From DCTV series’ like Titans and Doom Patrol to features like Blue Beetle – Uncertainty looms over DC films & TV shows since David Zaslav’s revamp at WBD. Still, The Joker 2 seems to fall under the new regime’s “quality over quantity” plan as Todd Phillips’ sequel gets a $150 million budget allocation, putting it in the big events film category whilst another such major blockbuster, The Flash faces a burdensome situation of scrap it or release it with PR crisis due to Ezra Miller’s onslaught of controversies. Meanwhile, James Gunn’s Peacemaker season 2 and the adult animation Harley Quinn season 3 are apparently the only DC content offerings currently in the safe zone.
(DC Films weekly recap are highlights of news reports from trade publications and rumors from industry insiders on DC Extended Universe and DC films/TV shows. This story offers bits of the exciting announcements from this week.)
The future and current strategy for DC films is in a state of flux since the Batgirl axing. In fact, it’s unclear if even the current head Walter Hamada will stick to his executive role at Warner Bros. Discovery after Black Adam‘s release. Nonetheless, Zaslav’s current superintendents for DC, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy are reportedly insisting the New Line Cinema’s veteran producer remains in his role.
Amid this confusing management crisis, the earlier leadership’s plan to adopt a Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline was leaked. The fan-favorite comic-based adaptation would have given DC a clean slate, and insiders had earlier indicated the Snyder-created characters such as Ben Affleck’s Batman and Henry Cavill’s Superman were also part of the big event crossover but that idea has been cast off for Zaslav’s “10-year plan”.
Still of Zack Snyder captured from set of London during Justice League filming
While Snyderverse fans are holding out hope since witnessing Zack Snyder’s Justice League footage at WBD’s earnings call presentation – industry experts are insisting the regime’s strategy does not include fleshing out the Man of Steel director’s 5 movie plan. Also, neither is Snyder’s schedule free for the near future with the director developing a new franchise for Netflix, Rebel Moon.
Blue Beetle movie reshoots rumor
Blue Beetle concept art
Addressing the rumor mill of the week, a few credible journos are reportedly stating Blue Beetle starring Xolo Mariduena was undergoing additional photography in Puerto Rico but the cast & crew of the film faced a life-threatening situation after being caught up in the middle of a gang shootout. Readers are still urged to take this news with a grain of salt until official confirmation. Though, it’s also causing panic among DC fans since the movie could face a potential release delay or worse even face Batgirl’s scenario if the budget skyrockets, especially since the feature already cost $100 million set for a theatrical release. Will the new WBD head see it as another tax write-off scenario? It’s too soon to speculate.
Courtesy of @AjepArts, #BlueBeetle was shooting additional photography in a dangerous part of Puerto Rico. This resulted in a gang shoot out putting the cast a crew in danger. All cast and crew are now safe pic.twitter.com/GpWwyBgOgJ
— Nickatina #ProjectJusticeLeague2 (@Nickatina_show) August 11, 2022
If what I heard is true and (yes this did happen) this film is in a lot more trouble than people realize and I understand why the budget has amped up 100+ million https://t.co/E6xLx6fN9e
— KC Walsh (@TheComixKid) August 11, 2022
— The Flash Film News ⚡ (@FlashFilmNews) August 11, 2022
Titans and Doom Patrol are in trouble
Still of Starfire from Titans TV series
Speaking of cancellations, the Variety report suggests Titans and Doom Patrol could face the ax as well, post the debut of both shows’ season 4. While J. J. Abrams’ Justice League Dark series and spinoffs based on the supernatural ensemble characters Constantine and Madame Xanadu are still moving forward.
Oh no! 😪 https://t.co/K427m6m6X8
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) August 11, 2022
The Joker 2, The Batman 2 and The Flash – DC’s blockbusters
Joker 2 Lady Gaga
Even amidst the ever-changing decisions at Warners, The Joker 2’s cast & crew are getting a big payday with director Phillips and main lead Joaquin Phoenix expected to earn $20 million and the sequel’s newcomer, Lady Gaga receiving $10M. The entire production’s cost is expected to land at $150 million. WBD seems to be betting the big bucks on Joker: Folie à Deux and it shouldn’t come as a surprise, especially since the 2019’s Joker broke threw $1 billion in earnings at global box office as an R-rated title. Meanwhile, The Batman 2 from Matt Reeves is yet to receive its greenlight although the director is still working on development along with the Penguin spin-off.
jesus christ https://t.co/NTHYyk72hi
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) August 11, 2022
The news has shocked fans if WBD could be interfering with Reevesverse’s original plan to incorporate to the current 10-year strategy. Nonetheless, there are signs that the Robert Pattinson starrer sequel won’t face hurdles. However, The Flash is surrounded by hindrances with Miller getting charged yet again and this time with felony burglary. THR says WBD is presumably exploring three options, Miller addressing his controversial incidents after seeking professional help and engaging in limited promotions and releasing Andy Muschietti-directed standalone as scheduled.
The second option, releasing the movie without Miller’s involvement in marketing with the star’s replacement in future projects. The last worst-case scenario is the complete scrapping of the $200 million production. But Insiders with knowledge of The Flash’s test screening believe it would be a wrong move to shelve.
Scrapping THE FLASH would be a huge mistake. Test audiences *really* enjoy the film and one person told me they’ve never seen an audience so into a movie or so excited to discuss it when it was done.
— BSL 🔜 #TIFF22 🧩 (@bigscreenleaks) August 11, 2022
Batgirl’s future in DC live-action Universe
Batgirl and Michael Keaton batman
De Luca and Abdy are apparently interested in seeing Leslie Grace play Batgirl for DC or at least sign a deal with the star for another Warner Bros. film. However, it’s likely that decision falls to the person Zaslav hires to oversee the DC franchise, could it be Greg Berlanti? It’s uncertain but his Green Lantern series still has the nod to go ahead with development. Though, insiders like Grace Randolph believe the dynamic changes at WBD puts every project’s future up in the air.
After shelving #Batgirl, WBD's Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy are entertaining the possibility of having Leslie Grace continue to play Batgirl in a future DC film pic.twitter.com/ah8OL07bRn
— Batgirl Film News 🦇 (@BatgirlFilm) August 11, 2022
If they do, I hope she says “Nah” and signs a deal with Marvel. https://t.co/pSMr2plvL7
— Richard Newby (@RICHARDLNEWBY) August 11, 2022
What did you think of this week’s DC films recap? Let us know in the comments below or hit up @RAKarthikPrasad on Twitter to discuss all things DCEU.
