The DCEU isn’t backing down.
[dropcap size=small]N[/dropcap]egativity should be avoided regarding Warner Brothers troubled undertaking, the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Optimism has always been a theme closely linked to Superman, and the same sentiment should be put toward the continuation of the DCEU, because it’s continuation is inevitable. A recent rumor suggests that the solo Superman sequel will be titled Superman: Last Son, or possibly Superman: Last Son of Krypton. And fortunately, if you think positively, thanks to Cosmic Book News, via ComicBookCast, there are more potentially great reveals.
Beware possibly massive spoilers…
As always these rumors could turn out to be entirely false or entirely true, but more often than not, rumors only contain a semblance of truth. That being said, if there is any legitimacy to the following, fans should be excited for another Superman outing.
To start, the things some fanboys may groan about, Zack Snyder wrote the story with Geoff Johns and wants to potentially direct. However, JJ Abrams was considered, though I personally find it hard to believe he would accept, and prior to signing on for Justice League Dark, Doug Liman was thought of. Apparently, Snyder and Johns intend to complete a Superman trilogy but my guess would be that someone other than Snyder sits in the director’s chair.
The movie’s main villain would be Brainiac, a powerful and storied adversary of Superman’s for decades. An alien whose origin has been altered countless times, Brainiac would be a physical threat, but he is also one of the smartest beings in DC continuity. He travels the cosmos collecting worlds and learning all he can, his specific mandate has been altered like his origins, but that is generally the gist.
Some smaller details include Lois Lane having a finite role, General Sam Lane being set-up as a future antagonist, and an opening sequence of Zod vs. Brainiac on Kandor. Take that bit with a heaping serving of doubt considering Michael Shannon’s negative BvS comments, but then again I assume Warner Bros. cuts rather large checks.
Finally, the juicy stuff. Superman would potentially combat Brainiac twice, once in deep space and once in a third act finale on Earth. Brainiac’s ship, containing all his captured worlds, would include both the Kryptonian city of Kandor and Hawkman’s Thanagar. The rumors suggest that Superman would discover Supergirl onboard of Brainiac’s ship serving as his soldier during their first encounter.
Additionally, during the climactic battle on Earth, the Justice league would come to the aid of Superman and Supergirl. This could potentially include Martian Manhunter who pursues Brainiac to Earth after having his world and family robbed from him.
There are some exciting possibilities here if you think about the ways the DCEU can move forward. During Marvel’s Cinematic Universe solo outings, some audience members complain as to why there aren’t more superheros arriving on scene during events threatening the lives of thousands. Batman’s presence in Suicide Squad, and the Justice League appearing in the Superman sequel, this could set the DCEU apart–but only if they start to do it as surprise reveals. Meaning audiences could go into movies believing anyone could show up and anything could happen.
Imagine if Wonder Woman’s appearance in BvS were kept a secret. When she appeared as Diana Prince you would have been giddy, but come the time she’s stabbing, slashing, and lassoing, you’d hit the roof. The audience would have assumed it was another cameo, thus adding even more drama to her getting off the plane during the Doomsday battle. Of course this would hinge on marketing not giving away the third act, like is so often mistakenly done in Hollywood. But let’s hope that maybe the DCEU can gain a reputation for insane surprises. The DCEU could start underselling while delivering big, instead of overselling like they have. That sort of simple yet ingenuitive thinking could appease the fans who were left up in arms after three films that were mediocre.
The sequel to Man of Steel is said to have a November 2019 release date.
Do these rumors pump you up for another Superman movie, potentially a trilogy?
For all DCEU news, rumors, and more stay tuned to Geek Outpost.
