DC Entertainment

Watch out, Marvel. Warner Bros. is trying to play catch-up with a new film that will feature some of DC's most iconic superheroes.

Greg Silverman, president of DC owner Warner Bros, confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that the studio will unveil a "Justice League" movie after the working-titled flies into theaters in 2016. The "Justice League" movie will be helmed by Zack Snyder, who directed last year's "Man of Steel" and is gearing up to direct "Batman vs. Superman" starting next month.

The "Justice League" film will be the next step in bringing together DC's famed superheroes, some of whom have so far starred in their own solo adventures.

"It will be a further expansion of this universe," Silverman told the Journal. "'Superman vs. Batman' will lead into 'Justice League.'"

Henry Cavill is expected to continue as Superman in the new film. Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot, who scored the roles of Batman and Wonder Woman for "Batman vs. Superman," are also expected to stay on for the "Justice League" film.

Silverman didn't reveal which other characters might pop up in the film. In the comics world, the Justice League membership has gone through lots of changes over time. But beyond Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, other core members include the Flash, Green Lantern, and Aquaman.

Another Justice League member named Cyborg seems a likely candidate. The character -- half-man, half-machine -- will make his debut in "Batman vs. Superman," according to Variety.

As "Batman vs. Superman" is slated for a 2016 release, "Justice League" likely won't appear in theaters until 2018 at the earliest. Warner Bros. is also prepping other films based on DC heroes, but those won't be connected to the "Justice League" movie, Silverman added.

So should Marvel really be shaking in its boots over competition from a "Justice League" film? Not quite.

Warner Bros. has earned box office success with its Christopher Nolan-directed Batman trilogy and last year's "Man of Steel." But other films, such as 2011's "Green Lantern," tanked at the theaters. Warner Bros.' approach at releasing its superhero films has also been too scattershot.

In contrast, Marvel had a definite plan, or phase, right from the get-go. Introduce each character in a solo film or two, and then unite them all for "The Avengers."

Marvel has been busy gearing up for its next round of films with the recently released "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and this summer's "Guardians of the Galaxy." Director Joss Whedon is helming the next team-up adventure, "Avengers: Age of Ultron," which hits theaters in May 2015.

Warner Bros. may finally be on the right track but it's still got its work cut out if it expects to play in the same league as its longtime rival.