For a while there, it seemed like Warner Bros. was considering putting “Justice League Dark” into their live action superhero plans. Guillermo del Toro was initially attached, and even said his movie would be part of the wider DC universe of movies, before he exited the project. Then rumors surfaced that Fede Alvarez (“Evil Dead“) and duo Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado (“Big Bad Wolves“) were in contention for the gig, nothing came of it, and it’s been quiet since. But it looks like WB shifted their priorities a bit.
The British Board of Film Classification (via THR) reveals that the upcoming release of the animated “Batman: The Killing Joke” will contain a bonus feature, “A Sneak Peak at Justice League Dark.” That pretty much assures that the movie is now part of WB’s animated stable of superhero movies, and maybe that’s the best thing. With the studio fine going R-rated on those straight-to-video efforts, like they are with ‘Killing Joke,’ it might be a better fit for the picture featuring the oddball crew of characters including John Constantine, Madame Xanadu and Zatanna. Particularly given that new DC Films co-chief Geoff Johns is aiming for more hope and optimism in the company’s big screen offerings down the line. And don’t forget that the studio is still course correcting following “Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice,” so juggling another ‘Justice League’ movie (of sorts) on top of Zack Snyder‘s two-part movie is probably one ball to many.
As for Guillermo del Toro’s script, it’s not yet known if its being used for the animated picture, or if the studio has gone a different direction. Cast members and a director haven’t yet been revealed either, but there’s likely news to come soon.
Meanwhile, Johns has also clarified that despite lots rumors, next year’s “Justice League” will be titled, simply, “Justice League.”
https://twitter.com/geoffjohns/status/738924011195793413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
