DC Extended Universe or Marvel Cinematic Universe: Which Will Be the Bigger Franchise?

The question of whether the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) or the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will be the bigger franchise has been a topic of much debate among fans and industry insiders. While the MCU has already established itself as the dominant player, it is crucial to examine the current status and potential future of both franchises to understand this comparison.

Current Status and Box Office Performance

As of now, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has undoubtedly outpaced the DC Extended Universe in terms of both the number of films and total box office gross. The current count for MCU films released stands at 32, with eight more confirmed and two more currently in the planning stages. This number doesn’t even include the various series connected to the MCU, such as WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and What If…?.

On the other hand, the DCEU has come to an end with the release of the Aquaman sequel, concluding with a total of 15 films. The collective box office gross for the DCEU films is approximately 6.6 billion USD, which pales in comparison to the MCU's 29.6 billion USD gross as of this writing.

Building a Crossover Universe

One of the key reasons why the MCU has succeeded in creating a more cohesive and engaging universe is its meticulous planning and execution. Marvel has taken a slow and steady approach, focusing on building a rich tapestry of interconnected characters and stories. This strategy has paid off handsomely with multiple crossovers that have kept fans engaged and excited.

In contrast, the DCEU has struggled with inconsistent quality and hasty development. Many of the DC films released since The Dark Knight have been criticized for their lack of cohesive storytelling and subpar performances. While there have been some standout films like Joker, Shazam!, and Wonder Woman, the majority of DCEU entries have not met the same standards.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the MCU shows no signs of slowing down. With another 12 films, 10 shows, and even a Christmas Special in the pipeline, the MCU is poised to continue its dominant position. The question remains, however, whether the DCEU can make a comeback or if it will be relegated to further reboots and separate multiverses.

Prospects for the DCEU are uncertain. With the initial DCEU now concluded, there are questions about the future direction of the franchise. There are speculations that Warner Bros. may either reboot the entire DCEU or shift focus to the Arrowverse, where they already have a robust series like The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and Supergirl.

The long-term viability of the DCEU will depend on its ability to adapt and evolve. While the MCU has demonstrated its adaptability by incorporating a diverse range of characters and storylines, the DCEU will need to find a way to regain its footing and create a more unified and engaging universe for its fans.