Dear James Gunn
Hello all, it’s time for another commentary. As with all of them there will be pictures. All pictures are legal under the terms of the fair use act of 1976.
Also, what you’re going to read is my opinion alone. So, if you don’t agree with it that’s fine. Also feel free to take what I say with a grain of salt.
Dear James Gunn,
What are you doing? What. Are. You. Doing?
You had me there for a moment. You had me there when you promised to make the DC entertainment universe better. You had so many including me hopeful that we would get some movies and TV without any kind of political agenda.
I was even thrilled when you made plans to have a Green Lantern John Stewart show. And I can say from the time I first saw him in the DC animated universe he’s been one of my favorite superheroes. Also, the decision to interconnect everything was ambitious but workable.
But then you had to go and take all that promised new start for the DC Universe and blow it out of the water. All with movies that are foolish at best, flat out agenda driven at worst.
What I’m going to give are three reasons why you’re playing with fire in making these bad decisions. And those decisions will burn you.
Reason 1: Ditching the good.
I admit that I disagree with Gal Gadot on some things. But it doesn’t change the fact that she is Wonder Woman! The first movie set in World War I made that clear enough.
Gal Gadot became Wonder Woman the way Lynda Carter did back in the 1970’s. The fact she’s drop dead gorgeous doesn’t hurt either.
Also, you got rid of Henry Cavil. The British born actor is still in his prime. He still had many years left in which he could play Superman.
I admit the movie that was the recent origin story was a little different. But I still think Cavil captured the essence of Superman. Like Christopher Reeve did back in the late 70’s and early 80’s.
Not only that but Cavil's proven he is the quintessential Alpha Nerd. Because he loves the lore of stuff and he’s an avid gamer.
Not to mention the man in his tweets has shown he has nothing but class and respect for his fans. Why do you think we gave him the title of Alpha Nerd?
And you cast those two out like they were nothing. All in the name of retooling the DC Universe.
The way I look at it is this. You’ll have to go with younger actors. And I fear with many in the younger generation we may end up with some entitled wokesters.
The likes of which would make Prince Harry and Meghan Merkle look sane.
I imagine that Gal Gadot will bounce back. And well as for Henry Cavil all I can say is this. Yours and The Witcher franchise’s loss will be Warhammer 40K’s gain. That’s one reason why you’re setting the DCEU up for failure.
Reason 2: Keeping the bad.
It was bad enough that you got rid of Gal Gadot and Henry Cavil. But you’re also keeping Ezra Miller and Amber Heard. Where to begin with those two?
We’re talking the Amber Heard. Never mind the fact she’s played Mara. There’s also the fact she’s proven in a court of law to be a narcissist and a domestic abuser.
Look at what she did to poor Johnny Depp to know exactly what she’s done. This woman has no business getting rewarded for what she’s done. Or for being anywhere near show business.
Amber Heard has proven to be an unrepentant user. People need to distance themselves from her until she gets her act straightened out. On the count of reforming herself I’m not holding my breath with that.
And Ezra Miller where to begin with this one? First off, I don’t care if Ezra Miller calls himself non-binary. He can call himself whatever he will.
I’m not playing the pronouns game.
Not because I hate transgender people. But because this is someone who is completely out of his mind. So much so to the point where he's a danger to others and himself.
Not to mention there’s the fact that in the state of Vermont he is facing some serious charges. Even jail time for some disturbing actions! And his recent behavior has demonstrated how unhinged he is.
I know Hollywood has said he’s seeking medical help for his mental issues. But after the way Hollywood has lectured and insulted its audience, I have a hard time believing that. Ezra Miller has no business being in acting until he gets the medical help he needs.
And I suspect that’s going to take more time.
What concerns me the most is what if Miller goes off on a fellow cast member during a movie making session. The lawsuits that would ensue would be a total disaster. Though I suspect Hollywood media would try and cover it up.
Now some would say, “Come on show Ezra Miller some empathy.”
I would respond to that with this. I am showing him some empathy as well as empathy towards others. Ezra Miller from a mental standpoint is in no condition to be doing any acting.
He’s a danger to others and himself and needs to get the psychiatric care he needs.
If you’re going to do a DC remake, why did you fire Henry Cavil and Gal Gadot while keeping Ezra Miller and Amber Heard? What are you trying to prove James Gunn?
Reason 3: Attacking the fans.
This is one of the biggest things that bugs me. In recent years Hollywood has gotten a bad habit of attacking their audience. Calling them ists and phobes because their movies aren’t doing well.
Or because there’s a scene which has bad writing. Or because there’s political agenda getting inserted into movies.
Now let me make this clear. I’m not going to tell people how they should and shouldn’t think. I prefer to leave that to individuals to decide for themselves.
But in recent years it’s become clear as Clownfish TV and others have pointed out people don't want agendas. We don’t want politics of any kind in our movies. What we do want is beautiful escapism.
Anyone who says those who want escapism must be bigots are selling something.
This is part of why it’s way overdue time for Hollywood to get over itself. Yes, great movies in the past have gotten made there. No one with any good sense argues that.
But when we have poor writing and bad unlikeable characters then it's a problem. It's when we have Hollywood elites lecturing the rest of us that there's a problem. And when they behave like jerks rather than as professionals is when there's a problem.
You want to show us how to do things better? How about trying the tactic of lead by example! Behave in a civilized, respectful, and professional way towards the fans.
Most people will follow that and even offer up respect to you. Because people appreciate those who talk the talk, then walk the walk.
There’s a tweet that sums it up best.
People don’t hate diverse characters. What they hate is being called bigots for calling out bad writing from talentless activists posing as writers. If the demography of your characters matters more than the story, then the story will probably suck.
Harsh as this may sound it’s true. Attacking the fans for any reason comes to nothing. Yes, I will admit there are some bad apples.
But those bad apples are far and few. Most of the time those bad apples get squashed by the real fans. Because most fans aren’t interested in race, gender, sexuality, or even pronouns.
What they’re interested in is characters with great personalities. As well as the mantra of story, story, story.
Attacking the fans is a bad form of customer service. My grocery store knows better than to call people ists and phobes for not coming in. If we did that sort of thing we'd go out of business real quick.
But Mr. Gunn you and much of Hollywood are sounding like you believe that you’re entitled to our money. I'll tell you in the nicest way possible to steer away from that thinking because you’re not.
You have to earn our money and our trust. And I’m sorry to say that thus far your decision making has shown you’re on the wrong path. And it’s going to kill the DCEU before it even has a chance to take off.
In closing I would tell you this. Reconsider Ezra Miller and Amber Heard. Offer Henry Cavil and Gal Gadot a concession.
Also, veer away from the politics and give us superhero films with great characters.
We want to see Superman, Batman, and the rest battling evil. We want the likes of Lex Luthor, Brainiac, and so many other great villains. We want them battling The Justice League and the Justice Society.
Also, if you go with a younger cast make sure they're not political activists. Make sure they understand professionalism and respecting fans. Because we don't want entitled actors shoving their ideas down our throats.
If you can manage this, you'll get DC fans such as myself back. Also treat the fans with more respect. They’re your customers and the ones who help you pay your bills.
Please consider what I'm saying and have a lovely day. Signed a longtime casual DC fan.
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