The DC Extended Universe has had a shaky start. The critical response to Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad is not encouraging. Thankfully, Wonder Woman helped things get on track. But, what about future DC films like Justice League? Will they still echo the tone and approach of the pre-Wonder Woman films?
Here’s What Superman Has to Say
According to Henry Cavill, the answer is no. In an interview with Rake Magazine, the Superman actor acknowledged the issues critics and certain audiences have had with the DC films up to this point.
“There was a style they [DC] were going for, an attempt to be different and look at things from a slightly different perspective, which hasn’t necessarily worked. Yes, it has made money but it has not been a critical success; it hasn’t given everyone that sensation which superheroes should give the viewer.”
Cavill went on to talk about the future of the franchise and how DC can learn from the mistakes they have made.
“I feel like now the right mistakes have been made and they haven’t been pandered [to], and we can start telling the stories in the way they need to be told. It is even better to come back from a mistake or stylistic error into the correct vein because it will make it seem that much stronger. Wonder Woman was the first step in the right direction.”
It Hasn’t Been All Bad
A lot of fans would agree with Cavill’s assessment. Personally, I find there to be elements of Man of Steel and Suicide Squad that are worth extolling. Specifically, Hans Zimmer’s theme for Kal-el is absolutely fantastic and deserving of praise.
And Suicide Squad featured fun and memorable performances from Margot Robbie and Will Smith. The barroom scene from that film shows just how good these actors can be together.
But, Cavill is right. The DC Extended Universe has not been delivering on the promise of superheroism. Wonder Woman changed that and we’re all luckier for it. And from what Cavill says, Justice League should be another step in the right direction. We’ll find out if that’s true when it opens on November 17.
