The DC Extended Universe has a reputation for being dark, broody, and depressing. However, recent films, such as The Suicide Squad and Shazam prove that DCEU is not some sort of franchise devoid of joy. Both movies prove that there is plenty of humor to be found within the franchise that started on what many felt was a very dour note.
Even the more serious ones like Batman v Superman, and Zack Snyder's Justice League still have a few chuckle-worthy quotes from unlikely characters, be it Batman or Wonder Woman. So, just like its competitor Marvel, DC's comic adaptations also tread the balanced line between serious action and light humor.
Batman's Superpower
"I'm Rich."- Batman, Justice League
In Zack Snyder's Justice League, Batman delivers a speech for every new League member that he recruits. However, the Flash needs no convincing as he just joins in for he is in desperate need to socialize. The speedster's "I need friends" isn't even the funniest quote between the duo. As just a few moments later, he asks Batman his superpower.
To this question, Ben Affleck's Batman/Bruce Wayne sassily replies, "I'm rich". Not only is this a quick and smart answer but it's also the truth. Batman's armory and gadgets all come from the billion-dollar business that he inherited. So, it's interesting to see the usually-brooding caped crusader crack a smile every once in a while.
King Shark Raises A Hand
"Hand."-King Shark, The Suicide Squad
Seconds after King Shark is introduced in The Suicide Squad, he finds himself sitting amidst mercenaries and supervillains of all sorts. As they are briefed about their latest mission by Amanda Waller, a few of King Shark's peers raise their hands for asking doubts. The anthropomorphic shark, however, just raises his hand to… say "hand".
The moment comes out of nowhere and is strangely hilarious. This eventually becomes a recurring gag in the movie with King Shark giving monosyllabic replies without much context. Director and writer of the film, James Gunn interjected that weird, off-the-wall humor into the film that fans have come to expect.
Aquaman's Memory Retention
"Something, Something Trident. "-Aquaman, Aquaman
Desperate to restore balance in Atlantis, the protagonist of Aquaman and his Atlantean peer Mera set out to find an artifact that might help in their quest. When Mera finds the last message of Atlantis' mythical first emperor, she asks Aquaman to memorize the message before destroying it.
When asked how much of it he remembers, the marine superhero just gets to the gist of it and says "something something trident". Call it a funny reply or one of the most cringe DCEU one-liners, the quote shows how Aquaman likes to keep things light even in times of crisis.
Martha's Son
"I know. The cape."- Martha Kent, Batman V Superman Dawn Of Justice
An unintentionally laughable moment in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is when the titular characters stop their civil war as Superman just says "Save Martha". Given that Batman's deceased mother was also named Martha, the Dark Knight's humanity is awakened and he sets out to save Martha Kent who is held captive by Lex Luthor.
When he finally does manage to save Martha, Batman tries to introduce himself as "a friend of your son's". Martha gleefully remarks that she figured that out thanks to Batman's cape, implying how cliched the cape can be for a superhero's wardrobe.
Wonder Woman's Age
"She's 5,000 years old, Barry. Every guy's a younger guy."- Cyborg, Zack Snyder's Justice League
Cyborg and the Flash are finding one of the Mother Boxes before Steppenwolf wreaks havoc. As a breather, the scarlet speedster tries to lighten the mood by wondering if Wonder Woman would be interested in dating “a young guy” like him.
Without batting an eye, Cyborg replies grimly that the Amazonian superheroine has been living on Earth for the past 5,000 years. So, it’s quite obvious that everyone is young to her due to her ancient status. The contrasting emotions between the two characters make for one of the lighter scenes of Justice League's Snyder Cut.
An Uncomfortable Superhero Costume
"Superpowers? Dude, I don't even know how to pee in this thing!"- Shazam, Shazam
Billy Batson would have never guessed that he would turn into a costume-wearing oversized hero. When his foster brother Freddy Freeman asks him about any new superpowers, Batson (in his Shazam form) says that he doesn’t even know if he can urinate while wearing this costume.
The red-and-yellow suit indeed seems to be quite uncomfortable especially for someone who has just donned it. The quote captures the kiddush humor that characterizes the movie, owing to the nature of its adolescent protagonists. It also does a great job of poking fun at superhero costume design.
Wonder Woman's Views On Ice Cream
"You Should Be Very Proud."- Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman
In a direct callback from one of Wonder Woman's iconic comic quotes, Diana seems to have a particular fascination with ice cream. When she visits the world of humans for the first time, she encounters an ice cream stand. The taste of one scoop itself makes her appreciate the dairy product.
The wholesome person that she is, Diana thanks the ice-cream vendor and considers his work to be quite an achievement. The quote is reminiscent of Diana’s innocent persona as she discovers a society that is alien to her. It also showcases her ability to find joy in a world that is tearing itself apart.
Just Another One Of Batman's Purchases
"I Bought The Bank."- Batman, Zack Snyder's Justice League
After Clark Kent’s supposed death, a Kansas bank bought Martha Kent’s farm. But when Superman is resurrected and willing to join human society yet again by the end of the Justice League, he is delighted to find his adoptive mother getting back the ownership of the farm. It turns out that the multi-billionaire Bruce Wayne bought the bank.
The enemies-turned-friends Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent reunite for a chat then with Bruce casually mentioning how he got the farm back. They smile and Bruce gets yet another opportunity to flaunt his wealth and influence. It also shows that, despite their rough start, how both Bruce and Clark have come to respect each other throughout the films.
Killing For Peace
"I cherish peace with all of my heart. I don't care how many men, women and children I kill to get it."- Peacemaker, The Suicide Squad
Peacemaker is quite an idealist when he talks about his commitment to ensuring peace, but it all ends up being pretty words when he puts his mission for peace into practice. As this quote shows, his hypocrisy comes out from the extremely violent nature of his operations.
This is further exemplified in the scene that comes after. With the fan-favorite Suicide Squad members Bloodsport and Peacemaker having a little contest among themselves, the two shoot down random people in the vicinity. Hence, Peacemaker’s dream of building a peaceful society is just a hollow promise.
Superman's Property Damage
"That's a $12 million piece of hardware!"- General Swanwick, Man Of Steel
In Man of Steel, Superman is still seen as a Kryptonian alien. So, for people like General Swanwick, it is difficult to ascertain whether he is an American ally or not.
Intimidated by military intervention in his activities, Superman ends up taking down a surveillance satellite. Swanwick later understands the superhero’s perspective but laments the loss of 12 million dollars of hardware! The scene also shows how naive Superman is. It is in later movies that he understands the consequences of the collateral damage that he can cause.