The underwhelming box office debut of DC Studios' "Supergirl" is forcing Hollywood to re-examine the DCU slate architected by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
According to The Wrap, the film needs to gross $315 million worldwide just to break even, a goal that now seems highly improbable. This failure comes at a precarious time, as Paramount moves to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $111 billion.
The report points out that Gunn's decision to make "Supergirl" the second film in the DCU was "a somewhat strange choice" from the start, a problem made worse by a cast lacking A-list stars to draw audiences. Several top-tier actors reportedly passed on the role of the villain, Krem of the Yellow Hills, before it was ultimately accepted by Matthias Schoenaerts.
One industry insider criticized, "This is just a Gunn and Safran production deal. It's not a brand. It was foolish to announce a universe. DC created an expectation, and all you've delivered is one 'Superman' movie."
"I don't know how nervous DC is, but James Gunn should be," another top agent stated bluntly. "DC will always be there, and the current execs have survived the last few management changes, but I don't see Gunn surviving this one."
However, a Warner Bros. insider countered these narratives by citing DC Studios' 10-year plan, while also admitting the studio is "disappointed" with the performance of "Supergirl." The source believes the character "didn't connect with audiences" and even stated, "'Supergirl' missed on so many levels."
The report also noted that the inclusion of Jason Momoa as Lobo was viewed by some as an attempt to attract male audiences, but it ultimately failed to boost box office results.
via： TheWrap