Is the Snyderverse a Thing of the Past? The Future of DC Films
The Snyderverse, a series of interconnected DC films created under director Zack Snyder, has been a topic of both hype and controversy since its inception. However, recent developments suggest that the Snyderverse is likely to remain just a part of DC's complex history rather than its future.
Why the Snyderverse Failed
No one can deny the impact of the Snyderverse on DC film history. However, the reason behind its failure is not as straightforward as some might believe. Both Man of Steel and Batman v Superman, films that began the Snyderverse, garnered mixed reviews from both critics and fans. Despite their commercial success, these films were not well-received at the box office, primarily because the audience had already developed an opinion about what Zack Snyder was trying to achieve with his vision.
Justice League, the culmination of the Snyderverse, did not perform well at the box office. However, it wasn’t due to the efforts of Josh Whedon, who directed the film after Zack Snyder’s departure. The film fared poorly because the audience had already decided their stance on the Snyderverse. Warner Bros’ attempt to revive the Snyderverse with the release of the Snyder Cut was also met with limited success, hampered by viewer expectations and fan toxicity.
Current Status of Snyderverse Characters and Projects
Snyder has since moved on to other projects with Netflix, focusing on creating original content that he can own. This shift is particularly significant for both himself and the future of the Snyderverse. Meanwhile, other key figures associated with the Snyderverse have either distanced themselves or are no longer part of the projects. Ben Affleck, Jared Leto, and Henry Cavill are all looking to move on from their roles in the Snyderverse. Furthermore, Ray Fisher’s relationship with Warner Bros. is strained, and Amber Heard and Ezra Miller are causing personal issues that make it difficult for DC to bring the Snyderverse to life.
Despite the setback, the concept of the Snyderverse is not entirely dead. The continuity that Snyder created is still recognized in upcoming films such as The Flash, Aquaman 2, Black Adam, and the Shazam sequel. The Snyder Cut of Justice League, while not commercially successful, did find a niche audience and showed that there was a market for Snyder’s vision of the DC universe. However, the future of these projects is uncertain, with no clear path for bringing them to the main DC film lineup.
The Future of DC Films
The Snyderverse was just the beginning of DC’s exploration of interconnected storytelling. However, it highlighted several issues within DC that need to be addressed for the company to thrive. DC has struggled with a talent selection issue, a brand issue, and a lack of identity, vision, and focus in branding and storytelling. As a result, the company has over-relied on a few over-saturated characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
DC’s future lies in expanding its universe while addressing these issues. Fans of DC are eager to see more diverse stories and characters, such as John Stewart (Green Lantern) and Hawkgirl. By focusing on a broader range of narratives and characters, DC can create a richer, more engaging universe that resonates with a wider audience.
WarnerMedia, now under the management of Warner Bros. Discovery post-deal approval, needs to reassess its approach to DC films. The recent release of the Snyder Cut and the mixed reactions it received show that the market for this type of content is limited. Parental hesitation and the need for higher commercial success make it difficult to invest in R-rated DC films. Instead, Warner Bros. Discovery should focus on creating family-friendly content that can attract a broader audience and generate more revenue through both theatrical releases and streaming platforms.
Conclusion
While the Snyderverse may have failed, it has left a lasting impact on DC’s filmography and fanbase. However, the future of DC lies in evolving beyond the Snyderverse and embracing a broader, more inclusive vision. By addressing its talent selection, branding, and storytelling issues, DC can create a universe that resonates with new and existing fans alike.