David Zaslav, CEO of the newly establishedWarner Bros. Discovery, has his attention focused on reshaping the landscape of the company’s most profitable component, DC Entertainment. Zaslav looks to completely overhaul the content creation of the symbolic comic book characters to create a more cohesive universe of narratives that work together harmoniously.
Discovery closed its $43 billion for Warner Media roughly a week ago, joining one of the largest entertainment brands under the new handle ofWarner Bros. Discovery. Zaslav, the CEO of the combined companies. looks to enact some shifts in the company’s current and future DC projects. The move would potentially affectdeveloping DC filmsand the company’s streaming content to make the emblematic universe more aligned and comprehensible. DC has consistently faced criticism for its handling of the iconic superheroes it has at its disposal and the lack of cohesion in the varying narratives, an element that Marvel Studios has successfully tackled in their films and newly developed Disney Plus series.
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Variety reports that before the $43 billion merger closed, Zaslav vetted several candidates with the experience needed to see his overall vision for the DC property come to fruition. The goal of the vetting process was to find an individual with the creative and nurturing ability to strategically build a blockbuster universe akin to what Marvel Studios has with Kevin Feige. The studio behindThe Avengershas been the talk of the cinematic world since the release ofSpider-Man: No Way Home, which has made $1.8 billion worldwide. The Marvel fascination is increasing with the anticipated arrival of theDoctor Strangesequel in the coming weeks, making it difficult for DC to gain relevance, especially after delays to various films no longer releasing this year.
Zaslav noted that the merger’s success depends on their ability to maximize the potential of the DC universe and its vast array of characters. The company mentioned one character, in particular, Superman, who they believe needs revitalization because of the lackluster approach taken with his character. However, the company highlights specific projects likeJoaquin Phoenix’sJokeras an example of how they can effectively use second-bill DC characters. There appears to be a vision moving forward with DC Entertainment, but the lingering void behind the scenes remains unfilled. Until Zaslav can find the conductor he envisions, it will be difficult for the universe to take a much-desired cohesive form.
Despite the criticism the DC universe has faced, recent successes worth noting could fuel the company’s direction. This year,The Batmanhas been a welcomed surprise, receiving positive receptions and earning $737 million worldwide. In addition, the film has laid the foundation for a series centered around Colin Farrell’s the Penguin and another about Arkham Asylum, which are looking to enter development soon.The Suicide Squidwas an equally pleasant surprise from the DC universe, whose success led to thePeacemakerspin-off series, which was received well by audiences. DC is figuring out ways to build cohesion across its narratives, but Zaslav believes the company still has more to do.
The uneven approach taken with the DC universe has consistently been an issue, creating frustration among fans who desire to see the popular brand do right by their beloved characters. So news of the shift in the company’s visions is welcoming, but it’s unclear what it means for projects on the horizon. Upcoming DC films includeShazam,Black Adam,Aquaman, and the third installment ofWonder Woman.The Flashlooked to help DC reshape its superhero universe, butthe recent actions of Ezra Millerhave things regarding the project sitting in limbo. It’ll be interesting to see Warner Bros. Discovery’s moves to revamp the DC universe and if a new leader can lead them down the desired path.
