A Phenomenal Time for DC Fans
As a seasoned DC fan and a comic book enthusiast, I can confidently say that this is an incredible time to be immersed in the cinematic universe. Although last year’s pandemic prevented us from enjoying comic book movies in theaters, streaming services like HBO Max brought us Wonder Woman 1984. Despite some disappointment, there’s more excitement on the horizon, especially with the highly anticipated Zack Snyder cut of Justice League.
I’m thrilled about this new version of the Justice League movie and glad that Zack Snyder finally has the opportunity to showcase his true vision. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Snyder discussed his vision for the DC Cinematic Universe (DCEU) and how he wanted it to differ from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Why Snyder Wanted a Different DCEU
Snyder’s reasons for wanting a distinct DCEU were simple: he believed that the MCU’s approach worked, as evidenced by its numerous successful movies and massive profits. However, his analysis of the MCU also explains why some comic book movie fans were indifferent to his DCEU films. The MCU has mastered a family-friendly action-comedy style with a lot of heart, which appeals to a broad audience. But when the MCU ventures into darker territory, as seen in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, fans become even more intrigued.
The MCU’s formula works, so there’s no need to change it. However, the DCEU, launched with the underrated Man of Steel, had a different plan. From the beginning, it was clear that the DCEU wouldn’t be as lighthearted or fun as the Marvel movies. The heroes in the DCEU were more serious, unafraid to get their hands dirty, and smiled less.
Was Deviating from the MCU Formula the Right Move?
While some may disagree, I believe that Snyder’s decision to deviate from the MCU formula was the right move. When the DCEU tried to be more humorous, like the MCU, the results were less than stellar. The Suicide Squad reshoots aimed to make the film more fun and less dark, but the tone didn’t improve the film’s quality. Similarly, Joss Whedon’s MCU-like humor in Justice League didn’t resonate with fans, and many missed Snyder’s darker vision.
The real issue, however, was the lack of good writing and character development in films like Suicide Squad and Batman vs. Superman. The darkness or lightness of the tone was ultimately irrelevant; audiences wanted compelling storytelling.
Embracing the Darkness in the DCEU
Snyder faced criticism for his dark vision of the DCEU, with some fans unhappy about Superman killing Zod in Man of Steel or Batman shooting criminals in BvS. However, Snyder never apologized for his choices, explaining that he wanted a darker universe than the MCU.
Snyder acknowledged that the MCU’s fun and friendly tone worked for them, but he didn’t want to copy their approach. This meant setting up his superhero team differently, with only Superman and Wonder Woman receiving origin stories before the Justice League movie. By establishing these characters, Snyder allowed their solo movies to expand their development without being hindered by the need to show their origins.
The DCEU has benefited from Snyder’s vision, which embraces the darkness often found in DC comics. The key is making it interesting with the characters of DC, something Snyder has achieved so far. With the upcoming Snyder cut of Justice League, we’ll finally see how his vision fully plays out.
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