In June 2013, amongst the sweltering heat
of Hall H (the world famous convention hall in which thousands gather every
year during San Diego Comic Con to support their favourite film franchises and
characters), Batman V Superman was announced to the world...
Initially, there was intense joy and
jubilation. Social media was packed with fans who were overjoyed at the idea
that they would finally see Batman and Superman (arguably the most iconic
superheroes of all time) appear on the big screen for the first time. It was
also revealed that the Man of Steel sequel would be based on Frank Miller’s
iconic ‘The Dark Knight Returns’, a ground-breaking graphic novel that changed
the way mass media approached comic book material—Batman had certainly moved
past his Adam West days.
Soon after though, an air of unease set
over the movie. It was revealed that the DC Comics film would include even more
characters than previously expected. Batman, Alfred, The Flash, Jimmy Olsen,
Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Robin, The Joker, Lex Luthor, Mercy Graves,
Harley Quinn, Doomsday and Darkseid are all expected (or rumoured) to make
their on-screen introduction in the DC ‘Extended Universe’ flick. Many people
felt it was overcrowded already—“the studio suits surely cant pull it off!”.
Next came the casting announcement for the
Caped Crusader himself: Ben Affleck. While some were overjoyed once again (ARGO
recently winning Best Picture at the Academy Awards), many were distraught at
the idea that the man who ruined Daredevil’s movie could potentially ruin the
Dark Knight too. The media coined ‘Bat-fleck’ backlash has hushed since then,
the majority of ‘fans’ encouraged by the incredible trailers presented to them
by BvS’s marketing campaign.
And so this is where many find
themselves—stuck in limbo, not sure whether to anticipate the block-buster or
be wary of its very existence. The behind the scenes team of Zack Snyder , Hans
Zimmer and Junkie XL are returning—excellent news for those of us who loved Man
of Steel, but Christopher Nolan will not. The mixed reaction to MoS combined
with the inescapable comparisons to Nolan’s enchanting Dark Knight trilogy loom
over the film, but there are some incredibly exciting points that many are yet
to explore.
Staggeringly, this is the first time we
will see Wonder Woman be realised on the big screen, and by an actress of
colour too! Gal Gadot of the Fast and Furious franchise will draw her sword
once more in next year’s Wonder Woman movie, which will be the first comic book
blockbuster to be exclusively led by a woman.
The film also has incredibly positive
industry rumblings, the general consensus from critics so far being positive
and upbeat. While many may not be a fan of the bombastic blockbuster, BvS will
certainly become a culturally impact-ful landmark in pop culture (whether that
will be due to its infamy or fame is yet to be decided).
The film will also be a decidedly mature
one, exploring the ideological war between Clark and Bruce. With such a
powerful being as Kal-El living amongst us, and with all the damage he is
capable of doing, should he be allowed to be free in society? It’s certainly an
argument that has many pumped full of enthusiasm—Warner Bros. encouraging fans
to choose their allegiance with the #TeamBatman and #TeamSuperman hashtags.
However the quality of the film turns out,
I hope BvS is as successful as it has the potential to be. It’s diverse film
that gives actors of various gender, sexuality and ethnicity a place in the
limelight, and is as politically charged as it is bombastic; it’s certainly one
to watch.
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice comes out 25th March 2016.
Written by James Green.
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