Geoff Johns on course correcting the DC Extended Universe

2016 was meant to be the year that Warner Bros. cemented its DC Extended Universe as a formidable alternative to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Instead, this year’s two releases – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad – were savagely mauled by critics, and while both films have their supporters, it’s clear that the movies left a bit of a sour taste in the mouths of many DC fans.

In an effort to course-correct its DC properties, Warner Bros. enlisted DC Comics chief creative officer Geoff Johns and executive Jon Berg to steer the DC Films slate, and both have been chatting to the Wall Street Journal about their role.

“In the past, I think the studio has said, ‘Oh, DC films are gritty and dark and that’s what makes them different,’” said Johns. “That couldn’t be more wrong. It’s a hopeful and optimistic view of life. Even Batman has a glimmer of that in him. If he didn’t think he’d make tomorrow better, he’d stop. We’re trying to take a really hard look at everything to make sure we stay true to the characters and tell stories that celebrate them.”

Berg went on to reveal that the fan reaction to Dawn of Justice led them to “accelerate the [Justice League] story to get to the hope and optimism a little faster”, as well as stating that Zack Snyder’s next DC offering will “directly address Batman’s extreme actions in [Batman v Superman], such as torturing criminals and nearly killing the Man of Steel, rather than accept them as par for the course.”

The Johns/Berg era will get underway next year with the release of Wonder Woman (which Johns has co-written) on June 2nd 2017, followed by Justice League on November 17th 2017. Are you feeling optimistic for the future of the DCEU? Let us know in the comments below…

eliottsworld

I’m certainly more hopeful about the future of DC’s film output now than I was when I walked out the theater following BvS. I won’t let myself get too excited until I see an actually good movie from them though.
Matthew

I think Wonder Woman will be good. Will it alter DC’s course. Don’t know. Also, who cares what the critics say or the so-called fans-comic book fans. Both did decent at the box office if not what was hoped. We shall see won’t we?
Timo Qvintus

More than “fixing” the characters, these movies need to be left alone by the studio committees. If Johns can convince them to do so, then things are looking up. If not, well then they’re just adding two more producers into the already crowded mix and possibly make it even more convoluted.
Luke Owen

These quotes really should put an end to the “Justice League was always going to be brighter than BvS” and “BvS was supposed to be the dark before the dawn” comments. This is a public admittance the DC Universe ballsed up.