Top 10 DC Extended Universe Controversies
#10: The Dark Tone
Tom Cruise's The Mummy a HORRIBLE Start to Dark Universe – The CineFiles Ep. 24
Various DCEU Films DC and Warner Bros. have a reputation for overcorrecting. When “Batman Returns” was deemed too adult-oriented to sell Happy Meal toys, they made the more kid-friendly “Batman Forever” followed by “Batman & Robin”. After the latter film temporarily killed the franchise, they went dark again for the landmark “The Dark Knight” trilogy. But just because a somber tone worked for Batman doesn’t mean it’ll translate to other superhero movies. The filmmakers neglected to realize this when making “Man of Steel,” a “Superman” movie mostly devoid of joy and humor. When this sad Superman went head-to-head with Batman in his next movie, it felt like one gritty, brooding hero going up against another gritty, brooding hero. Making both heroes grim completely misses the point of their dynamic.
#9: Diana’s Sleeps with a Stranger’s Body
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“Wonder Woman 1984” (2020) After Chris Pine’s return was confirmed, we all wondered how “Woman Woman 1984” would resurrect the long-deceased Steve Trevor. The magical Dreamstone brings Diana’s late love back… in another man’s body. While Diana and the audience see Steve, it’s made clear that he’s in somebody else’s body. Even if we ignore the fact that the Dreamstone creates tons of other things in the movie out of thin air, there’s a problem. Diana sleeps with Steve while he’s inhabiting a stranger’s body. This led many fans to question why our heroine would get physical with someone who couldn’t consent. It was easy to overlook since Pine was onscreen for their intimate scenes, but when you think about it, it’s hella disturbing!
#8: Save Martha!
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“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) You know how it is. One minute you’re trying to finish off your nemesis with a kryptonite spear. The next, you’re best buds because your mothers have the same name. When we heard Batman and Superman were going to fight each other, we didn’t envision the battle ending by Clark saying one name. This unbelievably corny scene enraged audiences. And it could’ve worked! Batman and Superman are heroes with vastly different methods. But they can put aside their differences to see justice done. Seeing them stop their fight to save an innocent family member is a great idea. Unfortunately, the setup and execution of this moment are all wrong. The dramatic “Save Martha” plea instantly became an easy punchline.
#7: Rushing to Catch Up to the MCU
Various DCEU Films If the DCEU followed Marvel’s successful model, each Justice League member would’ve gotten their own movie before they teamed up. But since the Avengers had assembled in 2012, the studio seemed eager to catch up in 2016. After one “Superman” movie, the DCEU crammed numerous plot points, characters, and the iconic Doomsday into “Batman v Superman”. This left so little room for character development that Superman’s “sacrifice” lacked emotional weight. It didn’t help matters when the already underdeveloped cast was joined by Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg in 2017’s “Justice League”. By skipping ahead to big team-up events, the DCEU didn’t give audiences time to invest in iconic characters. “Batman v Superman” alone saw its box office take drop nearly 70% during its second weekend.
#6: The Other Snap Heard Round the World
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“Man of Steel” (2013) In the original Richard Donner classic, a lot of people raised their eyebrows when Superman turned the world backward to reverse time. Superman does something similar in “Man of Steel.” Instead of the Earth, though, Supes turns Zod’s neck back ... Many view Superman as a beacon of hope and optimism who will always find the most peaceful resolution possible. So, seeing him destroy much of Metropolis during a fight before ending his enemy’s life couldn’t have felt more out of character. To be fair, this isn’t Christopher Reeve’s Superman. And had this controversial decision been deeply explored, it could’ve made for an interesting character study. However, the moment is brushed off in the following scene and doesn’t seem to haunt Superman in later films.
#5: Batman Forgets His One Rule
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“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) Since Zack Snyder’s interpretation of Superman has no problem with taking lives, it makes sense that his take on Batman would be reckless too. But audiences were still shocked to see what the dark knight did in “Batman v Superman”. Not only does Batman use guns, but, according to Mr. Sunday Movies, he’s responsible for an estimated 21 deaths. We mean, Michael Keaton’s Batman would never…er, okay bad example. But Christan Bale’s Batman wouldn’t leave someone to expire… well, Batman would never use a gun in the comics… Alright, alright, the Dark Knight doesn’t have the cleanest record. Regardless, fans that prefer their Batman to stick to a nonlethal moral code expressed their outrage.
#4: Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor
“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) It’s not uncommon for fans to pass judgment before giving an actor a fair shot. It’s hard to believe there was a time when people thought Gal Gadot couldn’t cut it as Wonder Woman. And did anyone believe Ben Affleck could pull off Batman? But while Affleck and Gadot were both fantastic, skeptics were right from the get-go about Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor. The calculating, collected puppet master from the comics was replaced with an awkward, sniveling dweeb who looks and acts like “Superman IV’s” Lenny Luthor. Actually, we take that last part back because even Jon Cryer is an infinitely better Lex on “Supergirl”. If only those rumors about Bryan Cranston had been true. Is it too late to switch Eisenberg with Heisenberg?
#3: Online Petition to Remove Amber Heard
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While “Aquaman” made a splash with audiences, its sequel entered rocky waters before shooting even started. Amber Heard, who plays Mera (meera/mare-a), filed for divorce from Johnny Depp and accused him of physically harming her. Depp denied these allegations and accused Heard of physically hurting him. After Depp lost a libel lawsuit against The Sun newspaper for their comments about his behavior, his role was recast in the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise. This led another group to petition for Warner Bros. to replace Heard in “Aquaman 2” for her alleged behavior. At the time of writing, the petition had gained close to two million signatures. In the midst of the backlash and controversy, Heard confirmed she’d appear in the sequel.
#2: Joss Whedon’s Alleged Misconduct
“Justice League” (2017) After “The Avengers,” Joss Whedon could seemingly do no wrong. But “Justice League” made the director into a divisive figure. Unfortunately, this wasn’t just about the film’s bad reception. In July 2020, only a couple of months after “The Snyder Cut” was officially announced, Cyborg actor Ray Fisher described Whedon’s behavior on the set as “gross, abusive, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable.” After these claims went public, Whedon’s Comic-Con@Home panel was canceled. WarnerMedia also launched an investigation concerning Whedon’s actions throughout the film’s production. At the end of the investigation, the company says it had taken remedial action. But many fans still wonder how things got so bad behind the scenes in the first place. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few dishonorable mentions. Rotten Tomatoes Conspiracy?, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) No, It’s Just a Bad Movie Reshoots, “Suicide Squad” (2016) Any Way You Cut It, The Movie Was a Mess Jared Leto’s Joker, “Suicide Squad” (2016) We See Why Joaquin Phoenix Became the Clown Three Years Later Winning an Oscar, “Suicide Squad” (2016) Many Expected It Would Only Win A Razzie David Ayer’s Potty Mouth Towards Marvel, “Suicide Squad” (2016) Ironically, a Marvel Director Is Making the Sequel/Soft Reboot
#1: A Tale of Two Cuts
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“Justice League” (2017) “Justice League” was the very definition of a production nightmare. After Snyder suffered a family tragedy in May 2017, he stepped away from the film and left Whedon to finish the project. But during reshoots, they ran into numerous problems. For example, they had to shoot scenes of a clean-shaven Superman while Henry Cavill couldn’t shave his mustache. When “Justice League” hit theaters in November 2017, the reshoots and battle between Whedon’s quippy dialogue and Snyder’s darker tone made the movie a mess. After fans campaigned to get Snyder’s version of the film released, their wishes finally came true. Synder was reportedly given around $70 million to edit and shoot new material for the “Justice League”. Hallelujah? We’ll see.
