Is Superhero Film Release Schedule Too Much Too Late?

Warner Bros. plans to announce their geek-related film schedule at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, but the list has already been leaked, first appearing here on Nikki Finke’s website.

The list includes the following:
May 2016 – Batman v Superman:  Dawn of Justice
July 2016 – Shazam
December 2016 – Sandman
May 2017 – Justice League
July 2017 – Wonder Woman
December 2017 – Flash/Green Lantern team-up
May 2018 – Man of Steel 2

Of course, this list of films has geeks up in arms for many reasons, including the scope (the shear number of films in three years).

Warner Bros./DC once had a leg up on Marvel when it came to superhero films.  They struck first with the Superman and then Batman franchises, until both imploded on themselves.  Later, Batman would come back with a successful trilogy, but Superman would flounder.

Recently, Marvel Studios has made up a lot of ground.  Creating a feature film universe where films seem to be carefully planned out has developed into a mammoth money maker.  Even those licensed to other studios, like X-Men and Spider-Man, do well.

So, is this list too much too late?  Yes and no.

Right now, superhero films are a hot commodity.  It seems the mainstream audience is at least willing to accept comic book fantasies on the big screen.  Anything on film, if done well, should succeed.  Warner Bros. coming attractions should be a welcome sight.

But, here’s the “no”:  This list just looks like it’s been thrown together in response to what Marvel has done.  This feeling comes not just from the list, but also from the amount of cameos that have been announced for Batman v Superman.  It seems they want to make Justice League equal to Avengers by doing the same things Marvel did, only doing it in less time, which, hopefully, won’t end up in a sloppy mess.

Don’t get me wrong; I look forward to these movies.  Any superhero film done well is a success.  Let’s just hope they’re all done well.

Later,
Phill