DC is at a turning point. In a few weeks, the company will usher in a new era for its superheroes in cinema. After an uneven and sometimes even cheesy DCEU, DC Studios has entrusted James Gunn and Peter Safran with the responsibility of bringing new adaptations of the iconic comics in its catalog to life. Batman, Green Lantern, and especially Superman will rise from the ashes under the leadership of the two new creative directors.
Clark Kent kicks off hostilities on July 9, with Gunn directing. The project is highly anticipated and has already released a few images. The plot, however, remains rather cryptic, with Warner Bros. merely evoking the difficulty for the son of Krypton to come to terms with his extraterrestrial origins and his human upbringing. Fortunately, while the summer of blockbusters has been launched with Thunderbolts*, a new trailer reveals more about the first adventures of David Corenswet's Superman.
Superman in a fine mess
The trailer confirms that Superman will find himself in the spotlight despite himself. He intervened to prevent a war and must answer for his actions before the courts. His omnipotence is questioned, as was the case in Batman v Superman for example. As one might expect, James Gunn wants to evoke the political consequences of the arrival of a being like Superman on Earth. The one we readily call a symbol of America will undoubtedly be an opportunity for Gunn to question the country and, more broadly, humanity.
These images also confirm that James Gunn had a good nose in entrusting the role of Lois Lane to Rachel Brosnahan, the excellent Ms. Maisel in the Prime Video series. But the real surprise of this real trailer is undoubtedly Lex Luthor, the antagonist who finally gives voice. He clearly does not see Superman's popularity in a very good light and wants to do everything to get rid of this hero who captivates the crowds. We also see Nathan Fillion's Green Lantern and Edi Gathegi's Mister Terrific.
Is this the right one?
DC and Warner Bros are betting big on this first film in the DCU. In theaters, the two entities will have to prove that their franchise is worth watching and make people forget the mistakes of the past. The film should also aim to break free from the codes dictated by Marvel, which still dominates the cinematic universe. But while a certain weariness is felt among viewers—no doubt linked to the proliferation of parodies and satires carried by not-so-heroic figures—Superman may surprise by illustrating itself in the singularity of its themes and approaches rather than its classicism.
While the use of certain John Williams arrangements in the trailers reinforces the idea of a part in the continuity of those directed by Richard Donner and carried by Christopher Reeve, we can hope that James Gunn has put his talent to good use in bringing to life outsiders like the Guardians of the Galaxy or the Suicide Squad.
More broadly, DC seems to have learned from the mistakes of its rival. James Gunn emphasized the artistic and creative freedom that will benefit the directors who will work under the DCU banner. No specifications, something that is often criticized about the MCU, but a consistency with other projects and a freedom of tone and aesthetic that recalls what Warner Bros had already tried to do with its DC Elseworlds.
The fact remains that, while Joker and The Batman met with unexpected critical and commercial success, the first failed to convince with its sequel, while Matt Reeves' film continues to accumulate delays. James Gunn and Peter Safran will thus have to prove that we can still surprise with comic book heroes, that we can still innovate in a genre that threatens to fall into disuse. The answer will come in July with the duel at the top of Fantastic Four and Superman.
0 Comments