In the ever-evolving cinematic landscape of superhero franchises, the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has seen its fair share of highs and lows. But in a recent podcast, Suicide Squad’s director David Ayer reveals a behind-the-scenes tidbit that might shock fans: at one point, he believed he might have been on the shortlist to run the entirety of DC Films.
A Glimpse into Ayer’s Time with the DCEU
David Ayer, the man at the helm of the divisive “Suicide Squad,” recently shared some intriguing insights on his journey with the DCEU during his guest appearance on “Real Ones with Jon Bernthal”. He hinted at the internal politics and competition within the DCEU, comparing it to the high-stakes drama of the TV show “Game of Thrones”. Ayer recollected:
“During a time, during Suicide Squad, when the dailies were coming in, people were like ‘Oh shit, maybe Ayer’s going to take over DC. It’s ‘Game of Thrones in there. The palace politics were insane.”
The Turbulent Waters of the DCEU
Starting with “Man of Steel” in 2013, the DCEU promised to be a cinematic juggernaut akin to Marvel’s cinematic universe. However, it was plagued with an array of issues, from frequent management changes to creative differences between DC Films, Warner Bros., and their chosen filmmakers. The instability clearly reflected in its box office performances, especially the 2022 and 2023 releases, and even the general audience started to notice the inconsistency.
James Gunn, acclaimed for his work on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is gearing up to steer DC’s cinematic ship in a new direction, starting in 2025 with “Superman: Legacy.” Alongside Peter Safran, the duo hopes to establish a coherent and consistent narrative across the upcoming DC Universe, including movies, TV shows, and even video games. With plans like “Chapter 1, ‘Gods and Monsters’,” it’s evident that a structured roadmap is finally being laid out for DC Studios.
A Hopeful Future for DC Studios
As the curtains prepare to rise on the James Gunn-led DC Universe, the industry and fans are watching with bated breath. After the tumultuous journey of the DCEU, expectations are high, and the pressure is on for Gunn and Safran. By learning from the DCEU’s missteps and championing a united vision, the duo has the potential to carve a new golden era for DC Studios.
The success of this new era is yet to be determined, but one thing is for certain: the world is eagerly waiting to see if the DC Universe can rise, phoenix-like, from the ashes of its past and soar to new cinematic heights.
