10 Valuable Lessons for the DCU to Take from the Arrowverse

Article Overview

The new DC Universe should take a gradual approach to introducing its heroes, similar to the success of the Arrowverse.

A solid groundwork, akin to Arrow in the Arrowverse, is vital for the prosperity of the new DC Universe. The DC Universe ought to draw inspiration from the Arrowverse concerning inclusive and robust casting, embracing the eccentricity of DC Comics, and integrating the multiverse concept without excessive utilization.

When planning the future of the new DC Universe, DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran can draw valuable lessons from the success of The CW's Arrowverse. After a tumultuous period at Warner Bros. and DC Studios, which resulted in underwhelming releases, the DC Extended Universe is poised for a reboot into the DC Universe. The DCU will kick off with Creature Commandos and Waller in 2024, followed by Superman: Legacy in 2025. As Gunn and Safran aim to avoid repeating the mistakes of the DCEU, they can find inspiration in the triumph of DC's television shows, particularly those in The CW's Arrowverse.

Despite the challenges faced by the DCEU over the past decade, the Arrowverse thrived, successfully introducing characters from DC Comics into a separate television franchise, distinct from Warner Bros.' big-screen productions. With six main TV series, two animated series, and even integrating two previous shows into its continuity, the Arrowverse spotlighted iconic heroes like Green Arrow, the Flash, Supergirl, and Batwoman from 2012 to 2023. While the Arrowverse's popularity has somewhat decreased in recent years, DC Studios can still glean valuable insights from its success, which can guide the development of the new DC Universe.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

10. The DC Universe Should Be Built Up Slowly

The Arrowverse Grew Over A Number Of Years

The DCEU hurriedly brought together Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, whereas the Arrowverse took a more gradual approach in introducing its heroes. For a span of two years, the focus remained solely on Stephen Amell's Oliver Queen, also known as Green Arrow, and other heroes were introduced when the timing was appropriate. This organic growth never felt forced, and often resulted in characters introduced in one project leading another, like Caity Lotz's Sara Lance, who first appeared in Arrow before going on to star in Legends of Tomorrow. The DCU could benefit from this gradual development, allowing for the creation of more projects if the existing ones are already successful.

The CW's Arrowverse encompasses six primary TV shows: Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, Black Lightning, and Batwoman, along with animated series Vixen and Freedom Fighters: The Ray, and the inclusion of Constantine and The Flash from 1990.

9. The DC Universe Needs A Strong Foundation

Arrow Kicked Off The Arrowverse In 2012

The Arrowverse's gradual expansion relied heavily on the solid foundation laid by Arrow. Stephen Amell's portrayal of Oliver Queen in the first series of the franchise, which also gave it its name, was the starting point in 2012. It wasn't until 2020 that Amell bid farewell to his iconic character. Episodes 8 and 9 of Arrow season 2, titled "The Scientist" and "Three Ghosts" respectively, served as backdoor pilots for The Flash, the second series in the Arrowverse. Arrow continued for two more seasons before The Flash made its debut in 2014. A similar strong base, like Arrow, would greatly benefit the DCU, and this might be the planned approach for Superman: Legacy.

8. The DC Universe Shouldn't Stick Too Religiously To Comic Storylines

The Arrowverse Changed DC's Stories & Characters Routinely

One major critique of the DCEU, dating back to its inception with 2013's Man of Steel, has been the disparity between the characters created by Zack Snyder and their comic book counterparts. Yet, this divergence could prove advantageous for the DCU, much like it did for the Arrowverse. Although the Arrowverse drew inspiration from DC Comics' storylines, character dynamics were altered based on the chemistry between actors, and many individuals were entirely reimagined to better suit the franchise's tone. This organic progression would greatly benefit the DCU, as it guides the exploration of successful elements and allows for adjustments to enhance these aspects.

An example of the Arrowverse making a change because of the actors was pairing Oliver Queen with Felicity Smoak, as he is romantically involved with Dinah Lance in DC Comics.

7. The DC Universe Needs Strong & Diverse Casting

The Arrowverse's Casting Choices Were Inspired

The DCEU encountered numerous casting challenges, particularly involving controversies surrounding certain actors. This highlighted the significance of hiring a talented cast. Additionally, diverse casting was a strength of the Arrowverse. Many individuals of color were cast as beloved superheroes, such as David Harewood as Martian Manhunter. The Arrowverse also showcased LGBT+ actors and characters, including Sara Lance and Dreamer, portrayed by transgender actor Nicole Maines. DC Studios has already confirmed various actors for Superman: Legacy and other DCU projects, raising hopes for the continuation of strong casting.

6. The DC Universe Needs To Remember How Weird The Comics Are

The Arrowverse Leaned Into The Craziness & Magic Of DC Comics

While the DCEU often opted for a darker and more serious approach to DC Comics' narratives and characters, the Arrowverse fearlessly embraced the zaniness and eccentricity of DC's storylines. This is an element that the DCU should definitely consider adopting, particularly in its early stages, as audiences crave a more lighthearted and enjoyable experience from the new franchise. The Flash's delightfully silly antagonists brought a refreshing dynamic in their live-action portrayals, Legends of Tomorrow's delightfully wild overarching storylines were made all the more engaging by their vividness, and even Arrow managed to infuse some fantastical moments which added depth to the entire franchise.

The Arrowverse never shied away from bringing some of DC's crazier stories to life.

5. The Multiverse Should Be Important To The DC Universe (But Not Overused)

The Arrowverse Included Several Popular Crossover Events

The concept of the multiverse has gained popularity in recent superhero franchises, especially in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's ongoing Multiverse Saga. However, DC's Arrowverse had already introduced the multiverse to their television shows long before, utilizing Grant Gustin's Barry Allen and his access to the Speed Force to facilitate crossovers with alternate realities. The multiverse played a crucial role in numerous Arrowverse stories, particularly during major crossover events, thus it is imperative that DC Universe acknowledges its significance. Nevertheless, considering the recent disappointment of 2023's The Flash, it is conceivable that DC Studios may opt to temporarily steer clear of the multiverse.

4. The DC Universe Needs To Celebrate DC's Previous Projects

Several Past DC Actors Returned For Roles In The Arrowverse

The Arrowverse excelled at paying homage to previous DC projects, showcasing its strength in the live-action DC community. By bringing back beloved actors like John Wesley Shipp, Brandon Routh, Helen Slater, and Lynda Carter, the Arrowverse not only allowed them to reprise their iconic roles but also invited them to take on new characters. In contrast, the DCEU's attempt to bring back Michael Keaton's Batman in The Flash didn't have the desired impact. The Arrowverse has mastered this trend, suggesting that the new DCU can learn a thing or two about honoring the past while charting a fresh course for DC's future. John Wesley Shipp, known for playing Barry Allen in the 1990s series The Flash, made a triumphant return to the Arrowverse as Barry's father and also portrayed various versions of the Flash.

3. Crossovers In The DC Universe Need To Be Informed By Solo Hero Development

Heroes In The Arrowverse Were Changed In Every Crossover Event

During its eleven-year run, the Arrowverse presented a total of seven major crossover events. These events brought characters from different shows together, allowing them to interact and cooperate in order to save the world. However, what made these crossovers truly outstanding was not just the mere gathering of characters, but the direct impact they had on their actions and development both before and after the events took place. The crossovers in the Arrowverse were not isolated occurrences but rather essential parts of the overall story, serving as pivotal moments in the growth of many heroes. Each time these heroes united, they were not the same as before, having been shaped by their individual experiences. This transformative quality is something the DC Universe should strive to capture when crafting its own crossover narratives. The Arrowverse featured seven notable crossover events throughout its run: Flash vs. Arrow (2014), Heroes Join Forces (2015), Invasion! (2016), Crisis on Earth-X (2017), Elseworlds (2018), Crisis on Infinite Earths (2019-20), and Armageddon (2021).

2. The DC Universe Needs To Include A Huge Amount Of Variety

Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl & Legends Of Tomorrow All Had Very Different Tones

The DCEU faced a major issue by heavily embracing the darker tones set by Zack Snyder in Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, and Justice League, even when lighter tones were necessary. On the contrary, the Arrowverse never encountered this problem, even after launching with the somber Arrow. The Flash, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow each possessed distinct styles, introducing a plethora of variety that made the franchise incredibly thrilling. To keep audiences engaged, the DCU should follow suit by offering projects with diverse styles, textures, and genres - an effective strategy that can be achieved by hiring talented and unique filmmakers.

1. DC Studios Needs To Listen To Its Audience

The Arrowverse Developed Perfectly Because Of Audience Viewership

The Arrowverse had a strong start when Arrow premiered in 2012. The show's high viewership numbers gave The CW the confidence to expand the franchise with five additional shows. The crossovers within the franchise were popular, allowing fan-favorite characters to have more screen time, while less popular stories were discontinued. This demonstrated the studio's commitment to providing the best viewer experience. As a result, the Arrowverse naturally concluded with the finale of The Flash season 8 in 2023. However, this only solidified the audience's engagement with the franchise, something that the new DC Universe should take into consideration.

Editor's P/S

The Arrowverse, which ran from 2012 to 2023, was a highly successful television franchise that introduced many iconic DC Comics characters to a new generation of fans. The show's gradual world-building, diverse casting, and willingness to embrace the weirdness of the comics were all key factors in its success.

The DCU can learn a lot from the Arrowverse's example. By taking a gradual approach to introducing its heroes, the DCU can avoid the pitfalls of the DCEU, which tried to cram too many characters into too few movies. The DCU should also embrace diversity in its casting, both in terms of race and gender. This will help to make the DCU more inclusive and appealing to a wider range of fans. Finally, the DCU should not be afraid to embrace the weirdness of the comics. This is what makes DC Comics unique, and it is something that fans love about the franchise.