EDITORIAL: How To Make The Batman/Superman Movie Work

So it was recently confirmed that in 2015 we will be getting a Batman/Superman movie. While this is extremely exciting a lot of people are worried that it may too quick to reintroduce Batman back onto the silver screen. Below is a list of things that need to happen if Warner Bros. and DC want to accomplish the goal of making the greatest superhero team-up in history.

1. The Title:

When it was first announced every one was on the edge of their seats waiting for the confirmation of the title. We are all still waiting to hear if it will be Batman VS Superman, or Superman VS Batman, or The Batman/Superman Extravaganza. It was confirmed that this will be a direct sequel to Man of Steel. This is still Superman's show. Will it now simply be Man of Steel 2, or Man of Steel: The Dark Knight Attacks, or possibly something completely different and amazing. The tone of Man of Steel is very serious so that gets rid of any titles that may seem to "comic-booky". Another thing to consider is that if the title is Batman VS Superman, or vice-versa, this implies that the two will be at odds with each other and will be more reminiscent of Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns. The Batman/Superman Movie is very Saturday morning cartoon sounding because it actually was. The title must grab the audience and if this is to be a Man of Steel sequel then it must relate to the previous film. A perfect title for me would be Man of Steel: World's Finest. This shows the audience that this is a sequel to Man of Steel but lets comic book fans know that Batman will be showing up sometime during the course of the story.

2. Time:

The major factor that must play into the story is that time has passed since the first film. (SPOILER) Metropolis was basically turned to rubble during the first film (END SPOILER) so if you introduce Batman too soon within the continuity then you create issues within the story that will fall flat. The film needs to take place at least a couple years after the first film. Let the film's world absorb Superman as this god-like hero. Let him become the savior. Metropolis has been rebuilt (for the most part). It's a comic book movie so the suspension of disbelief that a city could be rebuilt in a couple of years can exist . . . especially with the help of a few key players.

3. Villains:

How can a city be rebuilt in a couple years? With the help of a few of the most powerful and wealthiest men in the world of course! Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne are two of the most powerful men in DC comics and this creates an interesting dynamic between them. Lex despises Bruce and Bruce must also try to tackle trying to work with Lex as Bruce Wayne but also try to stop him as Batman. This dynamic must be explored. Give Lex interactions with both Bruce Wayne and Batman. Give the two men a history as business partners since they helped rebuild Metropolis. Lex Luthor is the perfect bridge to bring Bruce Wayne/Batman into this universe. So what about Batman's villains? Batman has the greatest rogues gallery in comic-book history. It has to be a villain that brings Batman into the story in a logically way. Does Luthor hire a master assassin, or does one of Batman's villains take a little trip to Metropolis to meet with Luthor? The two villains must connect in some way. This is what brings Superman and Batman together.

4. VS or Team-Up:

The Dark Knight Returns focused on pitting the two heroes against each other. The animated movie focused on the two teaming up to take down two of their greatest foes. How does all of this transfer over into a live action film? By pitting the two against each other you create a massive conflict right as they are starting to get to know each other. It is too much too fast. That conflict must come much further down the line. The two are just starting to get to know each other so why would they go into an all out death match so soon? This film needs to show that the two can work together, but also show that they can butt heads from time to time. Batman's tactics have always been different from Superman's. Batman works alone, but always knows when he needs help. Superman is the ultimate team player, and has always had Batman's back. In this film the two must come together to defeat a common enemy. This will show that the two can work together which can lead into a Justice League film.

5. Balance

No one is bigger than Batman. He is the most recognizable hero in existence and when you throw him into a movie with Superman he could have the tendency to overpower the screen. This is still the sequel to Man of Steel. This is Superman's show. With two huge characters taking up screen time you have to find a balance between them. Batman can't have more screen time than Superman and vice-versa. They have to share the screen almost equally. This is a sequel to Man of Steel, but this is also a team-up movie. This movie is also the bridge to an even larger cinematic universe.

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