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Ben Affleck Returns as Batman in The Flash

Ezra Miller and Ben Affleck in Justice League

What’s better than one Batman? Two Batman! Ben Affleck will return as Batman in The Flash. The Ezra Miller starring film is set to be released in summer 2022 and it’ll involve him traveling to parallel dimensions, firmly establishing the DC multiverse in film and not just on television. It’s loosely based on the Flashpoint comic event. Affleck and Miller appeared together in those roles in Justice League.

Revealed earlier this year, Michael Keaton will be appearing as Batman as well. Keaton starred in the role in the 1989 Batman and the follow-up Batman Returns. Keaton will have a “substantial” part. Affleck was needed in the film as he helps re-establish that the Flash knows the hero and he acts as a starting point for the adventure.

The film is part of DC’s ongoing strategy to play into their “multiverse.” The concept allows the same character to star in different franchises, even with different actors, as they take place on different Earths.

The first step of the multiverse appeared in DC’s television lineup where originally some of the shows took place on different Earths. In the recent “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” the multiverse was further established into DC’s films and other shows as Batman ’66, Batman 1989, and Ezra Miller’s The Flash all appeared. The DC television universe has its own Flash played by Grant Gustin. It allows DC to say “everything is valid and its all happened.” They can also explore films like Joker and still have them be part of the DC film universe. There’s another Batman franchise in production from director Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattison.

The move by DC and Warner Bros. is the right one as it makes it stand apart from Marvel’s cinematic universe. Where that’s a cohesive world that might have a multiverse, it forces a tighter narrative where films rely on each other. DC and Warner Bros. create a decentralized take where they can release standalone films and take risks.

(via Vanity Fair)

Javicia Leslie Is the New Batwoman

Javicia Leslie

Warner Bros. and The CW have announced that Javicia Leslie has been cast as the new Batwoman. She’ll debut in the role when the second season of the show debuts in January 2021. It’ll air Sundays from 8-9pm ET.

Javicia is the first Black actress to play the iconic character.

Ryan Wilder is about to become Batwoman. She’s likable, messy, a little goofy, and untamed. She’s also nothing like Kate Kane, the woman who wore the Batsuit before her. With no one in her life to keep her on track, Ryan spent years as a drug-runner, dodging the GCPD and masking her pain with bad habits. Today Ryan lives in her van with her plant. A girl who would steal milk for an alley cat and could also kill you with her bare hands, Ryan is the most dangerous type of fighter: highly skilled and wildly undisciplined. An out lesbian. Athletic. Raw. Passionate. Fallible. And very much not your stereotypical all-American hero.

Ryan Wilder seems to be a brand-new character and doesn’t seem to have any connection to comics.

The actress has primarily starred in television series and movies as well as shorts. She appeared as Mo on the Hello Cupid Reboot, as Mo/Monisha on Chef Julian, as Paris Duncan on The Family Business, as Jesse Colton on MacGyver, and as Ali Finer on God Friended Me among many other roles. This is her first comic related role.

Leslie takes over for Ruby Rose who played the title character, but as Kate Kane, for one season plus appearances on other CW DC superhero shows in crossover episodes.

Michael Keaton is in Talks to Return to Batman. It “May Not Happen.”

Batman 1989

Deadline is reporting that Michael Keaton is in talks to return to the role of Batman which he appeared in two films, Batman in 1989 and Batman Returns. This is talks and often talks go nowhere, it’s not a done deal like so many clickbait sites are reporting. Even Deadline says “this deal may not happen.”

Keaton’s Batman would be a “Nick Fury-like role” starting in The Flash starring Ezra Miller. It would have him take on the role in other films like Batgirl. It also doesn’t impact Matt Reeve’s reboot The Batman which stars Robert Pattinson which may pick up the storyline from Batman Returns according to Deadline.

Andrés Muschietti is directing The Flash from a script by Birds of Prey writer Christina Hodson. Barbara Muschietti and Michael Disco are producing.

DC’s cinematic universe is taking a different approach than the Marvel one. Instead of one narrative, DC is taking an all approach. Every film, tv show, animated film, are all part of a multiverse. Each story can take place on another version of Earth and crossover when needed. Keaton’s Batman connected with the DC television world as it was shown in the recent event “Crisis on Infinite Earths.” Then, Miller’s Flash also appeared on the show making all of the entities connected. This approach allows DC more freedom to create standalone films, “hey they take place on a different Earth,” reboot franchises, or a larger vision as was originally attempted with Batman v Superman, Justice League, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman.

Spotify, Warner Bros., and DC Partner for New Podcasts

DC logo

In a collaborative and innovative effort, Spotify, Warner Bros., and DC have announced a new multi-year deal to produce and distribute an original slate of narrative scripted podcasts, marking the first pact of its kind between the companies. Spotify is committed to an annual slate of new dramatic and comedic podcasts that Warner Bros. will develop and produce.

Under terms of the deal, Spotify will have a first look at original scripted narrative DC podcasts, including new shows based on the vast universe of premier, iconic DC characters. The initial slate of projects under the partnership will also tap into Warner Bros.’ broader collection of timeless titles for additional series. In addition to producing narratives based on existing characters and established franchises from across Warner Bros. and DC, the companies will also collaborate to create new programming from original intellectual property.

On the Warner Bros. side, the partnership will be managed through a cross-divisional effort led by Peter Girardi and Robert Steele, who will co-develop and produce the programming in collaboration with Spotify, which will be responsible for the marketing, advertising, and distribution of the shows exclusively on its platform. Girardi — Executive Vice President of Blue Ribbon Content and of Alternative Programming at Warner Bros. Animation — will serve as the creative lead, and Steele — Senior Vice President, Business Strategy and Operations, Warner Bros. Digital Networks — will spearhead strategic business aspects of the partnership for the Studio.

DC Fandome is a Worldwide Virtual Fan Event August 22

DC Fandome

With conventions canceled, it’s been a question as to how movie studios and comic book publishers would be building excitement for what’s to come. Announced today, DC Fandome fills that gap with a 24-hour “immersive virtual fan experience” that brings together the stars, filmmakers, and creators behind its biggest films, tv series, games, and comics.

Starting at 10 a.m. PDT, Warner Bros. will welcome fans everywhere into the DC FanDome—a free virtual fan experience where no badge is required.

Imagine all the Super Heroes and Super-Villains you’ve ever loved finallyc oming together in one place to celebrate DC’s past, present, and future. Accessible for 24 hours at DCFanDome.com, the global event will immerse fans into the DC Multiverse, with new announcements from WB Games, Film and TV, and comics, as well as an unprecedented opportunity to hear from the casts and creators behind your favorite feature films and TV series, including: Aquaman, The Batman, Batwoman, Black Adam, Black Lightning, DC Super Hero Girls, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, DC’s Stargirl, Doom Patrol, The Flash, Harley Quinn, the SnyderCut of Justice League, Lucifer, Pennyworth, SHAZAM!, The Suicide Squad, Supergirl, Superman & Lois, Teen Titans GO!, Titans, Watchmen, Young Justice: Outsiders and, coming this fall to theaters worldwide, Wonder Woman 1984.

The DC FanDome is the place to hear highly anticipated announcements and the latest news, see exclusive footage, and venture into themed worlds designed to entertain everyone from movie and TV superfans to gamers and readers, to families and kids. With special presentations to engage fans in every time zone across the globe, you’ll have the opportunity to have an experience that’s all your own. Inside this virtual world, fans will also get access to localized events, featuring the faces and voices from countries around the world in their local language. No matter where you live, your age or your level of fandom, there is something for you.

Exploring the DC FanDome

The epicenter of the DC FanDome is the Hall of Heroes, where you can experience special programming, panels and content reveals from a wide variety of films, TV series and games, available in several languages, including Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. From there, navigate deeper into the DC Multiverse, exploring five additional satellite worlds, each with its own localized content and unique activities and one world fully devoted to our younger fans:

  • DC WatchVerse: Here’s where you grab a seat, sit back, and join our virtual audience and become completely engrossed in hours of must-see content from around the world. Everything from panels and exclusive screenings to never-before-seen footage, featuring the cast, creators, and behind-the-scenes crew from across DC Films, TV, Home Entertainment, and Games.
     
  • DC YouVerse: Venture into this world where the FANS are the stars to see the most amazing user-generated content, cosplay and fan art from around the world, including, perhaps, your own.
     
  • DC KidsVerse: Need a way to entertain your kids for hours on end? We’ve got you covered inside a special world, which can be accessed directly at DCKidsFanDome.com. This area features a broad range of family-friendly activations for our younger fans.
     
  • DC InsiderVerse: This creativity-based world contains a centerpiece video featuring legendary artist and DC CCO/Publisher Jim Lee, President of DC-Based Film Production Walter Hamada, and creator of the DC TV Arrowverse, Executive Producer Greg Berlanti, welcoming fans with a 101-style introduction to the DC Multiverse. From there, go behind the scenes with the master artisans who bring DC to life in all its forms, from comic books to games, TV, movies, theme parks, consumer products, and more.
     
  • ​DC FunVerse: Take your DC FanDome experience and gather cool shareables; check out our comic book reader; DIY cool WW84 Golden Armor and Batmobile kits; plus digital giveaways and a store filled with merchandise, including some limited-edition exclusives.

Pull Up to the Blerd & Boujee House

Where my Blerds at? The second annual celebration of Black nerd culture returns with the all-new Blerd & Boujee Houseat DC FanDome, bringing Blerds, LatinxGeeks and all nerds “party-with-a-purpose” vibes. As anyone lucky enough to get into the first- ever Blerd & Boujee boat party (featuring DJ D-Nice) at San Diego Comic-Con 2019 can attest, fans will not want to miss connections and conversations designed for the culture.

Calling All Fans!

There’s nothing more important to DC than our fans, and we want to showcase you! In partnership with Talenthouse, DC FanDome today launched a call for your best DC Fan Art & Fandom displays. Show us your cosplay, makeup, tattoos and even your own Batcave! Be sure to submit your best at create.DCFanDome.com for a chance to be featured inside this virtual world event, and demonstrate to people in your home country and across the globe that you are the ultimate DC Super Fan. Selected artists on the day of our event will be voted on by the community in each of our two competitions in order to help our judges pick selected artist winners. Selected artist winners will receive part of a cash prize pool courtesy of DC and Talenthouse.*

Be sure to check back at our official site, DCFanDome.com, frequently for additional updates on what will be happening inside the DC FanDome, including exciting new content on the new blog, the Daily Star, which kicks off with a welcoming note from Jim Lee himself. Also, follow the social channels below for frequent updates about participating cast members, creators, writers, artists, and game developers you can expect to see.

Wonder Woman 1984 is Delayed Until October

Warner Bros. has shifted release dates of their films with Wonder Woman 1984 being pushed back until later in the year.

The film was originally scheduled to be released in November 2019 but was movied for June 2020 to try to take advantage of the summer movie season. Due to COVID-19, the movie was then moved until August 14. The new release date is now October 2.

Wonder Woman grossed $821 million worldwide in 2017.

The studio also shifted Christopher Nolan’s Tenet back two weeks until July 31. This leaves Disney’s Mulan to open up theaters on July 24.

We’ll see if these plans actually happen or if the current rise in cases will cause further delays.

Wonder Woman 1984

Around the Tubes

Red Hood Outlaw #44

It’s a long weekend for “Team GP” but we still have lots of news coming your way today! If you have the day off, enjoy, and if not, we kick off your distraction for the day with some news from around the web.

Vulture – What Hath the Snyder Cut Released? – It just continues an issue that’s been brewing for some time.

CapeGazette – Drive-thru saves Free Comic Book Day in Milton – A creative solution.

Sequart Organization – With Great Power Comes Great Career Opportunities: A Character Study of Grant Morrison and Steve Yeowell’s Zenith – Always an interesting read from this site.

Reviews

Talking Comics – DCeased: Hope at World’s End #1
Talking Comics – DCeased: Unkillables #3
Talking Comics – Red Hood Outlaw #44

Zack Snyder’s Justice League Cut is Coming to HBO Max

Justice League Snyder Cut

Warner Bros. has announced that Zack Snyder‘s version of Justice League will debut on HBO Max. The original version of Justice League debuted in late 2017 to very mixed reviews but a very vocal group has persisted since to allow the “Snyder Cut” to see the light of day.

That fan campaign eventually spread to the stars of the film with Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Ben Affleck, and Jason Mamoa all speaking up to see Snyder’s version released.

The movie opened domestically with $93.8 million and went on to earn $229 million domestically, $428.9 million internationally, and $657.9 million worldwide. Snyder had to step away from the project due to family tragedy with Joss Whedon stepping in to complete the film.

Snyder said about the news:

I want to thank HBO Max and Warner Brothers for this brave gesture of supporting artists and allowing their true visions to be realized. Also a special thank you to all of those involved in the SnyderCut movement for making this a reality.

Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, Warner Media Entertainment and Direct-To-Consumer is quoted as saying:

Since I got here 14 months ago, the chant to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut has been a daily drumbeat in our offices and inboxes. Well, the fans have asked, and we are thrilled to finally deliver. At the end of the day, it really is all about them and we are beyond excited to be able to release Zack’s ultimate vision for this film in 2021. This could never have happened if it weren’t for the hard work and combined efforts of the teams at HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures.

Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer at HBO Max, President, TNT, TBS and truTV added:

When Zack and Debbie shared the extraordinary vision of where Zack wanted to take Justice League, my team and our counterparts at Warner Bros. took it as a mission to solve the many issues that stood in the way. Thanks to the partnership at Warner Bros. and the relentless pursuit of the entire WarnerMax team we are able to deliver this incredibly exciting moment for Zack, the fans and HBO Max.

Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group also said in the news:

Thanks to the efforts of a lot people, we’re excited to bring fans this highly anticipated version of Justice League. This feels like the right time to share Zack’s story, and HBO Max is the perfect platform for it. We’re glad the creative planets aligned, allowing us to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut.

Rumors of screening of the film has persisted with one supposedly happening for Warner Bros. executives earlier this year.

HBO Max is set to launch on May 27th.

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