Is DCEU Already Lost to MCU? A Comprehensive Analysis

Over the years, there has been a debate about whether the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has already lost the battle against the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This article digs deep into the facts and ignores personal opinions to provide a balanced view. We will explore how the comparison between the two universes can sometimes be misleading and why it's important to give DC more time and space to establish itself fully.

Comparing Early Phases: It's Not a Fair Fight

Many argue that DC's early attempts were inferior to those of the MCU. This is partly due to the fact that MCU Phase 1 and Phase 2 were still finding their footing. Let's compare the early phases of both universes:

MCU Phase 1: Primarily focused on introducing standalone heroes, starting with Iron Man, which was a hit. However, subsequent movies like Iron Man 2, Thor 12 (Thor: The Dark World), and The Incredible Hulk were considered mediocre by many critics and audiences.

DC Phase 1: In contrast, Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and Superman Returns (2006) were generally viewed more positively compared to the MCU's offerings at the time. These films laid a strong foundation for the DCEU, with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight in particular receiving critical acclaim and financial success.

Why Early DCEU Movies Shine

The early DCEU movies have shown significant impact and success compared to their MCU counterparts. Let's take a look at the box office collections of the first five DC movies: Iron Man (2008): $580 million Incredible Hulk (2008): $260 million Iron Man 2 (2010): $623 million Thor (2011): $449 million Captain America: The First Avenger (2011): $376 million

Combined, these five films grossed $2.2 billion worldwide, which is more than the combined figure of the first five MCU movies. This includes: Iron Man (2008): $580 million Iron Man 2 (2010): $623 million Thor (2011): $449 million Thor: The Dark World (2013): $368 million Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014): $734 million

Total: $2.64 billion Despite these successes, DCEU faced significant heat after the release of Batman v Superman (2016) and Suicide Squad (2016), notching up $1.7 billion in combined box office collections. It's clear from these figures that while DCEU may have had tough spots, it has delivered substantial financial and critical success upfront.

Formulas and Deviations

Another aspect to consider is the formula behind the success of the MCU. Marvel's consistent storytelling and well-developed characters have created a franchise that resonates with audiences. However, it's important to acknowledge that DCEU tried to break this mold from the beginning, often focusing on standalone films rather than the interconnected narrative that Marvel has perfected.

Marvel has been able to change character story arcs without facing severe criticism because their success story is well-established. On the other hand, DCEU gets panned even for the slightest deviation from comic storylines. Examples like "Batman is fat," "Wonder Woman is skinny," and "Superman doesn’t smile" are just some of the bizarre reasons given to criticize the films.

Additionally, Warner Bros. themselves have been partly responsible for the negative reception. Lack of creative freedom and executive overreach, especially in films like Suicide Squad and Justice League, have contributed to the difficulties in the DCEU. However, Warner Bros. has now appointed a new CEO and brought in heavyweight directors like Steven Spielberg, James Wan, and Matt Reeves, which promises a future where the DCEU can thrive.

The Future of DCEU

Given the current landscape, it's crucial to give DC more time and space to establish its universe. With the changes happening at Warner Bros., and the upcoming releases starring standalone heroes, the future looks promising for DCEU. Solo films for all their characters are around the corner, which will help create a more cohesive and well-developed universe.

To conclude, the DCEU has already proven its worth through significant financial and critical success. While it faces challenges and criticisms, these are often due to the failings of external parties influencing the narrative. The early successes of DCEU, especially the first five movies, have clearly demonstrated that it's just not fair to say that the DCEU has lost to the MCU.