How Warner Bros Can Fix The DC Extended Universe
2. Further Utilise DC Comics' Lesser-Known Characters
On the surface, BvS seemed like a guaranteed one billion dollar hit, but surprisingly, it fell over $100 million short. This proved that audiences won't flock to a poor movie just because it's got some famous characters slapped across the poster, and in fact, since the DCEU's inception, its "biggest" characters - Bats and Supes - haven't clicked with the masses in the same way that previous iterations of the characters have.
DC Comics boasts a gigantic roster of intriguing characters, spanning almost 100 years of entertainment. With the DCEU's big hitters underperforming - and Marvel proving that even lesser-known characters can work on the big screen - why not dive into that well?
Bringing more obscure characters into the DCEU would have several benefits. For one, it would give audiences something different and fresh, and that curiosity factor could drive more interest. Crazier and more unique characters also afford filmmakers the opportunity to make their movies more distinctive, a big improvement over the DCEU's generally soulless fare.
Remember, Marvel built the MCU on the back of B and C-list characters. In 2008, nobody cared about Iron Man or Thor, and now they're the biggest heroes in the world. In contrast, the DCEU will be nearly six years old before we get its first truly "risky" movie with Aquaman later this year. That's insane, especially considering the MCU was doing that from day one.
These movies have to be good, mind you - there's no use just being different, as Suicide Squad proved - because the DCEU really needs a Black Panther, an Ant-Man or a Guardians to cement itself as an exciting franchise. Hopefully, Aquaman, Shazam, or New Gods can deliver on that front.