It can't be denied that legendary film director Richard Donner paved the way for superhero films to become mainstream attractions in the world of cinema and his work in 1978's Superman film starring the late Christopher Reeves is still being celebrated today as the film that started it all.
The DC classic sure aged like fine wine but it's also worth noting that the entire landscape of superhero films has changed throughout the years, with some projects taking a more dark and gritty route to please some audiences. However, if things were still up to Donner, he'd like for the genre to retain its family-friendly tone especially now that we're facing a lot of uncertainty.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Donner criticized some superhero films for being a little too dark. "There are so many people that make superheroes so cynical it's depressing," he said. "When they're dark and bleak and angry with themselves and the world, I don't find it entertaining. I think there's enough reality going on for that. We just got over four years of that [under President Donald Trump]. I think we crave the opposite."
I agree with Donner's sentiments for the most part but you also have to take into consideration that there are actual fans who prefer grittier comic book films rather than the formulaic projects Marvel Studios has been known for producing over the years.
I also can't help but think that Donner is actually throwing shade at DC's films that have had a reputation of being a little too dark. To their credit though, the DCEU's recent releases — Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Shazam! — have incorporated more family-friendly elements and it worked in their favor.
Speaking of the DCEU, Wonder Woman 1984 is screening in select cinemas and on HBO Max.
Also Read:Furious DC Fans Accuse Wonder Woman 1984 of Promoting Sexual Assault and Racism
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
DC