Introduction
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has seen its fair share of character deaths, some of which have left a lasting impact on the trajectory of the franchise. From Superman's early demise to Wonder Woman's tragic losses, the deaths of these iconic characters have sparked debate and disappointment among fans. In this article, we'll delve into 10 DC movie deaths that have only become more puzzling, disappointing, or just plain weird in hindsight.
Superman Dies Fighting Doomsday in Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice
Death is inevitable in superhero movies, as the clash between heroes and villains' larger-than-life superpowers usually puts the world in danger and causes a great deal of collateral damage. However, as emotional or satisfying as some characters' deaths may have been, others have struggled to make an impact or have lost their meaning with time. Let's explore the evolution of these deaths and their impact on the DCEU.
Wonder Woman with Lois as they are next to Superman's dead body in Batman V Superman
Throughout the DCEU's 15-movie run, many characters have met their demise, and the repercussions of these deaths have reverberated through subsequent films. We'll analyze the significance of these deaths and how they have shaped the narrative landscape of the DCEU. Join us on a journey through the lives and deaths of iconic DC characters, as we uncover the impact of their untimely demises.
Henry Cavill as Superman in Justice League and Superman's Torn Cape in DC Comics
Superman's Early DCEU Death
Superman's death at the hands of Doomsday in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice seemed like an odd choice from the start given how soon he sacrifices himself following his DCEU introduction. The abruptness of his demise and subsequent resurrection in Justice League raises questions about the handling of his character.
Cyborg, Superman, The Flash and Batman stand amidst the rubble of the final battle in Zack Snyder's Justice League
Although Zack Snyder's Justice League fixed many of the issues surrounding Superman's return, his proper comeback was limited to streaming, and his DCEU cameos did not fully showcase Henry Cavill in the role. Furthermore, Black Adam's failed promise of Superman's DCEU return added to the disappointment surrounding his early death.
Superman's death is the accidental climax of Henry Cavill's DCEU journey, leaving fans to ponder the missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential of his character. The impact of his early demise has only grown more pronounced over time, as the narrative threads of his story remain unresolved.
Steve Trevor's First Death
Steve Trevor's death in Wonder Woman initially served as a poignant moment, motivating Wonder Woman to fight for the good of all humankind. However, his heroic sacrifice was later tarnished by his return in Wonder Woman 1984, undoing the significance of his death and raising dark implications about his resurrection.
Chris Pine as Steve Trevor in the DCEU's Wonder Woman Movies
The Dreamstone resurrects his soul and places it inside a completely unrelated person, casting a shadow over his relationship with Diana Prince. The impact of his first death is worsened by the knowledge of his eventual return, robbing his sacrifice of its emotional weight and narrative significance.
Steven Trevor's death is worse knowing he will die again, as his character's arc loses its poignancy and leaves a lingering sense of disappointment among fans. The implications of his resurrection have only grown more troubling with time, further complicating the portrayal of his character in the DCEU.