Reaching a new nadir, Warner Bros. should look outside the motherbox.
I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed. Maybe even more, concerned, if such a thing can exist for a multi-billion-dollar film franchise. I just didn’t expect Marvel to take DC’s lunch money this bad. Recovering from the underwhelming yet smoking hot crater that was Justice League, here are some suggestions that could help Warner Brothers’. punch-drunk superhero stable.
Zig When They Zag: Warner’s first mistake was even competing with Marvel Studios. Not that Marvel is necessarily “better.” Let’s consider this, though: what would translate better onto silver screens? Brightly colored superheroes fighting obscenely awesome villains in space or a ‘roided-out man in black fighting in the rain? DC cannot rely on mere spectacle when the competition has done it better for longer.
Stay Dark: Joss Whedon filled in admirably replacing Zack Snyder, who left for personal reasons. Do not hire the guy who in large part built Marvel. DC Comics are dark, so stay dark. Snyder isn’t the answer either. There is a difference between being dark and being a masochist. Marvel is about the spectacle. DC is all character study. Bring in a dramatist, someone who can make the audience care. Bring in the hero we need and deserve.
No FLASHPOINT: Marvel has spent a decade to finally lead up to (soon to be highest grossing film of all time) The Avengers: Infinity Wars. And DC wants to make as difficult a story in Flashpoint after only four tepid films? If told wrong, that’s a blunder that could destroy the franchise. As fun as it is to rip DC, everyone wants these films to do well. Read the writing on the wall and help us help you, DC. Oh, also, since we’re saying NO to certain things: retire the Joker. Like, forever.
Tower of Babel: This is the story they should be telling. Paranoia, deception and fear among heroes who are rendered incapacitated bringing in all the humanity they have. It’s a top 20 Batman and top 5 Justice League comic. Marvel tried to do this with Civil War and it was the weakest part of Captain America: Civil War. Plus, Ra’s al Ghul as the main villain. Why isn’t this happening already?
Wonder Woman: Gal Gadot is Wonder Woman for all anyone is concerned. Make her the focal point. If Marvel gets ripped for the boy’s club that is The Avengers, have Wonder Woman be the star of the Justice League. It’s the single best thing Warner can do right now.
We’re here to help DC; you know where to find us.
