In December 2018, Aquaman made a
grand entrance, befitting the fervor of the moment. At the peak of comic book
culture, Jason Momoa, one of its prominent figures, graced the movie's blue
carpet premiere wielding a golden trident. Brimming with energy, Momoa engaged
in a ceremonial dance with members of the Maori community, accompanied by his
wife Lisa Bonet and their children standing on the sidelines.
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| WARNER BROS |
Stars Nicole Kidman and Amber Heard contributed to the glamour, drawing cheers from photographers. Following an exuberant screening, the festivities transitioned from the Chinese Theatre to the poolside afterparty at the Roosevelt Hotel.
In December 2018, Aquaman rode a
wave of enthusiasm to surpass $1 billion in box office earnings, marking a
pinnacle for comic book movies alongside releases like Black Panther, Avengers:
Infinity War, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Fast forward five years, and the
sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, arrived with a much quieter reception. A
pre-screening gathering for influencers took place at the upscale shopping mall
The Grove, with only lead actor Jason Momoa and director James Wan present
among the above-the-line talent. The event lacked the grandeur of a premiere,
featuring no afterparty, and the studio officially labeled it a "fan
screening."
This subdued affair symbolizes the bittersweet trajectory of Warner Bros.' DC Extended Universe (DCEU), a decade-spanning series of films that propelled multiple actors to A-list status and generated an intensely passionate fandom. The era began with a visionary filmmaker, but its course was altered prematurely. Aquaman, initially underestimated, defied expectations by grossing over $1.1 billion globally, while Justice League, a film with high expectations, faced challenges. The DCEU experienced numerous shifts amidst the dynamic currents of corporate media and scandals, and the tide turned in unexpected ways.
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| Ben Affleck, Zack Snyder and Henry Cavill in 2016 |
Filmmaker Zack Snyder, known for
his distinct visual style in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), inherited the
universe's origins from Christopher Nolan and then-Warners chief Jeff Robinov.
Robinov, during Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, envisioned a comprehensive slate
of DC movies, with Nolan potentially overseeing the entire lineup, starting
with a Superman movie. Nolan enlisted Snyder to direct Man of Steel, a film he
produced.
The reason why Nolan didn't continue overseeing more projects remains unclear. It's possible that his primary focus was on directing his own movies, or perhaps Snyder's ultimate vision didn't align with Nolan's. Ultimately, Snyder found strong support from Robinov and his deputy, Greg Silverman, who later became production president after Robinov's departure in 2013.
In 2014, Kevin Tsujihara, Robinov's
successor, unveiled an ambitious ten-picture plan for the DCEU. This plan
included Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg, Green Lantern, Suicide Squad,
Shazam!, and two Justice League movies. The studio aimed to rival the Marvel
Cinematic Universe, a comparison that Snyder had no interest in embracing. However,
much of the ten-film vision never materialized. While Wonder Woman and Aquaman
achieved success, the DCEU faced challenges, including the critical reception
of certain films and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on release schedules.
Despite the hurdles, Snyder's unique vision left a lasting impact on the DCEU.
Amidst these events, spinoffs and
diversions emerged. Notable examples include Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey.
Warner Bros. wielded its influence to enlist James Gunn for The Suicide Squad
after his temporary dismissal as the director of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
by Disney. Some significant DC films during this period existed outside the
DCEU. Joker in 2019 drew inspiration from 1970s Martin Scorsese, securing both
critical acclaim and a billion-dollar box office, while 2022's The Batman, a
crime saga comparable to Michael Mann's work, earned a robust $771 million
globally.
Consider the movies that never materialized, the unexplored paths. Reflect on the abandoned projects like Ben Affleck's Batman film and Ava DuVernay's New Gods feature (with debate over whether a complete script was submitted). David Ayer received a consolation prize with a Gotham City Sirens project after the studio seized control of Suicide Squad's cut. Warners announced a Blackhawk film produced by Steven Spielberg and a Joss Whedon Batgirl feature, both accompanied by elaborate press releases. The unmade Henry Cavill Superman film remains untouched, and a potential Shazam versus Black Adam movie, eagerly anticipated, was vetoed by Black Adam star Dwayne Johnson in favor of his solo project.
The ultimate spectacle unfolded in
the corporate realm. Tsujihara's departure in a sex scandal in March 2019
marked a turning point. Warner Bros. and DC shifted ownership between AT&T,
which assumed control in 2016, and Discovery, the 2022 buyer. Amidst this
turmoil, a completed Batgirl movie vanished into obscurity, causing unease in
the creative community.
Marvel head Kevin Feige lauded Disney's Marvel acquisition as "the greatest thing that ever happened to us," citing increased resources and crucial stability. The potential chaos of a Marvel slate changing hands or studio leadership as frequently as Warner Bros. faced underscores the dilemma. While everyone coveted DC, few grasped a clear vision for its future. Critics and the media seized upon any perceived missteps along the way.
The creation of DC movies mirrored
the prevailing zeitgeist. Snyder emerged as the emblem of a cult of personality
during a time when a significant portion of America, and even the world,
elevated divisive figures to pedestals they vowed to staunchly defend. These
films appeared more significant on Twitter than in reality, reaching its zenith
when an Internet army, whether real or perceived, played a crucial role in
bringing about the SnyderCut—an event unlikely to be replicated.
Most of the movies lacked enduring impact; despite Aquaman's $1 billion success, it hasn't become a cultural touchstone (perhaps with time?). However, Wonder Woman transcended, countering prevailing toxic masculinity. The films' enduring element was the cast. A generation embraced Cavill as the quintessential Superman, Gadot as the perfect Wonder Woman, and Affleck as a denied Batman. Crafting the Trinity was no easy feat, yet Snyder and his team accomplished it. Despite Ezra Miller's strong dual performance in Flash, the film faced challenges due to legal and mental health issues. Executives at Warner Bros. claiming it as one of the greatest superhero movies ever set unrealistic expectations, ultimately leading to disappointment.
Zachary Levi and Asher Angel
adeptly embodied the dual voice of Shazam/Billy Batson in Shazam!, a delightful
film that the New Line division produced away from the watchful eyes of
executives. Unfortunately, Warner Bros. failed to market it properly.
Ultimately, the individual
components surpassed the collective impact.
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| Jason Momoa, Henry Cavill, Ezra Miller, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher and Ben Affleck at the Justice League premiere in 2017 |
The true and enduring legacy of the DCEU will likely remain undisclosed for several years. Consider the Star Wars prequels, disliked by many in the aughts, now serving as touchstones for a whole generation. Only time will reveal how the DCEU resonates with those growing up on it.
The upcoming year provides an
opportunity for a more thorough assessment. With only one DC movie on the
horizon, Todd Phillips' Joker: Folie à Deux, unconnected to any larger
universe, and just one Marvel Studios release (Deadpool 3), it marks a
significant break from the genre that audiences have experienced for over a
decade. (Sony Marvel movies like Madame Web, Kraven the Hunter, and Venom 3,
slated for the next year, are not considered as they feel like B-sides to hit
singles.)
This hiatus benefits the DC side,
cleansing the palate for the launch of the DC Studios era, initiated this year
by Gunn and Peter Safran. Interestingly, the lead character and actor from the
lesser-known Blue Beetle this summer will carry over into this new era, for
reasons yet to be revealed. The inaugural title will be Gunn's unique
interpretation of the Man of Steel, Superman: Legacy, set to release on July
11, 2025.
Only then will studios, fans, and audiences truly discern whether the current superhero fatigue is temporary or if the genre's era of dominance has indeed concluded.
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