Virtually everyday one or more of the nerd websites I frequent are explaining the latest quagmire that Warner Brothers and DC have gotten themselves into. Their attempt to replicate the massive success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been plagued with; confusion, delays, conflicts, an ever-changing slate of films, horrible reviews and above all else Zack Snyder. DC is in a tough spot with the polarizing director. The DC films thus far have been financially successful but critically roasted, attributed to his involvement and preferred uber dark esthetic.
After a family tragedy Snyder left the production of Justice League, and although I'd like to see him removed from the DCEU for good, I'd rather it not be that way. Avengers director Joss Whedon was brought in to finish the final days of production, but almost immediately started a massive reshoot schedule, lasting at least two months and costing upwards to $25 Million. Whedon also replaced the composer Snyder used for Man of Steel and Batman v Superman, Junkie XL, with Danny Elfman. Reshoots are common but typically don't last as long or cost that much unless the studio or new director had an issue with the film. We'll see on November 17th when the film premiers what has changed, as any of the trailers and clips released so far would not have any of Whedon's material in them.
It appears that DC has moved Geoff Johns into a role that Snyder once filled. Johns is now in control of DC's vision, the same way Kevin Feige orchestrates the MCU. Optimistically speaking Johns is not an uncompromising director with a very limited style, and could usher in changes to a lighter and less bleak outlook. After their first critical success in Wonder Woman directed by Patty Jenkins, DC may have finally realized Snyder was not the right fit. Snyder will likely stay on to direct or produce future DCEU films but the multiple movie narrative and overall creative direction will be governed by Geoff Johns.
Even though Snyder has assumed a smaller role in the DCEU, there may still be trouble in the future, particularly concerning Aquaman. It was announced recently that WWE Superstar, John Cena will star in Bumblebee, the first spin-off from the successful yet exhausting Transformers franchise. Where the problem arises is both movies are scheduled to release on December 21, 2018. This was bound to happen at one point with so many companies building "Cinematic Universes" not to mention other potential blockbusters crowding the movie theaters. In fact, it already has in 2015, when Batman v Superman changed its release date to avoid competing with Captain America Winter Soldier. If DC doesn't feel threatened, maybe they should. Not only is Bumblebee a favorite among kids, John Cena rivals Hulk Hogan and The Rock as one of the most popular WWE Superstars in history. Cena has been a top merchandise seller, by a large margin, for several years and a fan-favorite among kids and women. Not to mention Cena will have the massive merchandising machine that is the WWE behind him, as he promotes the film. I'll even predict now, that Cena will be the WWE champion during the press junket. Bumblebee has the potential to outperform other Transformer films, while Aquaman is about an obscure character that can talk to fish.
It would be detrimental to both movies if they were forced to share the box office, but if that comes to pass I am certain Bumblebee would be the victor. The question is, will DC move Aquaman to a different date or will Paramount be the first to flinch?
Closing on a good note, check out the music video for Guardians Inferno by The Sneepers featuring David Hasselhoff. The video will be included on the DVD/Blu Ray release of Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 2, August 22nd. It's impossible to miss the cast of the film having fun, jamming to the tune in glorious costumes fitting with disco era. Am I wrong to want disco to make a return?
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