Marvel Studios’ Marvel Cinematic Universe and Warner Bros.’ DC Extended Universe is always in a silent battle for fan support, critical acclaim and return to the box office. The MCU, the springboard in the vision of shared continuity, surpasses DCEU with every film, as the latest battles creative and strategic management within the studio. While many draw comparisons between the two cinematic universes, several others are willing to find different attributes in both. Anyway, the Marvel vs. DC debate still rages on.
While there may not be the right answer to that question, Black Adam actor Dwayne Johnson responds perfectly to the debate. The actor promotes his passion project, Black Adam, a movie set in the DC Extended Universe. During his interview with Associated Pressthe actor was asked about DC’s comparisons to Marvel Studios’ shared continuity approach.
Do I think we’re going to take a bite out of Marvel? That answer is unequivocally no.
Johnson said his vision is to build a DC universe and usher in a new era. And for that, he doesn’t seem to be taking charge of Marvel. He said:
For me, as we build out the DC universe and usher in a new era of the DC universe, that’s not my guiding foot for me. Our goal is not to take a bite out of Marvel. What they have done is unbelievable. What Kevin Feige has done is unbelievable.
Johnson further stated that he recognizes that Marvel Studios has been a driving force in the film industry in recent years and has played an important role in ushering the superhero genre into cinema. However, he is not looking forward to take a bite out of the apple and instead creates something new with DC.
I love those guys. They are all my friends. And they are largely responsible for the economic drive of our company for nearly 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 another apple. And from there I want to create.
This was pretty much an answer to this long-standing debate. With different characters, settings and tones, both Marvel and DC can take their approach and allow their separate cinematic universes to coexist and thrive together. Although the new management of Warner Bros. Discovery has decided to adopt a new plan for DCEU similar to Marvel’s, confirming Dwayne Johnson the goal is to create extraordinary impact.
Could Dwayne Johnson Be DCEU’s New Creative Drive?
Dwayne Johnson has discussed how: Black Adam will bring a hierarchical change to the DC Multiverse. He has been actively involved in the Black Adam project since the studio announced Shazam! Later he insisted on Black Adam to be an independent film and acted as producer on both films. Over the years, Johnson has delved into the DC Extended Universe as a franchise and has dabbled with other DC characters. He plans to expand DCEU after Black Adam and has a potential plan.
With DCEU ushering in a new plan, Warner Bros. need a creative mind to plan a planned, connected future for the franchise. And it looks like Dwayne Johnson is a good fit for that role. Given his dedication to the franchise, especially his character Black Adam, it could be a plausible move to give him some executive responsibilities if he ever gets up to it. At the same time, Dwayne Johnson is unlikely to find an executive role at Warner Bros. given his expanding career in acting and performing arts.
For now, DC’s various upcoming projects are constantly delayed and the future looks bleak. A lot of it will depend on what The flash will bring to the table. Currently, the only guaranteed release DCEU is looking forward to is: black Adam, slated for release on October 21.