Hollywood marketing expert Terry Press shares her insights on James Gunn's involvement with The Flash and highlights the importance of his expressing enthusiasm for the film. Directed by Andres Muschietti, The Flash marks the return of Ezra Miller as Barry Allen and serves as a reset of the DCU canon. Prior to its release, the film garnered widespread acclaim as one of the finest offerings from the DCU, with Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, describing it as "one of the best superhero movies [he's] ever seen."
As The Flash hits theaters this weekend, Press delves into a discussion about the film on a recent episode of The Town with Matthew Belloni podcast, shedding light on why it is crucial for Gunn to speak highly of the project. While Gunn's enthusiasm may be genuine, he also carries certain responsibilities towards the film and Warner Bros. Discovery. For a comprehensive understanding, refer to Press' detailed explanation below.
“When you inherit movies that you didn’t create, you still bear the responsibility of owning them. It becomes your duty to ensure that they reach their highest potential and are released to the world in the best way possible. However, this can present a dilemma. You cannot simply declare, 'My reign begins now.' Instead, you are faced with the challenge of working with the movies that are already completed and finding a way to handle them effectively."
James Gunn's DCEU Hype Is Good For The DCU
Gunn's support for films like The Flash, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is beneficial for the overall DCU. Despite any personal reservations he may have, his enthusiasm aligns him with the leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery, presenting a united front for the company's films.
Gunn's directorial success in the realm of comic book movies, particularly with the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and The Suicide Squad, has solidified his reputation. His endorsement of superhero films holds significant influence, surpassing that of an average director. This not only provides reassurance to Warner Bros. Discovery executives but also serves as a positive indication for fans.
Given Gunn's endorsement of projects that were set in motion prior to his involvement in the DC Extended Universe (DCU), audiences can have confidence that iconic characters like Batman and Superman are in capable hands moving forward. While a reset of the DCU is on the horizon and different iterations of these beloved heroes will be introduced, establishing the DCU on a sturdy foundation and fostering goodwill among fans will be crucial for its long-term success. The outcome of Gunn's DCU plan post-The Flash remains to be seen, but his enthusiasm bodes well for future films.
Source: The Town With Matthew Belloni