The BOF MAILBAG – January 2018

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Jett…LOVE the new website! What took so long? Congrats! Been with you and BOF since 2000.

JETT SAYS: What took so long?  Me.  I put it off for so long because I was comfortable with how I was running BOF and frankly, afraid to change and fail.  Finally, I sucked it up, did me some skoolin’, got help (a lot from BOF’s Justin Kowalski), and created the new site.  Trust me, it wasn’t easy, but I got it done…and I’m VERY proud of BOF 2.0!

JETT SAYS: It’s definitely possible and I’ve advocated going that route in the past.  The only downside of Matt Reeves doing prequels is that we know where the journey ultimately ends.  I’m thinking that were likely looking at a soft reboot ala BATMAN FOREVER (i.e.different actor as Batman, different aesthetic, but “technically” in-continuity) Of course, Reeves’ Batman film could be totally its own thing and exist within its own continuity.  Regardless, it’ll be fun to see how it all plays out.

When do you guys think did the ship known as the DCEU, or whatever its called, will start to sink? I’m sure back when MAN OF STEEL came out, there was no idea of an connected universe or am I wrong?

JETT SAYS: In terms of an overt shared universe universe, I think that ship has already sunk sir.  Yes, there will technically still be a “shared universe,” but the plan going forward to to make solo films with very connectivity between them.  Essentially, each will be their own thing, and James Wan’s AQUAMAN will be the first example.

As far your question about MAN OF STEEL, it was conceived by Chris Nolan and David Goyer as Superman’s BATMAN BEGINS, if you will.  The original plan was for it to kick off a string of Superman films for Warner Bros.  That changed once MOS “under-performed” and a decision was made to hijack its sequel by inserting Batman in it, and getting to a JUSTICE LEAGUE team-up film ASAP.  And we all know how that turned out, right?

Hello, I am wondering if you think WB will ever truly commit to a live action BATMAN BEYOND Film? And if so, what style would you prefer on film practical effects, digital, or a mix of both?

JETT SAYS: I’ll never say never, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon.  If they wanted to go that route, I’d support it.  As far as special effects, a mix of both I suppose.  It would be hard to make a BATMAN BEYOND film without lots of special effect I think.

What do you think about having an actual teenage Robin in a Live action Batman movie?

JETT SAYS: Not my cup of tea — I prefer Batman solo — but it’s not a deal breaker for me.

If you had to guess, when should we expect to hear casting news on Matt Reeves’ Batman film?

JETT SAYS: No idea — it totally depends on the release date and subsequently, when Reeves would take it into full-blown pre-production.  If it ends up a 2020 release, then probably later this year.  If it’s 2021 or later, it’ll be a while.

(If you’re not sick to death of talking about it) What did Snyder originally have in mind for JUSTICE LEAGUE, and what made it unwatchable? And will fans ever get the whole story of the movie’s production?

JETT SAYS: Yes, I AM sick of talking about JL LOL!  Regardless, I’ll answer (some) of your question sir.  It was almost as dark and morose as BATMAN v SUPERMAN for one thing.  And there were some characterizations of some of the characters that were apparently WAY out of line in terms of how they are traditionally portrayed.  I know A LOT more, but I can’t say due to the fact I gave my sources my word I would not.  As far as whether or not we’ll get the true, whole story of what happened, probably — but it won’t come from BOF.  And frankly, it’s pretty obvious what happened, no? (Plus, if you’ve read what I written on BOF or listened to what I’ve said on podcasts and vlogs, I’ve kinda told that story…sorta.)

If Reeves’ Batman movie is part of the separate continuity/Elseworlds banner that WB is creating, are we risking having 2 Batmen on Film?

JETT SAYS: I do not believe we’ll have to Batmen (Batmans?) on film concurrently.

So…6 years now after THE DARK KNIGHT RISES…Could Christopher Nolan ever be tempted back into the world of Batman directing? (OK probably not, but I’m asking anyway).

JETT SAYS: Nah.  He told his story and its considered a classic of the genre.  So I can say with confidence (I got to talk to Chris Nolan many times during RISES) that he’s done with Batman on film for good.  Now, would he ever consider doing another comic book superhero film?  That’s a possibility…maybe.

Has there been any news about the Scorsese Joker film?

JETT SAYS: I’ve heard absolutely nothing.

JETT SAYS: That’s not a bad idea, though I think some sort of “Batman movie” every year is a bit much and might lead of overkill.  Also, I’m not sure how many “Batman Family” movies we’re actually going to end up getting.

Hey Jett, how solid is the Jake Gyllenhaal news? Is he really about to become our new Caped Crusader?

JETT SAYS: I’m 99.9% positive that Matt Reeves did indeed meet with him about his Batman film.  However, I’m not willing to say that he’s for sure the next Batman.  I’d support the casting though.

What Batman movie that was in development (but didn’t get made) do you think you would have liked the most?

JETT SAYS: I would’ve liked to have seen BATMAN UNCHAINED (which we all called BATMAN TRIUMPHANT for years), as well as BATMAN BEYOND.  Now, whether are not I would’ve liked them is another thing altogether. But when it comes to like to have seen made, it’s those two.

What are your favorite quotes from every Batman comics so far?

JETT SAYS: Every Batman comic so far ever?  I don’t think I can answer that, but here’s my favorite quote from a Batman comic of all-time: “Gentlemen. You’ve eaten well. But your feast is nearly over.”