James Gunn has simply articulated his method to shaping the burgeoning DC Universe–and it’s the precise reverse of how Marvel Studios has been telling their tales. The Guardians of the Galaxy filmmaker has spent loads of time bringing Marvel characters to life, however was put accountable for creatively guiding the rebooted DC cinematic universe in 2022.
The primary official venture in Gunn’s DCU, Superman, hit theaters this summer time to important and business success. The second launch, Peacemaker season 2, premieres on HBO Max on August 21, and is predicted to move John Cena’s character from the DC Prolonged Universe to the brand new continuity.
Now, in a dialog with The Workplace star Rainn Wilson posted at Interview Journal, Gunn has defined his method to the DCU and the way the Marvel Cinematic Universe isn’t an apt comparability, as an alternative invoking Sport of Thrones and Star Wars, the latter of which has made roughly $46.7 billion since 1977. Right here’s what Gunn needed to say:
Rainn Wilson: What’s it like being part of this world-building? I think about that should’ve been some of the thrilling issues.
James Gunn: I believe it’s the explanation I agreed to the job. You discuss George R.R. Martin, and he’s actually one of many guys who I like and look as much as. I’m an unlimited fan of his and folks say, “Oh, the DCU is doing what MCU is.”
However I believe it truly is much more to me what the Sport of Thrones world is like or what Star Wars is like, as a result of we’re constructing a universe after which selecting out little items of it and telling particular person tales from that universe.
James Gunn’s feedback weren’t essentially meant to take a dig on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, however the method he detailed does sound just like the polar reverse of what Marvel has been doing lately. One grievance concerning the behemoth Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline is that new entries include the homework of getting acquainted with the universe’s previous occasions.
Superman is an ideal instance of how Gunn has labored to keep away from such a factor, as an alternative “constructing a universe and selecting out little items of it,” because the filmmaker mentioned. Superman introduces audiences to a world that’s already fleshed out; Lex Luthor and Superman are already very acquainted with each other, and Superman and Lois Lane are already courting.
That’s an method that evokes Star Wars greater than Marvel; think about that Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope begins with the Insurrection in flight, hoping to flee the Empire, with out the viewers having a lot context to go on. In Sport of Thrones, home rivalries are established and Home Targaryen has already fallen by the primary episode.
In recent times, Star Wars has particularly taken to coronary heart the thought of letting audiences profit from previous publicity with out requiring it. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew had loads of Easter eggs for Clone Wars followers, however informed a very new story, whereas Ahsoka managed to construct off of the animated Star Wars Rebels with out forgoing character improvement and introduction.
The truth that Superman felt like an exploration of 1 character’s story in a world that had already been lengthy established was refreshing in a yr the place the plot of Captain America: Courageous New World was arrange by 2021’s Eternals and 2008’s The Unimaginable Hulk. As a substitute of asking you to recollect something, the film confirmed you what was necessary.
However Superman was Gunn’s first try at making a DCU venture. With extra DCU motion pictures and reveals on the way in which, the query will probably be whether or not Gunn can proceed telling tales that reference different tasks with out making these tasks required viewing.
Hopefully, he does. By sustaining a dedication to telling “particular person tales”, Gunn’s DCU may find yourself being a friendlier, extra welcoming place for audiences to go to–and never simply because Krypto the Superdog will probably be there to slobber throughout them.