In simple terms, the Marvel Cinematic Universe transformed superheroes into a cultural phenomenon. This was largely due to the innovative concept of a shared superhero universe, which Marvel pioneered in the 60s and has since set the bar for superhero movies. Marvel’s plot formula, including its distinctive humor, starting with “Iron Man” in 2008, significantly altered the landscape of superhero films. Fans grew accustomed to these humorous superhero flicks, so when the DC Extended Universe didn’t immediately follow suit, they were often criticized by many comic book fans.
As a passionate film enthusiast, I’m thrilled about the transition from the DCEU to the DCU, spearheaded by writer/director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran under DC Studios. The DCU is currently brimming with energy and excitement, with its inaugural project, Creature Commandos, generating a buzz that’s making us all eager for the 2025 release of Superman.
Gunn, a veteran from the MCU, has been instrumental in Marvel Studios’ success. However, his past achievements have sparked apprehension among many fans, as they worry about the DCU adopting the humor-centric approach that characterized the MCU. The concern is that this could dilute the grittier, more serious tone that has defined the DC Universe thus far.
The MCU’s Humor Destroys Tone and the DCU Has To Be Careful About That
The film “Iron Man” was remarkably successful, not due to a groundbreaking storyline, but rather through a harmonious blend of two key elements – the captivating charisma of Robert Downey Jr. and a script that accentuated his charm. The witty humor that characterized “Iron Man” significantly influenced the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in subsequent films. Although not all MCU movies were outright action-comedies, most incorporated quips to make the characters more relatable. Superheroes have always had a touch of humor, so this approach was generally well-received for a time. In fact, it excelled beyond expectations, as seen in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” where James Gunn effectively utilized the MCU’s humorous superhero style. On the other hand, movies like “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” were serious productions that knew when to employ humor and when to maintain a more somber tone.
As a devotee of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I’ve observed how Phases One and Two brought forth innovative approaches to superhero narratives. They eventually concluded that an abundance of humor was more appealing than its scarcity. However, this choice resulted in an issue, one even the most ardent MCU fans can’t refute – inconsistency in tone.
Humor in action films is typically employed to alleviate the intensity of a scene; it’s a common practice in screenwriting, so the MCU’s implementation was logical. Yet, they overstepped the mark on numerous occasions, and this became problematic. A prime example of this imbalance is the airport battle in Captain America: Civil War. Despite being one of the coolest superhero fights ever filmed, it’s packed with jokes and comedic elements that almost entirely eliminate the tension present throughout most of the fight.
Doctor Strange‘s handling of Dormammu’s defeat at Strange’s hands was humorous to an extent that it should not have been. Similarly, Thor: Ragnarok and Spider-Man: Homecoming boast strong foundations of humor that can occasionally detract from taking the films seriously.
It seems that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has leaned heavily on humor in several of its films, which ironically echoes criticisms leveled at the DCEU and movies like “Man of Steel,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” and “Suicide Squad.” The main issue with these DCEU films, as both fans and critics agree, was their overly serious and gloomy tone. In contrast, successful DCEU films such as “Aquaman” and “Shazam!” have been applauded for adopting the humorous style of the MCU. This is interesting because “Batman v Superman,” often labeled as one of the worst superhero movies from the 2010s, is part of the DCEU.
James Gunn’s arrival at DC marked a pivotal shift in the world of blockbuster superhero films. Known for his exceptional ability to blend humor and tone effectively, Gunn is one of the select few Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) directors who have mastered this art. The “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy stands out as one of the funniest entries in the MCU, yet it also boasts a profound emotional depth. This unique balance between humor and emotion is something that other MCU films haven’t quite achieved. With Gunn now leading the DC Universe (DCU), many have found reassurance that the DCU won’t overdo the use of humor to the extent that the MCU sometimes does, thanks to Gunn’s impressive track record with projects like “The Suicide Squad,” “Peacemaker,” and “Creature Commandos.
Despite James Gunn not yet disclosing his plans for the DCU, it’s clear that he won’t be able to direct every film due to limitations. While Gunn excels at blending tone and humor effectively, as the MCU has demonstrated, not all directors can achieve this balance. In fact, a common issue with superhero films since the 2020s began is finding those who can create well-balanced movies. Often, these movies are overly dark without sufficient humor or they have too much humor and lack the necessary gravity. The MCU has demonstrated that audiences appreciate some humor in their films, and Gunn’s own work demonstrates his ability to incorporate humor skillfully. However, Gunn stands out among superhero movie directors due to his unique approach.
The DCU Needs To Find the Balance & Nail It
For the past few years, DC has been enjoying victories, but if the DC Universe (DCU) falls apart, all those triumphs will be wasted. It’s clear that the DCU is learning from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which was highly successful against the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). However, they must avoid the tone issue that has burdened the MCU, where humor has dominated character traits and often weakened the tension in crucial moments. While superheroes can indeed be funny, they also need dramatic final battles to truly stand out. For instance, the climactic fights in movies like Avengers: Endgame are memorable because the stakes are consistently high, unlike many later battles in Phases Three, Four, and Five that have failed to maintain tension due to excessive humor.
The DC Universe should avoid this pitfall. If it fails to strike a balance between seriousness and humor in each movie, its fate may be sealed. Fans dislike the overly grim superheroes of Zack Snyder’s films, but they also tire of the excessively humorous superheroes seen in Ant-Man: Quantumania and Thor: Love and Thunder. If the DCU can’t find this balance, then the game is essentially over for them.
Captain America’s new adventure, “Brave New World,” is currently playing in cinemas. Meanwhile, you can catch Superman on the big screen starting from July 11th.
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2025-02-18 02:11