This week’s update features exciting details for fans waiting on the films revolving around Joker, Shazam, New Gods, and Batman. DC may be keeping a lot of details about their upcoming films under wraps but every week brings us a little closer to what’s shaping up to be fantastic new franchises on DC’s cinematic roster. Let’s take a look at what’s happening this week. Here is the latest update of all of the announcements and rumors that have released from January 4-17.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker may be one of the best Batman universe movies we’ll ever see- maybe! Reportedly, Phoenix is an exceptional Joker and may give Heath Ledger’s iconic Dark Knight Returns rendition of the character a run for its money as the popular favorite.
Joker is said to be a “heartbreaking, pitiful tragedy” with undertones reminiscent of V for Vendetta. Other reports suggest that Joker is hoping to make a statement about current events, specifically, Donald Trump’s presidency. What that statement will remain to be seen, but Phoenix’s performance will hopefully be spot on in any event.
The Birds of Prey cast is gearing up for their roles. Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn) was seen practicing in roller skates, a past-time familiar to the anti-villain. Huntress actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead is training as well, adding intense workouts to help her adapt to the role of one of DC’s most ferocious vigilantes. Additionally, Chris Messina has recently gone blonde for what many are assuming the new take on Victor Zsasz.
Director Cathy Yan is going for a “cool but not flashy” look in the costumes. How this will play out for Quinn, a character that enjoys a little sparkle will be interesting to see as production continues, as filming said to be underway right now.
New details for the New Gods film featuring the legendary Jack Kirby’s team of heroes are making their way to the surface. The movie will reportedly focus on Mister Miracle and Big Barda’s escape from Apokolips and conflict on the planet New Genesis. It is also said that the main villains will be Granny Goodness and the Female Furies. Rumor also has it that Warner Bros. is hoping to move the film along quicker than expected with hopes that New Gods will release prior to the rumored Marvel Eternals film which has similarities.
Matt Reeves Batman continues to trudge along. The studio is reportedly eyeing a November 2019 production start date. It is assumed that Ben Affleck will not be returning as the caped crusader, and the recent group of rumors continues to suggest that Jack O’Connell is the front-runner even though another rumor states that there have never been any official discussions with O’Connell.
Penguin is also getting some attention as information released stating the villain will appear in the Batman film, but not the only one. Josh Gad also continues to troll fans by hinting at Penguin on his social media accounts.
As we know, Wonder Woman 1984 wrapped production recently and the movie’s cast and crew are as excited as ever to move forward for the release. Chris Pine, who played Steve Trevor in the first film, has surprisingly returned for the sequel and this time around plays a seemingly more bewildered and less in control captain stating, “The tables are turned, and I’m more of the deer in the headlights.” There is also a rumor on how exactly the character returns for the film after dying in the previous installment, but we will leave that for you to read if you wish to possibly be spoiled.
Shazam! is making amazing progress as well. The movie appeared on the cover of the Total Film magazine, which claims the movie is a cross between Tom Hank’s ‘Big’ and Superman.
The biggest announcement on the film this week comes from the wardrobe department. Costume designer Leah Butler confirmed that the suit worn by Shazam! actor Zachary Levi costs an upwards of a million dollars- and that there are ten suits. Director David Sanberg later clarified the comments that there are multiple versions of the suit for different shots and the majority of the cost comes from the design part of finding the right look and functionality.
The film has also picked up a new rumor of its own this week. Smallville’s Lionel Luthor actor, John Glover, may be making an appearance in Shazam! The nature of his surprise role is not yet confirmed, but there has been a recent rumor stating that Dr. Sivana may not be the only villain showcased in the film.
Before we go there are a couple of real quick bits for some other films as well. First Harley Quinn is said to have been taken out of the planned Suicide Squad 2 after being originally part of the team in the first film. Her popularity and involvement in the upcoming Birds of Prey film may have had something to do with the changes if the rumor turns out to be true. It also said that the Joker and Harley Quinn film has been canceled at this point. Finally, the long-rumored Gotham City Sirens film may have still be happening as there are rumors suggesting that the Birds of PRey will eventually be facing off against the Sirens in a later film.
That’s all for this week. We’ll follow up again next week to see what’s next for these DC films, and what other potential projects we have to look forward to.
