Warner Bros. has big plans forJustice League Dark, and now they’ve set a mighty talented filmmaker to take the helm of the DC title. While an animated iteration of the title is poised for release sometime this year,THRreports thatEdge of TomorrowandThe Bourne IdentitydirectorDoug Limanhas been tapped to take the helm of the live-actionJustice League Darkmovie, which focuses on the DC superheroes with more supernatural powers as opposed to the bright and shiny heroes of the Justice League proper. The protagonists ofJustice League Darkaren’t exactly antiheroes either, as the comics lineup has included folks like John Constantine and Swamp Thing. When the film hits theaters, however, it’ll be calledDark Universeaccording toVariety, likely to avoid audience confusion.
This project was initially set up at Warner Bros. withGuillermo del Torowriting and directing, and while del Toro ultimately left the project to focus on other things, he did say in 2013 that the film was being envisionedas part of the DC Extended Universe. So yes, this will be added to DC’s slate of films that now includesMan of Steel,Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, andSuicide Squad. Variety notes thatMichael Giliois writing the script, so it’s unclear how much (if any) of del Toro’s work will remain, but Oscar heavy hitterScott Rudinis producing the pic, which is a huge change of pace from WB’s DC films thus far.
THR states that Del Toro will still be a producer on the project, but Liman is spearheading things as the director and he marks a fascinating choice. Tonally, Liman is much more about keeping things swift and entertaining, albeit always with a focus on character. Films likeEdge of Tomorrowand evenMr. and Mrs. Smithare tons of fun, but there’s also an underlying sadness throughout. That makes him a swell fit for this piece of material, and no doubt Warner Bros. has heard the call and wants to ensure that their superhero films are actually, you know,joyful—Liman is a great pick.
However, this also signals bad news forGambit. Liman signed on to direct the MarvelX-Menspinoff for Fox last year, withChanning Tatumattached to star, but the project missed its start-date and was pushed back significantly so more work could be done on the script. Last we heard filming was aiming to get underway at the end of this year while Liman squeezed in a smaller scale project, a sniper drama calledThe Wall, but with the filmmaker signing on toJustice League Darkhe isno longer involved withGambit. That said, Fox is still intent on starting production in January asJosh Zetumer(RoboCop) works on the script, so we may hear yet another new director announcement in short order.
Before Liman, Warner Bros. was reportedly consideringEvil DeaddirectorFede AlvarezandBig Bad WolveshelmersAharon Keshales&Navot Papushado, but it’s clear they changed course and opted to go with someone more established. Arumored cast wishlistmade the rounds last November that includedColin Farrellfor John Constantine andRon Perlmanfor Swamp Thing but Variety notes that the lineup will consist of Constantine, Swamp Thing, Deadman, Zatanna, and Etrigan the Demon.
Liman most recently helmed the 1980s cartel dramaAmerican MadestarringTom Cruise, but that doesn’t open until later next year. It’s unclear when, exactly, Warner Bros. is hoping to getJustice League Darkinto theaters, but one imagines sooner rather than later.
As it stands now,Zack Snyderis currently filmingJustice Leaguefor release next November, whileWonder Womanis in the can for release next summer. After that, directorJames Wanis gearing up to start work onAquamanand filmmakerRick Famuyiwais in the midst of casting forThe Flash, with both of those films eyeing 2018 releases.Suicide Squad 2may or may not be in the works, but now it looks like Warner Bros. will be slippingJustice League Darkin there somewhere.
