Key Takeaways:
* Netflix is reportedly taking down 11 of the DC movies by March 31, 2024.
* David Zaslav, CEO, attributes Netflix’s extensive audience reach for the popularity of DC movies.
* The removal will leave Netflix without any DC titles, impacting fans in regions where Max is not available.
* Director Zack Snyder expressed bewilderment at the severe criticism of his movie Rebel Moon.
* Despite harsh reviews, Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon sequel is set to release in April 2024.
The popular streaming platform Netflix is set to drop a number of DC titles from its list by the end of March 2024. Notably, this move comes mere months after these DC films were made available for viewing.
Emergence and Demise of DC Titles on Netflix
In November last year, Netflix had announced its decision to add major DC titles to its roster starting from December 1. This move was part of an agreement between Netflix and Warner Bros. Attracting larger audience numbers ensured greater visibility for these movies, as compared to Max, another streaming platform.
Recognising Netflix’s extensive reach as a beneficial factor for DC titles, CEO David Zaslav had termed this action as a quality-improvement strategy (source: The Wrap). However, this arrangement seems to have ended abruptly, as Netflix revealed that 11 DC titles will no longer be available on the platform starting March 31.
Among the DC films leaving Netflix are Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman 1984, 2017’s Justice League, and 2019’s Shazam! Also leaving the streamer are 2016’s Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).
The removal list also includes newer DC films from the recent years including James Gunn‘s The Suicide Squad, Black Adam, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Sadly, the exit of these films means Netflix will be devoid of any DC titles. This is certainly disheartening for DC fans, particularly those based in regions where Max is unavailable.
The Zack Snyder Controversy
While on the one hand, the news of DC titles being removed from Netflix is making waves, on the other hand, DCU film director Zack Snyder’s recent interview with Empire has also stirred up discussions.
Snyder has been at the centre of debate for his DCU films which are largely divisive. More recently, his film Rebel Moon on Netflix has garnered sharp criticism. Responding to these polarizing reactions, the director expressed his confusion, stating that he found no elements in the movie warranting such intense backlash.
In spite of criticism, Snyder remains undeterred with plans for a sequel to Rebel Moon, titled Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver. Netflix will release this sequel on April 19, 2024, inviting fans to another journey in the Rebel Moon universe with greater emphasis on action sequences.
To sum up, the month of March will witness a major shake-up on Netflix with the removal of popular DC titles. Meanwhile, despite criticism, fundamental DCU figures like Zack Snyder remain resilient, aiming to deliver more to the audience. Whether this resilience translates into success for the Rebel Moon sequel remains to be seen. For now, fans have until the end of March to binge on their favorite DC titles on Netflix.
