Did some of Batman’s actions in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice bother you? Well, you’re not the only one. The Dark Knight branded, drove through, and blew up criminals. He even nearly stabbed Superman to death. For fans, that seems a bit out of character, and rightfully so.
Well, consider this your symbol of hope.
DC Entertainment chief creative officer Geoff Johns and Warner Bros. executive Jon Berg say there will be answers in next year’s Justice League. In their first interview since their promotion to oversee the DCEU, io9, via the Wall Street Journal, reports that the duo believe we have a lot to look forward to in the future, and Berg says Batman has some explaining to do.
[The film will]“directly address Batman’s extreme actions in [Batman v Superman], such as torturing criminals and nearly killing the Man of Steel, rather than accept them as par for the course.”
His comments come after questions were asked about the state of the tone in the current DCEU films, which is often seen as dark, morose and just not much fun. Johns is also staying positive.
“[I]n the past, I think the studio has said, ‘Oh, DC films are gritty and dark and that’s what makes them different.’ That couldn’t be more wrong.”
He continues…
“It’s a hopeful and optimistic view of life. Even Batman has a glimmer of that in him. If he didn’t think he’d make tomorrow better, he’d stop.”
While next year’s Wonder Woman will hit theaters first, it’s likely the real change in the direction of the universe won’t be obvious until JL in November of 2017. Johns came aboard while WW was pretty far in production to have a clear say in the film’s direction. However, Aquaman, Flash and others are all under the command of Johns.
So what does this mean? Be optimistic! He is noticing the criticisms the three DCEU films (Man of Steel, BvS, and Suicide Squad) have had and has answered for some of their faults. That’s a big first step. Now, as chief creative officer, he is righting the ship (or the Flying Fox in this case), and correcting the wrongs.
I haven’t had a problem with these three films. I LOVED BvS but I’m clearly in the minority. And I’m okay with that. The future of these beloved characters are partially in the hands of DC’s biggest fan (argue that point). Last I checked, those hands wrote beloved superhero tales like: Justice Society of America, Green Lantern: Rebirth, The Flash: Rebirth, Superman: Secret Origin, Batman: Earth One, and Justice League.
DC on film has had its blackest night. Now let’s sit back and enjoy Johns delivering its brightest day.