The Dark Knight Falls: Why the Previous DC Universe Failed, According to James Gunn and Peter Safran
In a recent interview, DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran shed light on the mistakes that led to the downfall of the previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The duo, tasked with guiding the comic book giant’s cinematic efforts, offered a candid assessment of what went wrong and how they plan to correct the course of the franchise.
Communication Breakdown
One of the primary issues the duo pointed out was the lack of cohesion and communication between producers, writers, and directors. "There was no clear direction, no red thread, no guiding light. It was a bunch of separate pieces of a puzzle that didn’t quite fit together," said Gunn. "We had too many cooks in the kitchen, and it led to a lack of focus and a muddled message."
Safran added, "It’s like trying to make a movie with 10 different writers, 10 different directors, and 10 different producers. You just can’t have that many opinions and come out with a cohesive product. We needed to simplify the process and bring everyone together under one umbrella."
Misguided Casting Choices
Gunn and Safran also criticized the DCEU’s reliance on "big-name" actors, suggesting that the priority shifted from character development to simply casting stars. "We were too focused on getting the ‘A-list’ actors, rather than finding the right talent for the roles," said Gunn. "It’s about story, it’s about characters, it’s about the meat of the story. We need to get back to those roots."
Safran added, "If you put a talented actor in a movie, people will go see it. But if the actor doesn’t fit the character, it’s just a waste of the audience’s time. We’re now looking for the right actors, not just the most famous ones."
Fumble with Franchise Management
The duo also acknowledged the taxing and overwhelming nature of managing multiple franchises, starring various characters, and delivering concurrent storylines. "It was like trying to manage a dozen different tasks at once. We didn’t have the infrastructure to support it," said Gunn. "We need to focus on one or two franchises at a time, give them the attention they deserve, and let the audience follow along."
Conclusion: A New Era Begins
Gunn and Safran’s candid assessment of the previous DC Universe’s failures serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cohesion, prioritizing character development, and strategic franchise management. As they embark on their new mission to revitalize the DCEU, they are committed to a fresh approach, one that prioritizes storytelling, talent, and careful planning.
With the upcoming slate of projects, including The Flash, Aquaman 2, and Shazam! 2, fans can rest assured that the new DC Studios team is committed to restoring the franchise to its former glory. As Gunn and Safran would say, "It’s time to get the DC Universe back on track, one film at a time."
