Why Superhero Movies Are Proving to be WB Pictures' Kryptonite - Opinion Piece
Written by: Lee Fenton & Kevin Moyer
(click here for Why Superhero Movies Are Proving to be WB-Discovery’s Kryptonite Part II)
(click here for Why Superhero Movies Are Proving to be WB Pictures' Kryptonite Part III)
I feel it's time to say something about the Warner Bros. Pictures fiasco.
But before I do that, it's necessary to unpack what the term 'sunk cost fallacy' means. Sunk cost fallacy is when an individual (or organization) believes it is worthwhile to continue pouring funds into an obviously fruitless venture. It's based around the assumption that once you have extended yourself financially it makes sense to invest more - until the project pays off. In business, this is one of the gravest errors a person can make. It's much more advantageous to know when you should 'cut your losses' and move on to a more profitable endeavor.
I believe this is what the exec's at WB Pictures are doing.
They are being very wary of the potential for more losses due to the business model that they've been following for quite some time now. That business model was based around the success of previously established IP and franchises that were majority of them comic book associated. This is a somewhat new development at WB, influenced by the massive influx of superhero films, and in particular the global success of Marvel Studios. But something we must keep in mind is that Warner Bros has long been a rights holder of one of the most influential caped crusaders of our time.
Who is that, you ask?
Batman. That's who.
If this is news to you – then I'm glad to be the one who informs you - that Tim Burton's Batman (1989) was produced by Warner Bros. As was the animated series that ran from the early 90s into the 2000s. WB has been synonymous with all versions of the Dark Knight that have graced TV screens or big screens since they bought the film & television rights in 1969.
Warner Bros. and DC Comics became part of the same conglomerate in 1969, and the studio has since used DC characters to make more than 40 movies and at least 30 television shows, including cartoons.[1] -The New York Times
What is the point of me going over all this in such detail, you might wonder. Well that's because I need an adequate foundation for my argument before I segway into the meat of this two-part opinion piece:
Why Warner Bros Pictures decided to can the Batgirl movie (as well as most of their other planned comic book adaptations).
CONTINUED IN NEXT ARTICLE:
Why Superheroes Are Proving to be WB Pictures' Kryptonite Part II
[1] Superman in Starring Role as DC Studios Unveils Strategy
The yet-to-be-cast “Superman: Legacy” will begin a story that unfolds across at least 10 interconnected movies and TV shows, with Batman, Swamp Thing and others.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/31/business/media/dc-studios-superman.html#:~:text=%E2%80%94%20Part%20II.%E2%80%9D-,Warner%20Bros.,30%20television%20shows%2C%20including%20cartoons.
