TEAMMATES (from left) Flash (Ezra Miller), Superman (Henry Cavill), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Batman (Ben Affleck), Aquaman (Jason Momoa)
TWO OFFICIAL trailers for live-action DC Comics films, “Wonder Woman” and “Justice League,” were unveiled last weekend at the San Diego Comic-Con, to resounding applause on social media. Both films, scheduled for release in 2017, follow the dour and polarizing “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” directed by Zack Snyder.
“Wonder Woman,” whose titular amazon heroine was among the costumed defenders introduced in “Dawn of Justice,” is directed by Patty Jenkins, and will reveal the seemingly immortal warrior’s origin. The film is inspired by details from the source material, but is set earlier than her original, World War II-era comic book appearances.
In the trailer, Diana of Themyscira (Gal Gadot) meets American pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) and eventually joins his fight in “Man’s World” during the first World War.
The sword-swinging, mystically created superheroine is shown effortlessly deflecting artillery fire and vanquishing enemy soldiers in the approximately two-minute, 45-second-long trailer.
Gadot also appears in “Justice League,” also directed by Snyder, a noticeably more quippy and lighter take on DC’s premier superhero group, if the chosen scenes are any indication. Batman (Ben Affleck) gathers members of the League, including sea king Aquaman (Jason Momoa); the hyperquick loner, Flash (Ezra Miller), and the machine specialist, Cyborg (Ray Fisher).
Unlike the angry, angst-ridden Batman in “Dawn of Justice,” the Dark Knight is depicted as optimistic and trusting, revealing his secret identity to potential teammates during the recruitment process.
CAPTAIN Marvel will be played by Brie Larson.
The trailer, also about the same length as the other new preview, shows a sleek, bright costume for Flash, who was shown wearing some junk-like contraptions over his worn-out uniform in his previous appearance.
Also released was an official group photo of the team, which shows a resurrected Superman (Henry Cavill), who was killed in “Dawn of Justice” by the alien creature, Doomsday.
On the TV front, DC Comics is further exploring its multiverse in the “Arrowverse” (“Arrow,” “Legends of Tomorrow,” “The Flash” and “Supergirl”).
A Season Three “The Flash” trailer was shown, where the other Flash (Grant Gustin) faces the dangers of “Flashpoint,” a world changed radically by an altered timeline.
It was also announced that the time-traveling “Legends of Tomorrow” will meet the heroes of the Justice Society of America, which preceded the Justice League in the comics. The Legends will face off against the Legion of Doom, which first appeared in the “Challenge of the Superfriends” cartoons.
“Supergirl,” meanwhile, will have appearances by another Superman, to be played by Tyler Hoechlin, and the President of the United States, to be portrayed by the original TV Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter. New seasons of “Arrowverse” shows will debut in October.
DC’s longtime rival Marvel likewise revealed film plans at Comic-Con. Aside from panel appearances by cast members of projects such as “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “Black Panther,” the lead role for the “Captain Marvel” film was officially announced: Oscar winner for “Room,” Brie Larson.
Captain Marvel is seen by some as Marvel’s answer to Wonder Woman. The heroine, Carol Danvers, was a feminist pilot who accidentally gained superpowers. Larson is expected to appear in a solo film in 2018 and in future “Avengers” installments.