10 Things We Love About The DC Extended Universe

6) Strong Central Themes

Following The Dark Knight trilogy, WB had their work cut out for them in any subsequent DC adaptations. How do you follow such well-written, well-directed films that held strong themes about heroism and defining one’s character? Well, the studio wasn’t able to keep Christopher Nolan around, but the strong central themes have been maintained for all three of the DCEU films so far. MoS held discussions about freedom of choice when discussing someone’s purpose, BvS discussed how heroism always has consequences, and SS focused on how love can bring anyone out of the darkness.

Strong themes like these help add layers to what could easily be simple, cookie-cutter comic book narratives. It also helps strengthen each character arc and allows them to grow along with the plot. With MoS, Superman starts as an uncertain do-gooder with powers and develops into the confident and heroic Superman. BvS sees Batman come from a vindictive and vengeful place to find his compassion once more through Superman’s sacrifice to humanity.

Themes like these help add film’s overall cohesion between the script and the visuals. They also can provide some quality quotes that can define a character for the rest of the cinematic universe. For the DCEU, it’s Jor El’s quote to Superman about humanity and leading by example that has defined the DCEU so far. Converting Batman and Wonder Woman to Supes’s example was no easy task, but it’s just like the quote says:

“You will give the people of Earth an ideal to strive towards. They will race behind you, they will stumble, they will fall. But in time, they will join you in the sun, Kal. In time, you will help them accomplish wonders.”