Final Thoughts on DC and Warner Bros' Decision to Shift the Tone of the Justice League

The Original Plan

In the early days of the Justice League films, Warner Bros. had big plans. With a budget of $300 million, they aimed to unite the iconic characters of Superman and Batman on screen, creating something that could compete with the unprecedented success of Marvel's The Avengers. The studio's ambition was clear: the films needed to be box office gold. However, their initial plan faltered miserably with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

The Letdown of Batman v Superman

The film earned a divisive Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 62% and a disappointing Cinemascore of B. Its Metacritic score stood at 44, further highlighting the film's shortcomings.

The box office performance was equally underwhelming, earning just $873 million, far below the target of at least a billion dollars, let alone the hoped-for $1.5 billion.

The film's tone and character development were heavily criticized, with many viewers finding it too dark and grim, deviating from the light and entertaining spirit expected from superhero films.

Given these factors, it became clear that Warner Bros. needed to pivot fast. They lost confidence in director Zack Snyder's vision, who delivered a bloated and unengaging film that many simply did not enjoy.

Why Darkseid Was Left Out

Warner Bros.' reluctance to trust Snyder with their ultimate villain, Darkseid, is not hard to understand. Darkseid represents the darkest and most formidable villain in the DC universe, capable of instigating global catastrophe. The character's inclusion would be critical in any gritty, serious take on the Justice League. However, the studio's focus shifted towards a more light-hearted and enjoyable experience that could win over new audiences and draw in the hype needed to challenge Marvel.

The Reshoots and Justice League

Recognizing the need to change course, Warner Bros. initiated extensive reshoots with director Joss Whedon stepping in. This move aimed to reduce the film's runtime and distance it from the dark atmosphere of Batman v Superman.

The change from Steppenwolf to Darkseid was a strategic choice to ensure that the ultimate villain had more screen time and was not seen as a mere one-off villain. This decision was made to give audiences a compelling and memorable antagonist.

While Whedon's involvement helped lighten the tone, the film still faced significant challenges. The reshoots were only a stopgap measure, and eventually, a single film structure was settled upon to deliver a more cohesive, enjoyable experience.

With the release of The Justice League, Warner Bros. hoped to provide a more entertaining and accessible version of the superhero team. The film, despite some lingering criticisms, was a step in the right direction, paving the way for future installments in the DC cinematic universe.

Post-Justice League Success

Recent years have seen DC and Warner Bros. regain some of their cinematic footing. Films like Aquaman, Wonder Woman, and Shazam have been successful, appealing to both fans of the genre and new viewers. These films have also been crucial in positioning DC as a serious player in the superhero arena, offering a blend of humor and action that caters to a wide audience.

Even more recently, Batman vs. Harley Quinn and Birds of Prey have shown that DC can deliver quality content that resonates with fans and critics alike. The studio's shift in strategy has brought positive results, making them more competitive with Marvel and establishing a strong foothold in the superhero space.

Conclusion

Warner Bros.' decision to pivot towards a lighter tone in the Justice League films, including the change from Steppenwolf to Darkseid, was a calculated move to address the issues of Batman v Superman. While the initial plan was ambitious, the studio's desire to produce a more enjoyable and accessible film ultimately led to a more successful outcome. The lessons learned from these films have undoubtedly influenced DC and Warner Bros.' future in the marketplace.