The Greatest Mistakes of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) in Their Films

While the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has its moments, it has also faced numerous challenges in its attempt to stand apart from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). One of the biggest mistakes lies in its pursuit to replicate the MCU's success, often failing to capture the essence and appeal of its characters and stories.

Choosing the Wrong Formula

Many critics argue that the DCEU was born out of an attempt to compete with the MCU by creating comic book movies for people who do like comic books. However, this approach proved counterproductive as the DCEU consistently failed to deliver the light-hearted, family-friendly content that resonates with a broader audience.

Warner Bros., the studio behind the DCEU, has been criticized for its heavy-handed involvement and excessive control over the production process. This overinvolvement has often stunted the creative direction of the filmmakers, leading to films that lack depth and authenticity.

Hiring Zack Snyder

The decision to hire Zack Snyder as a director was a major misstep for the DCEU. While Snyder brought incredible intensity and visual flair to The Dark Knight Rises, his style did not translate well to other DCEU films. Like many critics, Zack Snyder is no Christopher Nolan. Snyder's directing style often results in overly dramatic and heavy-handed productions, which can overshadow the characters' emotional depth.

For instance, Snyder Cut of Justice League has been widely praised for its visual effects and dramatic storytelling, but it also suffered from lackluster performances, particularly from Michael Shannon and Ben Affleck, who are not in the same league as Christian Bale. Henry Cavill's portrayal of Superman also failed to capture the essence of the character, further diminishing the depth of the narrative.

Overemphasis on Graphic Novel Ambitions

The DCEU has attempted to emulate the graphic novel style of visual storytelling. While this can be visually impressive, it often comes at the expense of simplicity and accessibility. Unlike the MCU, which excels in creating family-friendly movies, the DCEU has struggled to balance its ambitious visual style with the need to entertain a wide audience.

Titles like Lights and Shadows and Deathstroke might have been more successful if they had focused on creating a cohesive narrative rather than relying solely on the graphic novel-style visuals. The DCEU's characters like Superman and Aquaman have been turned into grittier, darker versions that alienate the very audience they were trying to reach.

The Example of Arrowverse Shows

In contrast, the success of Arrowverse TV shows like The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow lies in their lighthearted and fun approach. These series managed to strike a balance between entertainment and character development, creating a strong and dedicated fanbase. When the DCEU attempted to replicate this success with films like Batwoman, which failed to draw in a similar audience, it highlights the crucial role that a positive and engaging narrative plays in movie success.

Perhaps if the DCEU had positioned itself as a more niche audience, similar to the success of Watchmen or the HBO Max series Titans, it might have found a greater degree of success. However, the DCEU's attempts to force a "dark and brooding" narrative onto an unsuspecting public were largely unsuccessful, facing criticism from both critics and fans.

Ultimately, the key to the DCEU's success lies in returning to the core values that made the characters so appealing in the first place: simplicity, accessibility, and a focus on creating engaging stories rather than mere graphic novelties.

Conclusion

From its misguided attempts to compete with the MCU to its reliance on an overly dramatic director and its failure to balance visual flair with narrative simplicity, the DCEU has made several significant mistakes. By learning from these errors and recommitting to the principles of simplicity, accessibility, and engaging storytelling, the DCEU can find a path to greater success in the future.