Despite the volume of discussion the DC Extended Universe has so far inspired, it is still a fairly young and undeveloped entity—one that has yet to reveal overall creative game plan. Though we may get a better idea of what the franchise’s future will entail once Suicide Squad hits theaters this August, it will be next year’s Justice League that will serve as the true signifier of the DC Comics’ cinematic identity. Meanwhile, the publisher seems to have a more concrete persona when it comes to its animated output. While we wait with bated breath to see what comes of Zack Snyder’s live action Justice League, we can dole out equal anticipation for an animated film adaptation of DC’s Justice League Dark.
Granted, the project has only been announced by way of an offhand mention by the British Board of Film Classification, and has yet to be properly confirmed by DC or Warner Bros. Animation. Fans will recall earlier rumblings of a big screen version of Justice League Dark—a series introduced in 2011 as part of DC Comics’ New 52 movement—as handled by filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. The Crimson Peak director admitted to have dropped the project in mid-2015 after struggling with development for what seemed like an eternity, and this new (albeit clandestine) revelation that JLD will find new life as an animated movie seems like further confirmation that no such live action film will take form.
Disappointing though it may be to bid all but certain farewell to the prospect of a Justice League Dark starring your favorite Hollywood stars and up-and-comers (Ron Perlman as Frankenstein and Tessa Thompson as Zatanna Zatara, anyone?), there’s a special air of confidence that attaches to DC’s animated ventures. Also presently in development under this banner is The Killing Joke, which has aroused a great deal of excitement and optimism since its official announcement in July of 2015. Though we are indeed excited about everything Warner Bros has on the schedule for its live-action slate—Suicide Squad, Justice League, and perhaps most of all Wonder Woman—the inimitable voice and vantage point of DC’s animated output makes it easier to look forward to such projects with vivid expectations.
As such, we’re already getting optimistic for the yet-only-rumored Justice League Dark. The series diverted focus to DC’s darker (no surprise there) and more occult figures, formidably supernatural private eye John Constantine, sorceress Madame Xanadu, and the aptly named phantom Deadman. The eponymous troupe accrued more than a dozen members over its four-year run, allowing the film an opportunity to bring some of DC’s unsung (anti)heroes to life. In short, ample possibilities. Though it may be too early to get our hopes up just yet, well… what other choice do we have?
Which Justice League Dark characters are you most looking forward to seeing take focus in the animated film? Let us know!
Has the Justice League villain been revealed? Watch below to find out!
Featured Image: DC Comics
