James Gunn recently addressed whether there are too many superhero movies, and the new DC Universe has all the tools to avoid several comic book movie problems. With major superhero films like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Flash struggling at the box office, it can be easy to conclude that there is comic book adaptation fatigue. However, the amount of superhero films and shows released every year may not be a problem by itself.
During an interview for the Inside of Youpodcast with Michael Rosenbaum in June 2023, James Gunn addressed the superhero movie fatigue issue, and what could be the reason behind so many recent poorly-reviewed or unsuccessful superhero projects. According to Gunn, “people have gotten really lazy with their superhero stories,” noting how superhero projects can sometimes be made just because of how popular or successful the IP is. Gunn, who will direct Superman: Legacy and is co-CEO of DC Studios, went on to discuss other problems with current superhero films, suggesting that the new DC Universe might avoid those issues.
10James Gunn’s DC Studios Will Not Overextend The DC Universe
In the same podcast interview where James Gunn discusses the problem with current superhero movies, the DC Studios’ co-CEO revealed that they are “not going to overextend [themselves] at DC.” Gunn added that DC Studios “will be very careful” with their releases, “making sure everything is as good as it can possibly be.” Gunn’s comments suggest that the new DC Universe will focus on the quality of each new DC movie and TV show, and not just the number of releases. Balancing the commercial aspect of a superhero franchise with the creative side of it is a tricky challenge, and many blockbuster IPs have failed at it.
9James Gunn’s DC Universe Has Already Been Planned
DC Studios has announced part of the DC Universe’s upcoming slate, which is officially titled Chapter 1: Gods & Monsters. The current DC Universe slate includes both TV shows and movies, with Gunn’s Superman: Legacy being the first theatrical entry in this new franchise. According to James Gunn, during the DC Universe slate reveal, the DCU will tell an interconnected story across film, television, animation, and gaming. In other words, the new DC Universe has already been planned. The previous DCEU, as well as superhero franchises like FOX’s X-Men, struggled with the lack of planning and a clear goal. After Justice League, most DCEU movies were not interconnected at all.
8DC Universe’s Chapters Structure Can Avoid Superhero Sequel Problems
James Gunn’s DC Universe will be split into chapters, and the Gods & Monsters name suggests that each chapter will have an overarching theme. This is an interesting approach to the superhero movie saga structure that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has followed since “Phase 1.” Having chapters that follow an overarching storyline can help the DC Universe avoid unnecessary sequels. If the DC Universe sticks to its original plans, a movie might not receive a sequel just because it did well at the box office – it would have to fit into what the next DCU Chapter is doing.
7Superman: Legacy Is About Clark & Lois (& Not Just About A Superhero)
When addressing the many DC Universe characters that will be in Superman: Legacy, James Gunn made sure to point out that the upcoming Superman reboot is still focused on Clark Kent and Lois Lane. According to Gunn, these superheroes – namely Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific, and Metaphormo – are there to serve Superman: Legacy’s story and highlight the superhero aspect of Clark Kent’s life. This creates an interesting parallel with Clark’s civilian life at the Daily Planet. Such an approach means that Clark Kent will be the heart of the story and that Superman: Legacy will not be just about Superman and his powers.
6James Gunn Is Aware Of Superhero Movies’ Third Act Problem
During the Inside of You podcast, James Gunn mentioned how superhero movies’ third acts sometimes lack “rhyme” or “a reason to what’s happening.” While it is obviously soon to say whether the DC Universe’s movies will avoid a similar problem, the fact that James Gunn is addressing this common superhero film criticism is a good sign. Recent superhero movies tend to end on a massive third-act battle, which usually involves a lot of CGI and non-stop action. As a result, what should be completely different stories – Ant-man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Flash, for example – end up having similar conclusions.
5The DC Universe’s Slate Will Explore Different Genres
James Gunn has also discussed how recent superhero movies are lacking a variety in genres, as in something that combines the superhero movie genre itself with other styles. Gunn mentions how he is a fan of “comedic superhero movies” or any other stories that combine comic book adaptations with other genres. While it is soon to say what tone each DC Universe movie and TV show will have, the current DC Universe slate suggests that it will explore different genres. For example, Booster Gold can be a comedic character study, whereas the Swamp Thing movie will surely be a horror story.
4The DC Universe Is Acknowledging Its Comic Book Inspirations
One of the biggest problems with superhero movies, especially the marketing associated with them, is how the comic books that inspired those projects are rarely acknowledged. Of course, each superhero film draws inspiration from decades-worth of stories, as the DC and Marvel characters have been around for a long time. Still, James Gunn has revealed which comics are inspiring some of the upcoming DC Universe properties, directly or indirectly. For example, Grant Morrison’s All-Star Superman was listed as an inspiration for Superman: Legacy, whereas Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is obviously inspired by Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic book.
3The DC Universe’s Movies Won’t Be More Important Than Other Media
Superhero movies have enormous box office potential. As a result, the most important Marvel or DC heroes are usually reserved for the big screen, which can lead to stories becoming big theatrical events just because they can be box office successes. The new DC Universe is balancing live-action movies with other media. For example, the animated Creature Commandos show is set to be the DC Universe’s first release, and a live-action Waller series is set to premiere in the same year as Superman: Legacy. Another example is the live-action Lanterns show, which will feature Hal Jordan and John Stewart, two of the most important DC Comics characters.
2The DC Universe’s Creators Are So Far Big Names
While not many DC Universe directors and writers have been announced yet, the current creators attached to DC Universe projects are so far all big, experienced names. James Gunn himself is directing Superman: Legacy, although it is unclear whether Gunn will direct other DC Universe properties in the future. Andy Muschietti, who directed The Flash and had already worked with blockbuster IP films, will helm Batman: The Brave and the Bold. James Mangold, who directed Logan and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, is attached to Swamp Thing. Superhero movie creators usually have to deal with studio interference, but having established directors attached helps avoid that problem.
1James Gunn’s DC Universe Won’t Be DC’s Only Franchise
Perhaps the biggest problem with superhero movie franchises is the movies and TV shows can become too repetitive. For example, the “MCU formula,” which traces back to Iron Man’s incredible success, can be noticed in many Marvel movies and shows. Likewise, after Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, many franchises tried to emulate The Dark Knight’s tone. The superhero movie genre thrives in its differences, not similarities, and the idea of a cinematic universe can play against this. Fortunately, DC Studios’ DC Universe will not be DC’s only franchise. DC will continue to have non-DC Universe releases, or DC Elseworlds, such as Joker: Folie à Deux and The Batman – Part 2.
