In a previous article, I discussed how I would reboot DC films, starting with Batman, but it doesn’t end there. It just isn’t a proper franchise reboot without the Man of Steel. Flash forward a couple of years into 1960 and we have a young Clark Kent, played by Chuck star Matt Bomer.
The first Superman movie in the new DC Films should be a coming of age film. Superman works best as a child’s power fantasy: “I can fly and shoot laser beams and see through walls and have frost breath and-and um super strength!”
It's all about learning that despite being a literal god, everyone has to have limits. I'm thinking an abridged adaptation of Max Landis’ American Alien. Ever since Clarke could remember, he’s had a desire to help people, but it isn't until he stumbles upon the Legend of The Batman while covering a story about rising crime in Gotham, that he decides to take up the call and become Superman.
I like the idea of despite having almost polar opposite approaches, Superman is inspired by Batman. Half in earnest, half in anything you can do I can do better. This Superman is all about the status quo, self-control. He is a firm believer in people. That's important. To most of the world, he is the first and only Superhuman living on Earth, and he is by and large greatly appreciated by them. I'm thinking two Superman films. The first being the only “origin story” in this DC cinematic universe. The second definitively introducing the idea of otherworldly beings to this continuity.
You see Lex Luthor (Bryan Cranston, duh) has gotten tangled up with some interdimensional plot to rule the galaxy. Things go south and now a yet-to-be-named alien is threatening all-out invasion. Hal Jordan (Armie fucking Hammer), who in his own movie is dealing with the space end of this luring threat, heads to Earth to give them a heads up.
It's here he meets Superman. He tells him that an army of mind controlled Lanterns are being led by an unknown tyrant in an attempt to conquer Earth. The two realize they are greatly outnumbered and Government officials get involved. The officials inform the two of an off-the-books superhuman agent that's been on Earth since the late 1930’s doing all of their international dirty work – a one woman army named Diana, codenamed Wonder Woman. I'm thinking Americana with a hint of mysticism. Someone like Alyson le Borges would be perfect (look her up and you're welcome).
Taking a page straight out of All Star Comics #8, this Wonder Woman was tasked with escorting Steve Trevor back to his homeworld, of which she was also charged with defending at all cost. She suggests they send an intergalactic distress call, beckoning all allies of Earth to come and fight beside them. In an attempt to send such a call, mad Government scientist Dr. Saul Erdel inadvertently summons an alien from Mars. Enter Martian Manhunter (Djimon Hounsou).
He claims to know of the alien threat that awaits them, an intergalactic conqueror by the name of Despero, a.k.a. one of the first major villains to contend with the JLA in the comics all the way back in August 1960. Given his apparent knowledge of the coming invasion, The Martian is declared a prisoner of war and forbidden to return to his home planet until this threat is properly dealt with.
All major cities are evacuated and our new team, Wonder Woman, The Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and Superman stand alone to face this looming invasion, that is until an overeager Barry Allen shows up all in Flash garb begging to be a part of the team. They reluctantly agree.
Before the big showdown, we get one more standalone Batman film. Tying loose ends with the Joker and cementing this DC Films’ Batman as a seasoned player. He's been broken and remade so now it's okay to have him play the infallible genius even when he stands beside aliens and Gods. He's back but not exactly back into the big picture just yet.
Stay tuned lamb chops, you might as well read the next one.
