James Gunn is the new head of DC studios, an rebooting the DC Universe is his priority, but the 2023 slate could actually help with Gunn's plans. DC and Gunn are in the weird position where they're awaiting the start of a new era but have the small task of handling one of Warner Bros. and DC's biggest years yet with the release of four movies. On the surface, it looks as though these four upcoming movies are pointless.
The first is Shazam! The Fury of the Gods followed by The Flash in the summer. Originally there were only three theatrical releases set for 2023, but after the WB cancelation of Batgirl, the other HBO Max original Blue Beetle was upgraded to the big screen. DC will be hoping to end the year on a high with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom after the original made over $1 billion at the box office. At first glance, 2023 seems like a write-off, but it could actually be the opposite.
2023 Could Be Exactly What DC Needs
While it may not look like it, 2023 could be exactly what DC needs right now. While it seems like there is no point to the current slate with a reboot right around the corner, before cinematic universes were a common thing, a film didn't need to connect to a wider universe. All that mattered was if it was a good film. With the upcoming 2023 DC slate, the studio could have four great movies on its hands which is the most important thing. After years of mixed reactions and rushed decisions, a year of consecutive solid films could do DC's reputation the world of good.
2023 could restore confidence and faith in the brand and end the old DCEU era on a high before ushering in James Gunn's new DC Universe. Although Gunn and Safran's plans are intriguing, the track record of DC over the past decade still means there's cause for some trepidation. Ending the old era with one of DC's best-ever years would certainly calm the storm before they can start anew.
Gunn Doesn't Need 2023 To Be A Success, Which Is A Good Thing
Even though it would be great for Gunn and DC if The Flash is a five-star film, they don't need 2023 to be a success. If the DC Universe's upcoming movies and shows relied on 2023's slate being successful, then things would be different, but because each one of the four films was completed before Gunn took over, it's basically a free hit. The Flash movie will reset things regardless, and the subsequent releses aren't truly being considered part of the fresh start either, so it won't matter too much if they're not well received.
Furthermore, if the films are great, while it could be argued that a reboot isn't needed when the DCEU finally gets back on track, it could also help improve the reception of DC as a whole moving into the new era. Only time will tell if Shazam! The Fury of the Gods and the others that follow are good or not. Either way, with a reboot coming in a flash, 2023's slate is the perfect free pass the new DC Universe needs.
