Restoring the Snyderverse: Blueprint for Success in a Post-Disaster Era
Before diving into the specifics of what needs to change, let's establish an important point. The Snyderverse, as it stands now, is a failure. Both critically and commercially, it missed its mark. To reverse this trend, several key adjustments must be made. A comparative analysis with the MCU can provide valuable insights. Let's examine the differences between these two cinematic universes and outline a path to success.
Understanding the Failure
The MCU has thrived by instilling an overwhelmingly optimistic ethos. Humanity is inherently good, and without villains, the world would be a utopian paradise. Conversely, the Snyderverse took a far darker and more pessimistic approach. It presented a world where xenophobia and prickliness are the natural state, creating a heavy, oppressive atmosphere.
The Visual Palette and Tone
The visual aesthetics of both universes also differ significantly. The MCU is vibrant and colorful, reminiscent of a children's playset. In contrast, the Snyderverse's aesthetic is dark and drab, shaded towards brown and gray, often resembling scenes shot through a used coffee filter. This visual contrast makes a significant impact on the viewer's experience and emotional connection to the story.
The Characters and Their Roles
The characters in the MCU are quippier and more relatable. They crack jokes and find humor, making the overall experience enjoyable and accessible. The characters in the Snyderverse, on the other hand, are portrayed in a more solemn and serious manner. For the Snyderverse to succeed, it must humanize its characters, making them relatable and understandable.
In the Snyderverse, Superman is depicted not as Clark Kent, but as a god-like figure, unknowable and unrelatable. Similarly, Batman is portrayed as a fearsome monster rather than a relatable hero. By contrast, characters like Thor, Shazam, and the Doom Patrol are depicted as flawed, relatable humans. For example, Shazam is a child, and members of the Doom Patrol exhibit various disabilities. This humanization of these characters is key to their success in the Snyderverse.
Relaunching the Snyderverse
To address the issues inherent in the Snyderverse, several strategic steps must be taken. The first step is to eliminate the Justice League as we know it. No Superman, no Wonder Woman, no Flash. None of them. Focus on characters who are more human: Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, Shazam, Doom Patrol, Harley Quinn (though excluding Joker for now), and members of the Bat-family other than Bruce Wayne. Green Arrow and Animal Man can also join this roster.
To humanize the universe, these characters must be the focal points of content. At least for five years, movies should be centered around these B-list and C-listers. This will help humanize the world and make the heroes more relatable. Characters like Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, and Shazam are inherently flawed in human, understandable ways, making them more relatable to audiences.
Shifting the Visual Aesthetic
The visual palette of the Snyderverse must change. Brown and grey are unappealing and uninspiring. Scenes should be set in daylight with clear, sunny skies, and the color saturation must be significantly increased. By doing so, the visual experience will become more engaging and appealing to viewers.
Making the Justice League Aspirational
The Justice League should serve as role models, inspiring relatable human characters. Perhaps we can hear about the feats of the Justice League without seeing them in action, emphasizing their heroic nature. This can serve as a constant reminder of what our heroes represent and aspire to achieve, fostering a sense of aspiration and inspiration among the audience.
Scripting for Relatability and Humor
The script must be more relatable and humorous. While it doesn't need to be as crackling and witty as Whedon's work, it must offer more comic relief. Human heroes can play both funny and tragic roles. Booster Gold, for example, is a joke, but also a good-hearted character who tries his best. This duality can bring both humor and poignancy to the story, making it more engaging and enjoyable for the audience.
Conclusion
Reinvigorating the Snyderverse is a challenging but achievable goal. By following these steps, we can create a more human, relatable, and visually appealing universe that resonates with audiences. While it may be difficult, making the Justice League more aspirational and humanizing the characters can be a significant step forward. Ultimately, success in restoring the Snyderverse lies in creating a universe where heroes feel familiar and relatable, and where the visual and narrative elements work in harmony to create a compelling and engaging experience.