AQUAMAN. HIS MOMENT IS NOW!

More than any other character in the Justice League (and possibly comic books in general), Aquaman is constantly labeled as "lame", or "the laughing stock". Comic book artists and writers have tried to make the character translate as the opposite, but generally fail to hit the mark. Nobody is to blame for this, not creative teams, nor the character himself. The blame lies perhaps with the medium. Despite the fact that things have evolved over the years, from talent to how things are printed, a lot of what should make Aquaman "cool" gets lost somewhere. No matter how many killer whales, or how big the great white sharks, print form holds back the king of Atlantis.

If we were still in the 1990's or even the early 2000's, this could still come off as cheesy and further damaging the character. However, in the age we live in, the age of near flawless CGI, Aquaman now has a platform to show the world what he's capable of. From the creatures of the seas, his live action presence (Jason Momoa has a "presence" to him naturally), to even the water effects that will really add to the character. All of which are in a visual sense of course. The performance and story will really be the basis of what makes of breaks this character, but the visuals are very helpful with this one. Sure, we have seen Aquaman in live action form before in Smallville, but not much was really done there. And in comparison to what could be done in a movie (or event now on television, hint hint for Arrow and The Flash), it will be nearly non-existent.

We won't know much for another year, but there is always room for questions until then. Questions like "if this pans out, will we see Aquaman get a solo movie?", "what if this fails?". That one is somewhat key. Like mentioned in the beginning, this is Aquaman's chance to become one of the "cool kids". There is an opportunity to annihilate the haters from over the years, but there is also the chance to add some jet fuel to their fire. As with everything involved with this movie, guess we will find out.


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WHAT ABOUT THE MAN OF STEEL?

Of course everyone's attention has been drawn elsewhere, but everything that is to come began with "Man Of Steel". Which of course, is a Superman movie. With the upcoming 2016 sequel looking more and more like the first installment of a Justice League movie, even with the casting of Lex Luthor we were given Alfred Pennyworth, a key Batman character. Of course, there has been talks and rumors of another villain to the mix, that may help keep this more Superman than Justice League, but even if it does everyone will be wanting to expand the team (if it hasn't already grown for MOS follow-up), drawing even more attention away from Superman.

What direction will they take? Will they keep Superman the focal point of the not only the upcoming movie but the ones that are sure to follow (if successful)? Are they simply using a "Man Of Steel" sequel as a per-cursor to a following but separate "Justice League" movie, leaving comic books original superhero to a film franchise of his own? I like to think that it will be the latter of the two, giving Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and whomever else they add their own films that all culminate in a Justice League. It is working for Marvel as we all know, and sooner or later they end up "borrowing" from each other creatively, so why not take a sure fire route, given the writing, directing and acting are up to par of course.

Regardless of what direction that they end up taking, there are some Superman characters that have yet to appear within the new universe, that should get a cameo in the very least, if not a starring or supporting role. Some will be making their big-screen debuts, others will be returning to the silver screen partaking in the live action blockbuster(s), here's a list of characters who need to appear in upcoming Superman "Man Of Steel" films...

Jimmy Olsen

Although not a spot on replica, in some ways this is Clark Kent's "Alfred". Who else does Clark have to call his friend? True, there is Lois, but we all know there is something more to that, and of course there is Ma Kent but even the biggest momma's boy can't tell his mother everything. This is where Jimmy comes in, he adds an new aspect to add to the Last Son Of Krypton and his human side. Or to simply add a light comedic tone to an otherwise slightly darker Metropolis.

Jor El

I didn't mind Russell Crowe and his interpretation of Superman's biological father, Jor El. Crowe himself has stated that he would like to do a solo film based on the character. As intriguing as that sounds, I would settle for him reappearing within the upcoming "Man Of Steel" films. Not necessarily in large roles, but there for advice type of roles. Although small, they require an actor to give the scenes depth, otherwise it just becomes a hollow message to not only the hero, but if they chose, the audience.

Doomsday

Probably a better choice for a group effort in a "Justice League" film, but before he stars in that, Doomsday needs to face Superman mano a mano. Dealing Supes his first near death experience, before having the favor returned within the "Justice League" flick at the hands of a returning Superman. Okay, maybe just my take on "what should be" but you get the idea. This is the villain that helped take comic books back into the "mainstream" when he killed off the untouchable Superman in the 1990's. Smallville wasn't too bad considering it was a television show, this monster need the big screen treatment to truly work.

Supergirl

A lot of people were upset with the ending of "Man Of Steel", perhaps Superman is upset with himself as well, and who better to help alleviate the guilt but his cousin? Of course, he's made the promise to try and always find away to do things without killing, but he doesn't even know how to stop himself yet, so give him a break. Kara also deserves some big-screen redemption, not meaning to really knock the 1984 attempt as it was an okay effort for the time it was made in. If anything, it is another option for the female fans out there who are even more limited now then we were pre-2000.

Kryptonite

Okay, it isn't a character per say. Not unless it is put inside a character (Kryptonite Man, Metallo, etc), but regardless of who and how, it needs to make an appearance within this movie universe. How else are they going to make Superman vulnerable at times. which are needed because he loses people when he is "too perfect". We know the hero is going to succeed in almost every outcome, they are highly likely to live on and give us more movies. It is the vulnerabilities that cast that little bit of doubt that keeps it interesting. They hinted at it with the needing to adapt to both Earths and Kryptons environments, but those are overcome simply by adapting to it over time. The traditional route or a new Government made version of the pieces of rock that make the Man Of Steel humble.


There are other characters of course, specifically Metallo (mentioned in "Kryptonite"), but this is the tip of the ice berg. It was reassuring having Lex Luthor finally cast, keeping this on a Superman route. Seems Henry Cavill's Superman is slightly in the background of what he helped make happen, which was delivering in the role and having fans actually wanting this sequel before there was even a whisper of Batman being involved in all of this. Something that was difficult to achieve with fans still fixed on the late, great Christoher Reeve and his iconic interpretation of Superman. Hopefully this list will be given reason to grow and evolve as I am hoping to be able to do with so far the Batman and Wonder Woman characters hopefully getting solo spin-offs.

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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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