Mark Verheiden has been signed to write the script for a big-screen Teen Titans adaptation, and had some things to say about the project on his blog.  Warner Bros. is producing the flick alongside  Akiva Goldsman and Kerry Foster's Weed Road Pictures.  As soon as the announcement was made, the rumors began flying: who was in it, who was getting left out.  Verheiden responded to the rumors yesterday.

"I'm not sure why so many folks are assuming we won't be using the 'top tier' Titans," he said. "I'm not ready to list the characters we ARE using (other than Nightwing), but you won't be disappointed. There's also a lot of discussion about possible 'rights issues.' There were internal conversations re: which characters we'll be using, but last time I checked, Time/Warner still owned DC Comics, meaning it's all in the family."

For television fans, especially animation fans who recall the so-called "Bat Embargo" followed by the "Aqua Embargo" on DC animated properties (short form: licensing issues came up as projects were announced for characters; main speculation has said DC/Warner Bros doesn't like "diluting" the propeties) his optimism seems a little pie-eyed, but should be tempered by fans with the knowledge that DC and Warner put a lot of time and money into the big-screen projects.  They want the big names.

Verheiden does seem very pleased by the project.  "I wish there were an emoticon big enough to express how thrilled I am to be involved in the project! I'm not a fan of super-early spoilers, but I will say the script involves the Nightwing character and will be exploring the Titans at an interesting (and universal) crossroads in their lives..."