Do DC Movies Follow Worlds of DC or DCEU Conventions?
When discussing the current state of the DC cinematic universe, terms like DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and Worlds of DC often come up. These terms are commonly understood, but are they the official names used by Warner Bros. and DC for their films and projects?
The Notion of DCEU
The term DCEU is a widely recognized but unofficial title. It was coined by a news article and quickly became a colloquial shorthand among movie fans. However, it is important to note that Warner Bros. and DC have never officially used this term for their films. Directorial decisions, such as with The Joker, which was registered as a DC Black Film, further highlight the lack of official adoption of the DCEU moniker.
No Official Name for the DC Cinematic Universe
The absence of an official name for the DC cinematic universe adds to the litany of questions and discussions around the universe's branding. While DCEU is the commonly used term among fans, there is no official announcement from Warner Bros. or DC. This unofficial term has become so widespread that any attempt to change it would feel out of place, disrupting the established fanbase recognition.
The Multi-Verse and Unified Approach
Despite the use of DCEU tagging individual films, DC films and television shows are meant to follow a similar multi-superhero universe concept much like Marvel's Cinematic Universe. This is exemplified by the shared world containing films such as Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League, and Wonder Woman. However, outside these films and the upcoming DC One-Punch Man and Injustice live-action projects, DC content from different eras and universes operate in individual multi-verses, each with its own unique continuity.
The Worlds of DC: An Unlikely Rebranding
In 2019, there was a brief reporting suggesting a rebranding of the DC films as Worlds of DC. This was an attempt to clear up the confusion around the DCEU. However, this was primarily because some film viewers, particularly comic book fans, expected certain films to fit into a linear storytelling arc. In an interview, knowledgeable sources explained that while this rebranding was a brief misinformation, it lacked the official backing needed to be a significant shift. It seems unlikely that such a rebrand would be official, as any change would be perceived as arbitrary given the current level of fan familiarity.
Current State and Future Outlook
Currently, DCEU remains the informal name used by fans, media, and industry analysts. It continues to provide a familiar frame of reference for a shared cinematic universe. Warner Bros. and DC have yet to commit to a single, official name, highlighting the flexibility and adaptability of the DCEU branding in the film industry.
In conclusion, while the DCEU and Worlds of DC are closely associated with the DC films, they are not the official labels used by the production company. The DCEU moniker has become embedded in pop culture, and any change to it would feel like a deviation without a substantial reason. However, the shared universe concept continues to bring together fans and creators, reinforcing the importance of this unofficial designation.