DCU: Isn't It Time We Give The Skepticism Some Rest?

Aside from the ones already in production, the new DCU hasn’t premiered its first movie yet and the pessimistic fans are already complaining. I get it, DC fans are passionate about these characters. They’re mad that the MCU has made hit after hit and DC can’t catch a break. The studio has barely announced what they have in mind as far as the bigger picture and already the fanboys are starting with “James Gunn is just gonna bring in all his friends, … blah blah blah”. It’s not a great argument, but it’s all they have.

“He’s just going to bring in all the same people he’s worked with before.” WHO CARES?!? (insert standard Arnold Schwarzenegger impression) “Stop whining.” You do realize it’s called “networking” and most successful endeavors in any business revolve around it. Like-minded people working together to achieve a common goal these days is a bad thing?

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But hell I feel like arguing. Just so we’re clear, a director (and studio head) will bring in a slew of people he’s worked with before and created wildly successful movies on multiple occasions?!? Count me in. Seriously, where is the downside in this? Let’s take the comic book side right out of it. When it comes to movies, the people who create them have a vision. A cast and crew have to be assembled to help those people execute their vision. Wouldn’t you, in his shoes, want someone who you know and trust to support your success? More often than not, longevity in the film industry doesn’t happen by mistake or dumb luck. It comes from experience and execution.

I’m sure James Gunn is no stranger to criticism. There were some pretty reputable sites out there talking out of their backsides when Guardians of the Galaxy was announced. “This is going to be Marvel’s first flop. Nobody knows or cares about these characters .. blah blah blah.” Same nonsense before The Suicide Squad. “We already tried this once and failed. It’s just DC’s version of GotG.” (insert yawn). Not only was Suicide Squad fun, but the spin-off series Peacemaker was fantastic! It’s gotta be embarrassing being wrong that often.

Personally, I hope James Gunn brings everybody he knows into the DCU if it means turning out great movies. I don’t care if he gets the janitor who used to scrape gum off of desks where he went to high school. If he makes people care about the characters the way people cared about Groot and Rocket. If they can capture the same energy that was brought to Ratcatcher and Polka-Dot Man, I’m in. Someone he knows or a completely new actor, IDGAF. I just want the DCU to make good movies, and James Gunn does that.

We get it. You like the Snyderverse but that horse is dead. No need to keep beating it. Comic book characters have gone through many iterations, so will these movies. Move on. James Gunn’s passion for making movies for the fans and not the studio will make the DCU a success but you gotta give up this tired crusade. For years Warner Bros has been casting the “hot right now” actor/actress into their DC movies and there have been way more misses than hits. Let this man work and find the perfect mix of fresh faces and networked actors he’s met along the way. None of his movies so far have been a disappointment.

Oh, and don’t forget this is a partnership with Peter Safran. I’m sure he’ll have his share of say in both characters and direction.