DC Studios is charting a new course with its upcoming slate of films and series, aiming to move away from the sprawling, interconnected franchise model that has recently faltered in other major cinematic universes. while many of the announced projects feature instantly recognizable characters, the studio is also taking risks on less conventional stories.
Milly Alcock’s portrayal of Supergirl, who made a notable appearance in the recently released Superman, is seen as a strategic move to maintain the franchise’s current momentum. However, the studio is also venturing into more niche territory with projects like Clayface, a body horror film about an actor transformed into a monstrous mud creature, penned by acclaimed writer Mike Flanagan. This choice, early in the new DC Universe’s growth, presents a potentially greater challenge in capturing audience interest.
The studio’s approach suggests a recognition that audience fatigue may stem not from comic-book narratives themselves, but from the overemphasis on expansive, interconnected universes that prioritize growth over the quality of individual installments. This strategy mirrors the challenges faced by the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) during its recent “flop era” and the perceived struggles of Disney Plus’s Star Wars series. By focusing on strong individual stories,even with less universally known characters like Supergirl and Clayface,DC studios aims to avoid a similar fate.
The success of Superman, directed by James Gunn, indicates that the studio, under Gunn and Peter Safran, understands the foundational elements needed to build a accomplished cinematic universe.If DC Studios can successfully elevate characters like Supergirl and villains like Clayface into box-office draws, it could signal the beginning of a new era of critical and commercial success for DC properties.
