DC Comic Fans Rejoice Superman vs Batman Movie Will Feature More Familiar Faces

By Aimee Mahmoud

While the announcement that Welsh actor Christian Bale would NOT be reprising his role as Batman in any further live-action movies came as a disappointment to legions of Dark Knight fans, reports that a new Batman vs. Superman movie is currently in pre-production sent shockwaves throughout social networking platforms. It was then announced (albeit to slight controversy) that critically-acclaimed director and actor Ben Affleck would be assuming the role in the upcoming film. Henry Cavil, who portrayed Superman in Man of Steel, will be reprising the role. It was also announced that Israeli actress Gal Gadot has been cast in the role of Wonder Woman. The casting announcement was not met without controversy, in which many criticized Gadot's slender frame and hazy resemblance to the classic superheroine. In addition, Joaquin Phoenix and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson have been rumored to be contenders for the role of Lex Luthor.

What is interesting to note are the multitude of rumors surrounding the possibility of other familiar DC Universe heroes from the likes of Aquaman, Green Lantern, and Green Arrow making appearances in the new film. Surely, a film as highly-anticipated as Disney's The Avengers ought to make it a priority to feature as many engaging fan-favorites as possible. Unless, of course, the possibility of a full-on Justice League movie is on the horizon. Gadot has stated in subsequent press reports that Warner Bros. executives required her to sign a 3-year contract to play the part of Wonder Woman in not only the Batman vs. Superman crossover, but also in a standalone film and an unknown third development. There is also some speculation that the new Wonder Woman costume will incorporate some type of armor, being less analogous to the traditional getup worn by Linda Carter in the campy TV series of the 1970's. 

Criticism aimed at Affleck made light of the actor's lack of experience portraying dark, brooding characters of the Bruce Wayne variety. And we can't forget the time that Affleck infamously stated in 2006 that he would never take a role in a superhero movie again after portraying the Marvel vigilante Daredevil. Allegedly, Affleck is said to be "hyped" for the role where he will be portraying the older, more experienced Batman that audiences are far more accustom to seeing in previous films, television incarnations, and comic strips. 

Regardless of what direction Warner Bros. decides to take, Batman vs. Superman will be a welcome addition to the faddish trend of superhero movies and television series laying claim to recent media buzz. And let's not ignore how dear to our hearts superhero movies really are - adults and children of all ages are equally thrilled at the prospect of new movies, television shows, theme park rides, and superhero costumes featuring some of their favorite and most iconic idols. The prospect of a DC Universe crossover film that features characters that have not been adequately paid their Hollywood dues like Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and The Flash will be a breath of fresh air in a very Marvel Universe-dominated mainstream. Fans are almost certainly in store for an explosive ride with Warner Bros.' Superman vs. Batman!