Improving Batman vs. Superman for Better Parallel with Captain America: Civil War

After watching Batman vs. Superman multiple times, my opinion on the film has only solidified. While the movie did feature impressive action sequences and a compelling storyline, it fell short in comparison to marvel's Captain America: Civil War. In my opinion, the DCEU (DC Extended Universe) would have benefitted from a more measured and focused approach to releasing individual superhero stories before diving into team-up films. This approach would have allowed for better character development and audience engagement.

Single Hero Stories vs. Quasi-Team Storylines

One of the key issues with Batman vs. Superman and the broader DCEU is the hasty shift towards team-up films without sufficient development of individual heroes. Captain America: Civil War, while containing multiple heroes, still manages to focus on key character arcs and emotional storytelling. If the DCEU had released Superman 2 before delving into a conflict between Batman and Superman, it would have provided a more solid foundation for the overarching narrative.

Superman as the Figurehead

The decision to make Batman the central figure in Batman vs. Superman was a misstep in my opinion. In the comics, Superman is often the figurehead and a cornerstone of the DC universe. The DCEU should have leveraged this established role instead of trying to overshadow Superman. By releasing Superman's sequels first, the DCEU could have begun to build a fanbase for the character, who was introduced in the Man of Steel film, rather than immediately facing off against Batman.

Addressing Ego and Career Commitment

A well-defined leadership and management structure is crucial for the success of any film franchise. In the case of the DCEU, there were significant misses in leadership and character portrayals. A strong leader would have ensured that all stakeholders, including actors and directors, were aligned with the overall vision of the franchise. This would have prevented egos from running amok and ensuring that the continuity of the universe was maintained.

Step-by-Step Approach to Phantom Exit

Instead of rushing into a Batman vs. Superman battle early in the DCEU timeline, the following sequence of releases could have been more effective:

Superman 2 to flesh out the character Batman solo film without immediate conflicts with Superman Wonder Woman solo film to introduce a female hero and expand the universe Flash solo film adding a new dimension to the shared universe Aquaman solo film introducing a new powerhouse to the mix Martian Manhunter solo film as a potential key member of the Justice League Green Lantern reboot/solo film to complete the base of the Justice League Justice League 1 with hints of a bigger threat Superman 3, Batman 2, Wonder Woman 2, Flash 2, Aquaman 2, Martian Manhunter 2, Green Lantern 2 to further develop individual story arcs Phased introductions of Phase 2 characters and expanded universe content Justice League 2 with a new threat and more member introductions continuity films to maintain the DCEU timeline

Character and Tone Consistency

One of the major failures of Batman vs. Superman was the misalignment with DC's established tone in the comics. Superman and Batman have distinct personalities and tones that were not properly preserved. Captain America: Civil War, in contrast, managed to maintain a balance between serious and light-hearted elements. By sticking more closely to the comic source material and maintaining a balanced tone, the DCEU could have avoided the grim and gritty approach that did not resonate well with audiences.

Lessons Learned from Successes

The success of films like Wonder Woman and Aquaman demonstrates the importance of allowing these characters to stand on their own while still contributing to a shared universe. These films managed to balance serious themes with accessible storytelling, and this approach can be a blueprint for future DCEU projects. By focusing on individual character arcs and developing a cohesive narrative, the DCEU can create a more satisfying and engaging experience for fans.