Directors Are Getting Turned Off The Superhero Movies: Shazam Director Says He's Done

[@TravisHouze]

I think fans have to realize that superhero movies aren’t for every director and don’t want to be locked in that genre for years

[@nathanbaker9872]

Not to mention, get caught in the crazy drama that ensues. I am perfectly fine with passionate fans, but some are downright nuts. I think that's another reason david left bc fans were taking his tweets out of context and mixing the wording to fit their narrative so it starts drama.

[@maxpops8427]

Oh I get it but I don’t go around saying there not cinema

[@countdooku7152]

@@nathanbaker9872 Case in point the Snyderverse fandom. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fanbase as rapid as this.

[@nathanbaker9872]

@Count Dooku honestly I'd quit, too. All that group does is spread hate to anyone that is not synder lol.

[@KILLAWATTS804]

The Russo Brothers were very successful at it and left when they felt it was time for them to go. Their name was edged in gold for the projects they have done. People have to realize that a bad script is going to hurt a movie no matter who directs.🫤

[@OmariBizimana]

I don’t blame them the comic book movie is toxic as hell and the fans are always complaining.

[@brycebirkinbine4119]

Then maybe the creators should make a good movie 😂 Not our fault the movie is shit. If criticizing is complaining then shit, I guess everything Disney Star Wars has done is soooooooo amazing and showcases how to create a true plan for a franchise 😂😂😂😂😂 Maybe the director shouldn’t be a little bitch. Worse problems out there then fans criticizing a shitty movie.

[@kubolor1234]

Most of these keyboard warriors would not be able to stand 10% of the politics behind the scenes that directors have to go through.

[@n.blacke1948]

It's not the worst thing to put super hero movies on ice for a while. Absence makes a heart grow fonder

[@craighaley1658]

I think we're all done with super hero movies.

[@edriesgardezi2563]

The flash ? The Batman 2 ? Joker 2 ? Superman film ? Batman and the beyond ? Spider-Man itsv ??? Who’s we ?? Lol there’s plenty of good superhero films coming out buddy

[@metallicnole4514]

@@edriesgardezi2563 Also gotg 3, deadpool 3, fantastic four, thunderbolts

[@craighaley1658]

@@edriesgardezi2563 Yep! And maybe one of them will show you something you haven't seen before. It's all just an endless slog of lather, rinse, and repeat.

[@bobw1811]

While the toxic fan culture is a factor, I'm not sure you can put ALL the blame on fans for directors wanting to distance themselves from the superhero genre. I think studio control is a factor too. I can count on one hand the number of superhero/comic book movies in the last 20 years where the director was actually able to display some of their own artistic expression or ideas. The rest of the time, it's just a product coming off of an assembly line, and the director just seems to be a seat-filler for the producer or studio head. It's kind of like how with a long-running TV series, the individual episode directors aren't really able to have any significant artistic or creative input, and pretty much all creative control belongs to the network and the showrunner. I can see why directors who have a strong artistic vision and want to be able to express themselves artistically wouldn't be too eager to tackle the superhero genre.

[@rahshaddawson4659]

It’s called, being a reasonable human being. And having some class, and tact about yourself. That’s all. It’s not complicated. People are toxic. The internet is toxic. You can say that you dislike something, without being a dick about it.

[@musicsoul4037]

problem with these comic book movies is that talented directors has no full control in the writing of the story. they are just there to direct the superfacial aspect of the movie and only at the mercy of their boss.

[@39travisp]

So the directors are butt hurt because they didn't make a good superhero movie and fans express their dislike?

[@chrisrpm8728]

You’re calling fans childish for their conduct when discussing superhero films online, but then you’re saying that Alejandro G. Iñárritu is out of order for saying that superhero films are childish?? 🤷🏻‍♂️ Do you not think there’s a correlation there? The superhero boom infantilised an entire generation of movie-going audience.

[@dangerouslydazzling]

The few remaining fans of this genre have become so vitriolic. Who can blame directors for giving the Cape business a wide berth

[@iamSKYWEST]

Some directors have just done a absolute terrible job at directing. It has nothing to do with superheroes or superhero fans. It has everything to do with the fact that they did not do a good job directing a movie it doesn’t matter what genre it is

[@brianschiller4053]

Too many formulaic lackluster superhero offerings recently. The Franchise fatigue concept is corporate speak for “we have released a bunch of garbage in recent years and our audience is checking out.” When it gets to this point, even the decent films suffer. Blaming fans is not the answer.

[@AnthonyMcNeil]

If Chloe Zhao doesn't come back for the Eternals sequel that will upset me so much. Unfortunately when you go online, the talk around that movie is so bad that it goes to show that not even fans want something different. I liked that the Eternals was different and wasn't the same copy and paste stuff. This is why I try to stay offline as much as I can. I watch what I want and I will either like it or not.

[@AnthonyMcNeil]

@@seanfitzgerald8575 It's fine to be disappointed in a movie. Doctor Strange MoM was a disappointment for me. I still like Sam Raimi as a director. Again, it shouldn't be the point of a movie being disappointing. If they can get some talented directors to take the helm of these movies then it will only be better for the audience.

[@damiantirado9616]

Eternals wasn’t different at all. It’s the same copy and paste marvel stuff. The characters make jokes every 5 minutes. The characters are all one dimensional characters and the villains are predictable and cliche.

[@damiantirado9616]

@@seanfitzgerald8575 marvel was never really quality

[@AnthonyMcNeil]

@@seanfitzgerald8575 Quality is subjective. The Eternals was of high quality. Not liking a movie doesn't mean that it's "bad quality." You're trying to push off a subjective view as objective.

[@AnthonyMcNeil]

@@damiantirado9616 The characters don't make jokes every five minutes and the villains aren't cliche. In fact, they're far from that. Did you watch the movie? If I go by your reply, it's clear that you didn't watch it.

[@CreationsbyRyan]

THEN DIRECTORS SHOULD START DIRECTING GOOD SUPERHERO MOVIES!!

[@ricobuttonpusher7061]

Then you do it

[@sreenivaskamath4243]

All of this pointing to the signs that we are gonna get another New Hollywood era sooner or later. Maybe this will entice studios and filmmakers to finally take risks and reinvigorate Hollywood. This is a cyclical process and I think the cycle is coming.

[@jamespearson7871]

That Alejandro González Iñárritu quote is right though, isn't it? The man's not saying there's anything wrong with enjoying a superhero film, but he says it's not healthy to be FIXATED on super heroes as an adult. I am not sure he's wrong. It's like riding a rollercoaster ... nothing wrong with doing it once in a while - it's good, exhiliarating, but ultimately empty fun. But if that's what you spend all your free time doing, that's not good for you. And a lot of these online fans do seem to suffer from a disease of not having grown up. They act like spoiled, angry children, not adults with a wide variety of interests and sense of proportion.

[@theabelsalazar]

☝️

[@frederickeusebio5153]

"Pick a side"....simping for corporations is a very special level of idiocy.

[@alexricky87]

For ANY corporation.

[@CCEkeke]

If a director has no interest in directing superhero films, that's their right. Its just obnoxious when they insult fans for liking the genre. Just like talented actors aren't obligated to do a serious Oscar bait film every time. Doing a raunchy comedy is not slumming it.

[@eugenegardnerjr1815]

The Super hero era had a good run!! But it's on to the next!!! Too many of them

[@celdur4635]

Good, directors who don't care about Superheroes making the movies are destroying the genre.

[@maxpops8427]

Christopher Nolan didn’t care much about Batman

[@nielsfrederiksen6636]

@@maxpops8427 For a director who didnt care about the character, he sure did his research, considering the trilogy draws from litereally a TON of the most acclaimed comics across the characters modern history. Year one, The Long Halloween, Knight Fall, Dark Knight Returns etc. He incorporated the No-kill rule, which was never seen on the big screen before. He adopted multiple new characters and even villains only featured in the comics and cartoons before and took plot points and narratives straight from the comics. But sure, he didnt care.

[@maxpops8427]

@@nielsfrederiksen6636 okay let me rephrase that. Nolan didn’t care about Robin, didn’t give bane his comic accurate look. Also his Co writer david goyer has said he hated martian manhunter

[@celdur4635]

@@maxpops8427 He's Christopher Nolan, he delivers good movies, he's the exception. He can do something with any subject that interests him.

[@maxpops8427]

@@celdur4635 Hes a great filmmaker dont get me wrong. But I feel like there were certain key elements that he ignored. Like taking a random old cop and slapped robin on his name

[@Terrick1993]

I think it's a good thing these big directors don't want to comic book films. Because it allows Marvel & D.C. to get new talent, pay less, while also the new talent does not have a big ego.

[@cinematicgoodness7325]

Not every director is turning off the idea of making superhero movies, but it's not for every director.

[@cinematicgoodness7325]

@@randalepical6591 nah not every superhero movie turns out bad.

[@cinematicgoodness7325]

@@randalepical6591 Todd's doing the second Joker movie tho.

[@cinematicgoodness7325]

@@randalepical6591 still he's directing it now. People change their minds all the time on things.

[@colinmatzkows5839]

David F. Sandberg is awesome and I feel bad. I highly recommend everyone to go listen to his episode on Chris Stuckmann's pre-production podcast. It's great.

[@NobuhikuObayashi]

This goes back to Edgar Wright leaving Ant Man seven years ago when Marvel and Edgar unfortunately couldn’t make it work, setting the industry standard for blockbuster comic book movies (at least “universe” based movies) to be without true directorial leadership or substantial individual style. The directors for those movies are movie like tv directors who are a liaison between the producers and the actors

[@yodieyuh]

It is the one thing I wish had happened in the MCU, a full out EW film.

[@AnthonyMcNeil]

At the end of the day, it showed how much Edgar Wright brought to the movie since his name was still credited as a writer. He definitely wanted to keep his movie separate but his script was still great. Goes to show how great of a writer he is.

[@ROSPoetry1]

I think this genre is good for directors that love that genre. The problem comes in when you get directors that don't know the material, don't care about the material, and then go on to get burned out doing sequels to movies they don't care about. Its not their fault, the studios just have to do a better job of picking directors and let them actually create their vision.

[@lukesmale24]

"The fandom in comic book movies is awful" yes, yes it is. A lot of has always been good and then a lot of it has been bad. That has always been the case. Just now the online garbage has become louder and louder. It sucks and is killing things like comic book movies, Star Wars etc.

[@rhetro777]

The discourse online stressed him out? I've never really even seen people talk about Shazam lol. Didn't realize those movies were so hotly debated online.

[@segments2156]

well, since you are not David F Samberg, you don't get a notification every time his name is mentionned on a tweet... HE DOES....

[@aaronng6266]

Pretty sure your inner circle is not the same as the director of the movie's circle lol

[@alexricky87]

​@@segments2156you don't HAVE to get notifications sent to your phone. If he's seeing too much online he can log off. He's not obligated to see every mention and every comment that includes his name.

[@segments2156]

@@alexricky87 yeah he could... and women could just stop going outside if they are affraid of being harrassed when walking in the street... OR... people could stop acting like morons and when they don't like a movie, they can just say "i did not like the movie" and then move on with their life... just like people could just stop harrassing women in the street... Trust me it's easy, i walk in the street very often, i see women, i even see women that i find very attractive, and yet, i never harrass them.... and i see movies, some of them that i really don't like, and yet... wait for it... i'm not spending my time trashing them for monthes... I know, it's... mindblowing.

[@handsomeerik8404]

Sorry John but the Fans are the WHOLE reason why this industry exists. You cannot generalize an entire fandom because some people are idiots online.

[@bucknutz9290]

I really, really, dislike (HATE) what KK has done with Star Wars, but you can't say that everything she's been apart of is terrible. Schindler's List, anyone?

[@AridusIndustries]

Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

[@lukesmale24]

Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, the Indiana Jones trilogy. It is so ridiculous to say she had nothing to do with them and go against the actual directors who made them.. I say this also thinking she needs to go. But you need to be fair too.

[@ryanbollinger1759]

@@AridusIndustries More like she’s produced nothing but gold until she had to run a company

[@PrimeTime__]

Why do the audience scores did dismissed so easily, like that isn't more important than the critics?

[@PrimeTime__]

@@bobross8585 I don't trust rotten tomatoes anyway, but I trust the critics even less. Most of them will gas up a movie just because they want early access, or they'll be biased because of political agendas. I trust critics much less than I do fans.

[@theroverart]

hard disagree man, it's true about toxic and idiotic fans, but how can anyone defend these movies with a straight face? doctor strange 2, ant man 3, eternals, and now shazam 2, (which I saw a couple of days ago) are horrible movies, the scripts are childish, dumb and lazy, some set pieces are corny as fuck and they fail in almost every department of storytelling, it's not about hating this or that, it's about loving movies and well told stories

[@segments2156]

then don't watch them, move on... nobody is saying that every superhero movie is perfect... but you can just dislike a movie and then move on with your life, no need for toxicity, and there is no excuse for that toxicity.

[@theroverart]

@@segments2156 I just voiced my opinion, you’re the one bringing the toxicity to the table, thanks for showing a clear example of sensitive toxic fans who can’t hear any criticism

[@segments2156]

@@theroverart because that's the topic of the video, it was not about wether the film is good or not, it is about how the toxicity of fans is making filmmakers run away from the superhero genre. Have you even listened to what the people on your screen were saying? Or did you write your comment without listening?

[@theroverart]

@@segments2156 Haha and did you reply without even reading? Where did I say fuck marvel or dc or the superhero genre in general?

[@nielsfrederiksen6636]

@@segments2156 People are allowed to have opinions you dont like. They are also allowed to share them.

[@QuEsT_X]

I spoke with someone who works in the industry. Hollywood directors and actors are getting fed up with the fandoms. They've literally destroyed what comic book movies were meant to be, which was fantasy and fun . Now, they want everything to be historically, scientifically, and politically accurate , and it has to be "Their political perspective." it's become a nightmare ... look at what they are doing to the little mermaid a fictional creature

[@QuEsT_X]

​@bigballerju07 it sucks this is why I literally recoil when I'm having a discussion about let's say " the batman" and how awesome the cinematography was and score and it was fun and then they immediately test you by asking "what did you think of them race changing commissioner Gordon" I immediately shut it down these ppl complain about agendas being put in films but they don't have an issue when a film caters to their agenda ... then you realize it's deeper than just comic book movies it's about something that has no place in the genre and that's tribalistic Politics

[@alexricky87]

The Little Mermaid is your example? Nevermind that the actress is a gifted singer and that more than anything is why they chose her over some White actress who probably couldn't sing. Name a comic book movie that was historically, scientifically and "politically" accurate or was trying to be.

[@alexricky87]

@@bigballerju07 the fans don't know what they want until they actually get it. The Little Mermaid hasn't even come out yet but already people are upset solely because the actress isn't a White redhead.

[@yingyang1615]

Are these questions scripted or manufactured

[@smnash82]

Solution: Stay off social media. Those who spew crap on social media are either: trolls or neurotic attention seekers looking for affirmation in the wrong places. Making career and business decisions based off the vocal subset of a subset...of a subset that is a subset of your general audience will lead to failure. A lot is factoring into Shazam 2's flop and blaming mean tweets and toxic fans occludes the real problem - Relevance.

[@DiarraHarris]

"Director says he's done" Well so is this series soooo......

[@qhorton6743]

If you start letting these directors have freedom and make elseworlds movies, they'll be back. Id imagine its quite tough directing under certain "rules" or "in a box" so that you can keep this ongoing, cohesive story going.

[@ArthurJJudah]

Hello Mr. Campea!! At what point does the director take responsibility for creating a movie based on characters we are excited to see but not accurately depicted? If we don't like it we don't buy it right? How does this work? Thanks!

[@jamespearson7871]

Well, two things really. Firstly, yes if you don't think you'll enjoy a movie, don't buy a ticket and just move on with your life, don't spend weeks kicking off on line because you didn't get what you want. Secondly, maybe judge a film on its merits as a film, not on how accurately it reflects the source material.

[@ArthurJJudah]

@@jamespearson7871 You obviouly have a particular type person in mind. Im just asking a question... I dont disagree with your position. However unlike you i dont care if people kick off online because 1, if they bought a ticket and hated it, its their RIGHT to say whatever they want to say. Its also YOUR/MY RIGHT not to listen or read! 2. Even if they didnt buy a ticket, you cant call me an "ist" because i didnt see your movie! Hence even if i DIDNT SEE IT, its STILL MY RIGHT TO KICK OFF if i want to...! My 1st amemdment right! Not that i do any of the sort. Its not that serious to me. If Im not intrested i dont go! Never speak on it unless asked! Dig this though: Its like the kid that DIDNT get picked to play basketball in the park. Why? BECAUSE YOUR GAME IS TRASH! So dont hate me, hate YOUR GAME! Go back and practice until youre good enough and come back to the park! This is what Directors should be doing! If THEIR DEPICTIONS DONT WORK, maybe try the source depictions like MOST FANS ask? Maybe you would stop losing money! I DONT CLAIM TO KNOW THE BUSINESS... Im just making note of what i see personally! Good day SIr!

[@jamespearson7871]

@Arthur J. Judah Sure, people have the right to be assholes online, but maybe if they weren't assholes because a movie didn't "accurately" depict fictional children's characters from a different medium, they'd be happier, have lower blood pressure and we could all have fun with some fun silly movies, rather than having to tolerate a bunch of assholes.

[@statuecollector955]

So…John says immediately after watching ANT-MAN Quantumania that Marvel has lost its magic but now reverses course and says it was just a movie he didn’t like and people who don’t like it should just treat it like a one-off and move on. Also, for years John has wanted Kathleen Kennedy removed as the president of Lucasfilm essentially firing her from one of the most esteemed positions in all of movie land because he doesn’t like all of her content. Yet he admits to really LOVING many of her movies and TV shows including THE FORCE AWAKENS, ROGUE ONE, THE MANDALORIAN and ANDOR. As well as liking THE LAST JEDI, OBI-WAN KENOBI and LIGHT & MAGIC. Sounds like Tribe Campea to me.

[@ryanhuizar168]

No cap the homie is a hypocrite but makes good content

[@iam_ad629]

Totally agree John is inconsistent with his takes

[@kaceynm]

Understanding nuance is a lost art apparently…

[@xxAKSHUNxx]

It’s not just the fans, David Ayer tried to do the same when he yelled Fuck Marvel at the release.. as if only die hard DC fans alone would be enough to make the first Suicide Squad a success

[@bobuhnitza]

Specifically regarding Shazam 2, why is this a fandom problem? The fans gave the movie an opening weekend score of 90+% and it's now sitting at 87%. It's the critics that panned the movie. I get that fandom can be toxic, but fandom gave Shazam 1 and 2 two thumbs up.

[@delix787]

Kevin Smith also said he doesn’t want to get involved in a movie

[@maxpops8427]

After He Man, I dont blame him

[@LouieR.4682]

Of course directors are going away from comic book movies and franchises altogether. All fandoms are toxic. Also the companies are just a massive headache (star wars) to deal with.

[@22carmoon]

I fine with having more comicbook movies in the future, but not at the quantity and quality we're getting them right now. We're being spammed with the genre and there aren't really any which look like they have a great, unique story to tell.

[@jacobanderson9262]

Mr.Campea, my disappointment in the Comic Book based movies, although they should be somewhat connected, each movie should be a stand alone story. Having movies built to a supposedly "Event" movie really takes the prestige of the movie as an escape and of the entertainment value in and of itself. With the new DC coming, I believe the enthusiasm for the current movies and shows is diminished, because it's highly likely the project isn't going anywhere further. As far as Marvel, they fell into the same garbage that befell the printed comic books, very few stand alone stories or story arcs, they want to build to a major event story, that they put all their eggs into. And these "events" crossover and bleed into other projects, interfere with the creativity of smaller project, and really makes entertainment stumble, and is more of a marketing ploy, rather than trying to making a memorable movie, etc. It's like the magic and mystery are gone from entertainment, because the financiers have a "formula", rather than taking the proper time and judgement to make a quality product.

[@atlien1988]

Black Adam and Shazam Fury of the Gods have the same cinema score. In fact, Justice League, Shazam 2, Black Adam, Suicide Squad, The Suicide Squad, Batman v Superman, Wonder Woman 1984, Joker, and Birds of Prey ALL received a B+ CinemaScore. So it's interesting how the media and certain people involved are trying to blame a certain person for the failure of recent films when the audience have felt relatively the same about every DCEU film.

[@MrBopeel]

The problem with comic book and Star Wars films is directors want to put their own spin on the stories without honoring the source material that fans fell in love with in the first place. You want to make a good superhero film? Read a comic book and do that.

[@nielsfrederiksen6636]

Bingo. I dont want some Hollywood directors vision of who a certain character is or should be. I want the actual character on screen.

[@wraithx7]

Tribalism and hatred on the internet is not something that just happens in fandom of genre films,TV series,video games,books,and comics. This is a problem among people in general on (and off the internet) on all manner of subjects.

[@PTBIC]

Everything is a political debate now, it’s so tiring.

[@queenglamazona8789]

Looks Like A Clear Case Of Quitting Right Before You Get Fired.

[@gilesburford1935]

Unfortunately, I don't think there is any way to get rid of them. Sowing discord in fan commmunities is their entire personality at this point.

[@kratos696]

But its the critics that are mostly hating not the fans, most fans are having fun or enjoying the film much like blk adam.

[@cementbox4430]

They do need to make enough money to not be a loss though. It’s all about money.

[@Ravenfeather1809]

The movie critics aren't harassing directors and actors on social media though

[@Magdalena8008s]

I get it. A loud but small group of people that are toxic will legit attack a director because they didn't like the comic movie or series. They make it a personal mission to do so. That's pathetic. And I get why some people dont want to work in a fandom that's like this. Not saying this is the only reason. People want to be able to do other things as well. About all I can say. I get it, and it's sad.

[@ejiroubas3920]

DCEU breaking talent and destroying careers since 2012 Lmao 🤣🤣🤣

[@furbl4345]

Shazam 2 is very different movie than Quantumania. Stop blaming Quantumania for every DCEU failure moving forward. Of all movies, blame Black Adam LOL

[@everydaypeople4855]

If directors are walking away from this genre than it's the end for the superhero genre. Cause you can't get rid of social media. In addition, put regulations on it to where people are not going to express their likes or bias on a movie or people. So yeah, it's pretty much the end of the superhero genre.

[@piotrek8a]

I'm ready for the end of comic book movies domination

[@crimson8183]

Preach

[@eldeadkilljohnkennedy3946]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@alexricky87]

Why? There's still a lot of untapped potential

[@mikescott5412]

I completely disagree with Johns tribalism take here. As someone that "prefers" DC, it can not be denied, that the MCU blows the DCU out the water. That is because the ALL of the DC movies (bar Man of Steel imo) are objectively very bad movies. This is not the fault of actors, just terrible bosses at Warner Bros. A consistency of bad movies and bad decisions has left a severely sour taste in peoples mouths and they just don't care no more. People like what's good

[@PTBIC]

But now you have a group of fans who only like those bad movies and are going to harrass anyone trying to make a DC movie that’s not named Zack Snyder. I mean go look at James Gunns mentions on a daily

[@Ryberg2.0]

What's up with John's monologues being so long as of recent? I enjoy the full panel discussions, but it seems like you're moving away from those.

[@shvenanaij]

I learnt my lesson very early on when I got literally roasted by some stranger on Twitter because I hadn't watched the movie they loved. Look at what happened when Martin spoke about Marvel movies, everyone attacked him so hard. I read so many social media posts hating and abusing Scorsese just because he doesn't like superhero movies.

[@christophertheofilos1063]

Or maybe social media is a fucking dumpster fire that people should avoid if they have thin skins

[@queenglamazona8789]

I think you hit the Nail right on the Head.

[@captainmofongo584]

BINGO!!!

[@ElielArrey]

Even music writers, Hans Zimmer, after the BVS drama, said he was never going to compose music for comic book films again.

[@Hicks-g1m]

Shazam 2 I'm still going to see it but this kind of sucks that David Sandberg would say something like this

[@daniellove162]

If these type of movies didn’t at one time make BILLIONS, half of these directors wouldn’t bother trying to direct them.

[@UlyssesSmith3youtubeENT]

That's so darn true!! Just like with fast and furious, if that didn't make so much money you think that directors or even actors would care.

[@gunz350]

I personally think the villains as far as character choices are not want people want. Just watching the trailers I'm like, I really don't want to see old people fighting in movies anymore. Regardless of how good the actor/actress is. It becomes comical. I loved the DC animated Shazam movie. So for me it was just the villain selection. I love the director too. I don't agree with John. The directors can also look at Matt Reeves, and the director of the Flash and The Joker movies and say "I want a crack at a comic book movie".

[@TheMightyMRP]

It's all part of the high risk - high reward nature of these films. Tell me any other genre that can easily get 300M + easily (which nowadays is considered a failure). Any Star Wars movie can easily reach a billion, just for the name alone. MCU movies used to over perform all the time. Tell me any movie about a random drug addicted lady or any period piece that can have the same success as a "STAR WARS" movie. So yes, the fandom is nuts, but it's the same fandom that, if you succeed in pleasing, can repeat - view your movie until it reaches a billion. And if you displease, can bury you to the ground. It's a high risk high reward situation. And, as the Shazam director said himself, "if you can't stand the heat..."

[@TheIceman101418]

Wait so we only get to say we really hate a movie and it sucks unless and the film maker did a poor job unless we have a mic? Also you took the nauseating comment as literal? It's called hyperbole. Lol Idc about Shazam, the trailers didn't grab me so I didn't watch it. I have no thoughts on the movie. I won't bash or praise a movie I have never seen. That's what I have a bigger problem with

[@laemert09]

I do agree it gets nuts, but I also believe to half of the extent, is directors or writers not respecting characters that have been establish that fans love, but I don’t believe they should attack actors for the roles. But I will say my favorite Star Wars movie is episode 2 and for years people have said I’m not a Star Wars fan I know nothing and you shouldn’t like the movie. I remember the theatrical experience I had in the theater for that movie was amazing I got Jedi, Yoda fighting and a badass fight scene with the Jedi and Mace fighting vs the droids.

[@Thed538dhsk]

You want to get nuts? LETS GET NUTS!

[@kahlillmyers9155]

Or their being turned off to comic book movies due unfulfilled expectations (box office). 1st three phases of MCU set a standard, fans dollars will speak.

[@SX1995able]

I can't stand Iñárritu Dude says that about super heroes and how liking them as an adult means you have a disease when his bff Del Toro has giant robot and evil fairies movies And I love Del Toro,no hate

[@Traveler89_89]

I think comic cook films can continue but they need to get better. Better writing. Writing can’t be mediocre. DC studios has better IP than marvel but they do have a very toxic online fan base presence and whoever directors Come on board they never wanna play nice. They come in and want to go away from comics and do left hand stuff and if they can’t they leave and films end up stuck in writing or development hell. It’s a double edged sword. What I hope now is with James Gunn hopefully they can put out quality material. They don’t need to pump out ten films a year but just a few solid projects.

[@rl8259]

Marvel proves that DC doesn’t have a better IP at all

[@bradenwells520]

Fandom toxicity is a consequence of an industry which has shifted away from original content and towards pandering to a preexisting audience to assure box office profits. Not all people are great at verbalizing their criticism. But they will damn sure verbalize it when they are being aggressively courted and marketed to. They are entitled and for good reason, as the studios' bottom line is rooted in pandering to these preexisting audiences from well known IPs. People love these superhero films. I just question their extreme dominance. I won't go to see them anymore. There are too many other things to watch from all of film history. I hope this is the start of moving into a new era. It's terrible to say, but I'm rooting against these superhero films because of their death grip on the film industry.

[@sreenivaskamath4243]

If the critical and commercial response of most of the superhero movies in recent years is enough to go by, we are definitely jumping into a new era. Maybe a similar movement akin to the New Hollywood Era of the 70s and 80s is about to come.

[@kaceynm]

This is a brilliant comment. I do agree that Hollywood has played a part in creating this environment, though that does not excuse the behavior of some toxic fans. That said, you can’t encourage people spend lots of money buying merchandise, going to theme parks, and watching multiple movies per year, and then get mad when they have a sense of entitlement. The movies are a product at this point. I wouldn’t say that I’m rooting against superhero movies, I enjoy them a few times a year, and having surefire hits is good for the studio. But I hope that the success of films like EEAAO, M3gan, and Jordan Peele’s films encourages Hollywood to take more chances.

[@danieljoychild]

Hmmm interesting no one is putting this on the reboot of the DCEU. Who would be interested if the story isn't continuing?

[@qhorton6743]

General audience still has no idea about the reboot, nor would they care even if they did know imo.. its you and I that care lol

[@brucetjetrick9728]

WB polarized the DC fan base through its incomptence, arrogance, and insensitivity. The dysfunctionality is blinding the very audience it's trying to cater to. Here's to hoping that Warner Bros be taken over by a company that understands what "fan service" means. Cheers!

[@revealingtruth3329]

The greatness of the future is already here with James Gunn. His plan will be great and everyone will see. Don’t listen to these Snyder cultists making up crap just cuz they are mad that they are not getting their precious mess of a Snyderverse back. James Gunn has a great plan and all will see that soon

[@revealingtruth3329]

Zack Snyder divided the fan base. Stop letting him off the hook for what he did to these iconic characters

[@SecondTake123]

Yes! Comic Book fans don't know how to move on if they don't like a movie! 🤣

[@lancemontes]

Waiting for John to mention Henry Cavill at least 3x. That 'DC fandom' don't go to the theaters just strong on social media

[@SpyingMeter087]

Mostly everyone who joins the DCEU regrets it

[@spookcityghouls]

Thing with the Eternals is, they could have been faithful to the comics and still gave us something that was completely different from the tried and true MCU formula. And it would have had the secondary benefit of laying the groundwork and explaining some key points of the future. Yeah, a director is gonna catch shit when their comic book movie fails simply bc of the existence of the source material and how they usually won't use much, if any of it.

[@KILLAWATTS804]

The director of Shazam says he is done with super hero movies? 🤔 Good riddance! Shazam 2 was mehhh...no lie

[@queenglamazona8789]

Not sure if this is really a Loss.

[@chadsealey3055]

I think directors want to do something of their own instead of getting caught up in the drama of adapting beloved properties. I am for more original content!

[@chadsealey3055]

@@realityshifter3399 I know and I am always supporting something new. Everything Everywhere All At Once was easily my favorite movie. We just need to support more!

[@omrmajeed]

Please. This happens in all famdoms where sequels exist. Ghostbusters to Starwars, Star Trek to Terminator, Aliens, Predator...the list goes on and on. Superhero movies are treated as sequels, they develop expectation and toxic fandom comes in with expectations.

[@jred201]

No way you can even compare those franchise fans to Star Wars or the comic book studios. Not even in the same realm.

[@Samuel-qe9lj]

the have no creative control with all these Universe BS... standalone film are so much better

[@gaboh296]

I loved the first Shazam but what turned me off to the sequel is the big villain is Helen Mirren. I really like her but I just want to see Black Adam vs Shazam. Instead we got this.

[@Dividendsmattertoo]

Exactly she’s a good actress but a really cliche bad guy

[@derheadbanger9039]

So movies will just become even worse, because talented people don't want to get involved and don't want to get involved with the toxic fandom!

[@Airwr3ck]

David Sandberg is actually really cool KZbinr. He’s been very active on KZbin and been engaging with the fans.

[@nielsfrederiksen6636]

I love your show John and appreciate all your work. You make my day multiple times a week. But youre completely backwards on this topic. Shazam 2 sucked. Sorry, but it really didnt work for me. Same goes for Ant-Man 3. If those are the types of comic-book movies the studios and directors wants to make, then yes, I will shit on them. Id rather they dont make them. I want a different type of movie. I want the source material adapted with only minor deviations. If the directors wants to make a vastly different and modernized interpretation that has little in common with the source material bar the visuals, then I have no interest and they cant be surprised when their visions tank. Id rather have no comic-book movies than shit comic-book movies. If Marvel doesnt return to the quality of earlier projects, I dont mind it if the MCU goes away either. We, as consumers, are allowed to voice our opinion. That includes opinions Hollywood doesnt like. Your take here comes off like "SHUT UP AND CONSOOOOOME"

[@nielsfrederiksen6636]

​@@stormtraitor6545 You comment seems to be in good faith and with respect, so ill respond accordingly. Thank you, btw, for your input. I have the same empathy for them as I have for anyone else trying to sell me a product. Its business. If I produce a shit product, people will shit on me too. I think your point about constructive critisism is fair and good, but ultimately completely naive. I´m not a big Star Wars fan myself, but I know the community has a bad reputation. Why? Because they have been getting shit products for years on end, with a few pearls every now and then. People have made hours long video essays explaining what is wrong with Star Wars. You can find book long papers written by hardcore fans about how Star Wars went off the rails and how they could fix it in minute detail. All written for free and is availeble with a few clicks. And what has changed? What has improved? How has the studio responded? Crickets. Nothing. Not a single thing. Granted, Star Wars is actually in a okay-ish spot right now with Mando and Andor. But the Obiwan-show? Ouch.. Not good. The studio doesnt respond to critisism. Of any kind. They double down and keep going. Directors and creators dont care what the fans or community wants. They care only care about their own visions and ultimately, the box office. The term "Fan-service" is straight up derogatory. That should tell you a lot. The reason we dont see more constructive critisism(there´s a lot out there btw) is because its meaningless to do. Kris even says so in this clip. "It doesnt matter if you like it". Okay then. Then I guess it doesnt matter if I shit all over it either.

[@kriswillman2779]

Can we get a straight horror superhero film then. I know there's been some with clear horror elements but I want them to push it all the way.

[@Brian25091]

Bright Burn.

[@kriswillman2779]

@@Brian25091 meh I considered that one but it also sucked

[@Brian25091]

@@kriswillman2779 I liked some of it, but I do agree that it wasn't great. I do however respect the attempt at it though.

[@shanetaylor761]

It's a fact that directors are more hesitant to work with hero movies now. That said they always came to the job for the same reasons. Money. Established directors will continue to not do hero movies unless they have assurances(like Matt reeves or Jon Favreau) and Lessor known ones will continue to take the jobs because who said no to so many commas. I think alot of these directors who are rightfully burnt out are able to be because they're financially stable enough now to go back to being an unhindered artist. One thing I will say though is alot of these directors go into there first hero movie off of highly acclaimed films. I know studio interference is a real thing but I think they should get some of the blame when they make underwhelming films. If eternals had turned out to be great I bet her marvel experience would have been alot more positive. Coogler did it so I know it's not impossible to work with them.

[@johngrayson9218]

I seem to recall Sandberg saying Shazam 2 would’ve his last superhero film a long time ago (like before filming even began.)

[@upgradED32]

In a nutshell, Comicbook movies have always been silly and it's own thing. Some people dig them some people don't. As Marvel for instance started making good movies one after another and they were all connected with eachother leading up to Endgame it became such a phenomenon that many high profile names out there jumped on board and it gave new perspective to the genre. Especially when many of the movies were done exception well. Now it's not only hit or miss but I believe many of us are spoiled so to speak that anything below what should meet our criteria for a good movie is magnified and given new negative light back to its original days when it wasn't as big of a genre as it used to be. Gone are the days where people had good ideas and implemented them on screen cause now it's all about franchises it seems. Sad cause I used to like movies a lot and now they're just whatever.

[@IrvingTransplant]

This. This is the answer.

[@marvintnt1820]

He should get back into horror.

[@jamespearson7871]

Online fandom is making a lot of fans not want to have anything to do with Star Wars or comic book movies anymore too.

[@alanmendez5717]

The problem here is that people are taking these I.P’s and turning it into crap by catering to normies.. nothing wrong with trying something new but at the same time distancing the IP to the point where it’s no longer familiar and is something completely different from What people are expecting.. there’s a difference between exceeding expectations and a difference from subverting them. You can’t please everyone but it’s not always the fans, sometimes it’s egocentric and narcissistic directors and writers who take on projects they have no passion for, and when it shows in their work and fans call it out they have the nerve to call fans toxic. Hate the fans all you want, but it’s the fans that put money in the seats. Stuff like that will turn fans away and you loose money.. again I’m all for creative and artistic expression but when you take on a big franchise you gotta take what come along with it.. fans with expectations and entertainment value. In the end this is a business, and like art, art is subjective gotta take the bad with the good

[@GrandMastaKiwi]

That first sentence just proves how stupid you people sound, and the sole reason why these directors are staying away from these IPS. Get over yourself. These properties aren't just for you. Just because you think they suck doesn't make it an objective truth.

[@grimdicer152]

@@GrandMastaKiwi Found the guy who's never read a comic book.

[@benm5970]

I think it’s the opposite actually, they’re starting to cater too much to the hardcore comic book fans, to the point where these movies are starting to feel too niche, it seems like we’re not getting movies like the Sam Raimi Spider-Man or Captain America: The First Avenger anymore, y’know those movies that ground the movie enough to where it feels like a story that everyone can relate to, nowadays they’re feeling like movies that might as well be tossing comic books at your feet with notes reading “You’re required to read these before seeing the movie” attached to them, it feels like they’re only catering to the hardcore comic book fans now, and in a way I feel like that’s made them kinda worse, because I’m a big superhero fan but I’m not gonna act like I’ve read every Marvel/DC comic book known to man, and so that’s why I liked movies like the first Iron Man or X-Men: First Class so much, because they didn’t lean too much into the hardcore nerdy stuff, they felt like they had a good balance of being faithful to the source material but having a causal viewer friendly story, and we’re not getting that now, it feels like the comic book genre is now trying to kick all of the casual fans out and only include the hardcore sweaties, like I said, they’re starting to become too niche

[@michaelserna4982]

The Director is Right. This On Line drama is Affecting the Box Office! This Toxic Radical Fandom needs to Stop!! Move on, & Get a Life!! ☝️🤨 ✝️

[@GinsuSher]

I liked shazam 2. I feel bad for it not doing well.

[@kratos696]

The problem with mcu n dc I think is most mcu fans are casual fans or netural fans that like both or all comic movies. Dc has alot die hard fans that are very vocal how your adap thier characters not mention also die hard fans of previous adaptations that they compare to like batman n supes much like bond so many versions n actors have taken the mantel shoes to fill. But marvel it's first for most on screen except for Spiderman which also have its different fanbase.

[@rhetro777]

We need the Russo Bros back tbh

[@upgradED32]

Shazam! 2 WAS NOT a good movie. Let's stop kidding ourselves. I almost walked out of the theater halfway it was that bad.

[@johncampea]

Completely respect your feelings on the movie. It's all subjective. But myself, and almost 90% of the audience liked it.

[@rtdsbg1]

I totally agree, Shazam acts more like an immature kid than teenage billy. The whole movie is goofy. I had to turn my brain off and pretend I was watching a DC animated movie to sit through it. It's definitely a movie exclusively for kids.

[@byebye5707]

Shazam 2 was good let’s not kid ourselves to believing your opinion holds any weight. you pretentious try hard

[@graigfitzgerald6787]

Nah Shazam fury of the gods is good. You chronically online psychos need to realize your opinion on a movie isn’t the end all be all. Other people are allowed to think Shazam 2 is good. You narcissistic nerd

[@Ravegirlie214]

@@johncampea own that fraud John!!!! I thought Shazam 2 was good too

[@Deadite1982]

Sam Raimi said the same thing about Spider man 3. The online vitriol bothered him. Like , I don' t like the 2004 van Halsing or 2001 The Mummy Returns. I do like The Mummy and Deep rising. I'm not going to hunt down Stephen Summers and go, hey F you or whatever. I think the last jedi discourse hurt film culture more then anything.

[@TCLive-de8bm]

Weren’t yall the ones going after the writers of Ant Man Quantumania? Oh ok

[@johncampea]

Yes, and if you paid attention we all said "I'm sure they'll do great stuff, I'll look forward to seeing other things they do... yadda yadda yadda, but we think this specific circumstance isn't a good fit for them to continue doing THIS particular movie. If you don't see the difference then I don't know how to help you.

[@AndJusticeforAll567]

Good, get the Rick and Morty writers off the billion dollar franchise.

[@johnleone1996]

I remember making a comment talking about how it's crap that Sonic Adventure gets crap for having glitches when Super Mario 64 gets called a masterpiece when it also has some big glitches. I like both games btw, although I highly prefer SA1. I get a comment saying "it's almost as if SA1 came out 3 years AFTER SM64". He kept acting like what I was saying was stupid. Then, after a while, he finally understood what I was saying. Or when I said Sonic is stronger than Goku and some jerk kept insulting me for saying that. Or when some dick insulted Sonic fans for me asking why we'd review bomb a game we like and want to do well. Eventually, I realized that debating these types of people and having to defend what I like is worthless and exhausting