BATFLECK'S UNIVERSE

There is at least one Batman solo movie in the works, hopefully more as to cover his massive rogues gallery. Sure, Ben Affleck will bring the goddamn Batman to the upcoming "Suicide Squad", but will that be the only interaction we will see between Bats and The Joker, Harley Quinn, and even Killer Croc? Some may not want another Batman V Joker film, but I am not one of them. Especially given that there is also a Harley Quinn to add to the mix this time around via Margot Robbie. But, I would also like to see more, and more characters involved as well. Both returning and debuting. And they would be...

Catwoman
Although in every franchise, she is as iconic as Batman and The Joker. It would be nice to see another incarnation of her nine lives. Older Batman with Affleck, so perhaps Angelina Jolie or Kate Beckinsale could fill the role purrrrrr-fectly. Sorry.

Bane
He got his redemption in "The Dark Knight Rises", but lets see an even closer rendition. Yes, I want to see size changing when he injects the venom, able to kick butt, and the mask.

Mr. Freeze
Speaking of redemption, although Arnold had the look, his over use of one liners in typical Arnold fashion ruined the role. Let's see what Victor Fries is like in Batfleck's world. The question is who would fit the part. I vote for Hugo Weaving.

The Riddler
I actually like Jim Carrey's version. It was an only slightly dark spin on Frank Gorshin's in the 1960's. After seeing him in "Number 23", I would consider Carrey for the role if he goes that dark with the character. I can see the appeal of N.P.H. but I think it could be too much like Jim with the overacting. Who? I guess that is the ultimate riddle with this one. I say Johnny Depp.

Hugo Strange
Probably not on everyone's list, mine either until I was trying to fit Bryan Cranston into this universe. He wasn't cast as Lex Luthor, so why not cast him as one of Batman's intellectual counterparts?

Two-Face
It would be nice to see this character done well in both appearance and performance. Tommy Lee had a pretty good look, Aaron Eckhart was a nice realistic look. But, both lacked substance as a character. How about a spot on look, with a actor showing two people at odds within one man's mind? Perhaps a role Leonardo Dicaprio could pull off masterfully.

Man-Bat
Computer graphics and whatnot are pretty top of the line nowadays, why not show us a live action Man-Bat? Even if for a small part of a bigger story. Casting isn't all that important to me here, as again the CGI is what I would be looking at.

Killer Croc
I know that he is in the "Suicide Squad", but how about more of a focus while within a Batman movie? Of course, after August 5th I may change my mind of this, but until then.

I would have included characters like Robin or Batgirl, but I think that those may be included given Robin's suit appearing in "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice". Add its "condition" I would say that there is a story to tell there. It is almost a given that Alfred will be appearing, and after seeing the shape that J.K. Simmons got into for his role of Commissioner Gordon in "Justice League", I would say he is on the list for sure as well. I guess we will find out in the years to come...DC finally has a movieverse going on and it is still all in wait and see mode.

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GOTHAM: SURPASSING EXPECTATIONS

A television show set in Gotham City, and there isn't going to be Batman? That show is going to suck. That was my initial thought before "Gotham" made it's debut a few weeks ago. Nobody could blame me for thinking that way really. "Birds Of Prey" was similar in there being no appearance of Batman, other than in the opening credits/dialogue. It was a really weak show, and understandably got the axe quick. Who was the one character that everyone was yearning for in "Smallville"? More so than Wonder Woman, it was Batman. And sure "Gotham" has Bruce Wayne, but my original thought process was that he was too young, his story wouldn't be interesting until he is older and sets out on his journey to become Batman. I was also against the casting choice of Ben Mackenzie as James Gordon in the beginning, having only seen him on "The OC", where he was somewhat of a one-trick pony.

Here we are about to begin the third episode, and so far I was wrong about everything. Mackenzie is showing some range, not an abundance, but more than I saw before. And I am actually curious where he takes the character of Jim Gordon. The background story about Bruce Wayne and how he is coping with the death of his parents is actually interesting to watch so far. Although I do find Alfred to be too much of a hard-ass. I am also looking forward to Selina "Cat" Kyle's story unfolding, who like Bruce, I was thinking was too young to really have a relevant story. And if future characters are as intriguing as this rendition of Oswald Cobblepot becoming The Penguin, I am will continue to forget that Batman isn't here. Unlike some others out there, I don't want the "Gotham" universe to intertwine with the universe of "Arrow" and "The Flash". I want Batman to be in that universe, or at least heavily referenced in it. It would also kind of make no sense for Batman to be 20-30 years younger than Green Arrow and The Flash.

Of course all of this could change as early as tonight's episode, but it may not. And like I mentioned in an article HERE, television shows are better than movies in how they can change the direction of the show over the season. They did it with "Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D." closing the season on a strong not after a weaker start. Guess we will find out each week, same Non-Bat-Time, same Non-Bat-Channel.

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CASTING BATFLECK'S GOTHAM CITY (Ver 1.0)

Likely way too early to really think of most of these, for all we know the number of movies Ben Affleck signed on for may have been only for "Justice League/Man Of Steel" films. The hater could end up being proven right and we witness Batfleck bomb. Don't think that it will, but there is that chance. Also, hard to tell what direction they would take. Batman may be a grizzled vet within the follow-up, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the solo Bat-flicks would show Batman in that light, Affleck could pull off a younger version of the character. But, for this casting we'll assume it is the older Batman with a mix of cast mates that will range in age, new takes on some of these characters could make them work in a setting where they are younger than Batman. I am sure that either there will be references in the follow-up to "Man Of Steel" or possibly even an appearance of a Bat-character that will give us more of a clue, but with 2 years of wait time, things like this are needed to fill the time. Also, as much as I would like to see stars from Marvel's "Avengers" universe, I don't see them working for the competition. Although Star Wars and Star Trek are currently being directed by the same person, the DC-Marvel competition goes beyond the films into their core, comic books (ie, ripple effect from a successful movie, etc). And that being said, I don't see Johnny Depp being apart of this with him somewhat being a "Disney" guy with most of his blockbusters and Disney owns Marvel. But we can still wish though, as I am on board with him being apart of this.

We already know Batman/Bruce Wayne is Ben Affleck, and that Jeremy Irons will be his trusty butler and friend, Alfred Pennyworth. Here is a current list of characters who I think should appear and who should play them in future solo Batman movies...

James Gordon (Bryan Cranston)

Like Alfred, Jim Gordon is almost an expected character. After Gary Oldman's rendition in the Chris Nolan trilogy, that isn't a bad thing. If Batman is a grizzled veteran, then what would the Commissioner be? Almost tempted to want Oldman to evolve his character even further, but perhaps Cranston can take this role to a new level. We didn't get him as "Lex Luthor" and that is okay, now he's available for this role. Any doubt in this actors abilities should've been obliterated when "Malcom's dad" became "Walter White". If you haven't seen the hit series "Breaking Bad" yet? Get help removing the rock you're under and WATCH THAT SERIES! You'll thank me and everyone who ever suggested it. Plus, as we've seen, he passes the mustache test, which is almost Gordon's cape and cowl.

Catwoman (Lauren Cohan)

Like many, I have had my own ideas for movies and casting. I had Ray Stevenson as Batman/Bruce Wayne after seeing him in "Punisher: War Zone", and as Catwoman, I had Angelina Jolie. With Affleck's version being what is supposidly being, be almost perfect for Jolie to crack the whip, but perhaps too obvious and expensive. But, watching Lauren in "The Walking Dead" and seeing her in previous roles, she could possibly make it a role of a life time given the right story of course, but seems to have what it would take to play Selina Kyle aka Catwoman. Younger yes, but that could somewhat add to the Bat and Cat dynamic.

The Joker (Neil Patrick Harris)

I didn't blame Chris Nolan for saying that there wouldn't be another Joker in his universe. The respect for the late Heath Ledger of course, but then, who would you possibly get? One of the more difficult roles to cast even in a reboot scenario. Downey Jr would've made a possible good choice, but don't see Iron Man jumping sides. But, The Joker is going to be all anyone talks about as soon as it is mentioned that we will be seeing a member of Batman's rogues gallery.NPH is a quick top of my head choice, but the more I think about it, why not? He has talent and showmanship, both needed for Mr. J. What else could he show us with a darker more twisted scenario?

Harley Quinn (Emma Stone)

The last actress Brittany Murphy would have been the perfect casting for this role in my opinion. Then I realized that "The Amazing Spider-Man" although a Marvel character, it is a FOX movie, not apart of the "Avengers" universe, leaving Emma Stone available to try this role on for size. Similar to the Catwoman role, one may think of this as being too young, but like the feline, this would add to the dynamic of Harley's relationship with both her puddin' The Joker and B-Man, Batman. Plus Emma is pretty talented and could also make this a role of a lifetime.

The Riddler (Jim Parsons)

Didn't dawn on me until I saw him host "SNL" and he was doing a deeper voice, and portraying a serial killer in some skits. I was on Team NPH (Neil Patrick Harris) for the spot, but I think Jim Parsons could possibly do very well portraying The Riddler. Almost a darker, and only very slightly more masculine version of "Sheldon" on "The Big Bang Theory". Again tempted to reuse Jim Carrey, didn't do too bad and with a better movie and more experience now under his belt could truly own it, but, don't see him in a comic book movie with any violence after "bailing" on promoting "Kick-Ass 2" (right to his opinion, as are we).

The Penguin (Mike Myers)

Probably not many out there who would agree, and understandably would've preferred the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, but I am seeing a Penguin similar to that in the "Batman: Arkham" video game franchise, possibly a bit older. Myers being a character actor, which have comedy roles mainly, but that tends to happen to comedians. This could make for a great opportunity for "Austin Powers" to break-out big time in a serious role. With the assistance of prosthetic and make-up of course, but has the stature (compared to a taller Batfleck) and the ability in character acting to pull this off with voices and character traits and ticks.

Killer Croc (Kevin Grevioux)

For those unaware, Kevin is an actor and writer (screen and comic). Most notably, co-wrote and portrayed the Lycan named Raze in the "Underworld" movie franchise. I will admit, not my initial choice, that being the late Michael Clark Duncan, but a pretty good second choice. The character of Waylon Jones aka Killer Croc I would prefer a route similar to the graphic novel "Joker" where he was more human than lizard like other renditions have him keeping with the realism. Simply a very large cannibal who has a skin condition that looks like scales, with the right writing and acting, this would be scary enough without risking "cheesy" status or immediate "Lizard" in "The Amazing Spider-Man" films..

Nightwing (Norman Reedus)

Too much of a "commercial" choice with the success of his character in "The Walking Dead", but Marvel got "Merle", DC should get "Daryl". Although mostly rumors, but heard that this character may at least be referenced within the upcoming "Man Of Steel" follow-up. If Batman is to be a grizzled vet' what would Nightwing be? Maybe more suited for Red Hood/Jason Todd, but a battle hardened Richard Grayson may be something similar to what is Reedus' wheelhouse. He's shown he can deliver, and it will definitely help convince the non-comic fan spouses to let you choose the movie. And between "Daryl Dixon" and anything "Twilight", we're taking Norman every time.


Obviously this list will evolve other time, as I am sure all of yours will as well. And didn't approach this as an ensemble cast approach, but more of a character by character, so don't look at it as an over-commercialized casting. There are many, many more characters that I would like to see appear in a Batfleck "Gotham City", I would like to see a new "Two-Face", and would like to see "Mr. Freeze" and "Poison Ivy" get their redemption roles like we witnessed with "Bane" in the last installment in Nolan's Batman trilogy, who I would also like to see return (seen two awesome fan-art versions of a mask choice). List goes on, and will likely be covered in the future as we learn more about the plans for Ben Affleck's "Batman". Only time will tell. At least we have CW's "Arrow" and upcoming "The Flash" to tide us over until then. Speaking of television's "The Flash" check out the first look at his costume (HERE)

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