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Why It's the Right Time for a Justice League Dark Film

We take a look at the new Justice League Dark movie news and tell you why this film needs to happen.

If you've been in the dark (pun intended) about whether or not DC Comics and Warner Brothers are moving ahead with the Justice League Dark film, then there's a little bit of light at the end of this tunnel. Last week, Forbes announced that the film, tentatively titled Dark Universe, which was outlined and maybe written by Guillermo Del Toro (almost two years ago, he said he has a secret writer working on it), is completed and in the hands of Warner Brothers. We may know i the next few days whether or not this is going to move forward, even though it was never included in Warner Bros slate of DC movie announcements.

There are a few rumors going around as well. There is supposedly a director attached, although there's no names out on the web yet and supposedly, the Dark Universe team will consist of John Constantine, Swamp Thing, The Demon, Deadman, The Spectre, and others. There's no real confirmation of this yet. However, what makes now the right time to bring the darker side of DC comics to the big screen?

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For those who are unfamiliar with Justice League Dark they are the superhero team that covers the mystical side of the DCU, the stuff the Justice League doesn't know about or can't handle. It's led by John Constantine, DCU's resident sarcastic magician and features a slew of interesting characters that all have their finger on the pulse of the mysticism community.

Now that the door for super-hero films is wide open, film companies are finally realizing that it just doesn't have to be Superman or Spider-Man on the big screen. One of the biggest films of the summer was Guardians of the Galaxy, a C-list Marvel team of no-name characters, to the mainstream audience, but that didn't matter. People went to it in droves. Film-goers are more accepting of comic book films and more willing to go and check them out.

As far as a JLD film goes, there is a large segment of people that would love a super-powered film with a darker edge. Shows like The Walking Dead and The Strain are doing well and there's not much to be happy about with what happens to those characters within those worlds. There's also a little show on NBC called Constantine, which people seem to be enjoying, but not watching for a plethora of reasons which are all on NBC's head. Aside from the world of comic books, shows like Grimm and Sleepy Hollow are tonally similar to what a JLD film could be and once again, people enjoy the gritty, dark, and mythical, even on the small screen. Dare I bring up American Horror Story?

Obviously, a Justice League Dark film would not be as adult as AHS, but the man behind the outline of the script and the fact a broader audience knows who Constantine is over Ant-Man (No offense, Ant Man), should be enough of a reason to push forward with a film like this. A JLD film feels like something the world wants but doesn't know it yet.

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An interesting thought would be, in the realm of casting, would be to keep Matt Ryan on as John Constantine for the film. Chances of this happening are slim to nil, but we haven't seen a Warner Bros show cross into the cinematic universe yet, but this could work, since Constantine is not part of the same universe as Arrow or Flash. It wouldn't be hard to plop him into his own film. However, this probably won't happen and we probably won't see Ryan as Constantine.

While the rumor stated above has John Constantine, Swamp Thing, The Demon, Deadman, The Spectre, plus some others as the team in the film, there's a lot of characters on the team that could make this a strong film. Obviously, John Constantine has to be in the film, but also adding Zatanna into the mix is a must. Their on-again, off-again relationship could make for an interesting tea dynamic, since we haven't seen teammates together in a relationship in the grand scheme of comic book films. With them would be Deadman because he brings the ghostly element to the group and a bit of trickery when in combat. Next up, you could go with Andrew Bennett, for a little strength or leave Swamp Thing in there as well. Heck, you could even keep on Frankenstein. For the last position on the team, I say go with one of the newer characters on the team: Nightmare Nurse. While this team doesn't have the vast reverses that the Justice League has, there's still a lot to choose from.

While a Justice League Dark film may sound a bit out there to comic book readers, the time is right for the film and it could really work well. With Guilllermo Del Toro pushing for this film and having the script completed, that's a good sign that things could really work out in favor of the fans and people who just want to see a great film. It's time for something from the darker side of comics to make it to the big screen and JLD is a great property to lead the way.

What do you guys think of the JLD film and which characters would you want to see on the team? Leave us a comment below and we'll check in on it when we find our way out of the House of Mystery.

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Boynerdgeek

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Constantine

Zatanna

Etrigan The Demon

Swamp Thing

The Spectre

Deadman

This is my ideal JLD Team

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Jonny_Anonymous

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I remember when the "general audience" liked cool things and everything didn't have to be sanitized to within an inch of it's life.

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SilverPool

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Edited By SilverPool
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Leatherface003

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Nice post...I love to see some DC properties which not that popular..they already announce Suicide squad if Justice League dark happens it would be freakin awesome..

Constantine

Zatanna

Etrigan The Demon

Swamp Thing

The Spectre

Deadman

This is my ideal JLD Team

same here...

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Radx_Konkin75

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If Matt Ryan isn't Constantine, idk if I wanna watch it.

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DurrDevil

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Edited By DurrDevil

People should maybe flipping WATCH CONSTANTINE first before JLD happens.

WATCH THE golly darn SHOW

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roaris87

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If Matt Ryan isn't Constantine, idk if I wanna watch it.

He's doing such a good job on the show, I read the comics in his voice now

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Boynerdgeek

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CaptainMarvel4Ever

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Guillermo del Toro said he may cast Matt Ryan as Constantine and connect the show to the movie. We all know he's enough of a fan to do that for us.

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inferiorego

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Edited By inferiorego  Staff

@durrdevil said:

People should maybe ******** WATCH CONSTANTINE first before JLD happens.

WATCH THE DALM SHOW

censor your language

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BullPR

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@durrdevil: Please don't swear around. The F. word is definitely not allowed. @Jedixman.

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inferiorego

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inferiorego  Staff

People should maybe flipping WATCH CONSTANTINE first before JLD happens.

WATCH THE golly darn SHOW

Also, there will be a piece, next week, on why people aren't watching the show. It's pretty easy to figure out why though.

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longbowhunter

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Swamp Thing has always been one of my absolute favorite characters. I'm more than a little jazzed about the possibility of him making it to the big screen again. I'd love to see Madame Xanadu and Phantom Stranger appear as well. I disagree with Matt on one point though, I think this film should be as adult as AHS. I really don't want this to be a supernatural GOTG. If that means not calling the movie Justice League Dark, all the better. I hate that name anyway.

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Boynerdgeek

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_ANDY_CAN

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who i want to see most is Dr. Fate and maybe eclipso or Neron as the villain

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MadeinBangladesh

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Edited By MadeinBangladesh

I want them to include ANIMAL MAN in the DARK UNIVERSE MOVIE!!! WE damn sure know he isnt getting his own movie.

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Fallingcliffs

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Edited By Fallingcliffs

I think DC should have this film rated R honestly, I mean look at Constantine movie it was rated R for good reason....I really hope it gets it, I know it may not happen for the "younger demographic" but unlike Disney/Marvel(who put Deadpool Rated PG 13) I have more faith in WB to accurately rate movies that clearly are aimed at a more mature crowd.

@captainmarvel4ever said:

Guillermo del Toro said he may cast Matt Ryan as Constantine and connect the show to the movie. We all know he's enough of a fan to do that for us.

That could be interesting but I also loved Keanu's take on it, I mean I wouldn't mind either actor personally.

But as far as roster I'd love to see the following personally:

JLD team

-Constantine

-Zatanna

-Deadman

-The Spectre

-Swamp Thing

-Nightmare Nurse

Cameos should be: Phantom Stranger and possibly Dr. Fate, Frankenstein, Question &, Madame and Pandora as at least cameos.

Who I am not a huge fan of or don't want to see much for: Bennette, The Demon, Animal Man, Etrigan. Especially Andrew Bennette and Animal Man. Save AM for the regular JL films and Bennette is just a dull character...and that one other chick I can't remember she has purple on her.

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RavenVice01

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@leatherface003: I'm hoping this movie is a success so we can see spin offs of the most interesting JLD members. I would luv to see a remake of Swamp Thing and Constantine (British actor this time). Plus a Zatanna, Demon Knights and Spectre movie would be awesome as well.

For the Spectre movie, we could see Deadman's dramatic journey through the afterlife. The Demon Knights movie could be a prequel to JLD. As for Zatanna, I would cast Olivia Wilde. Olivia is smart and sexy and that's exactly what Zatanna is.

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

I want them to include ANIMAL MAN in the DARK UNIVERSE MOVIE!!! WE damn sure know he isnt getting his own movie.

Agreed!

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Leatherface003

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@leatherface003: I'm hoping this movie is a success so we can see spin offs of the most interesting JLD members. I would luv to see a remake of Swamp Thing and Constantine (British actor this time). Plus a Zatanna, Demon Knights and Spectre movie would be awesome as well.

For the Spectre movie, we could see Deadman's dramatic journey through the afterlife. The Demon Knights movie could be a prequel to JLD. As for Zatanna, I would cast Olivia Wilde. Olivia is smart and sexy and that's exactly what Zatanna is.

Lets hope WB gives green light to the project. I my self am huge fan of Spectre and now that they have announced Shazam movie I was thinking of the Day of Vengence storyline which is an awesome storyline...also Deadman movie will be a interesting one to watch..

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hyperman

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Zattana has got to be there. Without her, it wouldn't be a justice league film

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Jenkale

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waaay too many males listed, not liking the girls are "and others".

xanadu, zatanna, deadman, Constantine, and the enchantress BAM! there's your justice league dark. it should happen cause this tech stuff is over played, lets get mystical baby! and its also time cause I've been waiting for this film for the two years they've been planning to make it. just do the dang thing. most likely after the justice league film then release justice league dark so it can keep its title and their existence could easily be explained.

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deactivated-5edd330f57b65

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I really don't think every comic character or team needd a movie. People could write an article about why every person needs a movie now.

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Boynerdgeek

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Fallingcliffs

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@fallingcliffs: You don't like Etrigan The Demon ?

He's alright, I wouldn't HATE it if he was in cause he's a Demon and all I just think he's gotten a lot of exposure in the cartoons, animated movies etc. I wouldn't mind, just definitely want to see Spectre on film bad!

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slade_wilson

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As long as Deadman is in it

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RustyRoy

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I think this movie will be announced in the Vertigo slate (according to Gaiman's there is one), although don't think it will be released before 2019, del Toro is the one who wants to direct this and he won't be available before 2017. I also don't mind if it's rated R or not as long as it's good.

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Toa_Manaia

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Edited By Toa_Manaia

This would be my dream come true if this movie comes to past

Nice post...I love to see some DC properties which not that popular..they already announce Suicide squad if Justice League dark happens it would be freakin awesome..

@boynerdgeek said:

Constantine

Zatanna

Etrigan The Demon

Swamp Thing

The Spectre

Deadman

This is my ideal JLD Team

same here...

Both sentiments i second and If I could proffer my JLD team mixed with a bit of the Shadowpact team

  • Constantine
  • Zatanna
  • Etrigan The Demon
  • Deadman
  • The Ragman
  • Frankenstein
  • Nightshade

But hey the first list is fine with me

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RustyRoy

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I also don't mind if it's called JLD or something else(Shadowpact would be cool though)

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RustyRoy

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Also I want to know the name of this mystery writer.

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WarlordEternal

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@boynerdgeek said:

@fallingcliffs: You don't like Etrigan The Demon ?

He's alright, I wouldn't HATE it if he was in cause he's a Demon and all I just think he's gotten a lot of exposure in the cartoons, animated movies etc. I wouldn't mind, just definitely want to see Spectre on film bad!

No Caption Provided

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Fallingcliffs

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The_Titan_Lord

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Nice

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COBRAMORPH

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well, considering Constantine is close to being canceled, I would say no, it is in no way time for a JLD movie. You'd need some well known names, Zatana, Raven, Dr Fate, but it needs to be called Sentinels of Magic, or the Shadowpact, because JLD is just a cheap, explotative name.

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WarlordEternal

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@cobramorph: I think they plan on naming it Dark Universe.

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RustyRoy

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Didn't del Toro said that the roster will include Swamp thing, Zatanna, Constantine, Deadman, Spectre and Etrigan? I'd also like to see Frankenstein.

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RustyRoy

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Or Amethyst

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judasnixon

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Edited By judasnixon

I just don't know how I feel about this....... I should be jumping up and down right now. I like the director and the characters. I just don't know how I feel it...........

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kevinn111111

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Swamp Thing has always been one of my absolute favorite characters. I'm more than a little jazzed about the possibility of him making it to the big screen again. I'd love to see Madame Xanadu and Phantom Stranger appear as well. I disagree with Matt on one point though, I think this film should be as adult as AHS. I really don't want this to be a supernatural GOTG. If that means not calling the movie Justice League Dark, all the better. I hate that name anyway.

absolutely true

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TheDandyMan

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It could be a good thing as long as it's not like the first volume of the comic book series. I read that when I had less knowledge on DC in general and, for me, it was kind of confusing, the plot should aim to be understandable yet interesting at the same time.

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AbdullahZubair

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Edited By AbdullahZubair

bring it on!!!!

1-Constantine(Duh)

2-Zatanna(Duh Again)

3-Deadman(Cause awesomeness)

4-Swamp Thing(Cause Powerhouse and comparison to Groot)

5-NightMare Nurse(Cause........)

6-Animal Man(Cause I wanna see how his power works and how his costume would look)

7-Shade,The Changing Man(Cause interesting)

8-Madame Xanadu(Cause powers)

The film should have at least 7 characters for them to really make some money. Anything below that would create an average grosser.Adding Etrigan and Spectre would just make the team unbeatable.They can add them and other members to the team for a sequel though

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DonFelipe

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Please let the DARK UNIVERSE be a franchise!

The Dark has so many great characters and stories to offer and so much potential...

One can dream, right?

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DonFelipe

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@fallingcliffs said:

Cameos should be: Phantom Stranger and possibly Dr. Fate, Frankenstein, Question &, Madame and Pandora as at least cameos.

She could appear in the background of all the scenes and first appearances of the other characters... including all the other upcoming movies, too.

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HeraldofGanthet

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@_andy_can:

who i want to see most is Dr. Fate and maybe eclipso or Neron as the villain

This. Especially since we know the Helm of Fate is in TV Constantine's possession...

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AbdullahZubair

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Edited By AbdullahZubair

@mariee:

@mariee said:

Benjamin . I agree that Denise `s rep0rt is inconceivable... last thursday I got a new Audi Quattro when I got my cheque for $9160 this month and-over, 10 grand this past-month . it's by-far the easiest-work Ive ever had . I actually started six months/ago and practically straight away startad bringin in minimum $86... p/h . Get More Information w­w­w.T­ra­de­S­i­lo.Co­m

so....How's the car? Horse Power?Year?Brand New?2nd-Hand?

More Importantly,They are paying you 10 grand a month for advertising on Comicvine??

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JonSmith

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I won't let myself believe anything about this movie until I see a trailer. I've been hurt before.

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TearoftheDragon

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Edited By TearoftheDragon

@longbowhunter: Very much agree. It should be dark, gritty, violent, sexy. And should so have Swamp Thing and Phantom Stranger as well as Etrigan(possibly as a bad guy) Although Faust would be good too.

Name it: Demon Knights.

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