[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s not unheard of for fans to demand a TV series or film come back to life. Will and Grace, Arrested Development, Roseanne….kind of, and Young Justice are just a few examples of shows that came back. So why couldn’t the Justice League, the iconic animated series with millions of very vocal fans worldwide, do the same?
In November 2017, a single tweet with the hashtag #JLReunion exploded when it was revealed that not only would the original cast be up for another run with the Justice League if the opportunity presented itself from Warner Bros., but also that legendary director Andrea Romano would come out of retirement to do it! To say the least this got a lot of people VERY excited!
I had the opportunity to discuss the possibility of a Justice League reunion with none other than the voice of Wonder Woman herself, Susan Eisenberg. Susan, whom we first witnessed as Wonder Woman in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, has also lent her amazing voice talents to the same character in animated films and video games.
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]James: Let me get straight to the point. What has to happen to make the Justice League animated series with the original cast come back for another season?
Susan: Well, I believe the fans want to see more of these characters. Another season may be a difficult task, but a Justice League film based on the animated series with the original cast seems far more likely.
James: Ok, so what has to happen to make that a reality?
Susan: Warner Bros. has to believe there’s an audience big enough to justify doing it. It’s that simple. Social media has really demonstrated the fan base is still there and that a Justice League direct to video film is something they want very much, but again, WB has to be convinced that enough people want it and will support it![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”382″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]James: I really feel that there is a huge audience that wants it AND that will pay for it!
Susan: I agree. So if you loved the show and all its elements, please let WB know. It all comes down to the fans.
James: How do you feel about Young Justice coming back?
Susan: It was so inspiring to see Young Justice come back. The producers said to the fans if you want it back, binge watch it. And they did! Again, it all comes down to the fans.
James: So, if Young Justice could come back due to fans showing they wanted it why couldn’t the fans of the Justice League do the same?
Susan: Yes. I’m constantly touched and surprised by the love and devotion of our fan base.
James: Really? You’re surprised by it? I’m surprised that you’re surprised!
Susan: Absolutely. We didn’t know what kind of impact the characters and the show would have on people.
James: It definitely had a major impact on people and also set the standard for animation, voice acting, and storytelling.
Susan: We all felt we were working on something very special, but to see that the Justice League has stood the test of time has been a gift!
James: That’s a great point. Why do you think the show is timeless?
Susan: One of the elements of the show that I believe resonated deeply with the fans was a sense of old-fashioned, and yet thrilling, storytelling. There was always a ‘good vs. evil’ contest, where fans could invest in the battle, but also trust that ultimately the good guys/gals would win. Good would conquer evil. AND the show developed these beautiful relationships within the stories. Romances and friendships were explored so beautifully by the writers.
What was so magical about Justice League was the brilliant collaboration of talented writers, directors, and producers, like Andrea Romano, Bruce Timm, Rich Fogel, Dan Riba, Dwayne McDuffie, Paul Dini, Stan Berkowitz.
James: So what can contemporary animation learn from all of this?
Susan: Haha. I’m not in the position to say that, but what I do believe is that creatives need to remember that when you have a group of characters as iconic and important as the JL, there should be a sense of uplift and triumph to them. The darkness of their stories needs to be balanced by light. In the end, there has to be hope. And that’s what the Justice League provided.
James: That’s a powerful statement! Let’s circle back to the characters and the relationships between them. If the show had continued what would have happened between Wonder Woman and Batman?
Susan: Well, I’m a huge fan of ‘Wonder-Bat’ but I never saw a marriage, children, or a committed relationship in their future. I believe the fans loved the flirtation and the possibility of a romance between them. They enjoyed the fact that Diana had Bruce’s number, and visa versa.
James: So if a romance with Batman wasn’t possible who else would Wonder Woman consider?
Susan: I loved her relationship with Steve. He would be my second choice for Diana.
James: So, I’ve got to ask…Why Batman? In an odd way it kind of makes sense to see Wonder Woman and Batman having an attraction for each other but up until the Justice League animated series very few ever thought of that as a possibility.
Susan: I’m not 100% sure why that storyline happened… I’ll have to ask Bruce Timm the next time I see him why he went in that direction. I love that he did though because it allowed me to play another part of her.
James: Here’s another relationship question. Would Wonder Woman and Shayera (Hawk Girl) ever become close again?
Susan: Haha. Were they ever close? I think they would always respect each other’s skills as fighters and warriors, but I don’t see them sipping lattes in the near or distant future. BUT I do believe that Wonder Woman, with her strong sense of compassion, would eventually forgive Hawkgirl. Not forget, but forgive.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”383″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]James: How do you want to see Wonder Woman evolve?
Susan: I think she’s already evolved. What she hasn’t had is exposure, and that is obviously changing now. I’m grateful that at long last she’s in the spotlight, and her fans are seeing her get her due. Finally more and more of her stories are being told in animation, comics, and the movies. It’s long overdue, but thank Hera, it’s here![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]James: What excites you about the future of Wonder Woman?
Susan: It’s an open field for her. There is only potential for more and more stories to be told, and I’m excited to read and see her stories! We’ve seen so many Batman and Superman projects, which has been great, but now, at long last, it’s her turn.
Make sure to follow @JLAnimated & @AnimatedJL on Twitter to support the effort to the #JLReunion effort.
Susan Eisenberg is currently voicing Mera in Lego Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis now available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital. Order it now on Amazon, on the WB Shop, or wherever movies are sold.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
