Published: November 20, 2024
Photo from James Gunn’s Instagram
James Gunn’s R-Rated vision for DC movies could destroy the universe – here’s why
By Movieguide® Contributor
James Gunn delivered disappointing news for families when he revealed that he is open to making R-rated films for the DC Universe.
“We have one chance to take these characters and really go ahead and do what we believe in,” says Gunn told Collider. “I’m a big believer that if we tell good, authentic stories, if a movie does well or not so well, if you stick to the same philosophy, you’re going to build a universe that people go to. love and want to be a part of it for a long time.”
“It’s not about trying to see if this thing works. It’s just about telling a story. “If a story gets an R rating, that’s completely okay with us,” he continued. “Whether it’s going to be PG, PG-13 or G, it doesn’t matter to me. Whatever the story is worth, that’s what we’re going to do.”
The DC Universe architect also confirmed that the studio already has several projects in the pipeline that could earn the ‘R’ rating.
The DC Universe has already tried Gunn’s philosophy and it showed that an “R” rating hurts a movie, no matter how good the story the movie tells. THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY featured dark characters and storylines, but ultimately retained a PG-13 rating and a redemptive ending. The last two films in the franchise grossed over $1 billion worldwide. Part of Movieguide®’s review of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES reads:
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES is redemptive, explosive, entertaining and compelling. It is very well built. The action violence is intense and there is foul language and sensuality. However, the villains are transformed, people find hope and faith, and good triumphs. Also, communist tyranny and revolution are depicted as evil, while the good is self-sacrificing, loyal, and concerned about other people. MOVIEGUIDE® praises the filmmakers, with a warning for intense action violence, strong language and brief sensuality.
For comparison: THE BATMAN also had a compelling story – which earned the film three Oscar nominations – but because it was full of strong language and excessive violence, the film received an ‘R’ rating that dramatically affected its box office performance. $770 million worldwide.
So Gunn would do well to learn from history and focus on keeping the film family-friendly, rather than buying into the narrative that audiences demand excessive content.
READ MORE: FAMILY-FRIENDLY FILMS BEAT STAR POWER AT THE BOX
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