Warner Bros. President Defends Batman v Superman Darkness & Wonder Woman Director Change

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. president, Greg Silverman, attempted to set fans at ease regarding the DC Cinematic Universe – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Wonder Woman in particular – defending them against recent criticism.

With regard to their films being “too dark,” (remember the Batman v Superman trailer?) Silverman says:

There is intensity and a seriousness of purpose to some of these characters. The filmmakers who are tackling these properties are making great movies about superheroes; they aren’t making superhero movies. And when you are trying to make a good movie, you tackle interesting philosophies and character development. There’s also humor, which is an important part.

Regarding the recent firing of Michelle MacLaren and hiring of Patty Jenkins to direct the upcoming Wonder Woman film, he had this to say:

We had a very intensive process looking at everybody. Patty and Michelle were really the ones who came to the forefront the first go-round, so when things didn’t work out with Michelle, we all knew we had someone great who had expressed interest before. She came back and is doing a great job. But it was never about the best female director. She has demonstrated doing amazing work with female characters, such as in Monster.

What he has to say is really interesting – as if tackling “interesting philosophies and character development” automatically means “dark.” And things like “it was never about the best female director.” I get what he’s trying to say – and at the same time, what’s wrong with purposely looking for the best female director for the job 1) because it’s Wonder Woman, and 2) to offset the huge gender disparity among directors in Hollywood? Especially considering THIS.

Silverman intended to alleviate fan worry. However, I have to admit that I’m still left wondering how this is all going to turn out, and whether the upcoming DC slate of films will be worth cheering about. What do you all think?

(via Newsarama)

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Teresa Jusino

Teresa Jusino (she/her) is a native New Yorker and a proud Puerto Rican, Jewish, bisexual woman with ADHD. She's been writing professionally since 2010 and was a former TMS assistant editor from 2015-18. Now, she's back as a contributing writer. When not writing about pop culture, she's writing screenplays and is the creator of your future favorite genre show. Teresa lives in L.A. with her brilliant wife. Her other great loves include: Star Trek, The Last of Us, anything by Brian K. Vaughan, and her Level 5 android Paladin named Lal.

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