When Marvel announced their plans for a cinematic universe it sounded crazy - people thought it could never work. Nearly eight years later they've proved the naysayers wrong many times over. They hired the best actors and directors they could get their hands on; they patiently established the universe by making solo movies leading up to the big Avengers blowout and maybe the most important thing of all they clearly cared about making entertaining movies. DC, on the other hand, seemed completely lost for years with how to build their own; they had the Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy, but he made it clear his Batman could never exist in a world with other superheroes. Their attempt to turn Green Lantern into a franchise was DOA, with plans for their other properties often languishing in development hell. They finally got moving with Man Of Steel, which was a success but met with harsh criticism by fans and critics. With Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad on the horizon theyre finally stumbling towards their goal of a cinematic universe to rival Marvels, but can they overcome some of the big mistakes theyve already made?
11. They Got Off To A Weak Start With Man Of Steel
Marvel launched their cinematic universe with Iron Man; a blockbuster that felt refreshing thanks to a great cast and solid direction. It wasn't faultless, yet it managed to take the story seriously and have some fun, as well as laying a small trail of breadcrumbs that could lead to future movies. DC launched their universe with Man Of Steel; a noisy, overlong blockbuster that featured a lead character with little in the way of charisma. The movie had seriously confused morals (did his Dad really think he should have left a bunch of school kids to drown?) and thought that spectacle was a good substitute for emotion; and when the big set pieces happened most people were checking their watches waiting for it to end. It was a lacklustre way to kick off a potential franchise, and the response to the film has coloured people's perception of DCs plans ever since. Iron Man is still a well-regarded blockbuster, while people only look to Man Of Steel as an example of what not to do.
