The importance of being promoted
"Wonder Woman" will be released in six weeks' time, but DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. wouldn't be engaging in high-scale marketing. It seemed odd, as David Ayer promoted "Suicide Squad" on Twitter as early as a year before its date of release. "Justice League", which will hit the theaters on November 17, isn't far behind in that department. (Henry Cavill announced on social media that he already started exercising for the film.) Let's make a guess.
DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. knew Wonder Woman had a fan base, as she was a popular TV character back in the 1970s. Lynda Carter portrayed the superhero, and she had similarities with Gal Godot, who would be playing Wonder Woman/Diana Prince in the DC Extended Universe. (They were tall women.) On the other hand, both film studios would still be looking for that magic formula that could turn the DC franchise into gazillion bonanza. Anyone who went to the theaters to catch "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" would notice the rousing opening theme of Marvel Studio, which was similar to 20th Century Fox (opening theme). And they couldn't help but notice the courageous faces of Marvel superheroes who appeared in the big screen. (Some fans would point out the Avengers, but it didn't matter at all.) Can DC Entertainment have its own opening theme in the very immediate future? The odds are against the franchise at this point, but the viewing public can be a fickle lot. Moreover, the lack of marketing might be a ploy. It might make more viewers curious about "Wonder Woman".
Most moviegoers don't pay attention to the opening theme, where the studio's logo will be shown for several seconds. It wasn't different back then and now; the public bought movie tickets to see their favorite stars on the big screen. It could still be the case, even if CGI made anything possible (on the big screen). Fox's theme was reminiscent of the heyday of the studio system, and Marvel Studios took it to a next level. If DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. should follow this trend, then expect their output to be not so remote from Marvel's. There could be gritty elements, which would be a nod to Zac Snyder. (The "300" director is one of the screenwriters of "Wonder Woman".) Red, blue, and black will be the dominant colors. And the DC logo will be emphasized with such a steely look, such that it was hard to ignore its presence.
At this point, the DC Extended Universe seemed to reach a crossroad. It would continue its gritty approach (and risk losing in the box-office race). It could ditch it and embrace the witty, comic approach that Kevin Feige would favor from the very beginning. If Marvel Studios is planning the Fourth Phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, then DC Entertainment is developing more films for their DC Extended Universe. The hardcore fans will be delighted about the upcoming "Shazam". No word on the actor who will play the coveted role, although Derek Theler and Alan Ritchson have expressed interest in doing it. (Theler auditioned for Captain America, but he wasn't cast for the role. Could the TV actor find luck in DC Comics? Let's wait and see.) The Green Lantern Corps is reportedly on development, which would salvage what was left of "Green Lantern". Don't expected Ryan Reynolds to be invited back.
Something may come up next week, so don't go offline. Yet.
