Warner Bros. and the DC attempt at establishing a critically-acclaimed and highly profitable extended movie universe has been hit or miss for the most part. “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” did not perform the way the studio envisioned, and last summer’s blockbuster “Suicide Squad” performed reasonably well financially but still managed not to draw the sort of enthusiastic fan response Marvel movies perpetually receive. This is why news that Warner Bros. is in the process of acquiring Academy Award winner Mel Gibson to helm the sequel to “Suicide Squad” is welcome news for those rooting for the success of the burgeoning Dc Cinematic Universe.
Gravitas and vision
It is time for Warner Bros. to face the fact that Zack Snyder never was, the answer to helm the DC Cinematic Universe. Snyder is magnificent at telling a story visually but more often than not, the “Watchmen” director forgets about the story part. There was a glimmer of hope when it seemed the studio would use the services of the current Batman and Oscar winner Ben Affleck to course correct the movie universe, but the news that Affleck dropped out from directing the upcoming standalone Batman film, plus rumors that the actor may want out of the role altogether threw cold water on that fire.
This makes it all the more exciting to hear that Gibson is in the running to take over the director’s chair from the first “Suicide Squad” director David Ayer.
For all Gibson’s personal failings, he still remains a top-notch director as evident by the critical and financial success of his Oscar-nominated film “Hacksaw Ridge." Gibson has both the gravitas and vision to create something special.
The one thing that the DC Cinematic Universe needs desperately is someone who can bring an intensity and grittiness to the movies without bashing the audience over with the holier than thou seriousness which has pervaded other DC movies.
Gibson has a track record of doing such with movies like “Braveheart” and “Apocalypto," which drew in audiences with stories full of fast-paced action, visuals, and thrills, while still managing to tell a story that connects the characters with the viewer.
A change is coming
Whether Warner Bros. decides to use Gibson to make “Suicide Squad 2” or not, something needs to change to reverse the fortune of DC’s latest comic book movies.
“Wonder Woman” is set to release on June 2nd, and if the film under-performs, a major shake-up will likely occur. Having a director with such skill and stature as Gibson in the ranks might not be such a bad idea, just in case “Wonder Woman” or November’s “Justice League” do not generate the buzz and/or revenue the studio is hoping for.
