January thirty first, 2023 was a momentous day for the at all times dramatic saga of the DC comics universe on its journey in Hollywood. DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran sat in entrance of a room filled with handpicked leisure reporters and unveiled Chapter One of what they hope shall be a ten yr interconnected saga of DC-based movies and television packages. It may be Chapter One for this plan, however it’s Chapter 17 or so for the bigger quest to reply the world-shattering success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe at WBD.
I don’t have time to lay out the exceptional timeline for all these chapters, however the journey goes from what may be referred to as the Christopher Nolan/Diane Nelson Era to the Tsujihara/Snyder Era to the Hamada/Kilar Era to now. It’s exhausting to even take into consideration.
But earlier than speaking about all this, I’d like to lay out why I do it. The late, nice Tom Spurgeon at all times used to rag on me for overlaying comics media information, however my causes now are the identical as then: comics media impacts comics publishing. Even extra so within the (now handed) Streaming Era, when it change into your entire enterprise mannequin, however it’s at all times had influence. Media diversifications promote comics, enhance backside traces, give higher attain, usher in new expertise, usher in new followers and readers. It’s a part of the comics ecosystem, and it’s that ecosystem that I’ve at all times been fascinated by.
So let’s topline how all this impacts DC Comics, the publishing unit. It was introduced to my consideration earlier this week that each the ultimate trailer for Shazam: Fury of the Gods, and the ultimate poster contained overt plugs for DC Comics. The trailer was a giant one!
The poster was fantastic print, however it’s all fantastic print.
This type of synergy has been round for some time – I famous it with the poster for The Suicide Squad which included a comics plug. (There was even a particular poster that had an Easter Egg for the squad’s comics debut.) It additionally occurred for The Batman.
I’m instructed that this synergy is at present a lot appreciated within the halls, er, open plan workplace areas of DC. It’s particularly welcome after the division has been gutted by layoffs for the final a number of years, and C-suite assist for the unit has appeared to be missing for the reason that AT&T takeover. I’ve been instructed by everybody I requested that DC is now seen as so naked bones that additional layoffs are unlikely. I discover that unconvincing on this company period, however I hope it’s true.
Chapter One is extraordinarily comics pleasant. Can you think about what number of copies of All-Star Superman and The Authority it would promote? Green Lantern! The outstanding place given to DC Comics in yesterday’s announcement was one other enhance. Could issues be trying up?
In one of many hyperlinks above I really accurately predicted that James Gunn was the main candidate for the place of DC’s Feige. And he’s standard amongst comics folks, as a result of he reads comics, likes comics, likes comics folks, and is as a lot a author as a director. So as you’ll see within the tweets I gleaned in a day sweep, comics folks had a whole lot of optimistic issues to say about Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
I’m certain it’s been a hair-raising few months for Gunn since he took the job. I imply, take a look at his hair. He was already candid on twitter, and now his each utterance is fodder for dozens of posts on Screen Rant and past. I think its time for him to set up that screentime app and get down to writing.
Because now the actually hair elevating half begins. WB Discovery head David Zaslav has confirmed himself to be a person who doesn’t actually perceive content material that isn’t actuality TV home flipping. To his credit score, he additionally appears conscious that he doesn’t perceive scripted leisure. In my expertise, high execs who perceive their blind spots and pay attention to different views about these blind spots are sometimes probably the most profitable. The unhealthy information is that Zaslav listens largely to ominously named CFO Gunnar Weidenfels who actually does suppose that content material is simply so many jenga items to be priced out and moved round on the spreadsheet.
The DCU is likely one of the key items on this jenga tower, as Zaslav and Weidenfels are keenly conscious. But they’ve been stripping it down from the horrific Batgirl write down to cancelling Doom Patrol and Teen Titans and nearly all the pieces leftover from earlier regimes. Do they actually know the way to depart the creatives to do their factor?
So we now have the new guys on the (chopping) block, Gunn/Safran. The honeymoon interval for his or her quirky slate has lasted for a day, which is a promising begin in these quick paced instances. The very long time Kremlinologist in me did notice that Gunn was very candid about how “fucked up” earlier WB makes an attempt at universe-building had been. I’m unsure what number of WB execs are left over from these earlier fuck-ups, however I’m rattling certain that they’re no buddies to this new regime. The Warner Bros. method previously was primarily based on making high quality movies with high quality filmmakers – this led to successes just like the Nolan trilogy, Wonder Woman and Joker. The Warners method has additionally at all times been competing factions who go round front-stabbing one another. Fun instances!
The actuality is 2023 will see 4 promising DC-themed movies starring Shazam, The Flash, Blue Beetle and Aquaman. Setting apart any problematic stars, these motion pictures have a reasonably good probability to make some cash, which WBD and it’s $3 billion debt desperately want. But it’s a clumsy transition at finest.
Aside from the animated Creature Commandos present, which is seemingly already in manufacturing and partially written, we gained’t see a lot of Chapter One till ’24, and the new Superman film is 2 years away. That’s ONLY two years. Writing, casting, VFX…it’s gonna be some time, and many time to commit to axe sharpening.
In different phrases, take pleasure in this honeymoon.
Speaking of events, a wake for the Arrowverse. It had a superb, future. Greg Berlanti, the producer behind all of these reveals, is OUT within the new regime. You can learn particulars on the cease and begin, now stopped eternally Green Lantern TV present he was producing, however within the phrases of Safran “We have nothing currently in development with Greg.” Superman and Lois and Gotham Knights and that’s it. His huge new TV deal was his exit bundle.
And now let’s get to the tweets and different stories. My favourite of the latter is from The Ankler’s Richard Rushfield who has a method with phrases and was within the room for the announcement – although he’s a superhero agnostic. His publication is paywalled, however a number of alternative bits.
The penalties are in fact, monumental. If DC may flip into one other Marvel — even half of one other Marvel à la Sony’s Spiderverse, they may change the world. Having a division that reliably creates a number of tentpole hits every year… if you happen to get that proper, then all the pieces else simply pales within the face of that. “The history of DC is pretty messed up”, as Gunn put it, who all through didn’t spare any tears for errors of regimes previous.
But each time you begin pondering such ideas, one’s thoughts turns instantly to the lengthy path of tears DC has walked, the ballyhooed resets of the previous, the visionaries who’ve come and gone by its doorways. Will this time be completely different?
Gunn referred to his Guardians of the Galaxy miracle — and miracle it was — propelling unknown characters to the forefront of IP on the planet. It’s a plan that relies upon not only a lot, however all the pieces, on execution. A veteran franchise producer good friend expressed shock that they’d let a lot of the division’s destiny relaxation on the inventive skills of 1 man (teamed with Peter Safran’s producing superpowers.)
Maybe so, however the one man expressed a stark consciousness of the pitfalls awaiting him on this world. Asked about Superhero Fatigue, Gunn, already having outlined didn’t demur for a second. “Superhero fatigue is real,” he mentioned, blaming so many mediocre motion pictures, “films that started shooting with no third act so you’re left off having to end on just 30 minutes of them punching each other.”
But sufficient of insider evaluation. What did Twitter suppose!
Well, you had the acknowledgement from those that simply received a profession enhance:
Supergirl was a small, bold e book that received on the market and received consideration due to the fervour of all of the followers who took an opportunity, learn it, and shared it. We noticed what you probably did; @BilquisEvely and I are nothing however grateful. pic.twitter.com/lgpBjCAidv
— Tom King (@TomKingTK) January 31, 2023
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow film is coming! @TomKingTK @_matlopes_ @ms_brittanyjean @JamesGunn pic.twitter.com/j0EAumiVuO
— Bilquis Evely (@BilquisEvely) January 31, 2023
Thrilled with the information that Booster Gold is heading to HBO Max courtesy of @JamesGunn and firm. Amazing to suppose these preliminary character sketches from 1984 would lead to this. Excited to see what’s subsequent within the lifetime of the best hero you by no means heard of! pic.twitter.com/c8cNcVvIFj
— Dan Jurgens (@thedanjurgens) January 31, 2023
Fond ideas from former Wildstorm exec John Nee:
Really coronary heart warming to hear information about The Authority and WildStorm right this moment. https://t.co/iXBAcwi1ok
— John Shen Yen Nee (@johnnee) January 31, 2023
And then simply basic pleasure from the comics crowd:
Booster Gold?!! The Authority!!? Swamp factor?!! I’m so psyched https://t.co/K1pX5Vg9sc
— 𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕜 🇺🇦🌻🇺🇸 (@DarickR) January 31, 2023
G.I. JOE#CreatureCommandos #DCStudios @DCComics @JamesGunn pic.twitter.com/sEaJBc6SyM
— Francesco Francavilla (@f_francavilla) January 31, 2023
BLUE BEETLE & BOOSTER GOLD#DCStudios #DCU @JamesGunn pic.twitter.com/0e8hG0rrFQ
— Francesco Francavilla (@f_francavilla) January 31, 2023
OOOH OOOOOH!!
👏 @JamesGunn 👏 https://t.co/jqywN7n7Ek pic.twitter.com/v6OPvfrEgx
— Mitch Gerads (@MitchGerads) January 31, 2023
I’m completely excited and looking out ahead to seeing what @JamesGunn and crew are organizing for us, however most of all…as you may think, I’m trying ahead to seeing the Superman Legacy film. This goes to be superb I’m certain!!! @superman pic.twitter.com/jPIMEldOmT
— Jorge Jiménez (@JorgeJimenezArt) January 31, 2023
Did any of those characters get a point out in @JamesGunn’s announcement? Mary Marvel? KOMAC? Asking for a good friend. pic.twitter.com/4HmWtcFRgc
— Thomas Scioli (@tomscioli) January 31, 2023
this seems loopy thrilling. DC is in nice arms with @JamesGunn https://t.co/AEZMmikose
— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) January 31, 2023
Well. I’m certain there shall be 1,000,000 scorching takes, however I cherished @JamesGunn popping out and speaking to us instantly about not simply these tasks, however the connectedness of the DCU, and the way the comics are the wellspring and inspiration.
Could not be happier, nice job,#DCStudios. pic.twitter.com/3RaMwZYJn1
— Gail Simone 💙💛 (@GailSimone) January 31, 2023
This @TomKingTK that @JamesGunn retains speaking about, ought to I examine him out? He sounds bald. pic.twitter.com/oTS4VWAmXI
— Mitch Gerads (@MitchGerads) January 31, 2023
Watched the @JamesGunn video 3X’s now.
My 3 huge take aways:1. Love that they will give attention to each core characters (Superman/Batman/Wonder Woman/GLs) and the oddballs (Creature Commandos/Booster Gold/Swamp Thing).
2. Live motion WW and GL as TV reveals!!!
3. @TomKingTK… DUDE!!!🤯
— Dan Slott (@DanSlott) January 31, 2023
Folks have DM’d me about @JamesGunn ‘s imaginative and prescient since I used to be a producer of TITANS (ending with this season).
In quick? I belief it. Never met James, however I do know he is received TRUE LOVE for this universe. You can see it in him when he talks about it.
Let’s assist him. He’s an actual one.
— Hilluminati (@bryanedwardhill) January 31, 2023
And in fact, thespians and writers waving their arms to remind Gunn that they exist:
Do you even have time to blink? 😂 Wow! 👍🏼👏🏼
— Ming-Na Wen (@MingNa) January 31, 2023
Very excited in regards to the new slate and might solely hope @shawnabenson and I discover our method again to the DCU writing TV. How inspiring to hear @JamesGunn supporting writers! (Also congrats @TomKingTK et all for the movies!) https://t.co/i1qCVa7hyX
— Julie Benson (@TheJulieBenson) January 31, 2023
*whispers*
Dear @JamesGunn , can I be your Professor Pyg? #DCEU
— Dominic Burgess (@dominicburgess) January 31, 2023
Turned the ringer on my cellphone again on incase @JamesGunn calls.
— devon sawa (@DevonESawa) January 31, 2023
Even wrestling demon Danhausen received into the act and cursed it up!
.@JamesGunn can Clayface be in one thing? Thank you, have a pleasant time making motion pictures. pic.twitter.com/Pjp8xyYqYk
— Danhausen (@DanhausenAD) January 31, 2023
And different voices, different tweets, different scoops (some from doubtful sources however this can be a round-up.)
When requested about the way forward for Superman and Lois, James Gunn responded:
“It’s a show everybody likes, so it’s going to keep going for a little bit.”
(Source: https://t.co/e7NS12AskW) pic.twitter.com/v9tcQZ8REW
— Bam Smack Pow (@BamSmackPow) January 31, 2023
The ending of ‘The Flash’ has reportedly been modified as soon as once more to match James Gunn’s plan. This movie will reset the DC Universe.
through @GraceRandolph pic.twitter.com/lJmUv75n8h
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) January 31, 2023
DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran clarify 2-chapter plan for DCU
“We already know the eight to ten-year plan [are these] two chapters, and there is an ending to our primary story that we inform there.”https://t.co/s88SBUDGKE
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) January 31, 2023
“I think he’s a nice guy. I think he’s been misled by a lot of people, including the old regime at this company. But this Superman [of the new DCU] is not Henry, for a lot of reasons.” – James Gunn
— The Den of Nerds (@TheDenofNerds) January 31, 2023
And perhaps Terence Malick is coming to the DCU?
James Gunn is already speaking to an actor for BOOSTER GOLD. He additionally has a director onboard a top-secret DC film that wasn’t introduced right this moment. That director is infamous for taking his time. Any guesses? https://t.co/btohdehtJd
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) January 31, 2023
Along with their announcement of the primary 10 movie & TV reveals for the DCU (https://t.co/kfAlod7OpI), @JamesGunn and Peter Safran outlined a daring philosophy for the way they need to construct their cinematic universe. They had rather a lot to say. 🧵 https://t.co/6IeF316S0C
— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) January 31, 2023
Okay I’m certain your head is spinning, however Tim Leong gave us the studying record:
If you suppose these DCU motion pictures sound superb (they do!), I encourage you to additionally try a number of the comics if you have not already.
(a number of within the 🧵, seize one out of your native comics store)https://t.co/dZOscOaFbL
— tim leong (@timleong) January 31, 2023
And lastly this tweet resurrected an thought that’s floated repeatedly. Just NO. It doesn’t work!
Biggest factor i need @JamesGunn to announce for DC right this moment: placing comics in theaters. Every time a DC movie performs, simply put a show equipment with all varieties of comedian books that includes that character. Gimme an all ages e book, a origin, the best hits, and many others, and many others. #BringBackTheSpinnerRack pic.twitter.com/Ywh9o37rDR
— Stan Lee Presents, Oscar! Jaina Solo stan (@OrlandoGeekly82) January 31, 2023
WHEW. We’ll have extra Kremlinology as all this unfolds…however let’s simply benefit from the pleasure for now. We earned it.
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