- With the latest animated DC Universe DVD film, "DARK KNIGHT RETURNS - PART TWO", about to hit the shelves at the end of the January, some word has leaked of the next animated DVD film to come from Warner Home Video. Officially titled "SUPERMAN UNBOUND", it is an adaptation of ACTION COMICS #866-870 by Geoff Johns (DC's chief creative officer) and Gary Frank which involves a battle between the man of steel and the alien artificial intelligence, Brainiac. While this year will seen "MAN OF STEEL" hit theaters, Warner Home Video has routinely relied on Superman, Batman, or the Justice League for the lion's share of these animated DVD films since 2007. As reported by TV Guide, Matt Bomer ("WHITE COLLAR") will star as the voice of Clark Kent/Superman, with John Noble ("FRINGE") as Brainiac, and two "CASTLE" co-stars Stana Katic and Molly Quinn as Lois Lane and Supergirl (respectively). This is interesting casting as Bomer auditioned for the role of Superman in "MAN OF STEEL", but was passed over for Henry Cavill; romantic novelist Jackie Collins claimed it was because he's gay. Whether true or not, Bomer is under six feet tall and WB has preferred to cast actors over six feet tall as Superman. The film will be "coming this spring", with a more definite release date coming in a few weeks or months. This will be the first appearance of Brainiac in one of Superman's animated DVD films since "SUPERMAN: BRAINIAC ATTACKS" was released to lukewarm critical response in 2006. The film will be produced by Bruce Timm, co-produced and directed by James Tucker, voice directed by Andrea Romano and composed by Kevin Kliesch. As with any adaptation of a comic book story, some changes have been made for corporate reasons; for instance, in the comics Clark was married to Lois, while in this she'll be his "girlfriend".
For those keeping score, out of the confirmed sixteen of these animated DVD films, Superman has been the titular star or co-star in six of them. In the record, Batman has been the titular star or co-star in seven, with Green Lantern starring in two and the exception being Wonder Woman once in 2009. This does not include Justice League productions, of which there have been three (with a fourth being rumored), which naturally heavily feature Batman and Superman. It seems more obscure heroes are left to shorts.
- While it is known that Warner Brothers is once again toying with producing a "Justice League" film, director Guillermo del Toro has revealed that WB is also involved in what may seem like an adaptation of a JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK film. The working title is "Dark Universe" and the intention is to be a set piece for several of DC's more supernaturally themed characters. It was stated that del Toro has been working on an outline and a writer is being hired for the script. In terms of characters, the iconic director mentions Swamp Thing, John Constantine, Entrigan the Demon, Zatanna, and Deadman. The former two have already been adapted to film historically; Swamp Thing got two films during the 80's as well as a cable TV series in the early 90's. Del Toro claims that WB is encouraged to produce more "darker toned" superhero films by the success of the Chris Nolan trilogy of Batman films. All this may still precariously hinge on the success or failure of "MAN OF STEEL" this summer, as well as del Toro's schedule. Among directing various horror/supernatural films in general, he's been attached to Marvel's new live action "Incredible Hulk" TV show as well as (hopefully) working on "HELLBOY 3".
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