Updated: Zack Snyder officially locked to direct Justice League!

April 27th 2014, 10:19pm

UPDATE: Apparently, Snyder will shoot BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN and JUSTICE LEAGE back-to-back, meaning we may well see the full-team sooner than later.

Yes, Zack Snyder will direct Justice League. Yes it will shoot back to back. Likely release date: 2017. Likely announcement: Comic Con.

— Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) April 28, 2014

@CoolwhipSpecial Back to back: confirmed. Release date: no comment from Warners but my sources say watch for it.

— Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) April 28, 2014

Well, this shouldn't be that surprising, but at least it's official. Zack Snyder is now confirmed to direct JUSTICE LEAGUE after the BATMAN VS SUPERMAN, which is set to begin production next month, keeping the filmmaker "in house" to help build the DC Cinematic Universe. Warner Bros. president of worldwide production Greg Silverman, speaking to WSJ, confirmed the news, saying:

“It will be a further expansion of this universe,” said Mr. Silverman. “’Superman vs Batman’ will lead into ‘Justice League.’”

Stars Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, and Gal Gadot are all expected to return for JUSTICE LEAGUE, respectively, as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. A script is "still in development and Warner has not set a release date" and it's said the movie is unlikely to be released before 2018. Although Silverman declined comment on what other superheroes would be joining the team, the recent news of Ray Fisher being cast as Cyborg and rumors of Jason Mamoa taking on a role (my money is on Aquaman) suggest that it's just a matter of time before more announcements are made. Also, don't forget that we have Dwayne Johnson clinging to a DC role, which he has yet to divulge (Martian Manhunter? Lobo? Shazam? Black Adam?).

It was also said that although no spinoff films with Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman planned, the studio is "warm to the idea."

“That is our hope,” said Sue Kroll, president of worldwide marketing. “With the right script, that could be viable. The world is ready for her.”

Some whopping news in terms of DC finally pulling it all together and definitely shows an initiative to compete with Marvel, the current king of the superhero movies. Could this put DC on the rails to championing the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

I know you guys have an opinion. Let's hear it.

BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN is set for release on May 6, 2016.