The World's Finest Talks to Burnett about the Fifth Season of "The Batman"

[James Harvey]

The World's Finest (http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/thebatman/?x=backstage/interviews/burnett02) recently chatted it up with Alan Burnett about the upcoming season of The Batman. What can we expect? What about Superman and the rest of the Justice League? Well, Burnett kindly fills us in . . .


http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/thebatman/burnett02.jpg (http://www.worldsfinestonline.com/WF/thebatman/?x=backstage/interviews/burnett02)

Comments?

Note: This thread will merge with the The Official "The Batman" News & Speculation Thread, Part 3 (Spoilers) in the near future.

[Toddman]

"Like the CIA with laughs." Classic.


Toddman

[Spider-Man]

That was a great interview. It's interesting that they'll be using the "bumbling Clark" persona for the movie. That's an interesting choice. If Mr. Burnett posts here I hope we'll hear more from him. I was really excited to hear he'll be playing a bigger role in The Batman this coming season. And like Toddman says, that last line is just classic!

[Stu]

Thank God they're using Reeve as the basis for thier Superman. I can't wait to see how they do Clark Kent.

Great interview Jim. This new season is shaping up nicely.

[adoptedBatpuppy]

Great! This is reminiscent of the Justice League. ;)
When is the fifth season going to start?

[Batman]

Awesome Interview, I hope Wonder Woman will appear this season

[Silverstar]

Awesome Interview, I hope Wonder Woman will appear this season

Unfortunately, she more than likely will not. WW's creator placed a restriction on his character which prevents her from appearing on another characters' shows as a guest star; Wondy can only be used on a show if she is characterized as the star or one of the team leaders. (This is also why Wondy was absent from the Static Shock/Justice League crossover episode "A League of Their Own" and why she wasn't used in the Batman Beyond episode "The Call"; her part was given to Big Barda instead).

But I do hope they are planning to recruit a heroine or two for The Batman's version of the League, because in the 4th season finale all of the League members were guys. Not one woman! I get that TB is primarily an action show aimed at boys, but come on. Nobody wants to see the Justice League portrayed as a total sausage-fest.

Also, while I will of course be watching TB's 5th season to see Big Blue, I'm a little disappointed that they'll be going with the "clumsy bumbler" version of Clark Kent. I would have preferred the Timm/Dini version of Clark who was a straightforward, competent reporter, not overly bumbling or overly a nice guy. But of course, this isn't the Timm/Diniverse. I had to get into TB's version of J'onn J'onzz, but their portrayal of Martian Manhunter was OK, not as good as Justice League's, but OK. I wasn't feeling J'onn's mammoth chin, but oh well.

[Cortez2301]

Cool interview.Its good that there won't be any superfriends stuff.Off topic but is there any mention of a 4th season dvd release date?

[cherv1]

Is that actually true about Wonder Woman? Because I think I remember hearing that it wasn't, although I may be thinking of something else.

[Wolf Boy2]

Thank God they're using Reeve as the basis for thier Superman. I can't wait to see how they do Clark Kent.

Great interview Jim. This new season is shaping up nicely.
We must be talking to two different gods, because my reaction to Burnett's statement was, "Please, God, no!"

There is only one Reeves. And his name was George. The Superman of STAS is very George Reeves-esque, as b.t. even said on one commentary. THAT is the real Clark/Superman.

Superman the Movie does not exist. No. It's a bad dream. Luthor does not wear a wig. Lois does not smoke cigarettes. Krypton is not an ice-crystal planet and Superman can not turn back the clock.

[Wonderwall]

There is only one Reeves. And his name was George. The Superman of STAS is very George Reeves-esque, as b.t. even said on one commentary. THAT is the real Clark/Superman.

He never said that.

[Wolf Boy2]

He never said that.
He did. On the commentary of "Apokalips Now." I don't remember if it was part one or part two.

[Wonderwall]

Ah I remember those commentaries, what he said was in Apokolips Now 2 parter, their version of Superman had stepped his game up, and did more well "Superman" - y things. I believe the quote went something along the lines of "He became less George Reeves..and more Christopher Reeve." From the Superman commentaries and Modern Masters, I think Bruce's favorite version of Superman is the Donner version from 1978. That's the impression I get.

[Wolf Boy2]

Ah I remember those commentaries, what he said was in Apokolips Now 2 parter, their version of Superman had stepped his game up, and did more well "Superman" - y things. I believe the quote went something along the lines of "He became less George Reeves..and more Christopher Reeve." From the Superman commentaries and Modern Masters, I think Bruce's favorite version of Superman is the Donner version from 1978. That's the impression I get.
My mistake.

Well, for being a Chris Reeves fan, he made the most George Reeves-esque Clark Kent since George Reeves himself. My dad, who hates cartoons, thought STAS was better then the movies (Donner or Singer) because it was "more like the 50s show."

Anyway, maybe if I had seen "Superman: The Movie" before STAS I would like it better. But seeing it after STAS ... to me it was a big pile of stink. Even my then 7-year old brothers hated it. I'll admit the Donner cut of Superman II was good, but the Richard Lester cut is horribly unwatchable and goes down in my book of worst movies ever alongside Batman and Robin.

EDIT: John Williams music was that movie's salvation. The music of God Williams can improve even a crappy movie -- just look at what it did for the Harry Potty movies.

[Spider-Man]

Anyways to get the thread back on track I am wondering why Burnett opted to go with the "Clumsy Clark." It's an interesting c hoice that I think will probably fit right in with The Batman. I'm interested to see just how gritty they'll be making Superman. That's an interesting idea for his characterization.

[dark knight 90]

Hey guys, i'm new and want to say hi. I'm constantly on the website so i thought i'd come on the board to chat about the shows :).
On topic, i find the new dynamic between Superman and Batman in the shows upcoming season to be a very fresh and interesting change.

Great interview btw... loved the 'CIA' bit :D

[adoptedBatpuppy]

Welcome Newbie! Please enjoy your stay, most of us are friendly folk. ;)

[A.J]

Hey guys, i'm new and want to say hi. I'm constantly on the website so i thought i'd come on the board to chat about the shows :).
On topic, i find the new dynamic between Superman and Batman in the shows upcoming season to be a very fresh and interesting change.

Great interview btw... loved the 'CIA' bit :D


As adoptepBatpuppy said: Welcome newbie! Enjoy your stay! And yeah, I agree, MOST of us are friendly here, MOST of us>>>>>>:D

[Captain Highwind]

No. No Hall of Justice. No Wonder Twins. And no monkeys!


No Hall of Justice? Then what is that space station they're using? :p

[batgirl2007]

But I do hope they are planning to recruit a heroine or two for The Batman's version of the League, because in the 4th season finale all of the League members were guys. Not one woman! I get that TB is primarily an action show aimed at boys, but come on. Nobody wants to see the Justice League portrayed as a total sausage-fest.

If they cant use Wonder Woman why not Black Canary ? She was a founding member in the comics

[Toddman]

Unfortunately, she more than likely will not. WW's creator placed a restriction on his character which prevents her from appearing on another characters' shows as a guest star; Wondy can only be used on a show if she is characterized as the star or one of the team leaders. (This is also why Wondy was absent from the Static Shock/Justice League crossover episode "A League of Their Own" and why she wasn't used in the Batman Beyond episode "The Call"; her part was given to Big Barda instead).


I'm pretty sure that the restrictions on WW appearing as a guest-star in animation or live action TV is a more recent development that was placed on her character, based on potential development of movie/TV deals. Just like the "Bat-Embargo" and the short lived "Aqua-Embargo".

I don't think it's a restriction that was put in place by her creator, as WW has appeared as a guest-star on the animated Brady Kids show in the 70's and the Ruby-Spears Superman show in the 80's.


Well, for being a Chris Reeves fan, he made the most George Reeves-esque Clark Kent since George Reeves himself. My dad, who hates cartoons, thought STAS was better then the movies (Donner or Singer) because it was "more like the 50s show."

Anyway, maybe if I had seen "Superman: The Movie" before STAS I would like it better. But seeing it after STAS ... to me it was a big pile of stink....

Superman the Movie does not exist. No. It's a bad dream. Luthor does not wear a wig. Lois does not smoke cigarettes. Krypton is not an ice-crystal planet and Superman can not turn back the clock .

First, the cool, competent Kent depicted in STAS owes just as much to the portrayal of the character as he appeared in the comics after the John Byrne Superman re-vamp of 1986 as he does to George Reeves. Heck, even Dean Cain's version of Kent in Lois & Clark was a capable professional and not the goofy nerd made famous in Superman: The Movie. George Reeves may have been part of the inspiration for the STAS version of Clark Kent, but he was hardly the lone depiction of "cool" Clark.

And second, your critique of the original Superman movie would seem to ignore the beautiful cinematography, the vibrant acting and the ingenious special effects (that were about as top-notch as they got in 1978). The film isn't perfect, but your assessment seems to center on pre-conceived notions of how certain characters should act or how particular locations should be presented. While the depictions of Lois Lane or Lex Luthor may not be the way you would have preferred, they were still brought to life with brilliance.

I think most critics have agreed that Donner's Superman isn't just a good comic book movie, it's actually a good movie on it's own.


Toddman

[creativerealms]

No Hall of Justice? Then what is that space station they're using? :p

I know it is like the bastard child of the JL watchtower and the Hall of Justice.

Now I am interested in the "role reversal" of a friendlier more willing to work as a team Batman and this more of a loner Superman. It's generally the other way around.

[Young Justice]

It seems that "The Batman" version of Superman is going for the goofy Clark for two possible reasons:

a) It's a corporate decision to make Superman character more alike with the one portrayed in Superman Returns

b) It's a creative decision just for the sake of being different from STAS.

Either way I think it's a bad choice. If, somehow, they decided to do it because they think this version is better than the John Byrne revamp on Superman/Clark Kent personality, they are insane. They are going 20 years back in time. I make this same criticism on Bryan Singer for doing SR the way he did.

[duncanvw]

I actually like the idea of bumbling Clark showing up. Don't get me wrong, the confident competent Clark of the Timmverse is awesome, and I have always loved that characterization. Still, I'm willing to give "Mild-mannered Reporter" Clark a chance.

Consider how the two aspects of Kal's personality show through. Often, when we see Superman's humanity, it's in relation to tragedy often and triumph occasionally. Either way, the most human aspects of Superman are often portrayed in relation to major events (Dan Turpin's death, for example). And in many cases, Superman exhibits real emotion connected with his protection of innocents and those who cannot defend themselves.

Contrast that with "Bumbling" Clark. People look out for him. He's allowed to be vulnerable - it's almost expected. I always liked the love triangle of Supeman looking out for Lois while Lois looks out for Clark. In some portrayals, she almost seems to view Clark as a little brother for whom she cares about deeply and worries about frequently. Few people worry about Superman, so to have people other than the Kent's worry about Clark may allow him to feel even closer to humanity.

I also like the fact that The Batman's Bruce is somewhat kinder and friendlier than I'm accustomed to seeing. It makes the times he shifts into business-mode or playboy-mode seem even more significant. I could see the same with Clark. Easy to underestimate the goofy farmboy reporter in the big city, but when pressed, I'm sure we'll see that Clark's intelligence and competence are always there. The acting ability of both Bruce and Clark are often overlooked.

Wow - isn't it fun to be able to have these type of discussions? We're really, really lucky as fans.

[duncanvw]

To get some female leaguers into the show, how about a Birds of Prey episode? It might be fun to see Barbara team up with Black Canary to foil a Catwoman or Poison Ivy plot. Barbara could use a positive female role model.

[Silverstar]

To get some female leaguers into the show, how about a Birds of Prey episode? It might be fun to see Barbara team up with Black Canary to foil a Catwoman or Poison Ivy plot. Barbara could use a positive female role model.

Meh, Barbara's just a kid on The Batman. I don't see this version of Babs being admitted into the League.

[Batman]

I'm very interested in seeing how BATMAN & SUPERMAN 's first meeting goes .

I loved STAS version as well as the comics .

[Young Justice]

I actually like the idea of bumbling Clark showing up. Don't get me wrong, the confident competent Clark of the Timmverse is awesome, and I have always loved that characterization. Still, I'm willing to give "Mild-mannered Reporter" Clark a chance.

Consider how the two aspects of Kal's personality show through. Often, when we see Superman's humanity, it's in relation to tragedy often and triumph occasionally. Either way, the most human aspects of Superman are often portrayed in relation to major events (Dan Turpin's death, for example). And in many cases, Superman exhibits real emotion connected with his protection of innocents and those who cannot defend themselves.

Contrast that with "Bumbling" Clark. People look out for him. He's allowed to be vulnerable - it's almost expected. I always liked the love triangle of Supeman looking out for Lois while Lois looks out for Clark. In some portrayals, she almost seems to view Clark as a little brother for whom she cares about deeply and worries about frequently. Few people worry about Superman, so to have people other than the Kent's worry about Clark may allow him to feel even closer to humanity.

I just hope that they don't use the mad scientist version of Luthor rather than the business man version of him. That would be a major let down for me.

[Tempest]

I just hope that they don't use the mad scientist version of Luthor rather than the business man version of him. That would be a major let down for me.

What's the word on Aquaman and Hawkman for season 5? Those two are the ones I'm really looking forward to the most. Hawkman showed in the JLA Satellite scene but Burnett didn't bring him up and Aquaman I've read about at least a couple of times as making at least one appearance. The Flash and Superman, ehhhh I'm bored with those two especially with all the other outlets Superman has I'd actually rather see Captain Marvel.

[Azrael24]

Its been said we'll see an episode with every single JL member we saw in S4 finally along with Sups and Aquaman

[Blackstar]

What's the word on Aquaman and Hawkman for season 5? Those two are the ones I'm really looking forward to the most. Hawkman showed in the JLA Satellite scene but Burnett didn't bring him and Aquaman I've read about at least a couple of times. The Flash and Superman, ehhhh I;m bored with those two especially with all the other outlets Superman has I'd actually rather see Captain Marvel.

Like it or not, you knew that if any other DCU capes were going to appear, we were going to see Superman. Otherwise, everyone would be wondering, "When is Superman going to make an appearance?"

As for Captain Marvel, I doubt we'll be seeing him on the show. It took four years for the Captain to appear on Justice League. Anyway, part of the fun of using Captain Marvel in a DCU show is watching him butt heads with Supes, which would be too much of a distraction on The Batman, which is supposed to be all about Bruce.