As Marvel Studios continues to release a slew of blockbuster hits such as Spider-Man: No Way Home and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, their rivals over at DC Studios have continued the decade-long trend of angering their fanbase with questionable decision-making, wishy-washy commitments to storylines and A-List actors renouncing their association with the brand altogether. 

James Gunn, the new CEO of DC Studios, has made some major changes, such as halting the company's plans to make a highly anticipated Batman Beyond film starring Michael Keaton. The way in which he is attempting to execute his "10-Year-Plan" for the DC Universe seems to have frustrated the company's fans and actors alike. Last week, Henry Cavill, the last actor to portray Superman, announced his split from the DCU, much to the chagrin of the fans.

“I will, after all, not be returning as Superman. After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October," Cavill wrote.  “This news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life. The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter [Safran] have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes.” 

To make matters even more puzzling, Dwayne "The Rock Johnson" also took to social media days later to state that he, too, would be parting ways with DC Studios as Black Adam. The news came, despite the fact that the Black Adam film (released in October) earned an impressive $67 million on opening weekend, which was a record for the 50-year-old as a leading actor.

"I wanted to give you a long-awaited Black Adam update regarding the character's future in the new DC Universe," wrote The Rock. "James Gunn and I connected, and Black Adam will not be in their first chapter of storytelling. However, DC and Steve Bucks have agreed to continue exploring the most valuable ways Adam can be utilized in the future DC multiverse chapters...you guys know me, and I have very thick skin-and you can always count on me to be direct in my words...These decisions made by James and DC leadership represent their vision of DCU through their creative lens..."

Fair or unfair, the fact that Henry Cavill and The Rock both mentioned James in their "parting letters" has really upset supporters of DC Studios. James Gunn has a proven track record of success in comic-book-based productions, and his long-term plan may prove to be a brilliant one. But, the recent backlash has gotten so bad that he has been getting harassed by fans for his decision-making. The co-CEO of DC Studios recently took to Twitter to address the angry feelings aimed at him and his partner, Peter Safran, before letting the fans know they will not deter him from his vision.

"No one loves to be harassed or called names – but, to be frank, we’ve been through significantly worse," Gunn wrote. "Disrespectful outcry will never, ever affect our actions."

The DC executive continued: "We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig, & we knew we would sometimes have to make difficult & not-so-obvious choices, especially in the wake of the fractious nature of what came before us."

The backlash comes on the heels of Henry Cavill's cameo appearance at the end of Black Adam, which seemed to indicate that he and The Rock would be appearing in an upcoming DC film together. In the months that followed, DC announced that the role of Superman needed to be recast in order to portray the character during his developmental years as Clark Kent.

At this point, fans of the brand just want a consistent direction that does not include numerous reboots and recasting efforts. Last week, reports surfaced that Jason Momoa was out as Aquaman but that DC might recast him as the antihero known as Lobo. The hope is that James Gunn will eventually bring much-needed balance and consistency to the DCU, which is full of storylines that people of all ages grew up with.

Before being hired by DC Studios, James Gunn operated as an executive producer on a number of heralded Marvel projects, such as Guardians of the Galaxy. With brilliant films like Brightburn on his resume, the filmmaker was a fan favorite until being fired by Disney and hired by DC Studios. 

 

Scroll up and swipe right to view The Rock's parting letter from the DCU and James Gunn's response to the backlash on Twitter.

 

Source: xfire