DC's Heroic Advantage: How James Gunn's Take on Superheroes Sets Them Apart from the MCU

James Gunn's critical views on recent live-action superhero adaptations could lead to the DC Universe avoiding a major problem that has been affecting Marvel Studios' MCU. In November 2022, James Gunn, known for directing Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, took on the co-CEO role of DC Studios alongside producer Peter Safran. They promised a significant overhaul of DC's live-action universe, which began with the announcement of the initial plans for Chapter 1, titled "Gods and Monsters," in January 2023. Gunn's blunt criticisms of recent superhero projects indicate that DC Studios may be heading in the right direction.

In an interview on Michael Rosenbaum's Inside of You podcast in June 2023, Rosenbaum, who frequently collaborates with Gunn, asked the filmmaker if he believed there were "too many superhero shows and movies." Gunn responded bluntly with, "I do think there's too many." This line of questioning likely addressed the decline in popularity that both Marvel and DC have experienced in recent years, attributed by many to superhero fatigue. However, Gunn mentioned that the rebooted DC Universe would tackle this issue and have a clear solution.

James Gunn's Criticism Suggests The DCU Will Have Far Fewer Shows Than The MCU

DC Studios, like Marvel Studios after the introduction of Disney+, intends to present its live-action and animated stories through feature films and long-form TV series. This approach allows superhero franchises to explore smaller-scale narratives that involve lesser-known characters who may not receive sufficient screen time in theaters. However, while this strategy of releasing both TV shows and films offers advantages, it also poses certain challenges. One such challenge is the overwhelming amount of new content, a criticism that Marvel Studios has already faced.

In 2021, Marvel Studios launched five series on Disney+ alongside four feature films. However, the sheer volume of new stories resulted in a decline in overall quality, evident in the subpar visual effects of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. DC Studios aims to prevent this issue by adopting a more measured release approach. In an interview, DC Studios emphasized their intention to avoid overextending themselves and stated they would be meticulous in the content they produce. Currently, only five TV shows have been confirmed for the upcoming DC Universe, with Creature Commandos and Waller scheduled for release in 2024, while the release dates for the others are yet to be announced.

Why Having Few Shows Can Benefit The DC Universe

Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige initially stated that viewers wouldn't need to watch the Disney+ series to comprehend the theatrical releases. However, this was proven incorrect when WandaVision established connections to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and the plot of Loki became essential to the MCU's Multiverse Saga. In contrast, DC Studios has structured its TV schedule in a way that keeps the main plot of the DC Universe primarily in theaters, simplifying the storyline for audiences. The decision to release fewer TV shows in the DC Universe also adds a sense of significance and depth to the franchise, making each release more impactful.