Faced with numerous changes behind the scenes, it’s safely safe to assume that the DCEU on film that Warner Bros has been trying to create is basically a mess. Consistency seems to be the element that’s been lacking within the Warner Bros boardroom with constant tweaks with some of the core characters and franchises of the DC Universe.
Where Marvel has succeeded in trying to weave every one of their properties on the big screen and small screen together, DC has been left catching up constantly meddling and changing the direction of the DCEU pretty much on the fly. Recent rumours speculating that more changes are afoot now paint even a bleaker future for the DC film universe and its characters. These are five reasons why…
Batfleck
Fans didn’t want Ben Affleck as the Dark Knight but they got him anyway. Kudos should be given to Warner Bros for sticking to their guns and backing their guy but recent developments have pointed to the departure of Affleck from the DCEU. No longer directing The Batman, Affleck has been at the centre of controversy with rumours claiming the actor will hang up his cowl after Justice League. It remains to be seen if this true or merely fodder fuelled by the entertainment dirt sheets but one thing is for sure, Warner Bros better have a good game plan to address the future of DC’s favourite son.
Whedon In, Snyder Out
A family tragedy sidelined Zack Snyder from putting the finishing touches on Justice League, which prompted Warner Bros to secure the services of former Marvel man Joss Whedon. But the new director has done more than just step in and fine tune the product. It’s been reported that Justice League has been undergoing extensive reshoots in order to save the film and create a new tone for DCEU.
Box-Office Burnouts
Frankly, DCEU films have delivered a return of investment but probably not in the ballpark that would please Warner Bros. To date, Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman have been certified box-office hits but no film in the current DCEU has yet to break that billion dollar mark. Most films have also been critically panned with the exception of Wonder Woman, which stands as the most successful DCEU film in terms of returns and critical acclaim so far.
Standalone Projects
We’re perfectly fine with Warner Bros keeping its TV properties on The CW separate from its film universe. But they’re not going ahead to craft more films that may not be related to the DCEU yet feature characters we’ve grown accustomed to. Recent reports of a Joker v Harley Quinn film along with a standalone Batman adventure have raised doubts on Warner Bros confidence in its current DCEU brand.
Flashpoint
The most pressing sign that a reboot of sorts will be hitting the DCEU is the proposed Flashpoint movie that will serve as the storyline for The Flash’s standalone movie. Comic book fans will recognise the story arc, which basically sees the Scarlett Speedster heading back in time and altering his future, which created ripples in time that affected the DC universe. If Warner Bros goes this route then it will help create a soft reset for the DCEU, allowing the studio to create a new universe for all DC franchises. And there’s a high chance that this is what is on the cards for the DCEU for the foreseeable future.
