How Could DC Benefit From Creating Its Own Production Studio
Movie studios work in a linear manner where there is usually a head of creative content and then writers/directors who turn their films over to those execs. Certain studios seem to overcomplicate this structure and not use IPs to their fullest potential and that leaves plenty of potential projects on the table that could have been feasible. The latest studio potentially looking to branch out is Warner Bros. Discovery by creating another division that could become DC Studios. What does this mean for the future of DC?
It would mean almost immediately that all story outlets would be streamlined under one roof which would include movies, television, and animation. It would likely allow for each universe to grow and not have branches licensed out to other streamers. The issue now is that branches of DC are finding success while others are flatlining. Superman and Lois, for example, seems to be thriving because it has distanced itself from the Arrowverse and feels more like an HBO Max quality show. The certainty of the rest of the CW shows has a lot of fans speculating that the end is nigh as DC Studios and the traction behind it looms in the background growing with each day.
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The biggest issue standing in the way seems to be who would lead the said division. Many people point to a man like Jim Lee and while respected and admired among his peers, Lee has no experience running a film studio. He is a comic book guy and full of vast knowledge and would likely serve better in the role of an executive or creative head under the overall leader of the studio. So which names come to mind when looking at potential figureheads for such a lucrative job? I know some fans have a personal beef with Walter Hamada but it is during his tenure that DC has seen two films reach the billion-dollar box office plateau. Both Aquaman and Joker have done it. The Batman, The Suicide Squad, and Peacemaker have all been resounding successes with the audience and critics alike so he has to be under consideration for the role if this studio does evolve into its own thing.
Another name who has found success within DC and outside of that could be strongly considered is Charles Roven. He has been a producer on DC content since Batman Begins and his name is attached to every successful film DC has had since then. He stuck out the years when DC was not flourishing among the general public and has seen the brand bounce back since. Roven has the old school chops necessary to run a division with a firm but guiding hand and will focus more on the story as long as it has the potential to succeed in the long run financially.
The big thing truly in this case is finding someone that David Zaslav can trust and who can run the division with his blessing and not be afraid to take chances. Zaslav does not like risky spending and a producer who takes charge of DC studios has to respect this while still continuing to push the game forward with challenges within those constraints. Zaslav has spoken vehemently about wanting to find ways to save money and the days of big spending and little return seem to be done.
As the future takes shape for WBD, and the subsidiaries it looks to build fans, will definitely wait to hear what names are discussed and how that will shape the future brand for DC. For now, the suggestion seems to be to just keep supporting the shows, characters, and merchandise you dig from DC and voice your criticisms in a kind and professional manner. Voices are always heard and the future is never certain. DC has many avenues worthy of exploration so let's hope we can get the best out of a brand that has not been used properly in the past.
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