DC movies are too dark and joyless? Geoff Johns would sure fix that. A few characters dying or getting their limbs ripped off is just the ticket!

Batman Vs. Superman Will Be Influenced By The Dark Knight Returns
The Man of Steel sequel will borrow from the Frank Miller comic.
by Anthony Couto
February 10, 2014

Details about Batman in the Man of Steel sequel are reaching J.J. Abrams-level secrecy. Kevin Smith has given hints as to what the batsuit will look like in Batman Vs. Superman, but beyond that, Batfleck has been shrouded in mystery. Now, director Zack Snyder confirms the film's Batman will be influenced by The Dark Knight Returns.

A passage from the classic Frank Miller graphic novel was used to announce the film at last summer's San Diego Comic-Con.

In an interview with the French outlet Popcorn Magazine, Snyder was asked if the film will be a direct adaptation of The Dark Knight Returns. Snyder urged that it was not, however, he told them, “…the comic book will influence the history of Batman Vs. Superman, on which the writer David S. Goyer and myself will work.”

Snyder goes on to tell Popcorn that Ben Affleck will play an “older” and “more advised man” than Henry Cavill’s Superman, in the film. However, he notes that Affleck’s Batman will retain the charm of Bruce Wayne.

Frank Miller’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is known for painting the darkest version of Batman, up until that time. In that story, a 50-something-year-old Batman has become a grizzled and militaristic vigilante, contrasted with Superman, who has become a “golden boy” and government pawn.

It’s likely the film will explore the difference in Batman and Superman’s sense of justice and trust in the government/corporate world, where we Lexpect Jesse Eisneberg’s Luthor will then come into play.