The DCU has already shown that DC Studios has finally learned an important lesson from one of the biggest DC movie flops in history. Off the bat, the DCU has helped to rectify that past misfortune as its inaugural movie, Superman, has been performing well at the global box office.

Superman has already established how the DCU will differ from preceding DC cinematic franchises. Its bright color palette and hopeful aura feel like it has been taken straight from the comic book page and flies in the face of the more dour and muted tones of such DC movies as Man of Steel and Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy.

It also debuted a litany of lesser-known DC characters, a specialty of director and DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, such as Mister Terrific and the Engineer, with each earning a warm reception. The DCU’s next movie, Supergirl, will likely continue this trend, especially if the inclusion of Jason Momoa’s Lobo is anything to go by.

What this suggests is that spotlighting more obscure characters is part of a winning formula. This breaks a years-long trend that began after an $82 million flop in 2004.

DC’s Catwoman Movie Appeared To Teach The Franchise The Wrong Lesson For Many Years

The superhero genre was relatively unreliable in the early 2000s. While the likes of X-Men and Spider-Man were acclaimed and helped to establish the viability of superhero movies, others helped to tarnish the genre’s reputation before it would go on to experience a golden age in the 2010s.

One such movie was the critically lambasted Catwoman, which was released on August 13, 2004. The movie was initially conceived as a Batman Returns spin-off following the success of that movie, for which Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic take on Catwoman was largely to thank.

After several years of development hell, Catwoman was repurposed, dropping all ties to Batman Returns and casting Halle Berry in the тιтular role, instead. Unfortunately, the movie did not land well with critics and flopped at the box office, earning just 8% on Rotten Tomatoes and $82 million worldwide according to The Numbers.

Compounding this misfortune was the fact that the wrong lesson was seemingly learned from the experience. Following the flop starring a DC Comics side-character, Warner Bros. would shift focus to bigger names like Batman and Superman, dismissing lesser-known characters entirely. Thankfully, the DCU is changing course.

The DC Universe’s Different Approach To Its Heroes & Villains Suggests A Different Lesson Has Been Taken On Board

The DCU’s upcoming release slate looks decidedly unique. Although some projects have been put on the back burner or have yet to receive release dates, James Gunn’s initial announcement of the DCU’s slate telegraphed the franchise’s willingness to spotlight characters who are more obscure than Catwoman, such as Clayface.

The fact that some projects have been sidelined also demonstrates a positive habit of the DCU. Namely, James Gunn has stressed that projects will not be greenlit within the franchise until a script has been finalized and approved, ensuring that its movies and shows stick to a standard of quality.

Thanks to such characters as Mister Terrific landing so well with audiences, it is feasible that the relatively obscure character could receive his own spin-off movie or show. Thankfully, Mister Terrific actor Edi Gathegi has hinted that a spin-off is already in the works.

At this juncture, it’s unclear if productions spotlighting lesser-known characters will be as successful as the likes of Superman. Then again, if they generally match Superman‘s quality, they are likely to far surpᴀss the disappointing box office of Catwoman​​​​​​.

Why The DCU Is Right To Give Other DC Characters Their Own Movies & Shows

It almost goes without saying that obscure characters are in good hands with James Gunn. The director has a glowing track record of adapting lesser-known characters in critically acclaimed movies and shows, with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and DC’s Suicide Squad being standout examples. While he won’t direct every project, he will at least have oversight as DC Studios’ co-CEO.

Embracing characters that have yet to be adapted into live-action also has the potential to reinvigorate the genre as a whole. While it was wise to launch the franchise with a character as illustrious as Superman, the inclusion of characters like Mister Terrific and Hawkgirl in the flagship movie enhanced it by making it feel decidedly unique compared to previous Superman adaptations.

General interest in superhero movies has arguably waned in recent years, and detractors often point to the genre feeling samey. With the DCU potentially poised to introduce yet another rendition of Batman, which might even run alongside Robert Pattinson’s take in Matt Reeves’ The Batman trilogy, it can be difficult to argue against this point.

Spotlighting unknown characters, therefore, helps to keep the genre fresh. As a nascent franchise, the DCU has the opportunity to take things in a new direction, taking risks with new characters that might even thrive in underutilized genres like horror.

Until future DCU projects are fully confirmed, it is still unclear which obscure characters will lead the charge in this manner. Whatever the case, it is at least highly likely that DC Studios will happily greenlight such projects and that these projects will now be in good hands.