Buzz
Faith in this potential cinematic universe of DC fans is slowly fading away.
Despite having a solid footing in the global pop culture landscape, it wasn't until 2013 that DC officially began constructing its own cinematic universe. However, compared to the previously standalone films, the DC cinematic universe (DCEU or WoDC) has been approaching the brink of collapse in recent times. A regrettable and condemnable turn of events...
Nearly a decade of effort but falling further behind Marvel
Despite comics having an earlier starting point, DC began later than Marvel on the big screen. Marvel kicked off with Iron Man in 2008, while DC had Man of Steel in 2013. However, compared to Iron Man, Superman has a much richer history and greater fame (and still does to this day). However, looking back after nearly a decade of activity, the DCEU has been unable to keep up with the development of the MCU.
Taking the milestone from 2013, Marvel entered Phase 2 and by 2021, the studio had released 21 films. Meanwhile, DC started slower due to copyright battles over Superman, but by the end of 2021, the studio had only 10 films, which are all the films released to date. However, the revenue difference is staggering, with Marvel raking in nearly $22 billion during the period when DC was active on the big screen, while the birthplace of Batman, Wonder Woman, and others only brought in less than $6 billion - losing nearly 4 times over.
Moreover, if DC once boasted a peerless television lineup, currently, Marvel has gradually caught up with the likes of WandaVision and Loki. DC can no longer compete with Marvel on the big screen, but rushing will only exhaust and fade it into oblivion. Warner Bros.'s inconsistent, hasty, and conservative ideas from the outset have shattered this potential universe.
A wave of departing stars, tangled in irreparable controversies
Not only is there an imbalance in the formation of the cinematic universe and film quality, but the DCEU also lacks the presence of steadfast actors. Recently, the departure of 'Batman' Ben Affleck has left many fans saddened, and even the appearance of Robert Pattinson cannot compensate. Moreover, many members of the Justice League have private lives not so 'just.
Amber Heard - Aquaman's Mera - recently got embroiled in a noisy lawsuit with Johnny Depp, resulting in defeat. Currently, the likelihood of her continuing as the princess of Atlantis is close to zero. On the other hand, Ray Fisher has been embroiled in a series of controversies with top executives of DC Films, even going so far as to accuse director Joss Whedon of troubling issues on set. As a result, in 2021, Ray Fisher confirmed his departure from the role of Cyborg.
Most recently, promising star Ezra Miller - who plays The Flash and is set to have his own film - has been involved in a series of criminal cases. He has been arrested multiple times for assault, harassment, and most recently, kidnapping. Therefore, Warner Bros. could do nothing but dismiss Miller from the role of The Flash, as well as the already unsuccessful Fantastic Beasts project.
Now, the most powerful superhero team, the Justice League, only has 'Aquaman' Jason Momoa, 'Wonder Woman' Gal Gadot, and possibly 'Superman' Henry Cavill left. However, for those who love DC films, hope has almost run out.
Is there any hope left?
Since 2022, DCEU will unveil a slew of new projects, such as standalone films about Black Adam, the first animated project about the Super Pet League, Aquaman 2, Shazam!,... No longer relying on high-profile names, DC now seems to be returning to its roots, only able to use quality to restore the audience's trust.
While Marvel is entering the multiverse phase, DC is still struggling to solidify its main universe. Fans have the right to be disappointed, or perhaps they're already disappointed, but DC still has to keep trying. Once the dominant 'big player' in the superhero comic race, DC can certainly make a strong comeback in the cinematic aspect if they truly sit down together, contemplate, and come up with perfect ideas for the long-term future.
Image Source: Compilation
