Time Warner CEO Suggests Lighter Tone Ahead For DC Comics Movies

Warner Bros. has experienced somewhat of a tumultuous ride with their DC Cinematic Universe so far, and while the David Ayer-directed Suicide Squad wasn’t the home run they were hoping for, it’s still been extremely successful in a number of ways.

The company isn’t resting on that success, however, and at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia 3 day media conference, Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes addressed that there is room for improvement in their future projects (via The Wrap).

“We do think there’s a little room for improvement,” he said. “We can do a little bit better on the creative.”

There are a few common complaints when it comes to DC’s film universe, but the most prevailing one is in the franchise’s tone, which is significantly darker than Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, which takes itself a bit less seriously while still delivering an action packed and mature storyline. Bewkes acknowledged the issue and said they are heading more in that direction.

“The general heading would be that the DC comics characters and their loyal fanbase have a little more lightness in them than maybe what you’ve seen in those movies,” he said.

Even with a divisive critical reception, Suicide Squad was still ultimately quite successful and has brought in over $720 million worldwide. The next project on Warner and DC’s slate is the much anticipated Wonder Woman solo feature, and that will be followed by Justice League, which is again being helmed by Zack Snyder. It appears they are taking some of these tone comments to heart, as both Wonder Woman and Justice League already feature more lighthearted moments in their first trailers than was seen in the entirety of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Hopefully, it’s a trend that continues.