James Gunn’s R-Rated Vision for DC Movies Could Tank Universe — Here’s Why
By Movieguide® Contributor
James Gunn provided disappointing news for families as he revealed that he is open to creating R-rated movies for the DC Universe.
“We’ve got one opportunity to take these characters and really press forward and do what we believe,” Gunn told Collider. “I am a great believer that if we tell good, authentic stories, if a movie does well or doesn’t do as well, if you keep with that same philosophy, that you’re going to build a universe that people are going to love and want to be a part of for a long time.”
“It’s not about testing out to see if this thing works. It’s just about telling a story. If a story is going to be R-rated, we’re totally okay with that,” he continued. “If it’s going to be PG, PG-13, or G, I don’t care — whatever is worthy of the story, that’s what we’re going to do.”
The DC Universe architect also confirmed that the studio already has multiple 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, regardless of how good of a story it has to tell. THE DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY featured dark characters and storylines but ultimately maintained a PG-13 rating along with a redemptive ending. The last two movies in the franchise grossed over $1 billion at the global box office. A portion of Movieguide®’s review of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES reads:
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES is redemptive, explosive, entertaining and riveting. It’s very well-constructed. The action violence is intense and there’s some foul language and sensuality. However, villains are transformed, people find hope and faith, and good is victorious. Also, communist tyranny and revolution are shown as bad while the good is self-sacrificing, loyal and concerned about other people. MOVIEGUIDE® commends the filmmakers, with a caution for some intense action violence, foul language and brief sensuality.
In comparison, THE BATMAN also had a compelling story — earning it three Oscar nominations — but being full of foul language and excessive violence, the movie earned an “R” rating dramatically affecting its box office performance, earning $770 million globally.
Thus, Gunn would do well to learn from history and focus on keeping the movie family-friendly rather than believing the narrative that audiences desire excessive content.
READ MORE: FAMILY-FRIENDLY MOVIES BEAT STAR POWER AT BOX OFFICE
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