The Rise, Fall and Potential Rise of The DCEU
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has often been labeled as a failure. I however, believe that it is still growing and has yet to reach its full potential.
The DCEU started with Man of Steel in 2013. Critics and audiences were mixed on the film. Some praised Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman, while others criticized the dark tone and lack of Superman’s traditional sense of humor. The film went on to make $668 million at the box office.
In 2014, Warner Bros. announced an ambitious slate of DCEU films. These films included a solo Batman film, Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman, Justice League and a Flash and Green Lantern team-up film.
In 2016, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was released. The film was a box office and critical disaster. It made $873 million at the box office, but received mixed reviews from critics.
The DCEU continued to struggle in 2017. Wonder Woman was released and was a critical and commercial success. The film made $821 million at the box office and was praised for its strong feminist message. However, its subsequent film, Justice League, was a box office and critical disaster. The film made $627 million at the box office and was panned by critics.
Warner Bros. announced that it was reorganizing the DCEU and would be focusing on standalone films instead of team-up films. Aquaman, Shazam and Wonder Woman 1984 are the only DCEU films that are currently scheduled.
Despite the poor critical reception, the DCEU has been a box office success. The films have made a combined $3.8 billion at the box office.
The DCEU has yet to reach its full potential and I believe that it will continue to grow and improve. Warner Bros. has announced that they are focusing on standalone films, which is the right move. The DCEU has a lot of potential and I believe that it will eventually be successful.