Ever since 2007, DC and Warner Bros have been knocking out animated films on a regular basis, that started with Superman: Doomsday and have continued into the recently released Justice League: War. While War is a great action film on its own, it’s also an important one that sets the stage for a new style of animated movies from that universe.
With the Justice League now established in that release, expect future films to now have a more solid sense of continuity, as Warner Bros builds on the work created so far by the New 52 relaunch of comics, and beyond.
Speaking to Comic Book Resources, JL: War producer James Tucker explained the move towards an established continuity:
This will definitely be the first salvo in doing new movies that are in continuity with each other. Our next movie’s going to be ‘Son of Batman,’ and that Batman will be the same Batman that you see in ‘Justice League: War.’ Basically, we’ll have two concurrent series of Justice League movies and Batman movies, and they’ll be in continuity with each other. So it’s kind of world-building.
Mind you, Son of Batman was created before DC did a continuity wipe on their comics, but it’s a story that has since then been an influence in the new 52 universe. Justice League: War was the 18th animated film that WB Animation has released since 2007, with Son of Batman arriving next and the standalone Batman: Assault on Arkham debuting afterwards. That last film is based on the hit game Arkham Asylum, and sees the dark knight go one on one with his entire rogues gallery in order to stop the latest plot by the Joker.
That schedule is pretty much what DC and WB want to do with the animated universe, releasing three films a year, where two will be in the New 52 continuity and the third will be a standalone effort. As for content, don’t expect all of the DC films to be based on New 52 storylines, as JL: War director Jay Olivia explained that original efforts were also being considered along with Elseworld storylines:
We can do original content, we can do New 52 stuff. I still want to do ‘Gotham by Gaslight.’ ‘Red Son’ would be a great one to do as a one-off.
To keep that continuity in check, expect the voice cast of JL: War to reprise their roles for several movies for the forseeable future. That means a lot more of Jason O’Mara as Batman, Alan Tudyk as Superman, Michelle Monaghan as Wonder Woman, Shemar Moore as Cyborg, Sean Astin as Shazam, Justin Kirk as Green Lantern and Christopher Gorham as The Flash. And honestly, I’m more than happy to hear that such a superb selection of talent will be sticking around.
Last Updated: February 4, 2014
Stanley Watson
February 4, 2014 at 12:43
Are these movies available on Netflix? (not dvd-rental)
The D
February 4, 2014 at 13:06
Several DC animated films are actually. I believe that currently, Under the Red Hood, Justice League Doom and All Star Superman are up for streaming.
Macethy
February 4, 2014 at 12:50
Was such a boring movie. Art was average and the voice acting was terrible! Especially Wonder Woman!
Milesh Bhana
February 4, 2014 at 12:59
from the new 52, they really need to make a movie about the Animal man / Swamp Thing, Rotworld storyline. Probably the best storyline from the new 52 imo.
(and yeah, I found Justice League:War to be mediocre when compared to the other DC Animated movie)
The D
February 4, 2014 at 13:06
This. A thousand times THIS.
El Capitan del Blade
February 4, 2014 at 13:25
And Don’t forget the Batwoman New52, Impeccably well written, and the Books are already so cinematic, it would work wonderfully.
Milesh Bhana
February 4, 2014 at 16:30
Yes! Batwoman has been excellent so far, ashas Wonder Woman. All the more reason why the new 52 depiction of wonder woman felt a little flat in the JL movie.
Eetcarr
February 4, 2014 at 13:16
I love the DC animations. Under The Red Hood being my fave
El Capitan del Blade
February 4, 2014 at 13:24
Blasphemer! Deceiver! Kevin Conroy is the One True Batman!
Wayne Bossenger
February 4, 2014 at 18:03
really enjoyed this film! It has great animation and enough action, story base/development/progression, character introductions etc for another great DC film.
I must admit, when I heard the different, newer, voice actors, I thought DC might be building a new film continuity akin to Marvels film universe. Should be fantastic! The voice cast was well chosen, and I quite enjoyed Michelle Monaghan as Wonder Woman especially!
And that teaser at the end, can’t wait! 🙂
bats
April 25, 2014 at 22:11
I Iove JL: War is one of my favorites of the JL movies!! I think that DC and Warner are doing a great job bringing these animated movies every year. And some animated movies are better than the big screen Hollywood counterparts…