TheDC Universehas a unique opportunity ahead of it. After a decade of DC films with mixed reception, the franchise is receiving a reboot with an all-new creative team, helmed by James Gunn and Peter Safran. The previous iteration, called the DC Extended Universe, kicked off withZack Snyder’sMan of Steelin 2013. While fan reception of the film was somewhat accepting,the darker, more realistic take on Superman it offered created a shaky foundation for the rest of the series.
Additionally, the DCEU jumped straight from a solo Superman film to the crossoverBatman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, which had the lofty job of introducing Batman and Wonder Woman as well as teasing the rest of the Justice League. That movie largely set the tone moving forward. Some entries in the DCEU were good, and some were not so good. A lot of them left dangling threads or made baffling character decisions.
Now, with new leadership,perhaps the DCU can learn from both the good and the bad decisions made in the DCEU.In particular, a more accurate take on the DC mythos and characters could redeem some of the missteps of their previous versions, or lack thereof.
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Inarguably,the biggest wasted opportunity of the DCEU is the cancelation of the already-completedBatgirl.The movie starredIn the Heightsstar Leslie Grace along with Michael Keaton, Brendan Frazier, and J.K. Simmons.Batgirlwas already in test screenings when Warner Bros Discovery pulled the plug. This decision was chalked up to poor reception during the screenings as well as ongoing creative shakeups for DC Studios and a change in strategy for HBO Max productions.
Leslie Grace Opens Up About Cancelled Batgirl Movie: Says It Was Incredible
Leslie Grace, who played Barbara Gordon in the cancelled Batgirl movie, opens up for the first time about how she found out the bad news and more.
AxingBatgirlwas a controversial decision both among fans and among the cast. In particular, Leslie Grace stated that “there was definitely potential for a good film, in my opinion.“While the DCEU version of Barbara Gordon will most likely never make it onscreen,the DCU can still introduce her in a future story, whether she’s acting as a supporting player for Batman or headlining her own film.
11DCU’s Cyborg Could Make Up For The DCEU’s Lack Of Focus On Him In Justice League
Ray Fisher’s Cyborg Was Underutilized
Cyborg/Victor Stone has long been a fan favorite among DC enthusiasts, so his inclusion in the DCEU’s Justice League was at first exciting. Though he is more known for his stint with the Teen Titans, the New 52 reboot also cast him as a member of the League. Unfortunately, the production ofJustice Leaguewas infamously troubled, with Zack Snyder stepping away due to personal tragedy and Joss Whedon taking over. Their conflicting visions created a mess of a film, andmost of the scenes featuring Cyborg, played by Ray Fisher, were cut.
The later release of the Snyder Cut somewhat rectified this situation by restoring Cyborg’s original plotline. However, his planned solo film never came to be. Now thatthe DCU intends to introduce the Teen Titans, it is possible that Cyborg will get another shot at appearing on the big screen.
10DCU’s Lois Lane Could Give Us The Intrepid Reporter We Know And Love
Amy Adams' Lois Lane Was Well-Acted But Lacked Her Signature Edge
Amy Adams is a phenomenal actress, no doubt about it. However, her Lois Lane is a polarizing figure in the DCEU. She is a serviceable romantic interest, and her role as the point-of-view character for portions ofMan of Steelworks really well in terms of putting the audience in her shoes.After that first film, Lois is relegated to the background.Her relationship with Clark Kent is still a major part of his arc, but she’s not given anything else of substance to do. Since Lois is typically characterized as a fiercely independent journalist, this portrayal is lacking.
Amy Adams Addresses The DCU’s Lois Lane Recast And Her Hopes For Rachel Brosnahan’s Role In James Gunn’s Superman Movie: “I Love Her”
After having played the role herself in the DCEU, Amy Adams responds to Rachel Brosnahan playing Lois Lane in James Gunn’s Superman movie.
Through no fault of Adams' acting,Lois is a one-note side character for most of her screen time in the DCEU.WithRachel Brosnahan taking over the role for the DCU, Lois will hopefully resemble her go-getter self from the comics and have more to do independent of Clark.
9DCU’s Martian Manhunter Could Be An Actual Justice League Member
Harry Lennix’s Martian Manhunter Barely Got Any Screen Time
One of the more surprising changes between the theatrical cut ofJustice LeagueandZack Snyder’s Justice Leagueis the inclusion of Martian Manhunter. The character cropping up in a film about the League makes sense, but the ways in which the movie included him were strange. For example, there’s one scene where a heartfelt interaction between a grieving Lois and Martha Kent is undermined bya reveal that Martha is actually Martian Manhunter in disguise. His scenes inJustice Leaguefeel tacked on as opposed to an organic inclusion in the film.
If Martian Manhunter returns in the DCU, he will hopefully get a more prominent roleas an actual member of the League. Both in the comics and theJustice Leagueanimated series, he’s a core member of the team. It’d be a shame if DC fails the character twice.
8DCU’s Lex Luthor Could Be More Imposing
Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor Was An Unusual Take on The Villain
Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor is a bizarre attempt at modernizing a character that didn’t need to change in the first place. The actor somewhat channels his Mark Zuckerberg persona fromThe Social Networkfor his Lex to mixed results. His behavior is erratic as well, shoving jolly ranchers into peoples' mouths. Interestingly,his plans make sense as something Lex would do: pitting Batman and Superman against each other, experimenting to create a monster to destroy Superman, and faking insanity to avoid trial. Regardless,the execution is so off the mark from the character’s usual portrayal that he scarcely resembles Lex.
DC Just Made The DCEU’s Lex Luthor Crime Even More Unforgivable
Superman & Lois gives viewers a new and intimidating version of the classic Superman nemesis Lex Luthor, who might have been fitting for the DCEU.
Nicholas Hoult is set to debut his take on Lex in next year’sSuperman.This iteration of the character will likely align more with his usual personality, allowing the DCU Lex to avoid the pitfalls of the DCEU version.
7DCU’s Joker Could Be A More Maniacal And Fun Presence
Jared Leto’s Joker Fell Flat
Another DCEU villain that did not land with audiences was Jared Leto as the Joker inSuicide Squad.His character was criticized from before the film was even released. Initial photos of him were met with ridicule by DC fans who disliked his tattoos and grill, among other design choices. AfterSuicide Squadcame out, the movie’s terrible reception did not do Leto any favors. Moreover, he was completely overshadowed by the film debut of Harley Quinn, who many lauded as the best part of a horrible movie.
He later reprised the role once during a flash-forward sequence inZack Snyder’s Justice League. Otherwise,Leto’s Joker faded into obscurity, sandwiched between the more memorable turns from Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix.If the DCU elects to bring back this Batman baddie, its Joker could redeem the failure of Leto’s Joker to catch on.
Michael Cassidy’s Jimmy Olsen Never Even Met Clark
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Jimmy Olsen is a wholesome supporting character who brings out some of Superman’s best qualities as a mentor. Snyder decided to kill him off unceremoniously at the beginning ofBatman v. Superman: Dawn of Justicebecausehe didn’t see a place for Jimmy in the DCEU.His Jimmy was significantly older and acted as a CIA operative. He was not named in the theatrical cut of the movie. This is representative of Snyder’s overall outlook, opting for a darker, pessimistic take on Superman and his world.
First Look At Jimmy Olsen In Superman 2025 Revealed By James Gunn To Celebrate 83 Years Since Character’s Debut
As James Gunn celebrates Jimmy Olsen and his DC debut in 1941, the Superman director also reveals an official look at the upcoming DCU version.
Gunn is taking a different approach withSuperman.As a result, he cast Skylar Gisondo to play a younger Jimmy more akin to his traditional depiction.Having Jimmy around brings levity to Superman’s world,so his inclusion in the DCU will show a different side of the franchise.
