By redesigning the DC Universe, James Gunn and Peter Safran are demonstrating their ambition to differentiate themselves from Marvel and its multiversal MCU. The two masterminds want to deploy a timeline that's easier to follow. Undoubtedly a way to win back some fans disappointed by the confusing branches of their competitor.
Marvel is getting confused with its multiverse
Since 2008 and the first Iron Man, Marvel has established its MCU, a universe in which each film and series is interwoven, before switching to a multiverse that is increasingly dense and complex to explain. Particularly from Phase 4 and the films Spider-Man No Way Home and Doctor Strange 2, as well as the series Loki. Parallel universes, time jumps, different versions of the characters, rewriting of history via retcons (all of this contained in around thirty films and series), in 2025, some fans are dizzy with this flood of information to remember. This is notably one of the main criticisms made of a universe that is running out of steam, and of a studio trapped by its own initial ambitions.
Not to mention the chronology of the films not always very clear and a viewing order biased by the release of feature films such as Captain America: The First Avenger, three years after Iron Man (while it is set well before), and one year before The First Avenger, which marks the end of phase 1. Symbolic of a certain form of incomprehension among fans: the relationship between Steve Rogers and Bucky took time to build. At the time, Marvel had to develop the characters in two separate worlds in order to create more impact when they reunited. A long and winding path that can confuse more than one. We also think of Captain Marvel, released in 2019 and which places its plot in 1995, after about twenty more contemporary films.
DC has the cards in hand to develop a more coherent universe
It can't be said that DC Comics has managed to do better. Quite the contrary, the successive changes in strategy, the desire to model itself on Marvel's MCU, and the negative impact of Zack Snyder with his Justice League, have considerably weighed down the universe. But long-time fans finally seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel with the takeover of the DCEU (renamed DCU) by former Marvel executives James Gunn and Peter Safran. Thanks to the desire to offer only one connected universe where the films are supposed to be released in chronological order. At least, that's the plan.
A chapter-based structure (the first of which is titled Gods and Monsters), where the superheroes will be brought together in one or more films, failing to all have their own signature. The trailer for Superman is a good example. The film, expected on July 9, will be the second project in the DCU after the series Creature Commandos released on Max at the end of last year, and will lay the foundations of the universe before other planned projects: season 2 of Pacemaker, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Clayface, The Authority, and the new Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
Be careful, however, behind this seemingly simple and straightforward strategy, and this desire to stand out from Marvel, James Gunn and Peter Safran include elements from the old DCEU, including characters from The Suicide Squad. Squad in their series Creature Commandos, and the story of the second season of Pacemaker, which oscillates between the two universes. Elements likely to blur the clarity of the project. A difficult transition to implement that must be subtly managed to avoid inconsistencies. We'll know soon enough.
0 Comments