Superman and Batman are perhaps the most iconic characters in all of superhero fandom. There’s a reason why these two, despite being two of the oldest comic book characters, are still thriving in pop culture. There have been lots of animations and live-action media that have depicted numerous storylines about the World’s Finest. Some are liked a bit more than others, though everyone has their own preferences.
When Zack Snyder introduced his closer-to-human characters to the world in his DCEU, there were mixed reactions. However, over time, his work gained traction amongst the viewers, gradually flowering into a cult classic. Despite being darker versions of their comic book counterparts, his versions of Superman and Batman were favored by a lot of fans, not only for the casting but also for their character growth in films. He might get to recreate that magic once again when the iconic duo enters the public domain.
What Does Superman and Batman Entering Public Domain Signify?
Public domain status means that creative works, like fictional characters, are no longer bound by intellectual property rights, making it possible for anyone to use them without legal hurdles. Superman and Lois Lane will be entering the public domain in 2034, Batman in 2035, followed by his nemesis the Joker in 2036. That would mean by 2036, all four characters will be available to the public for use, and they can create their own storylines without being copyrighted.
The most recent examples are ‘Winnie the Pooh’ and ‘Steamboat Willie’. While the lovable bear was turned into a horrific monstrosity in Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, another horror fan film is in the works involving Disney’s iconic Mickey Mouse. Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey was widely loved by the fans, and they’re eagerly anticipating Willie to join next.
How Will This Affect James Gunn’s DCU?
After transitioning from the MCU, James Gunn has yet to show off his version of the DCU properly. With Superman: Legacy kicking off his universe in 2025, DC fans are expecting great things from him. As confirmed by the CEO of DC Studios himself, his characters will be lighthearted, especially Superman, as compared to his predecessor.
However, there’s still a big section of the fanbase that prefers the darker iterations of these characters, the ones created by Zack Snyder. With characters like Superman and Batman out in the public domain, it might cause trouble for Gunn’s DCU.
For one, if we assume that DCU will last until 2036, which seems quite tough considering the superhero fatigue, Superman and Batman won’t be DC’s exclusive property to use. If fans don’t like his character tropes, they can simply switch to viewing someone else’s work that is not affected by studio interference. Since a lot of them still prefer darker and raw characters rather than puns and giggles, the theaters might go empty.
Can Zack Snyder’s Snyderverse Make a Return in 2036?
Arguably, one of the most divisive but critically acclaimed adaptations of DCEU has been Zack Snyder’s Snyderverse. Although it might have come to an abrupt end, speculations run high regarding its potential revival in 2036. Could fans finally get the chance to see Snyder’s intended vision for the DCEU?
It seems like horror is the way to go with the public domain characters, and there’s no one better than Snyder to put superheroes in morbid spots. The director had once stated that he might return to DC if he gets to adapt The Dark Knight Returns comic in its originality, which might happen in 2036, as by that time, Superman, Batman, and the Joker will be in the public domain.
He will be able to adapt the true essence of the Frank Miller comic without any studio pressure. And for the first time, we wouldn’t have to wait for a director’s cut; we’d get it firsthand.
