Marvel Studios’ Marvel Cinematic Universe and Warner Bros.’ DC Extended Universe are always in a silent war for fan support, critical acclaim, and box-office returns. The MCU, the stepping stone in the vision of shared continuity, has been surpassing DCEU with each film while the latter battles creative and strategic management within the studio. While many draw comparisons between the two cinematic universes, several others are willing to find distinct attributes in both. Regardless, the Marvel vs. DC debate still rages on.
Though there might not be the correct answer to that question,Black AdamactorDwayne Johnsonhas a perfect response to the debate. The actor ispromoting his passion project,Black Adam, a film set within the DC Extended Universe. During his interview withAssociated Press, the actor was asked about DC’s comparisons to Marvel Studios’ approach with the shared continuity.
Do I think we are going to take any kind of bite out of Marvel? That answer is unequivocally no.
Johnson said his vision is to build a DC Universe and establish its new era. And for that, he doesn’t seem to take lead from Marvel. He said:
To me, as we build out the DC universe, ushering in a new era of the DC Universe, that to me is not my lead foot. It’s not our goal to take a bite out of Marvel. What they’ve done is incredible. What Kevin Feige’s done is incredible.
Johnson further stated that he acknowledges that Marvel Studios has been a driving force in the filmmaking business these past years and has been significant in ushering in the superhero genre in cinema. However, he doesn’t look out fortaking a bite out of the appleand instead creates something new with DC.
I love those guys. They’re all my friends. And they are largely responsible for the economic drive of our business for almost two decades. We don’t want to be Marvel. We want to be DC. And how we do things. So that’s what I want. I don’t want to take a bite of that apple. I want to grab a new apple. And I want to create from there.
This was as good as an answer could be to this long-standing debate. With distinct characters, settings, and tones, both Marvel and DC can have their approach and have their separate cinematic universes co-exist and thrive together. Though the new Warner Bros. Discovery management has decided to adopt a new plan for DCEU similar to that of Marvel, Dwayne Johnson affirms that the goal is to create an extraordinary impact.
Can Dwayne Johnson Be DCEU’s New Creative Drive?
Dwayne Johnson has discussed howBlack Adamwill bring a hierarchical change in the DC Multiverse. He has been actively involved in theBlack Adamproject since the studio announcedShazam!He later pushed forBlack Adamto be an independent filmand acted as a producer on both films. Over the years, Johnson has been looking into the DC Extended Universe as a franchise and has involved himself with other DC characters. He plans to expand DCEU afterBlack Adamandhas a potential plan.
With DCEU ushering into a new plan, Warner Bros. needs a creative head to plan a planned connected future for the franchise. And it seems that Dwayne Johnson can be a good fit for that role. Given his dedication towards the franchise, especially his character Black Adam, it could be a plausible move to give him some executive responsibilities if he is ever up for it. At the same time, it’s unlikely to happen that Dwayne Johnson will take an executive role at Warner Bros., given his ever-growing career in acting and performance arts.
For now, DC’s several upcoming projects are continuously delayed, and its future looks vague. Much of it will depend upon whatThe Flashwill bring to the table. Currently, the only assured release DCEU is looking out for isBlack Adam,scheduled to release on October 21.
