As reported earlier, Warner Bros. – in an effort to expand its DC Comics Cinematic Universe – appeared to be moving forward with Justice League Dark, a “dark universe” of the DC Comics canon. Doug Liman (The Wall) had been attached to direct to project, but as Variety has recently reported, Liman has departed the project. Warner Bros. hasn’t officially confirmed Liman’s exit, but this may put the brakes on the project until another filmmaker is attached.

While the plot dynamics were never revealed for Justice League Dark, the film looked to consist of venerable characters John Constantine, Swamp Thing, Deadman, Zatanna, and Etrigan the Demon. Notably, Keanu Reeves headlined Constantine, a 2005 film adaptation; actor Matt Ryan portrayed the character as well in a now-defunct NBC television series. Dick Durock also portrayed Swamp Thing in a standalone 1982 feature directed by the late Wes Craven. As for Justice League Dark, Michael Gilio penned the screenplay with Scott Rudin serving as producer on the project.

The project has had a fairly significant history with Warner Bros. as at one point director Guillermo Del Toro (Crimson Peak) was attached to helm the film. Liman’s departure appears to be due to scheduling. The filmmaker – who recently released The Wall – is next tasked to direct the science fiction film Chaos Walking for Lionsgate, a project set to star Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Tom Holland (Spider-Man: Homecoming). His next film is American Made, which stars Tom Cruise, and will hit theaters this fall.

We will stay tuned to the latest.