Warner Bros. Head Toby Emmerich Says DC Films Will Remain Director-Focused and Not Use Marvel's Playbook
Warner Bros. seems to be getting back on the right path with their DC properties again. They were doing fine with Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan’s Batman film. They had a few duds during that time, though, with Catwoman and the Joel Schumacher Batman movies. Those were just a product of their time.
Then, when Marvel Studios started to build their successful cinematic universe, DC wanted to jump into action and build their own. While it started out ok with Man of Steel, it didn’t really end up being what they were hoping for.
They have since seemed to find a new path for their properties with the success of Wonder Woman and Aquaman. It’s still early in process of this new direction, but fans, like myself, are still excited for the future of DC films.
Warner Bros. Pictures Group Chairman Toby Emmerich recently spoke about this new future for DC movies, explaining to THR that they won't be chasing Marvel Studios' approach any more. They will be director focused:
"We all feel like we've turned a corner now. We're playing by the DC playbook, which is very different than the Marvel playbook. We are far less focused on a shared universe. We take it one movie at a time. Each movie is its own equation and own creative entity. If you had to say one thing about us, it's that it always has to be about the directors."
While Marvel Studio hires great directors for their films as well, there’s kind of a road map that they have to follow to keep the universe connected. That could make for certain limitations in some cases. But in the end it’s still fun and awesome entertainment! Their formula works.
Now DC is settling into their own way of doing things, which is great! I like that DC is taking one movie at a time and not worrying about a shared universe. I like that they could tell all kinds of different stories based on the same character.
Like with what they are doing with Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker movie and Matt Reeves’s Batman movie. I’m much more excited about those types of DC movies than the ones that will in some way be connected to the DCEU.
What do you think about the new direction that Warner Bros. has embarked on with their DC films? What upcoming films are you most excited about?