Superhero stories can derive mainstream appreciation by providing escapism. However, at times they fail to deliver the sprawling spectacle that audiences expect and thus result in flops. Something similar appears to be happening with James Gunn’s DCU. Despite coming up with multiple superhero movies, DC currently seems to be struggling with box office revenues.
Previously discussing his strategy of hiring great directors and writers, James Gunn unknowingly hurt Zack Snyder fans as he pledged to make “interesting stuff”. Following the subtle troll, Gunn started witnessing criticism over The Flash and Aquaman, and The Lost Kingdom. Amid such tumultuous times, Snyder fans believe Gunn’s DCU is marching towards definite collapse following its consecutive flops.
James Gunn’s DCU Is Going Through Perilous Times
Although DCU is certainly continuing its movie production under James Gunn and Peter Safran, the franchise appears to be approaching its dead end. It seems DC Studios’ original plan is failing the franchise following its cancelation of Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 3 and removing Henry Cavill from Superman. Further, with the original pillars of the franchise being gone, a new DCU appears to be forming. However, its success is uncertain.
DC comics previously had the most iconic superheroes in the world. However, despite their best efforts with their recognizable superheroes, the franchise appears to be losing its grip. Previously witnessing its fair share of highs, DCU currently appears to be suffering its extreme lows. Irrespective of James Gunn teasing his new plan of “hiring great directors and great writers”, his strategy appears to be failing. Rather, fans started considering, Gunn’s words were allegedly directed towards Zack Snyder.
“It’s going to be interesting stuff if nothing else. That’s what I’d rather make, stuff that’s interesting and doesn’t work, than stuff that is just the same old thing that we’ve seen again and again.” James Gunn stated.
Following the turmoil that originated after Gunn’s comments, DCU is suffering a major downfall witnessing consecutive flops. With controversies associated with The Flash and Aquaman 2 actors, people rarely have high hopes for the two movies. Further, watching Blue Beetle failing to make a roar, it indeed appears as though DCU is marching towards its collapse.
Fans Believe DCU Is Approaching Its Collapse
Previously rushing to catch up with MCU, the DC franchise quickly speed through their storylines that could have saved them at this perilous moment. Approaching the legendary characters with rookie creative decisions, DCU eventually ruined their whole image. Rushing with the hope of winning over audiences, the franchise made several mistakes in the past that are hard to overcome even in this day and age.
Further, including controversial actors like Ezra Miller and Amber Heard in their movies, the franchise predominantly took the high road to their collapse. Even with James Gunn’s comments allegedly directed towards Zack Snyder, fans believe, the franchise single-handedly ruined themselves. And now witnessing consecutive underperformance of their movies, DCU seems to have no hope left, but to wait and watch their end after five failed movies.
The Flash is going to underperform, Blue Beetle won’t break even, Aquaman 2 is going to crash bigtime and we’re gonna see another power struggle inside WBD before the next merger as the two DC CEO’s would be responsible for 5 DC box office flops 😱🤪 pic.twitter.com/nir8bKCNz3
— 𝒮𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘦 🏳️⚧️ | ꜱɴʏᴅᴇʀQᴜᴇᴇɴ (@SnyderQueen_) May 27, 2023
Yeah this new DCU slate is terrible. Literally dogshit. Another 10 years of flop like we really not making any progress at all. Lemme focus on the F4 and X-Men ch… pic.twitter.com/2daYmhjY6B
— ͏#1 Body Do stan (@mutantfate) January 31, 2023
Flop of the gods tanking as it was expected, can’t wait to see how the rest of the DCU crumbles!pic.twitter.com/wrESMMpqdl https://t.co/EJeen7j191
— Franco 🧉 (@snydersbatman) March 17, 2023
The worst part of being a DC fan is you know exactly whats going to happen… this year all DCU movies will flop.. “real DC fans” are going to defend Gunn & Safran saying its not their movies… even tho they also say Aquaman is a Hamada movie bc it was released under Hamada
— Lantern Flix (@lantern_flix) February 27, 2023
#RestoreTheSnyderVerse
Bring back Zack Snyder to complete the world he started, save the DCU world from collapse, the previous administration destroyed everything Now is the chance to get back on the right track— Mohammed Hussien | مُـحَــمّــد حُــــسَــــيْـــن (@MHussienOff0) March 18, 2022
Although it is admirable that Warner Bros is giving creative freedom to filmmakers, while James Gunn and Peter Safran are bringing new strategies; it isn’t outrageous to say that the franchise pleased no one, instead effectively destroyed themselves.
Source: Twitter
