Thomas Roach on whether it would be wise to split Batman v Superman into two movies…
A few days ago an image arrived online which suggested that there are plans to split the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice into two movies – Part One being called Enter the Knight, which would be released this October, and Part Two entitled Dawn of Justice and slated for the film’s current slot in March 2016. Since this leaked image Henry Cavill was asked about the reports of the movie was being split in two, which he denied. But he would deny it though, wouldn’t he? Whilst we can assume that the image was fabricated, it is worth discussing how a split in the upcoming movie could benefit or harm the DC Cinematic Universe.
Firstly, it would be a wise decision as it would mean fans do not have as long to wait. When Man of Steel, the first film in the Cinematic Universe was released back in 2013, we initially expected the sequel in 2015 before it was pushed back to the following year. From 2016 there will be two DC films a year every year up to 2020 (so far). It feels very weird that we would have a three year gap between films and then have them appear every few months. By closing the gap between Man of Steel and Batman v Superman this would mean less time for fans to wait, as well as preparing us for the busy schedule that we will get over the next few years.
Splitting the movie in two also allows more time to develop characters, which is what people want. It is clear that Warner Bros. and DC are attempting to copy Marvel, but are unwilling to put the same time in to build their universe, despite needing to catch up with Marvel if they are going to stand a chance of competing (not that this competition matters to the fans of both franchises). We’re getting an established universe where characters like Batman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman already exist in the world we were introduced to in Man of Steel. Whilst their origins and many of their stories will not be addressed in the films – especially Batman – we still need to time to get to know these characters. Splitting Batman v Superman and giving more focus more on Batman could be beneficial so we know more about this version of the character.
Whilst some fans would see two films as a positive many would see it as a negative. Some will quickly point this out as a money grab attempt, which would be right. Fans of other franchises have been against splitting movies in two. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay and The Hobbit were all split into multiple movies. Whilst this allows the studio to make more money, many fans don’t like it and can lose respect for projects when they do this.
Splitting Batman v Superman would allow more content to help establish a Cinematic Universe. However, it is frustrating that Warner Bros. is unwilling to devote the same time and effort Marvel put in, and I would even say it is lame to consider splitting a movie this early on. If Warner Bros. wanted two movies, why didn’t they do another Superman movie and another Batman movie? Why announce Batman v Superman as a single film?
Overall I can see why it would be highly beneficial to split the movie into two parts, but there are also plenty of reasons why it should not happen. Nothing is official and the star of the movie has even debunked this fact, but with a major script rewrite and the movie being delayed it could suggest that they were extending the shoot to make two movies. If this was the case I would have rather been informed early on rather than having it sprung upon me as a fan. I am sure that they can pull it off with a single film perfectly fine.
Would you like to see Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as two movies, or should it stay as one? Let us know your thoughts…
Thomas Roach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszFJHnpNzqHh6gswQ0Srpi5E&v=Z2vq4CudKRk&feature=player_embedded
Originally published January 12, 2015. Updated April 15, 2018.
