The complicated and polarizing release to Shazam! Fury of the Gods has proved just how important The Flash is for DC Studios. Can it deliver?
The Flash is now even more important to the success of the DC Universe. Everything is already riding on the upcoming film as it will unlock the chance to finally put the problematic DCEU to bed and begin anew with the DCU. While there have many great moments and incredible highlights throughout the DCEU’s tenure since it first began with Man of Steel, there are just as many pervasive issues that corroded away at the franchise’s foundations. But now that James Gunn and Peter Safran are in charge, DC may finally get the consistent, cohesive franchise it has long deserved.
Despite any trepidations caused by previous films or controversies surrounding this movie, The Flash has a lot going for it. The trailers have certainly sparked great interest and enticing theories about what may happen in The Flash. A big draw is its multiversal narrative, drawing from Flashpoint, and the fact that not only Ben Affleck’s Batman is joining in on the action, but Michael Keaton's too. The future of the DC Universe hinges on The Flash’s success.
The Flash is just one part of a major year for DC Studios. Even though they are in the wake of relentless problems and restructuring, they are celebrating their biggest year yet with four DCEU releases. After The Flash will come Blue Beetle and then Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, but they are all facing a dilemma thanks to how the year’s first movie Shazam! Fury of the Gods failed at the box office. The Shazam! sequel could still bounce back from its weak opening weekend, but it’s definitely an uphill battle going forward.
Many didn’t see the point of seeing Shazam! Fury of the Gods in theaters and would rather wait for it to get on HBO Max. This certainly portends dark things for the rest of the year. Blue Beetle will likely suffer similarly since it’s a character many casual fans don’t have any relationship with and there’s not been a single teaser or trailer promoting it yet. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom may stand a better chance since Aquaman is DC’s highest-grossing film and Momoa’s not surrounded by controversy. Plus, there’s a chance that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom features two Batmen like The Flash which would certainly entice audiences.
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