve J Ray: www.twitter.com/el_steevo

Brad Filicky: www.twitter.com/filickyb1

Seth Singleton: www.twitter.com/1MoreSingleton

Damian Fasciani: www.twitter.com/Damian_Fasciani

Kelly Gaines: www.twitter.com/KelGainesWrite

Kendra Hale: www.twitter.com/DevourAllWords

Editor-in-Chief – Josh Raynor: www.twitter.com/MovieBlogMerc

Be sure to also subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play, and if you like what you hear, please give us a 5-star rating and review!

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DCComicsNews

Twitter: www.twitter.com/DCComicsNews

Instagram: www.instagram.com/DCComicsNews

Tumblr: www.tumblr.com/DCComicsNews

The post DCN Podcast #168: Three Jokers In ‘Joker 2’ Set Photos, Batman Beyond Movie Reportedly Coming appeared first on DC Comics News.

So sit back, and enjoy!

DCN PODCAST #166

Steve J Ray: www.twitter.com/el_steevo

Brad Filicky: www.twitter.com/filickyb1

Seth Singleton: www.twitter.com/1MoreSingleton

Damian Fasciani: www.twitter.com/Damian_Fasciani

Kelly Gaines: www.twitter.com/KelGainesWrite

Kendra Hale: www.twitter.com/DevourAllWords

Editor-in-Chief – Josh Raynor: www.twitter.com/MovieBlogMerc

Be sure to also subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play, and if you like what you hear, please give us a 5-star rating and review!

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DCComicsNews

Twitter: www.twitter.com/DCComicsNews

Instagram: www.instagram.com/DCComicsNews

Tumblr: www.tumblr.com/DCComicsNews

The post DCN Podcast #166: The Flash Trailer Released During Super Bowl, First Look At Lady Gaga In Joker 2 appeared first on DC Comics News.

Director Todd Philips released on his Instagram page a photo of Gaga and Phoenix in an intimate pose. Phoenix, as Arthur Fleck/Joker is in smudged makeup similar to what he had worn in the first film. At this point, viewers can only speculate this is taking place in Arkham Asylum, which points Gaga’s character in the direction of Harley Quinn given the character’s origin. Following Arthur Fleck’s decent into madness and actions at the end of the film, he had been placed in a psychiatric hospital with very suggestive hints that he may have escaped. Also returning for the sequel is Zazie Beetz, who played Arthur’s neighbor Sophie Dumond.

Joker And Harley: A Match Made in an Asylum

Created in 1993’s Batman: The Animated Series by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, Harley Quinn’s throwaway status evaporated as fans gravitated towards her. Her origin was revealed in the graphic novel Mad Love, revealing she had been Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a recent Arkham psychiatrist that tried to treat the Joker to further her career. Instead, she fell for his lies and wound up seduced by him. Losing her own grip on sanity she adopted the moll persona of Harley Quinn, and broke the clown out of Arkham. Her popularity reached beyond the animated series, as she debuted in the regular DC Universe during the “No Man’s Land” Batman story in 1997. Her first monthly series had been written by Dini himself. Her first live action portrayal had been in 2016’s Suicide Squad by Margot Robbie, who has reprised the role in two separate films.

Robbie has nothing but praise for Gaga’s casting, but there is no official confirmation as to who the Oscar-winning singer is playing the character. Entitled Joker: Folie a Deux – “Madness for Two” in French – this is described as a musical, which will showcase Gaga’s singing and acting abilities, last displayed on the big screen alongside Bradley Cooper in A Star is Born.

To date there is no official synopsis for the film. but the film takes place in the newly-announced Elseworlds Timeline by DC Studios Co-Chairmen James Gunn and Peter Safran. This allows for the existence of Matt Reeves’s The Batman, Robbie’s Suicide Squad, and others in an ever-growing multiverse in which everything is canon. The film is scheduled for release October 4, 2024.

Official Source – First ‘Joker 2’ Image of Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn (collider.com)

The post “Joker 2” Image Reveals Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn (?) appeared first on DC Comics News.

The following excerpts are from an interview with insiders Umberto Gonzales from The Wrap:

The Multiverse has to stay, if they want to keep [Supergirl actress] Sasha Calle and bring back a new Superman or bring back Cavill or something, that’s going to have to be the reality of [it. Further, Warner Bros. Discovery] like [Cavill] as [Superman. I] could be wrong, I just don’t think they’ve had a take yet for him to come back. But again, that’s all subject to whoever the new DC guy is overseeing the universe and this committee and the one answering to [Warner Bros. Discovery President and CEO] David Zaslav. It’s been almost ten years since we’ve seen him in Man of Steel. But what I can say, I personally, I don’t think it’s over just yet.

Since the merger, Zaslav has made sweeping changes to DC’s future with the studio. After the failure of 2017’s Justice League, blamed on the direction taken by replacement Joss Whedon at the helm, the DCEU has limped on with few successes such as Aquaman and Shazam!. The studio has since decided to focus on standalone projects instead, such as the surprise 2019 blockbuster Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix, who earned an Academy Award for his performance.

Then-Warner Media repeated this success with a similar approach in Matt Reeves’ The Batman this past year. At the time, the idea was to treat every property as a separate dimension of the overarching DC Multiverse. Further, Andy Muschietti’s upcoming film, The Flash, was considered the springboard into that concept given the plot revolving around time travel. As to whether that approach is still in play remains to be seen.

However, Warner Discovery’s goal is a 10-year plan for the DCEU reminiscent of how Marvel Studios has managed the MCU. Although DCEU properties such as Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Shazam will proceed, the future of The Flash is precarious, given that lead actor Ezra Miller has serious legal troubles.

Standalone properties will go forward, such as the recently announced 2024 Joker: Folle a Deux with Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. HBO Max’s Peacemaker will receive a second season, but the upcoming Batgirl film starring Leslie Grace and Michael Keaton has been indefinitely scrapped because the studio felt there was not much of a connection with test audiences. However, it has been reported that Grace may still be attached to the role as the studio has other plans for Barbara Gordon.

As to how this all pertains to Henry Cavill, since Justice League, he’d been rumored numerous times to make cameo appearances in previous DC films that proved to be false. Prior to the merger, Warner Media had allegedly considered a separate Superman franchise starring Michael B. Jordan, as there’s a version of the character who is both African-American and the President of the United States. However, at no point was this confirmation that Cavill was done as The Man of Steel, in keeping with the DC Multiverse concept.

Cavill debuted as Clark Kent/Superman in 2013’s Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder, to mixed reviews. Although installments such as Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017) received mix responses – the latter especially thanks to replacement director Joss Whedon –  Cavill’s passion for the character and stoic performance have made him a fan favorite.

The recently released Zack Snyder’s Justice League – the culmination of a fan movement to see Zack return to finish what he had envisioned before departing the project in light of personal tragedy – provided Cavill with additional heat for his return. Cavill, himself, however, has gone on record that he’s not done with the role. He noted last December that he “is ready and waiting for the phone calls.”

So will we see Henry take to the skies again on the big screen? We can only hope.

Official Source – Warner Bros. Leaning Toward Henry Cavill Superman Comeback (cbr.com)

The post Hope (?) For Henry Cavill’s Future as Superman in Warner’s 10-year DC Plan appeared first on DC Comics News.

Following the $43 million dollar purchase of Warner Media by Discovery, CEO David Zaslav are contemplating making DC its own “solidified content vertical.” The concept of a content vertical is defined as a brand of content that applies to a specific business sector.

The affect this would have on existing DC properties and those in development is very significant. To date, upcoming DCEU releases include Black Adam, Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom, Shazam!: Fury of the Gods and the third Wonder Woman installment. As previously reported, The Flash has been pulled from release in light of star Ezra Miller’s legal troubles.

At the merger’s conclusion, Zalav cherry picked possible candidates for the key role of revolutionizing DC content on TV and Film, much in the same vein as Marvel Studio’s Kevin Feige. Specifically, according to sources, Zaslav is looking for someone with administrative skills to keep the new DC media machine he’s constructing operating more smoothly, rather than a creative guru. One person of interest on his list is former 20th Century Studios executive, Emily Watts, but there’s no indication that she would accept this position.

DCEU Future According to Zaslav – What To Expect and What Will be Involved?

With his pledge to find $3 billion in synergies, Discovery obviously has cost cutting waiting in the wings. With that in mind, “mining” DC franchises could help in spending control, insiders speculate.

As far as which properties to tackle, in keeping with Zaslav’s objective of unlocking their full potential, insiders believe the eye could be on second-tier characters. This strategy could be based on the success of the Oscar-winning film Joker starring Joaquin Phoenix, as well as the success of Margot Robbie’s take on Harley Quinn. Further, insiders believe that franchises like the Superman property need to be revitalized. With the box-office success of Matt Reeves’s The Batman, it is a no-brainer that Discovery would want to breathe new life into his superpowered counterpart. As to whether that will involve Man of Steel star Henry Cavill remains to be seen. Cavill has gone on record to state that he’s more than eager to don the cape again.

In spite of its small screen and streaming success with shows such as Peacemaker and an upcoming Penguin-centered series spinning out of The Batman with Colin Farrell, Discovery believes DC Films must reach further. That responsibility falls on the shoulders of Walter Hamada, who took the reigns of the division from Jon Berg and Geoff Johns in 2018. Under his guidance consistency has improved in the last three years with regards to revenues and critical reception. Although his contract expires at the end of 2023, he could factor in to Zaslav’s agenda in an important role.

Official Source – DC Entertainment Overhaul Eyed By New Warner Bros. Discovery Leaders – Variety

The post DCEU Overhaul Considered, says new Boss David Zaslav appeared first on DC Comics News.

Marvel’s dominance ended

Since the category’s introduction in 2013,  Marvel has dominated with them winning it on all six previous occasions.  Iron Man 3,  Black Panther, and Avengers: Endgame are amongst the previous winners. This must have been greeted with smiles from Warner Bros as the movie continues to be one of the most successful DC films in recent times. The big winner at the Saturn Movie Awards was Star Wars, however.  The Rise of Skywalker took home five of the top prizes which included Best Science Fiction Film. Other winners included Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood (Best Fantasy Film) and Knives Out (Best Thriller Film)

This Saturn Award isn’t the only award that Joker has won for its unique and intense film style.  A 2020 Golden Globe and an Academy Award for lead actor Joaquin Phoenix are just a few other honors for the Warner Bros project.  With nothing officially confirmed there is no certainty of a sequel but rumors circulating that Warner Brothers have approached director Todd Phillips to begin work on a second movie.

Source Article

The post Joker wins Saturn Award Two Years After Its release appeared first on DC Comics News.

In a recent article in The Hollywood Reporter, a section focusing on Philips’s lawyer indicated that writer-director had “struck a deal to co-write the next Joker [installment.]”

Todd Phillips Co-Writing Next Joker, But Is it HIS Joker?

But, this is where it gets confusing given that Warner Media has no intention of reestablishing a shared universe. “The next Joker installment” could mean an actual sequel to the surprise blockbuster, multi-award-winning 2019 film. However, it could also mean a standalone film in the anthology of DC films. Todd could be tasked with merely writing the next installment as opposed to helming it. Or is a question of “If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck…”?

The upcoming Flash film is set to establish the DC Multiverse made up of every previously seen TV and cinematic depictions of DC Comics’ pantheon of heroes and villains. That being said, it would stand to reason that there is room enough for more than one Clown Prince of Crime in Hollywood. Jared Leto’s Joker has recently gotten unexpected popularity, for example, following the release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Even Margot Robbie apparently will have more than one version of Harley Quinn in the can following the first Suicide Squad film, Birds of Prey, and the upcoming standalone feature, The Suicide Squad. 

Joker, directed by Phillips and co-written with Scott Silver, certainly left the door open for the next chapter. The film saw failed comedian Arthur Fleck descend completely into madness and crime, embracing his new Joker persona by the end of the film. The ensuing riot caused by his new fan following also resulted in the Wayne murders, putting young Bruce – the maybe-or-maybe-not half-brother of Arthur – on the path to becoming Batman. Although there’d be a large age gap between them, it’s not unlike the 1989 Batman film by Tim Burton, where Jack Nicholson’s Joker killed Bruce’s parents when he was a young Jack Napier and yet Joker still pulled his weight with the adult Caped Crusader. Regardless, the conclusion of the film indicates Arthur has escaped from Arkham. Possibly the first spin of that revolving door?

There is enough head behind The Ace of Knaves to garner further cinematic appearances, and Phillips has proven he can pull the audience down the rabbit hole with him. But as to whether this is indeed a sequel in the works or another project Warner has in mind, time will tell.

Whatever the joke is, we are sure to get it.

Original Source – Todd Phillips reportedly signs on to co-writer Joker 2 | Batman News (batman-news.com)

The post Todd Phillips Signs on as Co-Screenwriter for “Joker 2” appeared first on DC Comics News.

Director Zack Snyder and HBO Max revealed the full trailer for Zack Snyder’s Justice League Cut on Sunday. It gives audiences the first expanded look at his four-hour version of the DC Films superhero movie. The trailer features a battle of epic proportions between the Justice League and big bad Darkseid , who was intended to be the main villain of the first cut of the film, but ultimately was not included. The clip also teases a conversation between Jared Leto’s the Joker and Ben Affleck’s Batman.

Happy 214 #ZackSnydersJusticeLeague #SnyderCut #UsUnited #AFSP pic.twitter.com/c7bAjM31QS

— Zack Snyder (@ZackSnyder) February 14, 2021

In ZACK SNYDER’S JUSTICE LEAGUE, fueled by his restored faith in humanity, inspired by Superman’s selfless act, and determined to ensure that Superman’s ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne enlists newfound ally Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) to face an even greater threat.

Bruce and Diana have plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions. This team includes Arthur Curry (Aquaman played by Jason Momoa) , Barry Allen (The Flash played by Ezra Miller), and Victor Stone (Cyborg played by Ray Fisher).

The task proves more difficult than Bruce imagined, as each of the recruits must face the demons of their own pasts to transcend that which has held them back, allowing them to come together, finally forming an unprecedented league of heroes known as the Justice League.

Now united, Batman , Wonder Woman , Aquaman , Cyborg and The Flash may be too late to save the planet from Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds), DeSaad (Peter Guinness), and Darkseid (Ray Porter)  and their dreadful intentions. 

The post Zack Snyder’s Justice League Cut- New Trailer appeared first on DC Comics News.

Darren Aronofsky Vs. Warner Bros. Post George Clooney’s Batman

The Black Swan filmmaker was once in the running to direct the next Batman film following Requiem For A Dream. Further, his storyline was going to be inspired by Frank Miller’s Year One.

“The Batman that was out before me was Batman and Robin, ” Darren explains, “[so] I was trying to [reinvent] it.”

However, Warner Bros. preference for the lead at the time contradicted his.

“[They] wanted Freddie Prinze Jr. and I wanted Joaquin Phoenix. [I] remember thinking ‘Uh-oh, we’re making two different films here.’ That’s a true story. It was a different time. The Batman I definitely wrote was a different take than they ended up making.”

However, Prinze himself claims no truth to what he perceives as a rumor, tweeting it as “just internet stuff.”

Regardless, as history has shown, the studio went with Christopher Nolan’s vision, which evolved into The Dark Knight Trilogy. As for Phoenix, he would find notoriety as the lead in 2018’s Joker. His grounded, unique approach has earned multiple awards. Coincidentally, he had been friends with the late Heath Ledger, whose own take on the role in The Dark Knight earned him a posthumous Academy Award for Best Actor. And the studio is now proceeding – pandemic pending – with Matt Reeves’ The Batman with Robert Pattinson in the lead.

The post Darren Aronofsky Wanted Phoenix As Batman, Director Reveals appeared first on DC Comics News.