DC: Since Marvel’s fiercest competitor has been trying to catch up to them for the past ten years, the DC Extended Universe has been in tatters.
The leaders of Warner Bros. weren’t thrilled with what they were getting, even though filmmaker Zack Snyder had a clear idea of what he intended to do.
They preferred to emulate the MCU rather than the meticulous world-building Snyder had in mind.
After the Justice League disaster (2017), DC was in a precarious position, and fans had no idea what would happen next.
With the recruitment of James Gunn and Peter Safran, who will have dual positions at the executive levels, this year, DC decided to finally put itself on the right track.
However, their attempts to alter the established universe’s landscape have generated a great deal of internet hostility.
The Shazam situation
The last several weeks have seen significant change at DC Studios.
Gal Gadot suppressed her enthusiasm after the Wonder Woman franchise’s third film was shelved.
Henry Cavill had to announce that he would not be playing Superman again.
Fans were outraged by the announcement because he had only recently confirmed his return.
The original Captain Marvel will make a comeback on the big screen in 2019 as played by Shazam star Zachary Levi.
He weighed his opinion about whether he would remain in DC, like others.
One Twitter user emphasized Levi’s age by joking that, by James Gunn’s standards, he is “a grandpa.”
The actor from Shazam responded, saying: “Ageist.”
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Gunn’s changes
Since being appointed co-President alongside Peter Safran, James Gunn has consistently garnered criticism.
The biggest is Cavill’s forced retirement as Superman.
James Gunn claims he wants to revive the Man of Steel in a reboot that will center on his early years.
Canceling Wonder Woman 3 and Jason Momoa’s Aquaman run only increased the outrage against the decision.
The Flash will probably play a crucial role in the reboot (albeit the Flashpoint Paradox), but what will happen to Black Adam is yet unknown.
Regardless, Gunn tweeted that he understood the terms of his agreement before accepting the promotion:
“One of the things Peter & I were aware of when we took the job as heads of DC Studios was a certain minority of people online that could be, well, uproarious & unkind to say the least.”
“Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story & best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years.”
“Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts & integrity & always with the story in mind.”
“No one loves to be harassed or called names – but, to be frank, we’ve been through significantly worse. Disrespectful outcry will never, ever affect our actions.”
“We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig, & we knew we would sometimes have to make difficult & not-so-obvious choices, especially in the wake of the fractious nature of what came before us.”
“But this means little to us in comparison to our jobs as artists & custodians in helping to create a wide & wonderful future for DC.”
Read also: James Gunn Responds to Mean Comments on Recasting ‘Superman’ Role
What’s next for Wonder Woman?
The third Wonder Woman movie, directed by Patty Jenkins, is already shelved, among other changes at DC Studios.
Gal Gadot might reprise her role as Princess Diana even though it has been confirmed that the sequel has been scrapped.
Gunn recently responded to claims that he dismissed Gal Gadot and Henry Cavill.
“I’m not sure where you’re getting that we ‘booted’ Gal,” he wrote.
The actress expressed her excitement for the third installment of the Themysciran princess’ story in a message she posted a few days earlier.
There is still optimism that the first superheroine to hit the big screen will continue her journey, even though the anticipated sequel won’t happen.
References:
Shazam actor Zachary Levi responds to claims he’s being kicked out of DC universe
James Gunn denies rumors that Gal Gadot won’t be returning as Wonder Woman
James Gunn slams fans who are angry with his recent decisions for the DC Extended Universe
