Warner And DC Comics' Six Dynamite Moves Leading Up To 'Batman Vs. Superman'

While Warner Brothers' TWX Man of Steel cost around $225 million to make, made $291 million domestically, and pulled in just under $663 million globally, it wasn't bulletproof when it came to the polarizing attitudes it stirred in critics (holding a 56 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes) and fans alike.

Overall, however, it was a big win for the studio, breathing in new life into the film franchise after 2006's disastrous Superman Returns.

Now, it's sequel time, with pre-production having already started in Michigan for the big-budget blockbuster-to-be. And while there are still many details shrouded in mystery, everything that Warner Brothers and DC Comics has done so far points to the Man of Steel sequel being a much larger financial success then its predecessor.

This is why:

1) Signing on Ben Affleck as Batman

Could there have been a better move? Affleck has been on a winning streak, and if he doesn't do justice to the old cape and cowl it could still play out great for Warner Brothers. Everyone loves controversy, and if Affleck can't pull off the performance it could bring in as many people as one that achieves complete believability.

2) Using the Batman character and related villains to make a five-year-old boy's dream of being a superhero come true

This was one of the coolest stories you could have come across in 2013, and it's completely heartwarming. The Make-a-Wish Foundation turned San Francisco into Gotham City on November 15 all to make a once very ill child's dreams come true. Not only is this great PR, but there's also the added appeal of Batman returning to the screen after the blockbuster event The Dark Knight Rises.

3) Working Wonder Woman into the mix

The announcement that Gal Gadot was cast as Wonder Woman for a role in the upcoming Superman sequel set the Internet a buzz, and sped up the stir for the inevitable Justice League movie that's sure to come after. Her association with the Fast & Furious should only strengthen her trendability.

Related: Batman Tops Comic Book Sales Charts for November

4) Utilizing Michigan for filming

Not only is filming in Michigan affordable, but it's full of scenic filming locations in addition to the sprawling Detroit to act as the landscape of the DC universe's key locations. A new Batmobile is also coming out of GM's 'Studio X' and many fans are eager with curiosity over what it'll look like and how it'll play out in the film with Affleck behind the wheel.

5) Hitting hard with Batman/Superman comic crossovers in early 2014

With filming of the next Superman movie coming in February 2014, it was simply brilliant for DC to solidify the excitement with Worlds' Finest #19 coming out in January. The promotional copy reads “desperate times call for desperate measures," following a plot with characters Power Girl and Huntress, which serve as family to Superman and Batman respectively.

6) Bringing to life various DC Comics characters on the CW's Arrow

Black Canary, Brother Blood, Bronze Tiger, and The Flash all make their way onto CW's Arrow, and the results have seemed to exceed fan expectations.

The prayer of Batman-related characters has been big talk on the Internet, and after great results from the other crossovers, it's only natural for some Batman, and maybe even characters front he Superman family, make a their appearances on the show.

Jason Cunningham had no position with the mentioned entities while writing this article. Visit Jason on Twitter at @JasonCunningham and @Benzinga.