Anghus Houvouras on the success of Wonder Woman and its impact on Marvel…
Wonder Woman is finally here, and to everyone’s surprise it seems to be pleasing audiences, investors, and a large majority of critics. I would refrain from calling it ‘universally loved’, only because of the steady stream of hate I keep seeing from some rather respectable film nerds online. However, to call it DC’s most praised film of their new-ish Extended Universe feels like a no-brainer.
The question “Will audiences go see a female superhero movie” has now been answered. Hell to the yes.
Unfortunately it wasn’t Marvel Studios that helped answer that question, but DC/Warner Bros. For the studio that started and has mastered the four quadrant super-hero movie, it’s a rare misstep. Wonder Woman’s across-the-board success makes it seem like Marvel has been playing it safe for the last decade with their sausage party cinematic universe.
It’s almost impossible to criticize Marvel Studios. They’ve been on a near decade-long success streak that continues to defy the odds and push the bar higher and higher. There are critics like me who have become a tiny bit bored with the formulaic origin stories and stakes-free films that populate the Marvel catalog, but in sheer terms of vision, execution, and return on investment their armor has rarely revealed any flaws. Until now.
Anything Marvel does in the wake of Wonder Woman’s success will feel reactionary. Yes, they’ve had Captain Marvel on the slate for a while and I’m sure Brie Larson will be amazing. However, it’s going to be released after Wonder Woman. As Marvel’s catalog begins to reach into the dozens, couldn’t they have taken this gamble before DC? What were they afraid of? With the billions in profits, couldn’t they have taken a risk with Captain Marvel before now? Did it really take until the ass-end of Phase Three to give audiences a female superhero movie?
DC/Warner Bros. has been verbally laid to waste for a number of complaints from fans and critics. From the very valid ‘these films take great liberties with established characters’ (Batman v Superman, Man of Steel) to ‘these movies are downright terrible (Suicide Squad, BvS Theatrical Cut)’. However, in a span of four years they’ve taken more risks than any of the Marvel movies. Risk isn’t always met with reward. Even though Warner Bros. is basking in the afterglow of a successful Wonder Woman launch, it was yet another risk. But this one paid off.
Right now Captain Marvel is slated for 2019. The first female centered Marvel superhero movie is two years away. They’ll have 10+ years of adaptations before they get to their first female superhero movie. The words that spring to mind are ‘prudent’, ‘judicious’, and ‘safe’. Those aren’t words you would often use to describe the money-making machine of Marvel Studios.
For the first time Marvel Studios feels like they’re late to the party. Instead of setting the trend, they’re following suit. Forced to spend two more years answering the question; ‘Why did it take so long?’
There is legitimate criticism that can be lobbed at the DC Extended Universe, but for all their failings give credit where credit is due: Making Wonder Woman was a priority was a baller move and they’ve made Marvel look unfashionably out of date.
Anghus Houvouras
Originally published June 6, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
