Would the DCEU Have Matched Marvel if They Took Their Time?

Some argue that the DCEU (DC Cinematic Universe) would have been better than Marvel if they had taken their time. This assertion hinges on the idea that a more thoughtful approach to storytelling and character development could have resulted in a series as impactful as Marvel's offerings. But is this truly the case?

The Family Impact and Civilian Care

While Marvel often showcases the impact of its Avengers on families and civilians, the DCEU, on the other hand, tends to put ordinary people at risk without much acknowledgment of their plight. For instance, in the Justice League (JLA) films, we see characters like Superman and Batman endangering civilians for their victories. Marvel, however, prioritizes the lives of civilians and the families affected by their actions, as seen in the post-The Avengers series. This focus on the care of civilians could have been a significant differentiator for the DCEU if they had implemented it earlier on.

Depth of Characters and Audience Appeal

The DCEU has a lot of potential. Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Shazam!, and ZSJL all demonstrate that these characters have the potential to rival and possibly surpass Marvel's offerings. The The Suicide Squad is a prime example of this, showcasing depth and widespread audience appeal. Additionally, the Arrowverse series have flourished, proving that DC's characters can resonate with audiences when given the right treatment.

Weaknesses in Production

The primary issue with the DCEU was their approach to production. Taking on a project this ambitious without allowing it to breathe and develop naturally led to rushed and flawed films. For example, Batman v Superman, while initially promising, became overly cluttered when trying to cram too many elements into the narrative. Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Lex Luthor was a missed opportunity, as his character didn't bring the depth required for the role. Similarly, Batman's characterization as a cold-blooded killer, despite his intentions to save lives, fell flat.

Missed Opportunities and Production Choices

Another significant factor in the DCEU's failure was the choice of source material. DC Comics, with its vast and complex universe, decided to lean heavily on the New 52 versions of their characters, which were not universally well-received. This decision proved to be a shaky foundation for a new cinematic universe. While individual superhero origin films such as Superman and Batman were successful, the DCEU struggled with sequels and universe-building.

On the other hand, Marvel's Phase One was a meticulously crafted experience that laid the groundwork for future films. The Arrowverse, despite its cohesiveness, did not come close to matching the MCU's level of success. The DCEU attempted to rush into a shared universe without properly establishing the tone and character dynamics, leading to disjointed and underdeveloped films. This rushed approach likely contributed to the DCEU's downfall, as evidenced by the shift in creative direction after Zack Snyder's influence on the franchise.

Canonical and Filmmaking Pitfalls

Another issue was the overlap and repetition of characters across different media platforms. Shows like the Arrowverse were adapting classic DC crossovers, but creating the same stories and character development in both film and television without a fresh perspective. This led to an inconsistent viewing experience, as the same emotional beats were covered again and again, diminishing the overall impact.

Why, one might ask, would anyone choose to watch a film when the same story is available in a TV series? The lack of innovation and the repetitive nature of storytelling hurt the DCEU's appeal. The Arrowverse tried to find cohesive storytelling but, due to the different directors and producers, often felt fragmented in the eyes of audiences and critics.

In conclusion, while the DCEU had the potential to be as impactful as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, several key factors contributed to its failure. With a more thought-out approach, a better selection of source material, and a more coherent storytelling strategy, the DCEU could have potentially resonated with audiences in a profound way. However, the rushed and sometimes misguided nature of the DCEU's projects ultimately led to a Hollywood disaster that is still a subject of much discussion and debate.