Why the Death of the DCEU Could Save DC Films

There appears to be a lot of confusion circulating online in recent months over the current state and future of Warner Bros’ live-action DC Comics adaptations, particularly in the aftermath of 2017’s Justice League and the notable departure of Batman star, Ben Affleck, and the uncertain status of Henry Cavill. Many seem to be questioning what the future holds for the DC Extended Universe (the unofficial name for WB’s series of interconnected, shared-universe style movies), and I think the answer might be about to become clearer. The latest entry into DC’s live action motion pictures was Aquaman late last year, a film which arguably saw a shift in mindset for the studio, with very infrequent ties to any previous movies and being an outlier in the series for feeling like a truly James Wan movie. These factors, amongst others, point out which direction that DC’s movies will be taking in the future. In response to Justice League’s failure, in January 2018, Walter Hamada was made president of DC Films, placing him in an executive/oversight role over the entire sub-studio at Warner Bros. And under Hamada’s leadership, it seems like DC is moving away from the cinematic universe, and instead focusing on making more isolated, self-contained and creator-driven projects. So in this video, I want to discuss the factors that led up to the demise of the DC Extended Universe, what the future holds for the various DC Characters and their live-action adaptations, and how I think this particular strategy could be what saves DC Films.

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[TheShadowchiefstudio]

Honestly, I think Death is an inacurate term, it seems like more of a ... Rebirth! *Badum-tiss*

[mrblue]

My wish is that after making better written movies they'll end up connecting them again.

I made my own dc cinematic universe, I know its possible dammit !!!

[dinitha]

With Aquaman breaking box office records, Shazam! gaining immense positive reception, Joquin Pheonix's The Joker gaining attention from cinephiles to the general audience alike from a simple teaser, Birds of Prey acting as a universe expanding-self aware take, Patty Jenkins' WW84, James Gunn's Suicide Squad & Matt Reeves's The Batman on the horizon, I believe that the peak of DC is on its way. A very bright future indeed.

[BSJINTHEHOUSE]

The Flash in BvS was warning us about Zack Snyder’s DCU.

[outpostalpha]

As much as I love a shared universe, and seeing all of these characters that I love on screen together interacting with each other, I'm absolutely in favor of dropping most of the interconnectivity if it means that we continue to get new and better DC movies.

[ervingarcia]

Finally, someone who speaks with intelligence and coherence. Great video.

[mysticalmonotreme]

I find DC Films' new approach somewhat ironic because it mirrors the development of the comics. All of DC's characters were created by different people working under different editors throughout the Silver Age with only threads of continuity, whereas one man (Stan Lee) oversaw Marvel's characters back in its heyday. It feels like a return to form for DC.

[mrlemonfacegaming]

Theres one mistake that the DCEU made. They hired some idoit named Jack Snyder to create the team of a superhero universe he barley even knows about. Also he think Batman blowing people up with grenades and guns is "Technically killing"

[spacelizbian]

I mean, I think DC can totally pull off a good shared universe, they just need to stop hiring Snyder and actually plan out their universe ahead of time

[thestarkknightreturns]

I am heartbroken that the DCEU has failed, because from its Conception, came the best UPDATED onscreen  interpretations and costumes of some of the most influential comic book characters that ever existed: Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

[MoonKnight]

This is the only channel I like when it comes to someone talking about DC films, the DCEU or comic book films in general because you're not biased and you're very honest while also respecting other peoples opinions and not attacking them for example I understand people don't like Batman v Superman the Ultimate Cut which I really love but you don't hate on people who love or enjoy that film. I hate the Justice League film but it's good that DC has managed to take a step back and focus now more on stand alone films with different tones.

[thomaswelbourn]

If you are asking DCEU movie, then it's Dawn of Justice, I absolutely love it. DC movies in general, Watchmen, Batman (89), Batman Forever (I have a soft spot for it), and definitely Superman I and II, I can't pick just one...
Ranking the DCEU movies probably goes like this:
Dawn of Justice (it's not perfect, but I love it)
Man of Steel (Great but not very rewatchable)
Suicide Squad (Great character portrayals, but don't think about the plot)
Aquaman (Just good fun that rarely slows down)
Wonder Woman (I don't know, I just feel it's a tad lackluster and quite forgettable)
And the other one... They should have left Snyder to it or got someone else from the start, just not Whedon...
DC movies I'm looking forward to is probably Joker and definitely The Suicide Squad.

[brinnar.]

Amazing as always, glad to see art forms analyzed for what they are and what they could be. ~B#

[tonytygrrHI]

Going forward, I truly think that DC has turned the corner and will be producing movies that: A) much better reflect the movie creators' vision, B) provide interesting stories that will result in greater audience interest! Thanks for this summary, Owen!

[doomstadt]

lol "directors vision" is hilarious. Snyders vision = "Yeah! Dark! Cool Bro!!"

[unemployedscholar]

Hamada produced Shazam? Joker's going to be epic.

[Daysleaf]

just adapt elseworlds stories ( the dark knight returns / all star superman / jla the tower of babel / injustice .. ) and they'll beat every other movie company out there

[SilverScarletSpider]

Strangely enough, despite so many DC fans losing faith in DC movies, Aquaman and Wonder Woman genuinely got people and minor fans of the general public talking. Despite not having the backing of big daddy monopoly Disney like Marvel does, DC still has a strong niche and are very rooted in WB and Six Flags hype with iconic heroes in fleshed out settings. Gotham, Metropolis, Amazon’s Themysciria, Atlantis all have a certain air that can be hard to capture but when done right, are awesome

[Hewylewis]

I say with movies like Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and upcoming movies like Shazam, The Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey, that the future of DC Films looks to be a bright one.

[Fantallana]

Shazam looks good and WW1984 will surely be a hit. Here’s hoping!