Is Harley Quinn the DC Project That Will Save the Franchise This Year?

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  • A Battered DC Universe Looks to Begin Again
  • Harley’s Takeover in Elseworlds May Prove Too High for ‘Superman’ to Leap

Following a bumpy history, the DC universe is gearing up for a gentle refresh. The firm responsible for delivering audiences a chain of powerful superheroes (such as Batman and Superman) in an average string of movies is now prepared to begin anew. Notably, this crimson-and-black villain has been exiled to the Elseworlds; however, Harley Quinn, if all goes well, might become the standout DC production for the year.

Starting in 2019, I found myself immersed in the wacky and unconventional tale of none other than Harley Quinn. After parting ways with the Joker, Harley embarks on a personal journey filled with mischief and chaos, seeking to establish her own identity as a formidable force. If she can’t stand by the world’s most notorious villain, perhaps she could become one herself. Starring Kaley Cuoco, Alan Tudyk, and Lake Bell, this animated series, Harley Quinn, offers an entertaining and dark ride that exalts the liberating wickedness of Harley Quinn.

A Battered DC Universe Looks to Begin Again

Following a span of ten years and fifteen movies, the cinematic universe of DC’s superhero franchise met an unfortunate conclusion post-“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom”. Despite expectations that might have been high due to its status as a sequel to 2018’s “Aquaman”, which was DC Comics’ top-grossing film, the outcome was more like a compassionate euthanasia. The question remains: how could a series, which earned over $7 billion at the box office and centered around beloved characters and cultural icons, warrant such an abrupt, behind-the-barn ending? By the time “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” was released, DC films had managed to transform their fans from passionate to indifferent.

It’s quite possible that several factors contributed to this downturn, but it’s clear that the decrease in quality in DC’s more recent films was a significant factor. For instance, after the success of Aquaman, movies like Wonder Woman 1984 faltered, Black Adam stumbled, and The Flash leapt into obscurity and disfavor. Each new production seemed to be overshadowed by the shortcomings of its predecessor. To those fans who stuck around, the reboot idea proposed by James Gunn likely brought a sense of hope.

This year, the first movie in the fresh DC Universe will hit theaters. The Superman film, with a new actor other than Henry Cavill, is scheduled for release in July. Regardless of James Gunn’s exceptional skills as a director, he faces a tough challenge – overcoming fan skepticism and the past tarnish of this franchise to persuade viewers to re-engage. This won’t be an easy task. Fans who were deeply invested in the actors, characters, and films of the old Extended Universe might be cautious after their previous enthusiasm was let down and dismissed. The fate of the entire series could hinge on Gunn’s ability to reignite fan interest. Merely a decent Superman might not suffice; he needs to win over fans again.

Harley’s Takeover in Elseworlds May Prove Too High for ‘Superman’ to Leap

After Gunn assumed control over the DC Universe, he put on hold any project that didn’t align with his plans for this new universe under the label “DC Elseworlds.” These projects exist independently from the main shared universe of the DCU. While some distance provides Gunn the freedom to carry out his vision without being sidetracked by unrelated projects, the thriving success of the Harley Quinn series might prompt him to reconsider these projects again.

Debuted in 2019, it’s been widely praised by both critics and viewers alike that the series Harley Quinn has garnered. On Rotten Tomatoes, this dark comedy boasts a 96% critical approval rating along with an 84% positive response from audiences. Critics have appreciated its madness, crude humor, and unconventional approach to the superhero genre. Zofia Wijaszka of The Film Nerdette even said, “Harley Quinn is a perfect choice for watching after a long, tiring day, particularly if you’re looking to truly relax.” Meanwhile, Rendy Jones from Paste Magazine commented, “thanks to its sharp writing and well-timed storytelling, this animated Gotham has developed more depth and charm than any previous portrayal.

In its fifth season, the adoration for Harley Quinn persists. The initial episode aired on January 16 and has garnered an impressive 91% approval from critics. As Harley potentially explores a new setting that fuels her chaos among a different group of people, the show manages to remain innovative while staying true to Harley’s journey towards discovering the depths of her wickedness. The series revels in its audacity. Moreover, given its recent string of victories, Harley Quinn has a strong chance of outshining the yet-to-prove Superman this year. You can catch up with Harley Quinn on Max.

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2025-01-26 04:02