October 2018 BOF Mailbag #1

Do you guys want them to keep making standalone one-off films like “Joker” and if so, would you be up for them bringing back a legacy actor like Michael Keaton (for a Batman Beyond or DKR-style film or maybe something that combines both)? #BatmanOnFilmMailbag

— Rob O’Connor (@TheGothamite) October 9, 2018

JETT SAYS: Yes, I support more one-off DC films such as JOKER.

As far as my interest in bringing Michael Keaton back as an older Batman/Bruce Wayne in a DARK KNIGHT RETURNS or BATMAN BEYOND type of movie, I’d be down for it.  My only issue is that I think the 68-year-old Keaton is too old for a TDKR movie (where Bruce is 55), and a bit too young for BEYOND (he’s in his 80s).  I guess he could play a little younger or older if needed.

What is the timeline for a casting announcement (for THE BATMAN)?

JETT SAYS: If Matt Reeves’ THE BATMAN goes in front of the camera in the Spring of next year (2019), we could start hearing things before the end of the year.  If it’s later — Summer or early Fall — then I don’t think we’ll hear anything ’til someone in 2019.  Keep in mind that the closer we get to the holidays (Thanksgiving/Xmas/New Year), the less-likely an announcement becomes.

Is Ben Affleck purely working out for health reasons, or could it also be to reprise the [role of Batman]?

JETT SAYS: I’m just glad he seems to be getting his life in order.  I’m a huge Ben Affleck fan.  I supported his casting as Batman, but I’m ready to move on for something new via director Matt Reeves.  And frankly, I think that’s what’s best for the Batman movie franchise going forward.

With what you know of the project, do you think that JUSTICE LEAGUE MORTAL would have been superior to the Justice League film we got? Thanks!

JETT SAYS: Well, MORTAL was a bit more “grounded” than the one that we got in November of 2018.  I wasn’t a big fan of the casting.  With that said, I do think it would’ve been a better film overall.  Of course, JUSTICE LEAGUE is not a good movie, so it certainly wouldn’t be hard to surpass it.

A year or so ago you were convinced that a joker origin movie was a stupid idea. Now that such movie is in production and is generating decent buzz, how do you feel about it now? #BatmanOnFilmMailbag

— Maurício Fagundes (@maufagundes47) October 9, 2018

JETT SAYS: I don’t know if I was convinced that it was a stupid idea, but I did have concerns about showing how The Joker came to be.  I prefer not knowing The Joker’s background story.  I also didn’t know if it were wise to have two versions of the same character in films at the same time, relatively speaking.  However, I don’t think we’re going to see Jared Leto as The Joker again, so that’s probably a moot point.

With all that said, I’ve come around to this film — JOKER — and I hope to see more one-off DC films like it going forward.

Hollywood seems adamant on making big-budget BATMAN films starring his more well-known villains. Has any director (that you know of), pitched an idea for a small, psychological thriller? I would love to see Batman go up against Ventriloquist and Mad Hatter.

JETT SAYS: BATMAN BEGINS used The Scarecrow and Ra’s Al Ghul and both aren’t as well known (amongst the general movie-going audience) as A-list villains like The Joker, Catwoman, etc.  THE DARK KNIGHT RISES used Bane who isn’t well-known either.  So yes, there have been big-budget Batman films that used lesser-known Batman rogues.

As far as has anyone pitched a “small, psychological thriller,” Darren Aronofsky’s YEAR ONE script/pitch was a small, gritty, crime-thriller…but it was also violent as hell.

Matt Reeves seems to set on making a detective story in THE BATMAN.  Maybe he’ll use some B or C-list Batman villains.

And personally, I’ve got no interest in seeing the Ventriloquist or Had Hatter in a serious, live-action Batman movie…but that’s just me.

I saw a picture of George Clooney working out on line. Does that mean we are finally going to see Batman Triumphant? #BOFmailbag

— Pete had a great NYCC‼️ (@PeteIllustrated) October 9, 2018

JETT SAYS: Absolutely!

What do you think of today’s Batwoman costume reveal for this year’s ARROW-verse crossover?

JETT SAYS: It’s OK.  Not a fan of the cape and the fake-looking wig.  (And yes, I know that Kate Kane wears a wig in the comics, but does it have to look like one from a Halloween costume store in live-action?)

What’s your favorite Two-Face story?

JETT SAYS: In the comics?  That’s probably THE LONG HALLOWEEN.  I’m also quite fond of “My Own Worst Enemy” by Scott Snyder from ALL-STAR BATMAN.  And I know it’s a film, but I love Harvey Dent/Two-Face in THE DARK KNIGHT.

What’s another DC hero you want to see in their own movie (stand-alone!) that we haven’t seen yet?

JETT SAYS: Booster Gold.  The Spectre.  Deadman.  Dr. Fate.

Hi Jett, what are your favorite 2018 movies so far?

JETT SAYS: THE INCREDIBLES 2, BLACK PANTHER, and SOLO.