Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you might have some idea about the age-old Marvel vs. DC rivalry going on for decades. These two comic-book giants have been in a silent battle for the audience’s validation and market domination since the dawn of time.
Right after both the comic-book companies entered the film production business, the rivalry transcended from just Marvel vs. DC to now Marvel Studios’ Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) vs. Warner Bros.’ DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
While the MCU kicked off its cinematic domination a decade ago, DCEU struggled to put engaging storylines in a shared universe of its own to stand out as a credible movie franchise.
Over the years, many have pointed out both similarities and differences in the way the two studios influence the movie-going experience, the chatter on who’s better between the two just never goes to rest.
The actors, producers, and directors often find themselves under scrutiny to put forth a satisfying response on this unending trail of comparison. And today, the people’s champ, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, was asked the same question, but he cemented a perfect response that was enough to put the age-old argument to rest. (At least for a while!)
Johnson is currently promoting his upcoming DCEU theatrical release, Black Adam, and in an interview with Associated Press, was asked the question related to the comparison between Marvel and DC.
His words were, “Do I think we are going to take any kind of bite out of Marvel? That answer is unequivocally no.”
Johnson talked about his vision to bring a new era within the DC Universe and how his goal is not to follow in Marvel’s footsteps. “To me, as we build out the DC universe, ushering in a new era of the DC Universe, that to me is not my lead foot. It’s not our goal to take a bite out of Marvel. What they’ve done is incredible. What Kevin Feige’s done is incredible,” the actor said.
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He also appreciated Marvel’s efforts to drive the economy of show business for a long time, and thus doesn’t want to eat off Marvel’s plate but instead do things differently.
“I love those guys. They’re all my friends. And they are largely responsible for the economic drive of our business for almost two decades. We don’t want to be Marvel. We want to be DC. And how we do things. So that’s what I want. I don’t want to take a bite of that apple. I want to grab a new apple. And I want to create from there.”
This response just stands as something that would help the two studios co-exist by creating compelling stories, characters, and a cinematic universe to serve their respective fandoms. He managed to stay fair, acknowledging both Marvel and DC’s accomplishments over the years, along with letting his message out to the world that he wants to establish a new era with his passion project, Black Adam.
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DC is also on the lookout for an individual that could lead the DCEU, similar to how Kevin Feige has, over the years, shaped and guided MCU’s journey. Only time will tell when the right person for the job shows up on the scene.
Till then, Warner Bros. can rely on Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s steady shoulders as he is adamant in helping the company as an advisor.
His genuine love and admiration for DC characters since a young age might give DC a rock-solid foundation as he takes on the role of Black Adam.
Johnson had recently stated, “As a little boy, I grew up loving the Super Friends, specifically Superman. I saw my first Black Adam comic and it was arresting to me. His face was intense. He looked cool, looked different, badass and had brown skin. So automatically I was relating to him. I am DC through and through.”
At this point, everyone knows how much the actor has worked to bring Black Adam’s story to the spotlight. If everything seems about right, DCEU would sure rise to a new dawn, and that too, with pride.