Challenges in Today’s Superhero Films: Director of Suicide Squad Addresses Humor Overload and ‘Cheesiness’

The current superhero film genre has struggled to maintain its allure compared to the previous decade, facing significant setbacks at the box office from both the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

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However, as an inevitable law of life, it seems that superhero films have been unable to sustain their appeal as before. This is evident in various major events, such as the official “closure” of the DCEU after the Aquaman & the Lost Kingdom project, or Marvel Studios continuously achieving modest box office results, with the latest film The Marvels only reaching a modest $206 million.

Recently, David Ayer, the director responsible for the Suicide Squad project (2016) in the DCEU, openly discussed the series of issues that the superhero film genre is currently facing. He even jokingly suggested that anyone intending to venture into this genre, in any role, should withdraw in time.

“I think the issue is similar to other genres,” Ayer stated. “It’s about the characters, right? Many superhero films today tend to be humorous and somewhat ‘cheesy,’ and I think we need to return to the roots, which are stories of rescue, world-changing. Previous superhero films often focused on extraordinary characters, those rejected by society but always carried a humane heart and tried to solve everything.

He asserted, “I believe we have a new generation of fantastic storytellers, and the world also has many new tools. Honestly, what they need is the permission to retell their stories.”

Before David Ayer spoke out, the DCEU had already faced numerous challenges since its inception. Both Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice were criticized for being too rushed in accelerating the formation of the Justice League just to catch up with the MCU. Even the highly anticipated “blockbuster” faced many issues, from the shooting process to the quality of both the script and the visual effects.

Meanwhile, the MCU, despite having a fairly favorable start and experiencing a dreamlike decade, is showing clear signs of fatigue, especially after the success of Avengers: Endgame. The idea of a multiverse seems to be causing many contradictions in the overall storyline of the MCU as Marvel Studios continuously changes principles related to time travel and travel between its own realities. In addition, instead of focusing on a consistent theme, they seem to be dispersing their film projects, and the result is that many of their current works are somewhat “out of place” compared to the general storyline, such as Moon Knight or Eternals.

2.jpeg Director David Ayer believes that current superhero films are overly humorous without focusing on content and storytelling – Photo: Internet.

Currently, it is challenging to determine whether the superhero film genre can regain its former glory, especially when the “giants” like the MCU are also grappling with their own difficulties. Even the news that Warner Bros. decided to reboot the new DC superhero film series (DCU) under the leadership of James Gunn does not seem to excite audiences as before. The continuous release of films in 2023 such as Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash, Blue Beetle, or Aquaman & the Lost Kingdom also leaves little impression, despite some of these projects potentially being linked to the DCU.

From David Ayer’s perspective, taking a step back and allowing writers and directors the freedom to tell their stories in their own way may help superhero films come back stronger in the future. This is also the way this genre captivates audiences and creates global phenomena over the past few years.