The New Warner Brothers President and CEO, David Zaslav, has made some very controversial decisions. After cancelling several projects at various stages of production, including Batgirl, Zaslav has confirmed that there is a 10-year plan in place for the DCEU going forward. With DC feeling they are treading water, and the confusing place of the Snyder Cut in the universe, what exactly is the plan?

The Original Plan

The DCEU has taken many detours from its original plan. Originally supposed to begin with Green Lantern in 2011, this was scrapped due to the film’s poor reception. Instead, it began with Man of Steel in 2013, with Zack Snyder kicking off the universe before other directors took over for different heroes. A planned sequel was morphed into Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, which kicked off the universe and hastily introduced heroes in a quick scene. David Ayer’s Suicide Squad meant that two out of the three entries had received poor reviews, prompting WB to rethink their plans. Justice League had an infamously troubled production, resulting in the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement.

Had things followed this plan, Justice League would have been the first of a trilogy, eventually culminating in the heroes battling Darkseid and Superman being controlled via the Anti-life equation. Heroes would get standalone movies in between these team-ups, while other heroes would be introduced. In the aftermath of Justice League, many films were delayed or cancelled, and the ones that have been released since have little connection or reference to previous entries. Entries that have included references to other heroes have been vague, with Shazam! and Peacemaker using stand-ins for members of the Justice League in cameos.

After the release of the Snyder Cut, some fans were hoping that the original plan would continue, but this doesn’t seem to be the case. For one thing, it’s not entirely clear which version of the film is “canon”. The status of some characters is up in the air, such as Henry Cavill’s Superman and Ben Affleck’s Batman is unknown, with varying reports on whether the actors will return. WB reportedly regrets the Snyder Cut, so it is unlikely that the Snyderverse will continue, but it’s possible The Flash will fix some continuity issues. It also seems likely that the sequels to Shazam! and Aquaman will happen, as these were both critically and commercially successful. Third entries are also likely planned, with Shazam being teased to fight Black Adam, and Aquaman grossing over $1 Billion.

The Current State

DC seems to be taking an Elseworlds approach, with some films not part of the main DCEU. Three different versions of Batman are heading to cinemas, with Robert Pattinson, Ben Affleck and Micheal Keaton all appearing in various projects. Keaton is appearing in The Flash reprising his role from the Tim Burton films, hinting at the film’s multiverse jumping. Affleck is also set to appear in some capacity, as his Batman from the main DCEU, and may appear in the Aquaman sequel. Pattinson meanwhile appears to be his own thing (despite originally being a younger version of Affleck). A Joker sequel is also in the works, although this will also likely be its own thing, like the first.

Various other projects have been announced at various stages of development, with some stuck in development hell for years. A third Wonder Woman seems a sure bet, while Cyborg announced as part of the original plan in 2014, seems much less likely. Films based on Static Shock, Nightwing, Lobo, Black Canary and New Gods have all been announced, some with stars or directors attached, but many of these were announced years ago with no news since. A Man Of Steel sequel has been in the works for years, but it is unclear if Cavill will return.

Dwayne Johnson seems to be hyping up Black Adam as the main face of the universe going forward, stating that the “hierarchy” is about to change. Johnson has also teased a battle with Superman “depending on who’s playing him”, suggesting this project hasn’t been signed off on yet. WB’s reaction to the Ezra Miller situation suggests that The Flash is a big part of whatever the plan is, suggesting it could lead to a semi-reboot. It’s also been hinted that DC is going to take cues from the MCU, which is currently in the “Multiverse Saga”, which further supports this. Hopefully, when these two have been released we will have a clearer picture of the future of the DCEU.

Also Read: Who Will Replace Ezra Miller As The Flash?

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While the film tells a complete story and isn’t connected to any prior DC or Batman films, that doesn’t mean this is the last we’ve seen of this version of the caped crusader. Having seemingly thrown out its plans for an MCU rivalling connected universe, what’s next for DC?

The Age Of Heroes

While The Batman doesn’t have a post-credits tease like we’re used to, there’s still a reason to stay in your seat. The “Age of Heroes” trailer that showcases several upcoming projects and can be viewed online follows the film. The trailer features footage from The Batman, as well as Black Adam, The Flash and Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom. Although the trailer promises that these are coming in 2022, this is no longer the case, as the latter three have all been delayed until 2023.

Batman isn’t the only DC hero on our screens this year though. Shazam: Fury of the Gods, has been bumped up to December, while DC League of Super-Pets (also featuring Batman, this time voiced by Keanu Reeves) is set to debut this summer. While no specific reason was given for these delays, they are likely covid related, as the world is still adapting to living with the virus

DC films are in a strange state, with some seemingly connected to the ongoing universe featured in Justice League, such as Aquaman. However, these links seem to be looser all the time, with The Batman having no links at all. With The Flash having some multiversal goings on and featuring multiple Batmen, perhaps the universe could be “cleaned up” and streamlined.

Become something more

Despite not being in the main DC continuity, it’s unlikely we’ve seen the last of Robert Pattinson’s version of the caped crusader and his world. The cast and crew have spoken about other villains they would like to include, such as Mr. Freeze, the Court of Owls and a teenage Robin. Reeves has said he would be interested in making more, with a scene towards the end, as well as a deleted scene, featuring Barry Keoghan as the Joker. The box office and reception make a sequel seem inevitable.

A prequel spin-off based on Colin Farrell’s Penguin is also reportedly in the works. As well as rumours about one based around Catwoman. A Batgirl film is also in the works, with Leslie Grace in the title role, although it is unlikely this will connect to the current series. While a Gotham PD and an Arkham Asylum were also pitched, these appear to have stalled or been cancelled. The Riddler is also getting his own comic series, announced via the Rataalada site used in the film and as a promotional site.

Although DC’s film slate might not be going exactly as planned this year, there is still plenty to look forward to, and it seems certain that Pattinson’s Batman will return at some point.

Also Read: The Perfect Batman: A Look At The Actor & Director Duos Behind The Films

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Who is Black Adam?

In the comics, Black Adam was Teth-Adam, a slave from Kahndaq thousands of years ago. After being granted the power of the gods (Like Shazam was), he sets out to liberate his people and deliver his own brand of justice. After abusing his powers, he was imprisoned by the gods for five thousand years. Now that he’s free, he might not be too happy that they’ve gifted someone else with his powers.

Johnson has connected to the character since before it was announced, he’s always been a big fan of the character. Originally created as an evil version of Shazam, he has become more of a character in his own right in recent years. Black Adam is more of an anti-hero than a straight-up villain, wanting to fight for justice, but his way, which often causes him to clash with the main DC heroes.

What will it be about?

So far there are almost no details about what will happen in the film. However, Johnson has said that it’s an origin story, setting the character’s foundation and place in the world. It will also introduce the Justice Society of America. The JSA were the first official superhero team in comic books ever, setting the foundations for the modern Justice League. Originally existing on “Earth-Two”, Crisis on Infinite Earths merged the various worlds, with the JSA now being a WW2 era predecessor of the JL. This could potentially set it as a period piece, acting as a prequel to the main DCEU films.

Several of the JSA have been cast, including Atom Smasher, Hawkman and Cyclone. Perhaps the most exciting has been that of Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate. Fate is a sorcerer, and the rest of the team should make for some interesting combinations against Black Adam’s powers. Shazam himself will not appear, as that seems to be the plan for a sequel. Johnson has also said he’d love to go up against Henry Cavill’s Superman, a fairly even match-up in the comics.

What could it mean for the DCEU?

Black Adam getting his own film could be a sign that DC is learning from Marvel’s mistakes. While the films are often well-received, the villains usually do not fair as well. Either because of lack of development or simply having the same powerset as the hero. While they have got better in later films, it’s arguable that Loki and Thanos are the only standouts. Giving Black Adam his own film is a great way to get audiences familiar with the character before he appears in a Shazam! sequel.

It also implies that DC aren’t afraid to take a gamble. While the character has his fans, he isn’t the most well known of their library. Likewise for the JSA, who could easily spin-off if they prove popular enough. After the Snyder Cut, the role of the Justice League and its members are in doubt, so this could be an effective compromise that doesn’t involve recasting characters. Plus there’s nothing to say the teams couldn’t meet in a future crossover down the line.

It could also mean a different tone. With Black Adam being an anti-hero it will almost definitely be more serious than Shazam! but it’s unlikely to be as dark as Joker or some of Snyder’s efforts. Johnson is a charismatic actor, and while a serious villain role would do great to break his typecasting, it would also be a waste of his natural talents.

One things for sure though, it smells like The Rock is cooking up something very different from what we’ve seen before.

Also Read: Flashpoint: The Defining Film of the DCEU

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Comic book characters have been a staple of big Hollywood films for nearly twenty years now. But recently we have seen a growth in obscure and niche (by mainstream standards) comic book properties being used as inspirations for big box office hits. Guardians of the Galaxy, Aquaman and Captain Marvel have all scored big, using obscurer comic figures that many fans never thought would get their time to shine.

And now DC is trying their luck again, with the live-action feature debut of Shazam. But can the hero who was once considered more popular than Superman hit a home run with his first film outing?

The story

The wizard, Shazam (Djimon Hounsou) is growing old and is searching for an heir to his powers, to protect the world from the seven avatars of sin. After searching for years, he finally chooses young orphan Billy Batson (Asher Angel). Billy is then granted the ability to turn from a teenager into a superpowered adult (Zachary Levi) by saying the word, “Shazam”. But Billy has no interest in being a hero.

Having been abandoned by his mother as a child, Billy has spent most of his life moving from foster home to foster home while looking for her. So naturally, he has a cynical streak that makes him ill-suited for his powers. But when Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) a man rejected by the wizard years before, comes to claim Billy’s powers, Billy must prove he is worthy of them by fighting to protect the innocent and his foster family from Thaddeus’ wrath.

What did I like?

After several years of DC movies being unduly grim and gritty, it’s nice to see them becoming more fun. Although Shazam has dark moments, they feel appropriate. Because the story is about a troubled teenager coming to grips with the world around him. Ultimately though this movie is about family and childish power fantasy, and the script achieves that with gusto.

The empowerment side of the story works well. Billy, of course, begins using his powers to do childish things. Which is very entertaining. But slowly he realises that he must grow up and become responsible or he will become like Thaddeus. Turning the film into a coming of age tale where Billy learns that strength comes from those around you. Time is also dedicated to giving visibility to a spectrum of genders, sexualities and abilities. Before paying them off in an empowering way that many will find satisfying. Coupled with this the movie is incredibly funny, with Pop culture references and over the top childish wackiness ensuring a laugh from most audiences. Some may find the family side of the story clichéd, but it does add another level of emotional investment to the story.

I also really enjoyed the performances. Zachary Levi is of course the standout. Playing a child in an adult’s body can easily become creepy or aggravating. But when watching Levi his energy, enthusiasm, and sincerity capture your attention. He is a joy to watch as he channels his inner child and he easily carries the entire movie. Mark Strong also does good work as Thaddeus. Some may see Thaddeus as just another generic villain but the occasional moment where Strong lets the mask slip revealing something more childlike underneath really does work as a good foil for Levi. And many of the supporting cast also get their time to shine. Special mention goes to Cooper Andrews as Billy’s warm foster father. And Jack Grazer as Freddy whose comedic timing never fails to get a laugh.

What did I not like?

But while I like most of what the film is doing, it’s sometimes a rough ride getting there. On the technical side, the CG used to create the avatars of sin and the action scenes never looks convincing or original. It’s all designs and feats we’ve seen done elsewhere. Thankfully the film does not rely too much on these but when it does it becomes too unreal and generic to engage. Which does become a problem in the third act.

As well as this, the films occasional overreliance on humour undermines the attempt at eliciting emotion from the family storyline. With pathos sacrificed for a joke. And when so much of the film relies on humour there is the risk of alienating the audience if they are not engaged by the jokes. Which did happen a few times with the audience I saw the film with.

Lastly, the film does occasionally slip into the same pitfalls as many other DCEU movies. Some of the acting feels forced and unnatural, particularly Thaddeus’ family and the bully characters. There are also segments that could have been tweaked to make a better impression on the audience. For example, the fight between Billy and the bullies, which doesn’t happen simply because they are hurting Freddy, but because they insult him not having parents which Billy takes personally which makes him seem more selfish than he needs to be. And of course, DC can still think of no other way to end a film than by having a big fight with indiscriminate CGI bad guys. Which is especially disappointing here because the character focused conflict between Billy and Thaddeus is way more interesting than the generic avatars of sin.  

Verdict  

Shazam! is a mixed bag. It is brought down by unconvincing CG villains as well as an occasional overreliance on humour to the detriment of other parts of the narrative. The lack of attention to minor details in the story and occasionally bad acting also drags the film down. But it still feels like a breath of fresh air among modern superhero movies. It is an almost perfect example of what the genre is meant to be, wish fulfilment for little kids. Buoyed by fun performances, a fantastic sense of humour and a script that nicely treads the line between sincere and goofy.

It is impossible not to have a good time with Shazam!. It isn’t a genre redefining masterpiece nor is it an exceptional film, but it’s a damn good version of what it’s trying to be.

Verdict: (3 / 5)

Shazam! is in UK cinema on from Friday 5th April.

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