Less than a year out Superman's release, I can't stop thinking about it James GunnThe title of Big Blue Boy Scout's hypothetical crossover with Batman. On this labor day, Gunn posted a photo of Superman, Batman, and Robin on Instagram wishing fans “The World's Best Labor Day.” Naturally, the comments turned to the work of the DC Studios co-CEO. One commenter asked an important question: “Hello Mr. Gunn, in the case of an imaginary movie starring only Superman and Batman (a team) came out, what would you call it? Superman and Batman or Batman and Superman?”
Rather than “ranking” Superman and Batman, Gunn reveals the full answer: “The Best in the World.“ Back in 1941, Batman, Robin, and Superman met for the first time in the comics. The title of that crossover is, you guessed it, The Best in the World. Since Gunn's post, I can't help but eagerly await the yet-to-be-announced Superman and Batman movie.
James Gunn's Batman & Superman DCU Movie Name Choice Is A Perfect Crossover Film Title
DCU Can Pay for Heroes' Comic Legacy
Naming the “World's Finest” Superman/Batman movie presents a unique opportunity. Most of the modern DC films have taken on a sarcastic tone, to varying degrees. However, Superman is the type of character that thrives on positivity. Henry Cavill's portrayal of the character was amazing, but it wasn't what I was looking for in Superman. Likewise, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice showed Batman's puzzle about the fallout from Superman's arrival on Earth and part The Dark Knight Returns. Again, the film was not for everyone, although I would argue that it is not without its merits.
However, “World's Finest” has a very good meaning. Not only was that title used in the first crossover of Batman and Superman comics, but DC has continued to use it over the years. In fact, the phrase is now shorthand for the heroic duo and is sometimes expanded to include Wonder Woman. If Gunn chooses that title, he'll be simultaneously honoring the comic legacy of Superman and Batman and setting the tone for a lighthearted take on their friendship.
The DCU's Batman & Superman Team-Up Is Sure To Be Unique In All Of DC Movie History
The “World's Most Beautiful” Movie Can Be Hopeful
Batman and Superman argue, famously. Their strengths are different, and so are their views on life. Naturally, their film adaptations couldn't be more alike. Watching The Dark Knight again Superman Returns back-to-back might give you whiplashalthough they came out within two years of each other. For most of their cinematic history, Batman and Superman were separate. Superman, in particular, was treated with gentleness, while Batman was hard-working, realistic, and tough in several reboots. Gunn has his work cut out for him to balance those voices, something Zack Snyder never had a handle on.
Live-Action Superman Theatrical Release |
|
---|---|
It's a movie |
An actor |
Superman (1948) |
Kirk Alyn |
Atom Man vs. Superman (1950) |
Kirk Alyn |
Superman and the Mole-Men (1951) |
George Reeves |
Superman (1978) |
Christopher Reeve |
Superman II (1981) |
Christopher Reeve |
Superman III (1983) |
Christopher Reeve |
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) |
Christopher Reeve |
Superman Returns (2006) |
Brandon Routh |
Man of Steel (2013) |
Henry Cavill |
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) |
Henry Cavill |
Justice League (2017) |
Henry Cavill |
Superman (2025) |
David Corenswet |
While Snyder intends to take on dark heroes, Gunn's DC universe seems to be built on comic accuracy. He brought back Superman snaps, but more importantly, he also started introducing Batman's kids. Both decisions show a strong interest in bringing characters from page to screen as we've never seen them before. The “World's Finest” movie could be the first step to bring together the different tones of each hero. After all, the best adaptation of Superman and Batman together doesn't try to change either character but instead relies on their differences.
A DCU Batman & Superman Movie Doesn't Look Like It's Happening Anytime Soon – But I'm So Excited If It Happens
Superman Releases Next Year, Launches DCU
Unfortunately, we won't be seeing a “World's Finest” movie from Gunn anytime soon. The DCU launches later this year with Cthe Commandos series, followed Superman in 2025. After that, the next few movies included Supergirl, The brave and the brave, again The youth of the Titansamong others. As many films have already been announced, a potential Batman and Superman movie won't come out until 2027 or 2028 at the earliest.
Based on the upcoming movies, it seems that Gunn's universe will introduce the heroes individually before bringing them togetherseparating his universe from the DCEU. That being said, Superman it's still a group. The film will introduce Mr. Terrific, Hawkgirl, Metamorpho, and one of several Green Lanterns.
Supporting characters aside, Superman a re-introduction to the character. David Corenswet will be playing a younger, less experienced Superman”the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way.” Additionally, Rachel Brosnahan will star as Lois Lane, perhaps the best character in a Superman movie to date, and Nicholas Hoult will play the villain Lex Luthor. Although Superman it has all the right ingredients to be successful, there is a lot riding on the film. If we ever see the movie “The Most Beautiful in the World”, James Gunn needs to get the DCU off to a good start and keep the momentum going.
Source: James Gunn/Instagram