10 Movie Franchises Ruined By One Dumb Decision

8. Trying To Copy The MCU Formula - The DC Extended Universe

When Zack Snyder's Superman reboot Man of Steel was released back in 2013, it provided only the mildest hints at a wider cinematic universe.

But as soon as the film's commercial success became apparent, Warner Bros. fast-tracked a franchise-expanding quasi-sequel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

And that's where the problems really started.

Batman v Superman was a jumbled mess of a movie, overstuffed with incoherent subplots and desperate attempts to hurriedly introduce the focal members of the Justice League.

It was painfully clear that Warner Bros. was trying to rush their own version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe into existence, attempting to establish in two movies what it took the MCU six films: a likeable team of superheroes with their own brand visibility.

Fans rejected Batman v Superman, but Warner Bros. pressed on with Justice League regardless, hoping that its lighter tone would appeal to the type of audience that propelled the MCU to box office glory.

Justice League tanked regardless, and the success of solo outings such as Wonder Woman and especially Aquaman have prompted the studio to change tack, focusing instead on these "smaller" movies and keeping away from risky ensemble tentpoles.

At this point, it's entirely possible a second Justice League movie simply won't ever happen, which is surely the exact opposite of what Warner Bros. wanted when they started the DCEU.

And it's all because they couldn't take their time building their own cohesive world: they had to try and play catch-up with the MCU, and they fell flat on their face as a result.