Teen Titans: Judas Contract Animated Movie Put on Indefinite Hiatus

[COMIC GEEK]

This is probably one of the best storylines ever done in the DC UNIVERSE

It looks like its been put on hold due to the chance of not enough fan base, so help the cause and get those emails out.



This news is a real bummer for Titans fans...

World's Finest reports: February 28, 2008 by James Harvey

Marv Wolfman, one of the screenplay writers for the direct-to-video Teen Titans: The Judas Contract animated feature, has confirmed the DC Universe Animated Movie is currently on hold.
Wolfman has confirmed the reports appearing online stating the movie is currently on hold because, according to Warner Home Video, there may not be enough of an audience for a Teen Titans: The Judas Contract animated feature to be successful. Teen Titans: The Judas Contract was originally scheduled to be the third DC Universe Animated Movie before Warner Home Video delayed it, opting to produce Batman: Gotham Knight and Wonder Woman

Wolfman continues, saying that fans should contact Warner Home Video to let them know of the demand for a Teen Titans: The Judas Contract animated feature. Below is the contact information to send your thoughts and concerns regarding the future of the Teen Titans: The Judas Contract direct-to-video animated feature.

Diane Nelson, President, Warner Premiere
Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.
4000 Warner Blvd., Bldg 2, #103
Burbank, CA 91522
diane.nelson@warnerbros.com

Lisa Judson, President, Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.
4000 Warner Blvd
Burbank, CA 91522-0001
lisa.judson@warnerbros.com

Ron Sanders, President of Warner Home Video
Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.
4000 Warner Blvd., Bldg 160, #12112
Burbank, CA 91522
ron.sanders@warnerbros.com

Wolfman worked on the original Teen Titans: The Judas Contract comic book storyline in addition to writing the screenplay, along with Tom DeSanto, of the animated adaptation.

Thanks to both Andrew Laubacher for bringing this to the attention of The World's Finest and Marv Wolfman for confirming the news. direct-to-video animated features instead.

[karaokefanboy]

I don't get this decision at all. I work with kids and the Titans are huge . . . STILL are, years after original eps stopped airing. That anime/Timm combo resonated and created the groundwork for putting the Titans into the mainstream, now under the influence of ANY visual style. DC is getting out of touch and pretty full of themselves.

[Beast]

Well, this sucks. It was the one I was most looking forward to. :(

Guess that explains why Batman: Gotham Knight and Wonder Woman were moved up.

[COMIC GEEK]

Well, this sucks. It was the one I was most looking forward to. :(

Guess that explains why Batman: Gotham Knight and Wonder Woman were moved up.

while I planned on getting them all

I was going to buy 2 copies

[COMIC GEEK]

I really dont mean to "bump" this . But cmon people this is important. If they stop production on this, that might open the flood gates for them second guessing a whole crap load of other projects they might had in mind as well.

[Superbeast]

Anyone got a reply back from any of those three people?

[Quarterwolf]

Here is what I don't get.

Teen Titans GO was on for 4 season.

Justice League Unlimited was on for 2 seasons.

I think a show that lasts 4 seasons shoud have a big enough fan base for one Direct to DVD movie. What kinda logic are they using here?

[lonewolf23k]

The Judas Contract? ...Didn't we basically get that with Terra's storyline? :confused:

[LtMarvel]

And Teen Titans Go has a direct to video release.

Justice League of America, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman are all headed for/taking steps to live action films. Teen Titans is not. I'd wager these are factors big suits are looking at.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Here is what I don't get.

Teen Titans GO was on for 4 season.

Justice League Unlimited was on for 2 seasons.

I think a show that lasts 4 seasons shoud have a big enough fan base for one Direct to DVD movie. What kinda logic are they using here?

They may have changed the title, but Justice League Unlimited was on the air for six or seven years altogether--and it co-starred Superman and Batman, who collectively had close to twenty years worth of cartoons between them.

Justice League is better known than Teen Titans. My guess is the sales for New Frontier weren't as big as they hoped, so they assume a lesser known franchise like Teen Titans won't have a big enough audience to make this profitable.

Damn shame.

[DonC]

Here is what I don't get.

Teen Titans GO was on for 4 season.

Justice League Unlimited was on for 2 seasons.

I think a show that lasts 4 seasons shoud have a big enough fan base for one Direct to DVD movie. What kinda logic are they using here?


Teen Titans was a kids show. "The Judas Contract" isn't a kids story.

[Spidey-kid1]

I'm not really sure what "The Judas Contract" is, but maybe the reason they didn't get much demand for this was because not many people know about it. I didn't even know a TT movie was being made until I saw this thread. Find a way to get the word out, and I guaruntee fans will be all over it like a kid with a new toy.

[Guy1]

I'm not really sure what "The Judas Contract" is, but maybe the reason they didn't get much demand for this was because not many people know about it. I didn't even know a TT movie was being made until I saw this thread. Find a way to get the word out, and I guaruntee fans will be all over it like a kid with a new toy.


You remember in the Animated Teen Titans when Terra betrayed the team?
Yeah, The Judas Contract is the comic version of it.

[Kid Kyoto]

Teen Titans was a kids show. "The Judas Contract" isn't a kids story.


Exactly.

Plus in the minds of TV viewers/video buyers the TT are an anime-ish kids hero cartoon, not a realistic team of young adults. Putting out a perez/wolfman type Teen Titans movie would confuse the brand.

[COMIC GEEK]

I'm not really sure what "The Judas Contract" is, but maybe the reason they didn't get much demand for this was because not many people know about it. I didn't even know a TT movie was being made until I saw this thread. Find a way to get the word out, and I guaruntee fans will be all over it like a kid with a new toy.


The judas contract


broken down issue by issue by www.titanstower.com


Tales of the Teen Titans #42 [1984]
cover date: May 1984

Credits:
“The Judas Contract: Book One: The Eyes of Tara Markov”
Co-plotter, Scripter: Marv Wolfman
Co-plotter, Penciller: George Pérez
Inker: Dick Giordano
Editor: Marv Wolfman & George Pérez
Cover Art: George Pérez

Synopsis: Visiting Donna’s photography studio where Kory is modeling, Tara Markov is allowed to learn Wonder Girl and Starfire’s secret identities. Later, at Donna and Kory’s apartment, the group plans Terry and Donna’s upcoming wedding: Gar offers the use of Steve Dayton’s estate as a wedding site, and Donna asks Tara to replace the reluctant Raven as a bridesmaid, and Dick to give her away.

From there, Gar and Tara go to watch the unsuccessful attempt of Sarah Simnis and her students to teach Cyborg to skate, and Cyborg, returning to his apartment, receives a telegram announcing the return of his world-traveling grandparents. Leaving Vic, Gar and Tara share a romantic moment before Tara returns to Titans Tower, where she has a brief but ominous discussion with Raven.

The next day, the Titans stage a workout at their headquarters: Cyborg matches his strength against a magnetic testing device; Wonder Girl and Starfire fight a duel with staffs; and Changeling and Terra engage in a mock battle. When Changeling humiliates and antagonizes her, Terra completely loses her temper and counterattacks with her full power, almost killing him. She manages to excuse her violent behavior. She later reports the Titans’ identities and activities to the Terminator. As the Terminator and his aide, Wintergreen, leave with Terra to put their plan to capture the Titans into motion, they are unaware that they are being observed from afar.

Notes:
>> First appearance of Joe Wilson.
>> First appearance of Adeline Kane Wilson.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tales of the Teen Titans #43 [1984]
cover date: June 1984

Credits:
“The Judas Contract: Book 2: Betrayal!”
Co-plotter, Scripter: Marv Wolfman
Co-plotter, Penciller: George Pérez
Inker: Mike DeCarlo, Dick Giordano
Editor: Marv Wolfman & George Pérez
Cover Art: George Pérez

Synopsis: Dick Grayson is astounded when the Terminator, obviously aware of Dick's former costumed identity, attacks the Titans' leader in his own apartment. Dick manages to escape and tries to summon the Titans to his aid, but there is no response to his emergency signal. The Terminator tracks Dick the best he can but eventually loses him, unaware that he himself is being followed by the woman and young man who had been watching him previously.

Arriving at Dick and Kory's apartment, Dick finds the place in shambles, with evidence that Kory had been overcome by an explosive package delivered to her with Dick's name on it. At Donna's studio, he deduces that she had been rendered unconscious by a toxic ether created from her own photographic chemicals. Borrowing Donna's car, Dick arrives at Victor's apartment, where Victor had been the victim of an electrically charged chair. There is no trace of any of the defeated Titans, and Dick has no way of knowing if the Titans have been killed or simply kidnapped. Also, all the attacks indicate that the Terminator is aware of all of the Titans' true identities, and Dick cannot fathom how terminator gained that information.

Finally returning to the Tower, he had just found evidence of a battle involving Terra when he is surprised by the entrance of Adeline Wilson and her son Joseph, the people who had been shadowing the Terminator. They also know who Dick had been, and tell im that Terra had been Terminator's agent the whole time, and that it was Terra who had defeated Raven. Unconvinced, Dick tries to get a hold of Gar Logan by calling him, only to find that he has fallen to the Terminator. Mailing out autographed photographs of himself supposedly requeted by his female fans, he was drugged by the glue on the envelopes.

As Adeline reveals that she is Slade Wilson's ex-wife, the Terminator arrives at H.I.V.E. headquarters in the Rocky Mountains with his captives.

Notes:
>> none


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tales of the Teen Titans #44 [1984]
cover date: July 1984

Credits:
“The Judas Contract: Book 3: There Shall Come a Titan”
Co-plotter, Scripter: Marv Wolfman
Co-plotter, Penciller: George Pérez (layouts)
Inker: Mike DeCarlo, Dick Giordano (finished art)
Editor: Marv Wolfman & George Pérez
Cover Art: George Pérez

Synopsis: To convince him of the truth of her assertions, Adeline Wilson tells Dick Grayson the origin of the Terminator. In the early 1960s, Major Slade Joseph Wilson, a former Korean War hero, joined the special U.S. Army training course headed by Captain Adeline Kane. He proved her most apt pupil, and she took him aside for special additional training. A year later, he graduated from the course with honors and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Adeline met British Army Major Wintergreen, seemingly Wilson’s only friend, although she never learned the nature of the bond between the two men. A romance blossomed, and Slade and Adeline were married six months later.

Slade served in Vietnam, while Adeline gave birth to their son, Grant. Then Slade volunteered for an experiment in resisting truth serums using a drug designed to stimulate the adrenal gland. The experiment went wrong, and a seemingly disabled Wilson was stricken from the active duty roster. Some time later, the Wilsons’ second son, Joseph, was born. Then, defying orders in order to rescue Wintergreen, who had been taken captive in Viet Nam, Slade was discharged by the Army. Restless, he became a renowned safari hunter, while rearing his two sons, Grant, who followed in his parents’ military footsteps, and Joseph, who excelled in music and art.

One night while Slade was away, Adeline was attacked in their home and Joseph was kidnapped. Returning home, Slade revealed to his wife that he had been granted superhuman powers by the drug experiment which had seemed to disable him, and that he had used those powers to begin a secret career as Deathstroke the Terminator, an international mercenary assassin. In Tangiers, Terminator and Adeline confronted the terrorists who had captured Joseph in order to force Deathstroke to reveal the identity of his latest client. Rather than betray his employer, Terminator gambled on his superhuman speed to rescue his son before his captor could cut the boy’s throat. Joseph was saved, but the throat wound he received cost him the use of his voice. Furious with her husband, Adeline attempted to kill him, but succeeded only in shooting out his right eye. The couple then divorced, and much later, their son Grant died battling the Titans as the Ravager.

As Adeline concludes her story, she reveals that she knows the whereabouts of the Terminator and his captives. Dick then assumes his new costumed identity as Nightwing for the first time. Returning to the others, he finds Joseph Wilson in costume as Jericho. Born a mutant due to the genetic side-effects of the chemicals that gave his father powers, Joe Wilson is able to possess the body of an opponent and usurp his will, an ability he demonstrates by using it on Nightwing. Convinced of Jericho’s sincerity, Nlghtwing allows him to join him in his attempt to rescue the Titans.

Notes:
>> First appearance of Dick Grayson as Nightwing.
>> First appearance of Joseph Wilson as Jericho.
>> Origin and background of Deathstroke, The Terminator revealed this issue.
>> Origin of Jericho revealed in this story; powers revealed.
>> Backgrounds and origins of Wintergreen and Adeline Kane also revealed in this story.
>> Slade's rival, Bill Walsh, appears in flashback; Later becomes the second Ravager in Deathstroke #1-4.
>> The story continues in Tales of the Teen Titans Annual #3.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[COMIC GEEK]

continued---


Tales of the Teen Titans Annual #3 [1984]
cover date: 1984

Credits:
“The Judas Contract: Part 4: The Finale!”
Co-plotter, Scripter: Marv Wolfman
Co-plotter, Penciller: George Pérez (layouts)
Inker: Mike DeCarlo, Dick Giordano (finished art)
Editor: Marv Wolfman & George Pérez
Cover Art: George Pérez

Synopsis: Held captive by the H.I.V.E. in an Enervator, which uses their own powers to hold them helpless, the Titans are shocked at the Terminator’s revelation that Terra is his partner. Meanwhile, Nightwing and Jericho attempt to breach the criminal organization’s headquarters, and Adeline Wilson keeps Wintergreen from aiding the Terminator.

Wintergreen then reveals to her the origin of his relationship with Slade Wilson. He and the future Terminator had served together under a General Sampson, who ordered Wilson to lead what Wintergreen regarded as a suicide mission. Wilson survived the mission only because Wintergreen defied orders in order to save his life. When Wintergreen again found himself under Sampson’s command in Vietnam, the general deliberately assigned him to a similarly deadly mission, which resulted in his capture by the enemy. Slade Wilson returned the earlier favor by using his special powers and costumed identity to rescue his friend.

Jericho’s powers of possession enable him and Nightwing to penetrate to the heart of the H.I.V.E. stronghold, but they are overpowered and captured when they unexpectedly encounter Terra. The acquisition of Nightwing, whom they recognize as the former Robin, completes the roster of the Titans and fulfills the Terminator’s contract, but when he realizes that his son will share the Titans’ fate, the Terminator bargains for Jericho’s release.

Jericho abruptly regains consciousness and possesses his father, causing him to free the Titans from the Enervator. Believing that the Terminator has betrayed her, Terra attacks him. In the ensuing confusion, the Titans defeat the assembled H.I.V.E. agents, and Jericho releases the Terminator from his power to allow him to defend himself. A three-way conflict then erupts among the Titans, Terra, and the Terminator. Raven attempts to stop Terra with her mental powers, while Jericho breaks a standoff between the Terminator and the Titans, downing the villain.

Then Terra breaks free of Raven’s influence, and her last semblance of sanity vanishes. In a mad rage, she uses her full power - demolishing the entire complex and bringing the wreckage down on herself. Digging frantically, the Changeling at last finds Terra’s lifeless body. The next day, a small funeral service is held, attended by the Titans, the Outsiders, Batman and Robin, Terry Long, and Dr. Jace.

Notes:
>> Origin and background of Deathstroke, The Terminator revealed this issue.
>> Backgrounds and origins of Wintergreen and Adeline Kane also revealed in this story.
>> Death of Terra.

[COMIC GEEK]

one of the best storylines ever.

for those who havent read it. I have doubles of these issues. and you can find the TPB on the internet for cheap :)

[ZT4]

I didnt see a whole lot of confusion when New Frontier and Doomsday was released, so there has to be a better reason than "brand recognition"


I think the hiatus is due to some of the current fanbase for Teen Titans being underage, and Terra in the series adapations of "The Judas Contract" was a misguided traitor. In the real version of "The Judas Contract", she's a direct traitor with a clear sense of loyalty, is having an affair with series villain Slade...and smokes a gallon. It's the younger audience DC dont want to offend since there's a fanbase for the "misguided" Terra

[COMIC GEEK]

I didnt see a whole lot of confusion when New Frontier and Doomsday was released, so there has to be a better reason than "brand recognition"


I think the hiatus is due to some of the current fanbase for Teen Titans being underage, and Terra in the series adapations of "The Judas Contract" was a misguided traitor. In the real version of "The Judas Contract", she's a direct traitor with a clear sense of loyalty, is having an affair with series villain Slade...and smokes a gallon. It's the younger audience DC dont want to offend since there's a fanbase for the "misguided" Terra

thats crap yet they can show supes/doomday where supes gets his ass beaten and they even say its a bit much for the younger generation.

its just bull crap.

I been emailing these folks as well as people Ive known through the years whos been reading comics as well.

the more people get involved the better.

cause if they stop here, what other comic to dvd would they put on hold.

I for one would love to see CRISIS come on dvd down the road.

[Spidey-kid1]

one of the best storylines ever.

for those who havent read it. I have doubles of these issues. and you can find the TPB on the internet for cheap :)

Sounds good. I'm going to look it up online I think.

[COMIC GEEK]

Sounds good. I'm going to look it up online I think.


you wont regret it, It's a good read and come the month of MAY, you can get the figures to go with it :)

[Sean Whitmore]

It looks like its been put on hold due to the chance of not enough fan base

As much as I was looking forward to this one, it's not like I can fault their logic. I was shocked when I heard they were planning on adapting this 30-year-old storyline in the first place.


SEAN

[COMIC GEEK]

well its only been like 24 years ;)

[kalorama]

Yeah, when I first heard about this it did seem odd to me that they were making an animated film out of this storyline.

[La Fea]

They suck for this.

I would've jumped all over this for sure.

[Superbeast]

I can think of three reasons for them pulling out of this project:

No relevant precedent (Superman: Doomsday had SM: TAS, JL and JLU, Batman had BM: TAS, BM: GK, BB, JL and JLU, JL: New Frontier had JL and JLU, all that could entertain adult audiences and comic fans as well, TT only had the child oriented TT series which while successful, is far from the tone of the Judas Contract which includes paedophilic reciprocal "groomed" relationships, child violence and abuse, underage smoking, mental instabilility, emotional abuse and suicide) for the storyline was set up and the closest translation still made the character sympathetic. Terra in the comic version was far from sympathetic as she turned on everyone in the end. While an attempt to bring it to life would be applauded and fit within the 70-80 min confines of DC's animated features, they'd be playing with fire given the content and context of the story. By producing it to the letter they'd isolate or invite complaints from the established TT audience that has been generated from the animated series. Also the BM animated series continues on, unlike the JLU or or SM: TAS series, so it could lead to current confusion in regards to the Robin in one series being Nightwing in a WBP feature length animated movie.

[ZT4]

The fourth season of Teen Titans was it's darkest, and included a rather infamous episode where Slade basicly tears most of Raven's clothes off

So yeah, they had no problem airing THAT and yet delay this movie?

[kalorama]

The fourth season of Teen Titans was it's darkest, and included a rather infamous episode where Slade basicly tears most of Raven's clothes off

So yeah, they had no problem airing THAT and yet delay this movie?

Was there implied underage sex between Terra and Slade in the 4th season of Teen Titans? Because there is in the Judas Contract.

[ZT4]

Was there implied underage sex between Terra and Slade in the 4th season of Teen Titans? Because there is in the Judas Contract.

Nope, but Slade does give her a brutal ass-tearing

[LtMarvel]

I really think it is more of lack of audience and film project that put this on the back burner.

[ForeverTaskmaster]

Teen Titans was a kids show. "The Judas Contract" isn't a kids story.
I totally agree that it isn't a kids story and it shouldn't be made as one.

[ZT4]

None of you have watched the series at all have you?

[Superbeast]

Actually, some of us have read the comic book and seen the animated series, including Titans In Tokyo, but have the sense and intelligence to see the difference between what 8-13 year olds will accept and what 15-21 year old will accept. You act as if protecting young audiences from mature themes is a bad thing.

Smacking a kid about is a bit different from beating underage p*ssy up. If you can't discern the difference between slapping a kid around and paedophilia where the child has been groomed to accept it, go consult your local child psychologist for the difference.

[COMIC GEEK]

I really think it is more of lack of audience and film project that put this on the back burner.

I have to disagree with you, the fans who actually read this "fresh" are still out there reading titans. now No, I dont have actual figures, but the message boards I do frequent do show that the older fan base is still alive and well and anxious for this to be made. Even the younger ones heard about it, from what I read on mbs too.

The titans cartoon, was huge for the younger audience. Theres your fanbase right there.


I totally agree that it isn't a kids story and it shouldn't be made as one.

I dunno I was like 12 or 13 when I read the judas contract. Its only 4 years later and who knows how old a kid was when they read the lonely place of dying reading and looking on how the joker beat the snot out of jason todd.Batman carrying the bloddied body and all.

They really dont need to imply that tara was having sex with slade. Those few panels from the book can obviously be taken out of the movie.

The cigarette smoking-- really whats the big deal. The girl was meant to be like 16 and and while not every 16 year old smokes, some do. Its not a big deal I think if this was in the movie.

edited-- and my comments werent all to you, I just commented as whole after quoting ya


now get those emails out people

[COMIC GEEK]

just a reminder..

emails, letters etc . everything helps.

next time it could be a storyline you wanted to see

[The Xenos]

None of you have watched the series at all have you?

And I take it you never read the comic books.. WHICH CAME FIRST.

So excuse me if I don't want to watch a watered down kiddie version with imitation anime designs of a good story.

Meanwhile, I must admit to having seen eps of the Teen Titans toon and not actually having read the Judas Contract myself. Meanwhile, I've read Nightwing and other DC for years. That they don't even mention Batman or Dick's real name in the Titans toon is one of many flaws.

Is it a decent kids toon? Sure. Is it a good Teen Titans show that should gain precedence over an animated written by the book's original author? F--- NO.

[kalorama]

I have seen the show and found it to be an enjoyable semi-guilty pleasure (as I'm waaay outside the intended age range). It's very clearly a show intended for young kids, and I can certainly understand Warners/DC wanting to avoid brand confusion by putting out a new version of a storyline that covers some of the same territory aimed at mature audiences. I would think this is a particular concern given DC's recently announced launch of a number of kid-friendly books, including a new "Tiny Titans" book aimed at 5-to-8 year olds.

[COMIC GEEK]

And I take it you never read the comic books.. WHICH CAME FIRST.

So excuse me if I don't want to watch a watered down kiddie version with imitation anime designs of a good story.

Meanwhile, I must admit to having seen eps of the Teen Titans toon and not actually having read the Judas Contract myself. Meanwhile, I've read Nightwing and other DC for years. That they don't even mention Batman or Dick's real name in the Titans toon is one of many flaws.

Is it a decent kids toon? Sure. Is it a good Teen Titans show that should gain precedence over an animated written by the book's original author? F--- NO.

in my mid 30's when it first debuted, I was kinda embarassed to watch the cartoon in front of my wife. The cartoon was more "childish" for my taste. But as the cartoon pressed foward it did get better.

the judas contract I'm telling you is a must read.

theres even the trade of when terra first appeared out there as well.

those were some great stories. you should check out both.

and im pissed that we might not be getting this made.

[BoosterBronze]

None of you have watched the series at all have you?

I've watched it quite a bit. What's your point?

[COMIC GEEK]

the series had really nothing to do with the comic other than the characters.

two different levels.

as would the dvd compared to the cartoon

[COMIC GEEK]

cant recall the website I saw it on early this morning.

I think it might have been on newsarama.

looks like this dvd is not dead in the water yet.