In a surprising turn of events, the much-anticipated DC movie directed by Emerald Fennell has been officially cancelled. Fennell, known for her critically acclaimed work on Killing Eve and Promising Young Woman, was set to bring a fresh perspective to the DC universe with her take on the mystical character Zatanna. However, recent developments at DC Studios have led to a major reshuffling of their cinematic slate, resulting in the shelving of this promising project.
The cancellation comes as a disappointment to fans who were eager to see Fennell’s unique vision for the character. Her approach to storytelling, marked by a blend of dark humour and poignant narrative, had raised expectations for a film that could stand out in the crowded superhero genre.
“No, no, it’s not happening. I loved it [though],” Fennell told the Happy Sad Confused podcast. “This was all before Promising Young Woman, actually. It was when JJ Abrams had just arrived at Warner Bros – [he] was going to reboot the Dark Universe.
“They were going to make this kind of dark villain universe or sort of hero/villain universe. I thought he was the coolest – his team at Bad Robot was so interesting because I love genres of all kinds. I was definitely interested.
“I was like, ‘I don’t know a huge amount about the whole superhero genre; it’s not a genre I naturally gravitate towards, so I’d love to know how does one make a film like that…’ So it was that kind of thing, and Zatanna was a really, really cool character.”
The Rise and Fall of Fennell’s DC Project
Credit: Sky Cinema
READ MORE: Will Scream 7 Be Cancelled After All The Controversy?
Emerald Fennell’s Vision for Zatanna
Fennell was announced as the screenwriter for the Zatanna project back in 2021, bringing with her a fresh and exciting energy to the DC universe. Her previous work had showcased a knack for creating compelling female characters, and her vision for Zatanna was expected to follow suit. The character, a powerful magician with a rich comic history, was ripe for a cinematic adaptation that could explore themes of magic and mystery.
The Impact of DC Studios’ Restructuring
However, the recent restructuring at DC Studios, under the new leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, has led to a reevaluation of their upcoming projects. This shift in strategy has resulted in the cancellation of several films, including Fennell’s take on Zatanna. The decision reflects the studio’s new direction and focus for their cinematic universe.
The Implications of the Cancellation
Credit: Prime Video
READ MORE: National Treasure 3 Release Date, Cast, Plot, Theories & Predictions
A Missed Opportunity
The cancellation of Fennell’s Zatanna movie represents a significant loss for the DC universe. Her unique voice and perspective could have offered a distinct take on the superhero genre, potentially bringing a depth and complexity that is often lacking in such films.
The Future of DC’s Cinematic Universe
While the cancellation is a setback, it also raises questions about the future direction of DC’s cinematic universe. With new leadership and a revised approach, fans are left wondering what the next phase of DC movies will look like and which projects will make the cut in this new era.
Final Thoughts on Emerald Fennell’s Zatanna movie being cancelled
Credit: Prime Video
READ MORE: One Piece Season 2 Release Window Revealed?
The cancellation of Emerald Fennell’s Zatanna movie is not just a loss for her fans but also for those who were looking forward to a different flavour in the superhero genre. Fennell, known for her daring and unconventional approach to storytelling, had the potential to infuse the DC universe with a fresh, bold perspective. Her vision for Zatanna, a character steeped in magic and mystique, promised to offer a blend of the fantastical and the human, a narrative path less trodden in the realm of superhero cinema.
This decision, while reflective of the new strategic direction under James Gunn and Peter Safran at DC Studios, also raises questions about the future of creative risks in mainstream superhero films. As the studio recalibrates its approach, one can’t help but wonder about the balance between commercial viability and artistic innovation. The shelving of Fennell’s project might signify a cautious step back into safer, more familiar territory for DC.
In conclusion, as DC Studios charts a new course, the hope remains that they will not shy away from bold and creative storytelling choices. The superhero genre, as expansive as it is, has room for a multitude of voices and visions. While Fennell’s Zatanna may not see the light of day, the excitement and anticipation it generated stand as a testament to the audience’s appetite for diverse and unconventional narratives. The future of DC’s cinematic universe, though uncertain, holds the promise of evolution and growth, hopefully embracing the kind of innovation and creativity that Fennell’s project had offered.
What do you make of this news? Were you looking forward to watching Emerald Fennell’s DC Zatanna movie?
You can watch her latest movie, Saltburn, on Prime Video right now.
