Like it or not, the Snyderverse is gone and the (underwhelmingly named)DC Universeis here, led by DC Studio’s co-CEOs Peter Safran and James Gunn. While theofficialstart of the Safran-Gunn era is not slated to begin until July 2025 (with the release ofSuperman: Legacy),2023’s summer blockbuster,The Flash,looks toreset the old DC Extended Universeinto the new DCU. Not much is known about the in-universe location of the pre-Safran-Gunn DC movies still to be released post-The Flash (that is a handful to take in),such asBlue BeetleandAquaman 2, butrumors revolving around the two projectssuggest that they will indeed be stories told within the new DCU.
Recently, Gunn and Safran have come out with a series of announcements regarding the DCU andtheir 10-year plan for the franchiseof films. The duo publicized 10 new projects which have since been met with excitement, anticipation, and hype, as they are all to be in a shared universe - much like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, unlike the MCU, a key component of further announcements was the continuation of “elseworlds” movies such as sequels toJokerandThe Batman.
These two side-sequel announcements were a breath of fresh air from the plans to create a shared universe. DC Studios should not feel any pressure whatsoever to connect its films, and should first establish characters that exist separately (or at least as far away as possible) from one another before linking all the varying pieces into cinematic (and televised) superhero crowding, and should only mix characters from separate franchises if they absolutely have to.
Strong, Independent Movies Derive from Unique Storytelling and Thoughtful Quality
Think of any movie that has an overwhelmingly positive reception from audiences (maybe even critics, too). Is this film meant to link with 20 others? Is it simply meant to incite sequel interest one-to-three years later? Did it fail to deliver heart, originality, or what viewers were truly looking for? Was it only made as a cash grab or to retain rights to certain intellectual property? The answer to these questions is almost certainly no. Obviously, there may be a few exceptions, but the large majority of movies made for the above reasons are not classics and are forgotten just as quickly as they came.
Now, think of the opposite type of movie. The iconic sort that can hold its own with the best of the best. These types of classic movies are made with heart, and they are almost instantly recognizable. The CGI or technological quality may not be the best (pending budget), but the methods of storytelling, the dialogue, and the independent nature of the film set it apart from the rest.The Batmanwas a great film, not because of its reliance upon Superman, Wonder Woman, or the last chapter ofTitans, it was great because of its unique approach to its character, Gotham City, and the filmography and score.
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Batman Movies
Speaking of Batman, has any superhero - or character for that matter - given audiences as many hours of entertainment in just as many interpretations? Perhaps someone like James Bond comes to mind, but isevery version of 007really on par with the likes of Keaton, Bale, Affleck, and Pattinson (sorry, Adam West)? The sheer volume of Batman films and reboots should be more than enough to demonstrate to DC Studios that a connected universe for icons such as the Dark Knight is not necessary.
In fact, it could be argued that a shared universe (especially a rushed one) could only bring down the likes of Batman (think of the heavy criticisms ofJustice LeagueandBatman v Superman). At least, for now, the plan is to re-establish these characters on their own before placing them together.
More Than One Interpretation of a Character Can be a Good Thing
What if Heath Ledger’s Joker was only meant to mimic Jack Nicholson’s, and Michael Keaton was ordered to just copy Adam West as the Caped Crusader? What if comic book writers were handed no creative leeway whatsoever? Fans and audiences would have no fresh takes on a 90-year-old story. Batman would have remained the same. Dozens of iconic moments and characters would never have come to life. So, why should any version of a comic book character be thedefinitiveone?
Of course, fans can pick who they believe is and has been the best. But why limit the interpretive pool to just one? Obviously, this isn’t an issue if DC Studios is wiling to continue its side projects - but how many will be green-lit? AreJoker 2andThe Batman 2all audiences get outside a mainstream DCU Batman for the next 10 years (atminimum)? Will the animated universe have everything connected as well? What if the DCU’s Batman is weak? Poorly received? One bad movie, or actor, could bring the DCU crashing down.
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One Weak Link Can Bring the Whole Thing Down
Why is the DCEU being rebooted in the first place? Whether people agree or not, it is primarily due to the money that the darker-toned Snyderverse wasnotbringing in. Even if one is of the mindset that the DCEU films are the best possible interpretation of the characters, money speaks (and thestats are quite publicly available). Even Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, thought to be indestructible just a few years ago, seems like it could fall apart at any moment due to the poor audience reception of recent films. But Marvel has what DC has yet to build - a long history of quality and positive reception inside a shared universe.
So much pressure has now been placed uponSuperman: Legacyto perform at the highest level critically and commercially, but it is needless pressure. Had DC not committed to this large, connected Universe, then a potential bust (fingers crossed thatLegacyis amazing) would not impact future releases so much, giving them shorter leashes and wiggle room to “fail,” or better yet, be innovative and unique!
Large List of Iconic Characters
DC has almost one-hundred years of stories and characters to choose from, and most of these heroes have stood alone for a majority of their prints (unless created intentionally to be on a team). The comic book giant should not limit itself to one universe on its colored pages, nor should it in animation, nor live-action. Wonder Woman can carry a film (or series) all by herself.
The Amazonian Princess, Batman, and Superman have proven this over the years, and it is time other characters had their chance to shine. It may, and probably will, lead to a massive team-up against an impossibly strong enemy, but for now, the DCU does not need a shared universe to succeed.
