Justice League movie

Warner Brothers seem very serious in moving ahead with a Justice League movie. They've got a script they're happy with, have hired George Miller to direct and are pushing towards a prestrike start date for a 2009 release. I must admit, the idea of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter all together on the big screen thrills me. When Grant Morrison rebooted JLA in the late 90s it was my favourite comic; huge ideas, iconic characters, all wrapped up into a typically mad Morrison plot. It would have made a great (if very expensive) movie. But the cinematic landscape's different now. Back then, Joel Schumacher had murdered the Batman franchise, Superman couldn't punch his way out of development hell. Both franchises have since been resurrected, successfully in Batman's case. (I thought Superman Returns had wonderful moments but it was too in love with Richard Donner's movie to completely work; plus I hated the superkid subplot.) So where does that leave those franchises and those actors? According to Variety, Justice League sources have said it's unlikely that either Christian Bale and Brandon Routh will appear. That's a shame because Bale really nailed Batman and I thought Routh channelled Christopher Reeve quite brilliantly. Batman Begins director Christopher Nolan has apparently said he would prefer if Warners delay Justice League until after he finishes his Batman projects. And Bale too has let his uneasiness about Justice League be known. Interesting times lay ahead. For now call me cautiously optimistic.