Ever since it became clear that James Gunn and Peter Safran's plans for the recently rebranded DC Studios will (most likely) revolve around a full reboot of the DCEU DCU, I've been seeing the same question asked in the CBM comments and on social media: what is the point in watching any of the upcoming DC releases?
In some respects, I do understand the hesitation, but have we really reached the point that a movie can't simply be enjoyed on its own merits if it doesn't tie-in or lay the groundwork for sequels, spin-offs and/or future films in a shared universe?
Look, I've been right there with you ever since Man of Steel was released, following along in the hope that Warner Bros. would eventually manage to pull together a shared world that would rival the MCU. There were ups and downs (more downs, if we're being honest), but I was just as disappointed as the majority of DC fans when it was confirmed that Henry Cavill was out as Superman, and the rest of the "Snyder era" actors would likely be joining him.
But here we are - shouldn't we try to make the best of it?
It's not like the DCEU was ever what you'd call a well-oiled machine, anyway. The movies do have some obvious connective tissue, and there was an attempt to bring everything together for a team-up movie that united the characters (we all know how that turned out), but continuity was never exactly this universe's strong suit. What's come to be known as the "Snyderverse" was always somewhat at odds with the films that came after, and there seemed to be a conscious effort to move away from the divisive director's vision even before the Justice League debacle.
From a personal standpoint, I'm not even particularly looking forward to the movies that represent the last remnants of the DCEU. The Flash did hold some interest - mainly because of Michael Keaton's return as Batman - but star Ezra Miller's behaviour has made the prospect of watching them be heroic for two hours a little less enticing. I found Shazam! to be enjoyable, but forgettable, and the trailer for Fury of the Gods did very little for me. I thought Aquaman was dreck.
Even so, I'm willing to wait and see what these movies are able to deliver before dismissing them as pointless exercises. And what about those that are - or were - excited for both of these sequels and the Scarlet Speedster's first solo outing? Are you really going to skip them just because they will likely mark a conclusion, and not the continuation you'd hoped for?
Again, I do completely get why passionate DC fans would be apprehensive, but writing any film off before you see it - no matter the context - is never a wise move.
What do you guys think? Will you give the DCEU's last hurrah a chance, or have you lost all interest?