DC Films' Geoff Johns Talks Hopeful And Optimistic DCEU

While confirming Joe Manganiello will be Deathstroke in the Ben Affleck solo Batman film, I think there’s a bigger story to focus on.

During his interview with The Wall Street Journey (via Collider), DC Entertainment President and co-chief of DC Films Geoff Johns (along with his fellow DC Films co-chief Jon Berg) talked about the DC Extended Universe moving forward.

Johns discussed what his role involves and the approach moving forward from Batman v Superman.

“Mistakenly in the past I think the studio has said, ‘Oh, DC films are gritty and dark and that’s what makes them different.’ That couldn’t be more wrong, it’s a hopeful and optimistic view of life. Even Batman has a glimmer of that in him. If he didn’t think he’d make tomorrow better, he’d stop.”

He added the timetable to bring the DCEU “into the light” was moved up after the backlash towards Batman v Superman. We’ll get an explanation in Justice League to way Batman wanted to kill Superman and handling criminals in more of a violent way.

Which, I think, is a smart idea and helps the audience understands Batman’s motives, even though they were explained in Batman v Superman.

Justice League will also include fewer of Zack Snyder’s “controversial flourishes” like the extended Knightmare sequence in BvS and focusing on the film’s plot.

Again, a smart move because even one of my criticisms is that they didn’t always stay to the plot, however, one of the best sequences in BvS is the Knightmare scene.

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I don’t have an issue with Warner Bros letting Johns move the DC movies towards the hopeful and optimism roots of the DC Comics. To be honest, they should have started DC Films the same time as greenlighting Man of Steel.

My big issue is that it looked like WB was heading towards this direction and maybe Justice League was always going to be the film kick started it, even if BvS was a success, I highly doubt it, but we’ll never know.

Also, one of many issues people had about Batman v Superman was that it felt rushed like they were fast-tracking to catch up with Marvel. So surely they’re going to an issue with them fast tracking the switch of tones?

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WB/DC Films also have a balancing act to do because even though they want more positive reactions from general audiences and critics alike. They can’t alienate those who have enjoyed the DCEU movies and remove the things that made us like them in the first place. Have it be tone, cinematography, storytelling or focusing on these characters on a human level.

Which was why I love Man of Steel so much. It was everything I wanted in my Superman and if they’re just going to change him back to the lame arse boy scout, then sadly I am not interested.

However, if Johns keeps those things above but adds the hope and optimism then I’m still on board and I’m not against the characters breaking a smile and making a joke, just make it dark and sarcastic.

I know WB/DC needed to make changes, and they're doing it.

My biggest worry is now they've made these changes to Justice League to please the critics and wider audience. This film has to a critical success to be a part of the billion dollar or two billion-dollar club because if it doesn't please the once who asked for change, I don't know where the DCEU goes from here. However, the trailer seemed to have gotten those people on side for now.



We'll get a better idea of how Johns' involvement affects the shared universe when Wonder Woman hits cinemas on 2nd June 2017.

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