Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One serves as the first entry in the three-part adaptation of the iconic comic book run of the same name. The film is co-produced by Butch Lukic, who is known for his work on several popular DCAU titles, including the fan-favorite television series Batman Beyond.
During an interview, Lukic was asked about the challenge of adapting the seminal comic book storyline from George Pérez and Marv Wolfman into a three-part film series. However, Lukic revealed that he initially did not intend to make the movies in three installments. Here is what Lukic said about his original plans for the Crisis on Infinite Earths adaptation and what fans can expect from the upcoming second installment.
Batman Beyond Director Butch Lukic Details His Original Plan for Crisis on Infinite Earths Movies
Butch Lukic worked as a director on popular 90s DCAU shows such as Batman Beyond and Superman: The Animated Series. Lukic’s association with the franchise has continued well into its Tommoroverse phase that began in 2020 and includes the three-part adaptation of the Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline from the comics.
During an interview, Lukic was asked about adapting the iconic comic book storyline into three feature films of about 90 minutes. In response, Lukic revealed that his original plans for the adaptation included at least five movies.
“I didn’t want to. I was trying to push against doing it because it’s going to take five movies at least. Then they came back with nah, we want three.”
Lukic made the above statement explaining that he originally felt that the story was near impossible to do justice with three movies of 90 minutes of runtime. However, after the studio allowed the creative team to make the films slightly longer he agreed to adapt the story into three parts. He added:
“I think we got it good right here with the three movies because they’re a little longer than usual. So it all kind of works out.”
Lukic also explained the comic book storyline had to be slightly altered to replace or remove certain characters who are no longer relevant in modern DC Comics and wouldn’t have resonated with the viewers. As a result, these changes also helped the creative team to adapt the expansive story into three parts.
Butch Lukic Teases Appearances of Classic DCAU Characters in Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two
During a separate interview with ComicBook Movie, Lukic also addressed the possibility of seeing characters from the classic DCAU shows such as Batman Beyond and The New Batman Adventures on which he had also worked.
“In the second movie, you’ll see one or two characters from other animated universes.”
Lukic made the above statement teasing fans about the appearances of fan-favorite iterations of characters from DCAU.
It was later revealed that Will Friedle is reprising his role as Terry McGinnis from Batman Beyond for the second installment. The late Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill will also reprise their roles as Bruce Wayne / Batman and the Joker from previous DCAU shows in the third installment which is expected to be released in 2024.
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two is slated to release on April 23, 2024, while the first part is streaming on Max.
