DC has been damaged beyond recognition for quite some time, especially in films and video games like Gotham Knights and the newest title, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Comic book films and the superhero genre have taken the world by storm, but not everything is bulletproof from criticism. The DCEU was a failed shared universe that got brutal treatment by fans and critics alike.
Failures on these fronts of the entertainment industry require a deep dive into how Warner Bros. and a new DC continuity can avoid the same fate.
The movies can be hard to defend because of constant meddling by studios behind the scenes, which causes problems for the production. Trimming the runtime seriously damaged movies like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad but still garnered support from devoted fans.
However, the mixed reception did help boost the popularity of certain characters, such as Harley Quinn and other members of the Suicide Squad, which led to series, spinoff movies, and video games.
WB Killed the DCEU
Admittedly, Warner Bros. saw the threat of rising fame for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which had a 5-year headstart, but it was confident because DC houses more popular heroes like Batman and Superman. In a poor attempt to catch up, it hired Zack Snyder to spearhead a shared universe of DC films, later dubbed the DCEU. Warner Bros. is too greedy and wants its universe to mirror the success of its rival, which would not work, not then and certainly moving forward.
It knew it had to change its strategy, and its salvation was none other than director James Gunn after being fired from Disney but later reinstated to finish his Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy.
He permanently shifted into the DC universe by directing a loose sequel to Suicide Squad, singlehandedly launched Peacemaker into the A-list category by developing a show, and soon he will direct Superman: Legacy, which will be set in a new continuity and ensure a shared universe across comics, TV shows, and movies as well as video games.
The New Suicide Squad Game Feels Like the Final Nail in the Coffin
On the gaming side, it had a remarkable run with Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham series, but like every other publisher, it shifted to a multiplayer phase, making its next title in that universe Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which was a disappointment for some, especially about what it does to certain characters. Gotham Knights, on the other hand, was mediocre at best, with dated graphics and repetitive gameplay.
While it is clear there have been plenty of fumbles throughout the years, it is unfair not to acknowledge the few hits DC had, like Joker, The Batman, and shows like Harley Quinn and Peacemaker on HBO Max. Warner Bros. has no clue how to run a universe, which is why a change of leadership is required to save the world of DC.
Are you thrilled with DC’s shift of direction and the promise of a true shared universe under the rule of James Gunn? Let us know in the comments!
