Creating a Universe: Part 1

Some great discussions happen at comic book shops, let me tell you.  Recently, we were talking about DC’s seeming lack of ability to establish an interconnected movie franchise the way Marvel has.  However, what is always forgotten is that even in the standalone films, there are sly references to the other heroes.  Consider Captain America’s shield in Iron Man 2, or the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents questioning whether the destroyer was “one of Stark’s” in Thor.  What DC needs to do is have a story arc in place that they can use to weave random threads into the standalone movies, the way J. Michael Straczynski did with Babylon 5.  One of the things that was remarked on was the fact that DC has a stable of far more iconic characters than Marvel does, and that those iconic characters, both major and minor, deserve to have their part in the movies.  However, to make this work, a single person, someone with a mind like Straczynski’s would be needed as a producer in order to ensure uniformity and continuity between the movies.  It is a tall order, but here is how I would envision Phase I of a new DC Movie Universe unfolding.

SYNOPSIS:

The rationale behind the structure of Phase One is to establish the interconnectedness of the DC Universe films.  The movies should occur in fairly rapid sequence, with the movies being filmed consecutively, reusing many sets and characters between the movies.  It will incorporate events from the Dark Knight Trilogy, Green Lantern, Man of Steel and the forthcoming sequel featuring Batman as part of the shared history of the DC Film Universe.  Flashpoint should precede the three standalone films by approximately six months, with the other three films being released at four-month intervals.  The final film of Phase one would be released six months after the Superman film.

Flashpoint will open as the comic book opens.  The events of the series will be followed more or less accurately.  Flashpoint will end with the Flash telling the story of the alternate timeline to the members of the Justice League (minus Batman who refuses to join and serves as a tactical and technical advisor).  In a post credits scene, we should get our first glimpse of Doomsday.

Batman: War Games will be a standalone movie which will feature Batman trying to break down gang warfare in Gotham.  As the story progresses, glimpses will be gained into the actions of other heroes in TV news reports and newspaper headlines.  In a post credits scene, we should get a tease of the Justice League working to save people from a natural disaster.

Wonder Woman: Paradise Lost will focus on the invasion of Paradise Island by terrorists seeking an advantage over the world’s democracies by trying to steal the power of the Amazons.  Wonder Woman is still in “Man’s World” fighting Cheetah who is working with the terrorists.  After defeating Cheetah, she learns that she was just a diversion and rushes off to Paradise Island to help her sisters.  The terrorists are eventually defeated, but not before exploding a dirty bomb on the Island.  Zeus intervenes and gives the Amazons a new home: Themyscira.  In a post credits scene, we get a glimpse of Lex Luthor and a US attorney striking a deal to hold Superman accountable for the destruction in Man of Steel.

Superman: Grounded will focus on an overzealous United States attorney who wants to see that Superman is held responsible for the destruction caused by his battle with Zod in Man of Steel.  Superman is imprisoned in a red-sunlight cell designed by tech mogul Lex Luthor, which weakens him enough for Luthor to obtain a tissue sample.  He then tries to replicate Superman’s powers in himself, which causes him to go insane and lash out against humanity, seeing himself as a god.  The Justice League is otherwise engaged, and the authorities release Superman to deal with Luthor, who is imprisoned in his own red-sunlight cell until his powers wear off.  In the post-credits scene we see Doomsday’s arrival on Earth as seen in the comics.

In Justice League: The Death of Superman, Doomsday begins his mindless rampage across America, starting in Smallville, Kansas and heading towards Metropolis.  Superman Battles Doomsday and is defeated.  While Superman regains his strength, the Justice League battles Doomsday.  The League is soundly defeated, but before Doomsday can move in for the kill, Superman arrives and engages in a furious battle.  Superman and Doomsday beat each other to death.  The movie ends with Superman’s funeral.  The post-credits scene contains five flashes: Cyborg Superman, Superboy, Steel, the Eradicator and ends with a darkened shot of Superman’s chest, a silver shield on his black burial suit, and we hear a single heartbeat.

At the end of Phase One, allow for a six to nine-month period to build up the Reign of the Supermen movie that will kick off Phase II.