Whoa! Deathstroke Is In JUSTICE LEAGUE?

Interesting piece of news flooding the Internet today after Ben Affleck (Batman) tweeted the following:

https://t.co/0NsNzCtGip

— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) August 29, 2016

Deathstroke? Sure looks like him! Here's how Wikipedia describes him: "Deathstroke (Slade Joseph Wilson) is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. He is a mercenary and assassin who first appeared in The New Teen Titans (vol. 1) #2 (1980). Wizard magazine rated him the 24th greatest villain of all time. Also, in 2009, Deathstroke was ranked as IGN's 32nd greatest comic book villain of all time. Originally the archenemy of the Teen Titans, writers have developed him over the years as an adversary of other heroes in the DC Universe. Parallels have been established between him and Batman, and he has a deep-seated grudge against Green Arrow. The character has been substantially adapted from the comics into multiple forms of media, including several Batman related projects and the Teen Titans animated series. Slade Wilson/Deathstroke later appeared on The CW's live action TV series Arrow, where he is portrayed by Manu Bennett."

If you'd like to read more about Deathstroke - here you go. I'm not including his deeper bio here in case some of you want to discover him (and any studio changes) first in the movie.

We already know that Steppenwolf will be the main villain in JL, so all signs point to Deathstroke being a secondary attraction. Looks interesting and if I do say so myself an awesome adversary for Batman. They both do not have any super powers.

JUSTICE LEAGUE is slated for release on Nov 17, 2017.

First Look At Ben Affleck's Batman From BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN

Click to Upsize

I'm surprised this is out so early, but hey why not. Take a look at the new image released from director Zach Snyder's twitter account. My first thought is Ben Affleck has beefed up even more for the role though perhaps the suit has made some physical enhancement liberties. Whatever. The suit looks gothic and visceral at the same time - and interesting combination. The top of his nose looks like there are some character lines put in - perhaps in homage to Adam West's mask.

Can't see much of the batmobile, but as standard, it looks badass. The tires look like they are ready to hit the asphalt, no question.

Affleck is joined in the movie by Henry Cavill (Superman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Jesse Eisenberg (Lex Luthor), Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, Tao Okamoto and Callan Mulvey

BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN is slated for release on May 6, 2016. More info, including a synopsis when we get it.

Batman closeup courtesy of adamhlavac via Collider

Ben Affleck Is Batman In The MAN OF STEEL Sequel !!

Holy Gigli Batman! Ben Affleck is your new caped crusader! Wow. I am taken aback by the announcement and will have to digest this news for awhile. Sure this is the man who brought us THE TOWN and ARGO, but he is also, well not always known for THE TOWN and ARGO. Warners Bros is betting large on the new and improved Affleck and apparently he will have creative influence over the project - not a surprise given the impact of this announcement and the positive affect he has on projects with his hand in them creatively.

The MAN OF STEEL sequel complete with the dark knight is slated for a July 17, 2015 release! I must say the thought of Affleck and Zach Synder working together excites me.

Here's the official press release:
Ending weeks of speculation, Ben Affleck has been set to star as Batman, a.k.a. Bruce Wayne. Affleck and filmmaker Zack Snyder will create an entirely new incarnation of the character in Snyder’s as-yet-untitled project—bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the big screen and continuing the director’s vision of their universe, which he established in “Man of Steel.” The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

The studio has slated the film to open worldwide on July 17, 2015.

Last month’s surprise announcement of the new movie featuring both Superman and Batman created a wave of excitement and immediately fueled discussion and debate—among fans as well as in the media—about who would put on the cape and cowl of Bruce Wayne’s alter ego.

Snyder successfully re-imagined the origin of Clark Kent/Superman in the worldwide blockbuster “Man of Steel,” which has earned more than $650 million worldwide to date, and climbing. The director will now create an original vision of Batman and his world for the film that brings the two DC Comics icons together.

Affleck will star opposite Henry Cavill, who will reprise the role of Superman/Clark Kent. The film will also reunite “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.

In the announcement, Silverman stated, "We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular Super Heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some. His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and Zack will bring new dimension to the duality of this character."

Snyder also expressed his excitement about the casting of Affleck, noting, "Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him."

Kroll added, "We are so thrilled that Ben is continuing Warner Bros.’ remarkable legacy with the character of Batman. He is a tremendously gifted actor who will make this role his own in this already much-anticipated pairing of these two beloved heroes."

Affleck recently starred in the Academy Award®-winning Best Picture “Argo,” which he also directed and produced, earning acclaim and a BAFTA Award nomination for his performance in the film, as well as a number of directing honors. In 2010, he starred in and directed the hit crime thriller “The Town.” His recent acting work also includes “The Company Men,” “State of Play,” and “Hollywoodland,” for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Earlier in his career, Affleck starred in and co-wrote (with Matt Damon) “Good Will Hunting,” for which he won an Oscar® for Best Original Screenplay.

The new Super Hero film is being scripted by David S. Goyer from a story he co-created with Zack Snyder. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan and Wesley Coller serving as executive producers.

Production is expected to begin in 2014.

The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment.

UPDATED! Comic-Con 2013: Superman And Batman Face Off In 2015! Flash Is Coming In 2016 And JUSTICE LEAGUE In 2017!!

**UPDATED BELOW!!

Where better to announce comic book super hero movie news? Comic-Con!

Everyone had better start a separate savings account to see all the blockbuster tentpoles that are dropping in 2015. Add WORLD'S FINEST to that list (that's my title guess and I'm sticking to it). Yes, that's right - Superman and Batman in the same movie and soon! Makes for interesting and somewhat legitimate competition for Marvel's THE AVENGERS 2 as well.

No announcements yet on the return of Zach Snyder, David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan - but that should just be a formality. They won't screw this up... they better not screw this up! Don't mess with lightning in a bottle. That goes with 3D as well. DC must match up to Marvel and why they haven't tried to one up them with native 3D productions is beyond me, but at least they are in the game.

But hold on! DC and Warner Bros. didn't stop there. FLASH is coming in 2016 (YESSSS!!) and JUSTICE LEAGUE in 2017. More details to come - but WOW. I'm liking the announcements, the suspected people behind the announcements and the pure excitement of it all.

More when we get it! Man, what great news.

** SAME DAY UPDATE:
Here's the official press release about the Superman - Batman team up movie...

On the heels of the worldwide success of Man of Steel, director Zack Snyder is bringing together the two greatest Super Heroes of all time —Batman and Superman —for the first time on the big screen. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution,Warner Bros. Pictures.

The current hit, Man of Steel, has taken in more than $630 million at the worldwide box office to date, and climbing. Along with its star, Henry Cavill, the upcoming film brings back Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. The new Batman has yet to be cast.

Snyder is co-writing the story with David S. Goyer, who will then pen the screenplay. Production is expected to begin in 2014, with an anticipated release date in Summer 2015.

Silverman stated, “Zack Snyder is an incredibly talented filmmaker, but beyond that, he’s a fan first and he utterly gets this genre. We could not think of anyone better suited to the task of bringing these iconic Super Heroes to the screen in his own way.” Kroll added, “We are thrilled to be back in business with Zack and his team on this next movie. The success of ‘Man of Steel’ is a wonderful testament to the love and support that both fans and new audiences, worldwide, have for these characters. We are very excited to see what Zack has in store for all of us.” Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment, noted,“Superman and Batman together on the big screen is a dream come true for DC fans everywhere. All of us at DC Entertainment could not be more excited for Zack’s continuing vision for the DC Universe.”

Zack Snyder, who made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con today, breaking the news to audiences there, later said, “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world.”The new film brings back Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder as producers. This time, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas are serving as executive producers, along with Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan.Thomas offered, “Whilst our Dark Knight trilogy is complete, we have every confidence that Zack’s fresh interpretation will take the character in a new and exciting direction. His vision for Superman opened the door to a whole new universe and we can’t wait to see what Zack does with these characters.” The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment.

OPINION: BATMAN 3 In 3D - Is Warner's Forcing Nolan's hand?

As we have already conjectured, word (hollywoodinhidef) on the street is that Warner Bros. will force Christopher Nolan to shoot or convert BATMAN 3 to 3D (via denofgeek). Not really a surprise but it does echo what my Filmmakers Panel and I discussed at THE 3D EXPERIENCE this past week in New York.

We talked about how James Cameron got it right when he suggested that filmmakers had their chance to own the creative end of this whole 3D toolkit and take projects to the studios, but now it is actually working in reverse: Studios are forcing filmmakers to shoot in 3D.

We also touched on the need for some Directors of Photography to bring in Stereographers and 3D services companies who can "hit the ground running". You would be right in assuming many egos can get bruised quite easily.

Hollywood is no different than any other evolving industry in the world.

Personally I don't think the issue lies with Nolan. I think the issue lies with Wally Pfister who is known to have blatantly bashed 3D. Regardless of whether they shoot native 3D or convert it (and it will be in 3D, no mistake about it), BATMAN 3 will have to be planned to be in 3D. Is Pfister up to the task? I imagine so - he is a very talented individual and I love his 2D work without exception. I just find it interesting that Nolan and Pfister have allowed 3D to envelop them to the point where it appears they are actually not enjoying the privilege of the work.

On the other hand, Nolan and Pfister could come out of the blocks with heads held high and tackle BATMAN 3D with all the bravado that they have earned. I sincerely hope that this is the case. Having a filmmaker like Nolan on board is a huge step forward just as it was with Cameron, Spielberg, Burton, Bay, Snyder, Soderbergh, Scott, Scorsese and Herzog.

Remember when I asked Michael Bay about 3D and he turned it down for TRANSFORMERS 2 as not appropriate and said 3D might be a gimmick? Well he is shooting TF3 in native 3D right now (our exclusive). And not just going through the motions either - he is belting this one out of the park! Here is what Lorenzo di Bonaventura (TF Producer) had to say (via iamrogue): "We are shooting in 3D and what Michael is gonna do with 3D is gonna blow people’s minds. It is incredibly dynamic because he is not compromising his shooting style. And what I’ve seen so far in 3D has locked off cameras, and Michael is not locking off any cameras. It’s exciting!"

I am confident that as straggling directors add 3D to their toolbelt they will become more and more enamored with it as Bay has seemingly become. I welcome the Nolan/Pfister team to 3D with open arms because who knows what sort of phenomenal creations they will come up with? My anticipation of BATMAN in 3D is through the roof.

Further, DC has to try and stay on top of Marvel's box office right? With THE AVENGERS ramping up, Warners and DC can't afford to fool around. Bring it on!

Warner Bros. Letting It Ride On 3D: FINAL DESTINATION, DC Comics Library, ALL Major Tentpoles In Fact!!

Jim here. Vegas is all about having the kahunas to bet big and Warner Bros. was in the right town for their gung ho announcement at ShoWest.

Alan Horn (Warner Bros head) gushed about 3D almost as much as we do right here! It was a pleasure to listen to him pontificate about it. Michael and I were practically high fiving every few seconds (ok not really, but MENTALLY we were).

So what properties are Warner Bros considering for next gen 3D catalog? How about ALL OF THEIR TENTPOLES? Yes. He said that. Remember that I predicted that a major studio would go all S3D a while back? Well... this is darn close. He also indicated that they will be replacing the cash cow HARRY POTTER with the DC Comic catalog.

Individually we are looking at: THE GREEN LANTERN, THE FLASH, potentially BATMAN, SUPERMAN... and...

The fourth iteration of FINAL DESTINATION was not all that final! So says Alan Horn. FINAL DESTINATION 5 will be reaping more lives very soon. I am all for this announcement too. There are plenty of folks out there that will speak out against the franchise, but I for one - LOVE them. Bring it on.

You know what guys? I was actually expecting Disney to be the first studio to up the ante and say that all of their movies will be in 3D from now on. Warner Bros. really surprised me - but am I happy? Darn right. And at the rate these guys make money - it will only mushroom from here in 3D. :-)

3D Gaming Hits Home - NVIDIA's 3D Vision and BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM

Jim here. We are engaged in high 2D treason with all means available to us! MarketSaw is expanding into 3D gaming. That means 3D entertainment. We had been covering 3D gaming to be sure, but now we are fully entrenched. So lets get started:

You may have heard that 3D gaming is taking off in a big way. It is. Home entertainment will never be the same! Of course we have AVATAR THE GAME coming from Ubisoft soon but there are other things to be aware of - this is one of them! Check out NVIDIA's 3D Vision and for a limited time get BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM when you purchase a qualifying NVIDIA GEFORCE graphics card!

Not sure if it is your thing and already own NVIDIA's 3D Vision? Here is an open invitation to check out a demo over on nZone.

If you are new to the 3D gaming explosion - then here is whats going on guys - 3D gaming is upon us. PC 3D gaming to be specific (the consoles are coming - believe me!) and you have to see this stuff to believe it. Yeah, a lot depends on your equipment but the cost really isn't all that high when you factor in how much time and enjoyment you get out of it.

In fact, if you just want to check out stereo 3D gaming without initially buying the 3D Vision Kit (with shutter glasses - the best experience) and 120hz monitor, you can get an idea of it with the 3D Vision Discover glasses which are anaglyph (red / blue) and are packaged with various GeForce GPUs. You only need those glasses and the respective GeForce card to see these demos - no special monitor or set up. The demos include free downloads, pictures and game previews as well as software that will automatically transform over 350 PC games into stereoscopic 3D.

Once you are satisified with the experience, you can then purchase NVIDIA 3D Vision and enjoy the premium shutter glasses experience. Sounds like a no brainer to me.

For more info on NVIDIA's 3D Vision - check this link out. In fact, if you live in one of these centers, you can personally go and see 3D Vision in action!

I can't wait to get started! I am getting the full NVIDIA 3D Vision set up and I will let you know my opinion in the coming months. I have heard that zombie games are among the best, like Left4Dead and Resident Evil 5 - so you can count me interested in practicing my skills in the event some zombie invasion *really* happens.

And for the 3D movies at home crowd, Arcsoft is now shipping 3D movie player software for the PC, which can playback Sensio DVDs and works with NVIDIA's 3D Vision. Very interesting!

NVIDIA is a sponsor of MarketSaw