This is a little bit of a news report and MOSTLY op-ed, FYI...
I don’t like to -- and hardly ever do -- call BS on other website’s “scoops.” Especially sites that I personally like, read, and totally RESPECT. BUT…
There’s no way I’m buying IESB.NET’s recent report that Chris Nolan will ultimately direct a JUSTICE LEAGUE film.
I do buy their claim that Chris’ brother Jonathan (who I personally admire and respect) might be in the mix to direct this THE MAN OF STEEL Superman reboot. If J-Nol wants to direct and WB gives him his shot with TMOS, I’ll certainly get behind him 100%. However, I suspect that Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures will ultimately turn to a proven director simply because this film is such a HUGE project to drop on a rookie director.
As far as the claim that Chris might ultimately directing a JUSTICE LEAGUE film, I can’t see that ever happening. First and foremost, C-Nol has been clear that in the “Nolanverse,” people with superpowers simply don’t exist. His Batman exists in a realistic world that’s very close to the one you and I live in.
Plus, why would Nolan -- who “allegedly” was so against that disaster-waiting-to-happen JUSTCE LEAGUE: MORTAL project -- all of a sudden want to direct such a film? In my opinion, HE WOULDN’T!
Back in late 2008, Chris said the following to the LATIMES.COM's HERO COMPLEX about his Batman mixing it up with other DC-based superheroes, “I don't think our Batman, our Gotham, lends itself to that kind of cross-fertilization.”
Can I get an “AMEN” brother! Mr. Nolan goes on to say the following…
“If you think of BATMAN BEGINS and you think of the philosophy of this character trying to reinvent himself as a symbol, we took the position…that superheroes simply don't exist. If they did, if Bruce knew of Superman or even of comic books, then that's a completely different decision that he's making when he puts on a costume in an attempt to become a symbol. It's a paradox and a conundrum, but what we did is go back to the very original concept and idea of the character. In his first appearances, he invents himself as a totally original creation.”
Indeed.
To be brutally honest, I can’t fathom Chris compromising the Batman he created by dismissing the “realistic” aspect that made BATMAN BEGINS and THE DARK KNIGHT so great. In fact, I’d be very disappointed with him if that ever happened -- just like I’d be disappointed if the DEAD Harvey Dent shows up living and breathing in BATMAN 3.
When Nolan says that his Batman lives in our world or that Harvey Dent broke his neck and died in TDK, I believe him.
Two years ago come this June, I had the honor and privilege of sitting down and visiting with the great Chris Nolan. At the end of our conversation, I asked him if he was more of a Batman fan now than he was before BATMAN BEGINS and THE DARK KNIGHT. Chris looked off for a moment -- obviously thinking about the question -- and then responded…
“You know, I’ve spent so much time thinking about him [Batman] and dealing with him. I’ve always been very interested in the character and admired him. He’s a great character which you obviously know. I guess it’s that I feel much more closer to him now.”
This man cares about Batman -- especially his Batman -- don't you think?
So no, quite frankly, I don’t think that Chris Nolan will ever direct a JUSTICE LEAGUE film. If I’m wrong down the line, I’ll be the first to admit it.
But I don't think I'll ever have to.
