What’s going on at DC Studios right now? The question seems to cover many different places. From statements by James Gunn and Peter Safran criticizing the reaction on fan networks to rumors of box office misinformation.
The past few weeks have made it clear that the Warner Discovery saga is at a critical juncture. Either a complete restructuring is deemed necessary, or the franchise has simply borne the brunt of years of bad decisions. The truth is that the emergence of a new directive and the decisions it entails they made the future of DC an unknown quantity.
One that could threaten the immediate future of the saga as a project and even its permanence as a brand. Despite the good intentions of the duo Gunn and Safran, everything that happens the research factory seems to be at the center of a fragile scheme. Moreover, the first movements made it clear that it is not so easy to correct the mistakes, contradictions and all the conflicts that have accumulated over more than a decade.
In fact, the only thing clear about the increasingly confusing dispute is that DC has made the decision to start over. To do this, in addition, by dismantling all the parts that have supported the franchise so far.
point of view that surprised fans and turned future projects into uncertain scenarios. With the announcement of the action plan to be unveiled in January and the production of the Superman movie, DC seems to have faltered. Much more, going through one of the most difficult moments since the film version of the publishing world hit the big screen.
Cross Information, Fallen Hero, and Big Unanswered Questions
Following the surprise announcement that James Gunn and Peter Safran became the heads of DC Studios, the franchise began a strange journey. Moreover, the news, published on October 25 this year, coincided with the advertising campaign and the premiere Black Adam Jaume Collet-Serra.
The film, headlined by star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, was supposed to be DC’s next attempt at breathing fresh air into the universe. The same actor who became the centerpiece of the film and its eventual significance claimed that a “new era” was dawning for the franchise.
All the while, speculation about Henry Cavill’s Superman cameo has flooded the net and hinted that the actor would return to the role. A possibility that seemed to crystallize in a short post-credits scene in Collet-Serra.
Superman flies again or so it seemed
In addition, a number of rumors pointed to the early production of a much delayed man of steel 2. After the premiere Black Adam, Johnson took credit for Cavill’s return. At the same time, to move towards new layers of the broad mythology of the publishing house.
But on December 15, Cavill himself announced through his social networks that he would no longer play this character. Cause? That James Gunn took on a project about a young Superman that he wasn’t involved in. The statement coincided with some of Gunn’s public comments that week in which he claimed the character was “priority in learning”. Finally, Henry Cavill left DC in the midst of a confusing situation that surprised and angered fans.
By that time, there were conflicting reports about the film’s box office performance. Black Adam. According to some reports, the film suffered a loss of between $50 million and $60 million. In contrast, Johnson claimed he had evidence of the film’s “box office success”. The situation became so complicated that Johnson’s position at Warner Discovery was shaken. Finally, several sources have made it clear that the likelihood of a sequel is “not high”. Which seemed to make it clear that despite the star’s insistence, the film was underperforming at the box office.
DC conflict grows
Once it was confirmed that Henry Cavill would no longer play Superman, rumors surfaced that his return was never confirmed. In fact, several sources have claimed that Dwayne Johnson was trying to take control of a part of Warner Discovery thanks to the actor’s figure and his popularity. Finally, it was announced that the actor had stopped following the official DC accounts and Black Adam. However, the star said “who has never been his follower.”
In the midst of such controversy, the hashtag #fireJamesGunn has become a trend in North America. The show of discontent remained among the first TTs for almost five days. Most of the trend drivers were fans of Zack Snyder.
Most concluded that Cavill’s firing — and rumors that the so-called Sniderverse was breaking up — was a calculated ploy. One, the main goal of which was to eradicate any relationship DC had with Snyder-produced films. Something seemed to be confirmed when rumors spread about the possibility of a new casting for all the characters in the cinematic universe.
Shockwave in search of new scenarios
By that time, it had already been confirmed that a third amazing woman, directed by Patty Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot, was scrapped. On December 7, the director acknowledged that the process was “stopped and practically dead”, so it is unlikely to be carried out.
The news added to the impossibility of continuing Black Adam and the dismissal of Cavill. So it was clear that Gunn and Safran’s plans were to recreate the original franchise.
But the demise of future projects involving the central characters of the saga did not begin with the arrival of Gunn and Safran. On August 15 this year, the premiere of the film “Batgirl” directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilal Fallah was canceled. What’s more, the board of Warner Discovery has decided to remove production from its servers.
As inexplicable as it may seem, the only part of DC’s current scheme that remains in place is the movie. Flashstarring Ezra Miller. And this despite the controversy surrounding the actor. However, it is clear that he will also suffer from various consequences of the current decisions. It was announced this week that Gal Gadot and, of course, Henry Cavill’s cameos will be cut. Which perhaps makes it clear that the movie will feature an announced flashpoint that will allow for a complete reboot of the DC Extended Universe.
In addition, plans for a sequel remain in place. Batman Matt Reeves and joker Todd Phillips. Both projects will not affect the central line planned by Gunn and Safran, so there are no major problems with their production.
And at the end, an unpleasant disassembly in the DC
Over the past few days, James Gunn has had to endure a barrage of criticism for his recent franchise decisions. Amid controversy, Gunn decided to respond with a statement explaining his position and that of producer Peter Safran.
“One of the things Peter and I knew when we took the job as directors of DC Studios was that a certain minority of people online can be noisy and obnoxious,” the director wrote on Twitter. “No one likes to be harassed or insulted, but to be honest, we’ve been through a lot worse. Disrespectful protests will never affect our actions.”
This is the first direct response that Gunn has addressed to a significant number of dissatisfied fans due to his decisions regarding the saga. For Gunn, the strategy he’s pursuing with Safran has the sole purpose of bringing the DC saga to life. Same, ensure the order and content of stories related to their protagonists.
“Our selection for the DCU is based on what we think is best for the story. Also, the best DC characters that have been around for almost 85 years. Maybe it’s a great choice, maybe not, but it’s made with a true heart and honesty, and always with history in mind.”
What will be the future of DC in such a situation? There is still no clear answer to this. But apparently, while on the big screen of the publishing house in the Universe, we are waiting for confusing and turbulent times.
Source: Hiper Textual
