The Potential Issues of Making DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Similar to Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

In the world of animated and live-action films, the alignment and integration of characters in a shared universe can significantly affect audience engagement and overall success. The decision to make the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) more similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a topic of much discussion among fans and industry professionals alike. However, this transition is not without its potential issues. This article explores these challenges and the merits of both approaches.

Comparing Zack Snyder’s Justice League to the MCU’s Ant-Man

Let us begin with Zack Snyder's directed film Justice League. Snyder, known for his competence and ingenuity, has directed several notable films, including 300, Watchmen, and two entries in the DCEU: Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman. Despite his experience, Justice League became a contentious project, with some praising its craftsmanship and others criticizing its incoherence. The film's primary flaw lies in its inability to integrate seamlessly with the existing DCEU narrative.

When viewed alongside the “Snyder Cut,” which provides additional content but lacks cohesion, the film's shortcomings become even more apparent. The additional story threads created for the “Snyder Cut” were not logically connected to the existing DCEU, offering a fragmented viewing experience.

The MCU: A Coherent Universe

In contrast, the MCU, led by directors such as the Russo Brothers, has succeeded in creating a cinematic universe where every character and thread aligns coherently within the broader narrative. Consider Edgar Wright’s journey with Ant-Man. Initially, Wright was tasked with a screenplay that could elevate Ant-Man to a major player in the MCU, similar to James Gunn's work with The Guardians of the Galaxy. However, Wright's involvement was short-lived, and Peyton Reed took over, seamlessly integrating the character into the existing narrative.

McAvoy, a film critic and industry analyst, notes thatwright’s treatment did not align with the MCU's larger vision. Wright’s refusal to adhere to the established constraints resulted in a film that struggled to find its place within the encompassing universe. In contrast, the Russo Brothers' vision for the Marvel films ensured all characters were part of a cohesive set of cinematic characters, with every action and storyline contributing to the larger narrative.

The DCU's Lack of Coherence

One major issue with the DCEU is its lack of consistency in character portrayal and storyline development. As illustrated in Andy Muschietti's The Flash, the DCEU has tried to incorporate multiple versions of characters and stories, leading to a disjointed and confusing experience. For instance, The Flash introduced multiple versions of Batman, a move that many critics found distracting rather than enriching.

In recent years, the DCEU has made efforts to become more like the MCU. For instance, the integration of the X-Men into the wider MCU and the treatment of Spider-Man have shown that the DCEU can align with the larger narrative. However, the challenge remains in ensuring that all characters act consistently across all films, no matter how small the role.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the DCEU and MCU both aim to create a shared cinematic universe, each faces unique challenges in achieving narrative coherence and character consistency. The DCEU, due to its lack of central oversight and more directorial freedom, often results in fragmented and inconsistent storytelling, whereas the MCU, under the rigorous guidance of a central creative force, maintains a more cohesive and coherent narrative. Adapting the DCEU more closely to the MCU's approach can enhance audience engagement and overall success, but careful consideration must be given to maintaining narrative coherence and character consistency.