Image source: The Direct
DC: The DC Extended Universe has been in ruins for the past ten years as Marvel’s fiercest rival has tried to catch up to them.
Zack Snyder, the director, had a very clear vision of what he wanted to do, but Warner Bros. executives weren’t happy with what they were getting.
Rather than the thorough world-building Snyder had in mind, they decided to imitate the MCU.
DC was in a dire situation following the Justice League debacle (2017), and fans had no idea what would happen next.
This year, DC decided to put itself on the right track by hiring James Gunn and Peter Safran, who would hold dual posts at the senior levels.
However, their attempts to change the existing universe’s landscape have sparked many online animosities.
The Shazam situation
At DC Studios, there have been a lot of recent changes.
After Gunn canceled the third installment of the Wonder Woman franchise, Gal Gadot repressed her excitement.
The news that Henry Cavill will not be reprising his role as Superman had to be publicized.
He had only recently confirmed his return, so fans were appalled by the news.
In 2019, Zachary Levi, best known for his role in Shazam, will reprise his role as the original Captain Marvel on the big screen.
Like others, he is weighing his options before deciding whether he will stay in DC.
One Twitter user highlighted Levi’s age by commenting that Levi is “a grandpa” by James Gunn’s standards.
The actor from Shazam responded, saying: “Ageist.”
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Gunn’s changes
James Gunn has endured criticism since he and Peter Safran were named co-presidents.
The largest is Cavill’s forced Superman retirement.
In a reboot that will focus on the Man of Steel’s formative years, James Gunn says he wants to focus on Superman.
The uproar over the decision to cancel Wonder Woman 3 and Jason Momoa’s Aquaman film series grew.
Although the Flashpoint Paradox will likely play a significant part in the reboot, it is still unclear what will happen to Black Adam.
However, before accepting the promotion, Gunn stated that he understood the conditions of his 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: Henry Cavill confirms he’s not returning to DC as Superman
What’s next for Wonder Woman?
Patty Jenkins’ third Wonder Woman film has already been canceled, among other changes at DC Studios.
Despite the sequel’s definite cancellation, Gal Gadot might return to the role of Princess Diana.
Gunn recently addressed allegations that he snubbed Henry Cavill and Gal Gadot.
“I’m not sure where you’re getting that we ‘booted’ Gal,” he wrote.
In a statement she shared a few days earlier, the actress emphasized her excitement for the third chapter of the Themysciran princess saga.
Even though the anticipated sequel won’t happen, there is still hope that the first superheroine to appear on the big screen will continue her story.
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
