8 Classic Problems With Batman And Superman Movies Warner Bros. Are Repeating With The DCEU

The big thing that came out of the recent Justice League set visit was a general push to make this film lighter than the two that preceded it – The Flash will be an Ant-Man-esque comedic presence, the aesthetic approach is brighter and all the moping will be toned down because, according to Deborah Snyder, “people don’t like to see their heroes deconstructed” (incorrect: people don’t like it when you deconstruct them badly, but whatever).

This is very positive step, one that means Justice League has the chance to move past what came before (although we did hear the same "learnt our lessons" spiel from the crew of Batman V Superman), but this is hardly the first time this development's taken place; as I said in the intro, Batman’s been an on-again-off-again cinema presence long enough now that we can see the pattern.

When Tim Burton, given total free reign on the sequel after the original’s success, turned in a gothic, sexualized Batman Returns, the reaction was less than positive; parents felt their children were alienated and the box office reflected that. Warner’s solution? Go more lighter and vibrant, add in jokey characters and bring the kids back. Justice League won't be that bad (hopefully), but it does show tonal jumps are rarely the best choice.