Justice League of America: Classic Comic Book Makes Leap to Film

It's no secret that comic book adaptations have been the craze in Hollywood in recent years. The insatiable thirst that fans have exhibited for their favorite tights-wearing superheroes making it onto the big screen has prompted studios to create a slew of memorable new franchises based on the renowned characters and stories. From the first Spider-Man (2002) and X-Men (2000) films to the more recent hits of Batman Begins (2005) and Superman Returns (2006), these fresh re-imaginings of the long-standing and cherished franchises were no doubt inspired by the recent popularity of the genre. Even less-popular, crime-fighting heroes have been transferred to the big screen, notably in the less-than-stellar (but still box office dominating) films of Catwoman (2004), Fantastic Four (2005) and Ghost Rider (2007). As long as the films don't tank at the box office, sequels are almost a sure bet.

However, the film adaptation of one comic book classic has, up until just recently, always remained a rumor and a mystery. Warner Bros. has confirmed that for the first time in history, multiple superheroes will fill the big screen in the live-action film version of the Justice League of America, pitting the Caped Crusader (Batman), the Man of Steel (Superman), and many other heroes together for the first time in Hollywood history. Tentatively, production on what is sure to be only the first of a new series of films is set to begin next February in Australia, with George Miller (Happy Feet), at the helm as the director.

Warner Bros. is rumored to have been pressured into moving quickly on the film due to a number of factors, including a finished screenplay that had executives begging for more. In addition, an open spot in the summer on their 2009 calendar of releases, as well as the looming possibility of the industry-wide strike that is rumored to halt productions by next summer, have prompted Warner Bros. to finally move ahead with production. Several critics were given early versions of the finished script, and most have agreed that the story remains true to the original comic book when it debuted in 1960. Without any major spoiling, the plot itself deals with evil corporate-type Maxwell Lord taking over humans with advanced cyborgs known as One-Man Army Corps. The script indicates that not only will the caped superheroes be battling evil, but that there will also be conflicts within the team itself.

As for the heroes themselves, fans of the DC comics will be familiar with the Justice League roster, which includes some of the strongest and most popular DC characters even conceived. Superman, the indestructible alien from Krypton, has an ironically more timid side in that of news reporter Clark Kent. Wonder Woman, also known as Diana of Themyscira, is the princess of the Amazons gifted with the ability to kick serious butt. Batman, also known as the Dark Knight, is the only one of the bunch who is 100% human, relying on the smarts and resourcefulness of his billionaire alter-ego Bruce Wayne to take evil down. The core team also includes Green Lantern, whose emerald power ring enables him to both attack and shield himself from attacks, the Flash, the jokester of the bunch who can move even quicker than Superman, Martian Manhunter, the alien detective with the power to both read minds and transform at will, and Aquaman, the king of Atlantica who wields great power but holds a slight grudge against humans.

Although fans have been excited about the prospect of a film adaptation ever since it was rumored, others within the industry are unhappy with the recent announcement. Christopher Nolan, director of the revived Batman film franchise, which moves forward with the next film The Dark Knight in July 2008, is reportedly unhappy with the timing of the film, worried that the release of Justice League of America may hurt the premiere of The Dark Knight, in which Christian Bale will reprise his role as Batman. Director Bryan Singer of Superman: Man of Steel, the next installment in the revived Superman films, believes however that the release will not hurt his film. Brandon Routh, who played Superman in Returns, has stated that he is willing to reprise his role in either Man of Steel or Justice League of America, although he will not be able to do both.

The proposed Wonder Woman and Flash films may also be derailed now that their respective superheroes will be featured in League, but Warner Bros. has stated that they believe these movie franchises can exist at the same time, albeit in "parallel universes." Jessica Biel, who was originally considered for the role of Wonder Woman in the first film of the series, is now being considered for the same role in League instead. Warner Bros. president Alan Horn, who for years held off from greenlighting the multi-hero film, for fear of hurting the individual film franchises, believes now that nothing will whet the "insatiable appetite" that fans have for these superheroes than by seeing all of their favorites appearing on the big screen at once.