James Gunn Believes DC is Better Than MCU Because of its Game of Thrones Connection He Wishes to Exploit
As co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn aims to utilize one of DC’s greatest strengths compared to rivals Marvel – its expansive roster of iconic fictional cities. In a recent podcast interview, Gunn explained how DC’s larger-than-life heroes like Superman lend themselves to more fantasy-driven storytelling. He also discussed how DC’s unique fictional settings like Gotham and Metropolis give the publisher’s characters immense world-building potential. Gunn compared the fantastical realm of DC to Game of Thrones’ Westeros, with each city offering its own rich history and visual identity.
James Gunn Says DC Cities Allow for More Stylized Worldbuilding
By leveraging these instantly recognizable backdrops, James Gunn believes the new DC Universe can stand apart from the established Marvel Cinematic Universe.
As per Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, what sets DC apart, according to Gunn, is having heroes intrinsically tied to fictional locales, whereas Marvel heroes typically inhabit real cities.
As Gunn put it, “In a way, it’s another alternative history” thanks to DC mainstays like Gotham City and Metropolis.
These cities give DC Comics a unique canvas. Gotham conjures up brooding images of Batman lurking on shadowy rooftops. Metropolis represents an Art Deco utopia tailor-made for Superman. By fully utilizing these stylized settings, Gunn aims to build a visually distinctive DC universe.
The MCU has crafted some singular settings like Asgard. But Marvel’s bread and butter is heroes protecting well-known real-world cities. DC has the advantage of heroes intrinsically linked to fully fictional locales ripe for worldbuilding.
Early DCU Projects Showcase Signature Cities
James Gunn’s comments provide insight into DC Studios’ strategy. The initial DCU slate shows a clear focus on introducing DC’s most famous fictional cities.
Superman: Legacy will spotlight Metropolis as Superman protects his iconic city. Meanwhile, projects like The Brave and the Bold and the Gotham PD series will flesh out Batman’s home of Gotham City. Even TV projects like the Gotham Knights pilot will explore lesser-known locales like Blüdhaven.
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Rather than shy away from DC’s fantastical settings, Gunn is embracing them as instrumental to building an immersive, stylized universe. The cities themselves become characters, contributing to the DCU’s unique feel.
Worldbuilding Sets DCU Apart from the Established MCU
Marvel had the luxury of introducing its key real-world settings gradually in standalone films before uniting them in crossover events. With the MCU already firmly established, DC needs to accelerate building its own signature world.
Leveraging instantly recognizable DC cities right away allows Gunn’s DCU to plant its flag. Centering stories around DC’s fictional locales provides an efficient form of worldbuilding and nostalgia.
By playing to DC’s strengths, the DCU can craft a distinct tonal and visual palette from the very start. If Gunn succeeds, DC could build an interconnected on-screen universe that competes with Marvel in scope and coherence.
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James Gunn believes DC’s roster of legendary fictional cities gives the publisher a built-in advantage over Marvel. By embracing these stylized settings in the new DCU, Gunn aims to build a shared world that stands on its own. DC cities like Gotham and Metropolis form the perfect pillars upon which to construct a larger cinematic universe.
