While previous DCU Animated Original Movie releases have featured standalone stories,
Justice League: War producer James Tucker and director Jay Oliva are introducing a shared continuity, beginning with
War and continuing through
Son of Batman and beyond.
Tucker suggested a release schedule of three DCU animated movies per year: two in continuity with one another (in 2013,
War and
Son of Batman), the third a separate Elseworlds-esque project that isn't beholden to ongoing continuity (also in 2013, the as-yet undated
Batman: Assault on Arkham, based on the popular "Arkham Asylum" videogame series).
Tucker clarified that while
War is based on a story from DC Comics' "New 52" saga, not every in-continuity movie will necessarily be based on a "New 52" comicbook arc. Efforts are also being made to expand continuity to the voice actors being cast in the various superhero and villain roles.
War features Alan Tudyk as Superman, Jason O'Mara as Batman, Michelle Monaghan as Wonder Woman, Justin Kirk as Green Lantern, Christopher Gorham as Flash, Sean Astin as Shazam, Shemar Moore as Cyborg and Steven Blum as Darkseid.
Justice League: War is already available for purchase, and closes with an end-credits sequence that teases an upcoming Aquaman-centric animated movie which Tucker and Oliva have yet to discuss at any length.
Son of Batman arrives on Blu-ray on May 6th, with O'Mara returning as the Dark Knight.