As you undoubtedly know, “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” one of 2016’s most anticipated films – produced for a stunning $410 million — opens globally at theaters today.
Chicago is no stranger to the DC Universe, having first doubled as Gotham, in 2005’s “Batman Begins” and 2008’s “The Dark Knight,” and then morphing into Metropolis in 2013’s “Man of Steel.”
Since three titans (Wonder Woman) are battling it out, we asked local advertising heroes to weigh in who the victor will be. Here’s what they had to say.
Mark Gross, EVP/Executive Creative Director, DDB Chicago:
“When I first heard about ‘Superman vs. Batman,’ the first thing I thought was, ‘Isn’t it obvious? Can’t Superman (a superhero) rip Batman’s (a human) limbs off and use his torso as a soccer ball?’
After a little research, which is what we like to do here at DDB, I found that Batman uses some sort of Kryptonite to weaken Superman, leveling the playing field. That changes things. Not knowing the full story, my money is on Batman. He’s smarter and he’d outwit him. But let’s be honest – Aquaman would kill them both.”
Matt Kuttan, SVP/Executive Creative Director, Leo Burnett / Arc Worldwide:
“Ok, here goes… We all know that if he really wants to, Superman could destroy the planet in one second and could squash any competition like a bug, but let’s put that aside for now. His biggest weakness is that compared to Batman, he has humanity as a learned quality and not something he was born with.
Batman is a wounded human and will go out of his way to win, because to him, the end justifies the means. Superman is more forthright and a better human being which can be his undoing. I’m guessing Batman wins, because of some nefarious moves… or else there wouldn’t be a movie!”
Rebecca Feaman Williams, VP/Group Creative Director, Burrell Communications Group:
“I’d say Superman, ‘cause Henry Cavill’s fine and pretty godlike (although technically an alien). He also fills out a suit nicely. Batman’s a badass, but is angry, motivated by revenge and can’t throw down without his tools. Loser!”
Jeff York, Group Creative Director Intermark Group:
“Technically speaking, Superman shouldn’t even be fighting Batman. He could crush him like a soft peanut. And the man is bat-shit crazy so Kal-El should just walk, er, fly away!”
Vinny Warren, Creative Director, The Escape Pod:
“I literally know nothing beyond the uniforms. One is a bat, right?”
Valerie Lask, Copy Supervisor, New Control:
“I thought it was Batman v Spiderman! Ha ha! I would’ve chosen Spiderman over both of those clowns. He’s a bigger badass. I’ll take web spinning over flying any day.
Ed St. Peter, Director, Integrated Production AnswersMedia:
“Superman’s gotta be the winner! CUZ he’s FREAKING SUPERMAN!”
Terrence Burell, VP/Creative Director Burrell Communications Group:
Superman is going to LET Batman win as he always does. But who knows now that Superman kills. But we all know that in the end, they will come together to fight a bigger evil and form the JL, so does it really matter? Let’s just enjoy the show and rest in the comfort of knowing that the Boy Scout protects us all and Batman’s ego.”
The real winner, though, will be Warner Bros. The movie’s projected gross is $154 million the first three days and around $380 million for its entire US run, according to Box Office.
