Wonder Woman axed, Superman changed, no place for Black Adam. What is the future of DCEU?
Having faced a bunch of setbacks and cancellations as of late, from Wonder Woman to Henry Cavill not returning as Superman, the future of the DCEU under James Gunn and Peter Safran is currently uncertain. We take a quick look at what the DCEU is currently shaping out like.
A blueprint: The new DCEU helmers - Gunn and Safran - have spent the short time elected by WarnerBrosDiscovery CEO David Zaslav devising the blueprint for the future of the DC Extended Universe.
James Gunn, the director of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise under the MCU, has been brought on board to oversee the development of the DCEU's future films. Gunn is known for his ability to take lesser-known characters and turn them into fan favourites, and there is hope that he will be able to do the same for the DCEU. Gunn has a strong track record of success in the superhero genre under Marvel.
However, the DCEU is a different beast altogether, with a long and complicated history and a passionate fan base that is both excited and anxious about the future of the franchise.
Peter Safran, a producer on the Aquaman and Shazam! films, has also been brought on board to help shape the future of the DCEU. Safran has a proven track record of success in the superhero genre, and his experience will be invaluable as the DCEU moves forward.
The future of a great many projects hung in the balance under the Gunn-Safran-helmed DCEU, including Henry Cavill’s much-anticipated return as Superman in Man of Steel 2. However, the freshly drafted plan for the DCEU seemed to have different plans.
Changes, changes: Henry Cavill, who played the iconic role of Superman, has exited the franchise, and the planned Wonder Woman spin-off has been scrapped. Additionally, Black Adam does not currently have a role in the DCEU.
the rock when he finds james gunn or peter safran pic.twitter.com/rHX2wrTWYN
— j (@raimitriIogy) December 15, 2022
The highly anticipated film The Flash, set to hit theatres in 2022, will see the return of Ezra Miller (despite them being amid a slew of recent controversies) as the titular character, and is expected to be a major milestone for the DCEU. However, the planned Superman and Wonder Woman cameos in the film have reportedly been scrapped following both characters being retconned under the new plan.
Among those on the slate is Superman. In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman's life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 15, 2022
In addition to these films, the DCEU has also announced a number of other projects in development, including a Superman reboot and a Green Lantern Corps film. While these projects have not been given firm release dates, it is clear that the DCEU is looking to expand its offerings and appeal to a wider audience.
Under the Gunn-Safran DCEU roadmap, the main challenge for the DCEU is the lack of a strong central character, now that Henry Cavill has left the franchise.
- The DCEU has relied heavily on Superman as its main character, but without Cavill, the franchise will need to find a new lead character to take his place. There is speculation that this could be Aquaman, played by Jason Momoa, or perhaps even Shazam, played by Zachary Levi.
Another challenge facing the DCEU is the lack of a clear direction for the franchise.
- The DCEU has struggled to find its footing since its inception, with a number of poorly received films and a lack of a cohesive narrative. Gunn and Safran will need to work together to create a clear vision for the future of the DCEU and ensure that all of the films fit into this vision.
One way that they can balance fan expectations is by staying true to the core themes and characters of the DCEU while also adding his own unique vision and style.
James Gunn rebooting DC: pic.twitter.com/0PXGOftBQB
— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) December 8, 2022
Another key factor will be communication with the fans. Gunn has a reputation for being open and transparent with his followers on social media, and this can be a valuable tool in managing expectations and keeping fans in the loop about the direction of the film.
WBD and James Gunn...#FireJamesGunn pic.twitter.com/4xFRXKzVY7
— Luis - #IStandWithRayFisher (@Jackaluichi) December 21, 2022
The duo can also balance fan expectations by being mindful of the larger DCEU universe and how his film fits into the overall narrative. While most canonical films currently function as standalone stories, they are still part of a larger tapestry and should be treated as such. This means considering how the film's events and characters will impact future DCEU films and being strategic about how to incorporate elements from the larger universe without overwhelming the narrative.
There's still hope: Despite these challenges, there is still hope for the future of the DCEU. Both have the talent and experience to balance fan expectations while drafting a new roadmap for the DCEU. By staying true to the core themes and characters, communicating openly with fans, and considering the larger universe, he can create a film that both satisfies and excites fans of the franchise.
Under new creative vision, the franchise has the opportunity to rebrand itself and move in a new direction. It will be interesting to see how these films fare with audiences and whether they can help the DCEU regain its footing in the crowded superhero market. With the right leadership and a clear vision, the DCEU could become a dominant force in the superhero genre once again.
It's been years since I put this on but it still fits! Ready and waiting @JamesGunn 😉 - Rick x #superman pic.twitter.com/FQ8VXBXwoz
— Rick Astley (@rickastley) December 21, 2022