In the past, Warner Bros. hasn't done too much with their partner, DC Comics. Sure, they've regularly put out films about Batman and Superman, but the line has really always stopped there. Despite having a cadre of superheros at their disposal, they've never seemed to be inclined to take full advantage of them. Then Marvel got into the movie business and now everything is changing.
Our own Katey Rich, who is currently at New York Comic Con, is reporting that DC Comics Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns expects two DC properties to hit theaters every year after the end of the Harry Potter franchise. The second most successful franchise of all time, the Harry Potter films have brought in nearly $2 billion at the box office since 2001 and each averages about $285 million. Naturally, the end of the series leaves a big whole in the pocket of the studio, and, apparently, they believe that their comic book rights are the perfect remedy.
Next summer will be a perfect litmus test to find out how many superhero movies the movie-going audiences is really willing to swallow. Over the course of the season, theaters will see the release of Thor, Captain America and Green Lantern. If all three movies are massively successful, then the plan just might work. If not, Warner Bros. could be in serious trouble.
