It was recently reported that Justice League is not expected to rake in $1 billion internationally at the box office. The superhero spectacular – featuring legendary characters many of us grew up seeing – has been experiencing financial woes and mixed film reviews. Where Captain America: Civil War made $179 million in its opening weekend, and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice earned $181 million in four days, Justice League has made $181 million after it being out for two weeks.
A previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU) installment, Man of Steel earned the same amount as Justice League within its first eight days. With multi-million-dollar budgets, an all-star cast, and decorated directors, where is DC going wrong?
Speaking from experience, the director of The Dark Knight Trilogy, Christopher Nolan suggests that filmmakers no longer have “the luxury of time”. The famed director was speaking at a BAFTA event where he illustrated the film industry’s breakneck speed.
“That’s a privilege and a luxury that filmmakers aren’t afforded anymore. I think it was the last time that anyone was able to say to a studio, ‘I might do another one, but it will be four years,'" Christoper said, via Deadline. "There’s too much pressure on release schedules to let people do that now but creatively it’s a huge advantage. We had the privilege and advantage to develop as people and as storytellers and then bring the family back together.”
The DCEU has released two movies each year for the past two years. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is aiming for three films a year. With a track record like Nolan’s, you’d think film studios would follow his lead. While Justice League is receiving mixed reviews, fans are excited for the upcoming Wonder Woman sequel slated for release in 2019.