James Gunn isn’t any idiot.
The veteran filmmaker understands how Hollywood works. He leveraged a hit-and-miss profession to develop into head of DC Comics motion pictures at Warner Bros.
And, not like some creators, he works aggressively with the media to advertise his motion pictures. That’s how he dealt with the runup to final summer time’s “Superman” reboot.
Then, at practically the final second, he politicized his personal movie to earn media consideration. That technique didn’t apparently damage the movie, partly as a result of superhero followers have been so desperate to see what he had in retailer for them with a brand new Man of Metal journey.
Warner Bros. swiftly greenlit a sequel whereas some quibbled over how a lot revenue Gunn’s “Superman” made.
“Supergirl” is a really completely different story (and character).
She’s not practically as embedded within the tradition as her Krypton cousin. The ’80s big-screen adaptation proved a significant flop. And few know a lot about Superman’s kin at this level.
Is that why Gunn went woke so early?
Warner Bros. launched the primary poster and teaser trailer for this summer time’s “Supergirl,” starring Milly Alcock because the rebellious hero. And, in asserting the advertising and marketing materials, Gunn forged the undertaking in a really particular manner.
Right here’s what he advised the media at a New York Metropolis occasion to announce the movie’s first look.
“So many occasions feminine superheroes are so good. She’s not that in any respect.”
He paused. “Like male superheroes have been allowed to be for some time.”
The pause, we are able to assume, was for dramatic impact. His which means couldn’t be extra clear. Just like the “Girl Ghostbusters,” “Supergirl” might be one other tradition battle undertaking.
Not less than if Gunn has his manner.
In fact, we have already got imperfect feminine superheroes. Take Black Widow, whose tortured backstory got here to life in her 2021 solo movie. Extra not too long ago, Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova of “Thunderbirds” fame was removed from pristine in any style.
“Birds of Prey,” the underwhelming 2020 title, featured a gaggle of antiheroes who didn’t comply with the principles. Is there any antihero extra imperfect than Harley Quinn?
So instantly Gunn is studying immediately from the woke playbook. He received his information flawed, and he doesn’t care. Its all about victimhood standing.
Keep in mind when Jennifer Lawrence prompt that feminine motion heroes didn’t exist earlier than she signed on for “The Starvation Video games?” She needed to rapidly apologize as soon as followers identified her egregious mistake.
Or, recall how Elizabeth Banks backpedaled after making an attempt to disgrace Oscar-winner Steven Spielberg over lack of feminine illustration in his movies to rating woke factors?
Why would Gunn go woke so early? He is aware of the media will now be Staff “Supergirl” from right here till the movie opens June 26. He simply expanded his advertising and marketing crew to incorporate movie journalists throughout the nation.
Plus, his posturing could show a insecurity within the IP or the movie itself, directed by Craig Gillespie (“I, Tonya”). He could be loopy like a fox, nevertheless it’s not a certain factor.
Ask these Girl Ghostbusters how making a beloved property a tradition battle film turned out.