YouTuber Critical Drinker says James Gunn’s DCU is already in free fall. In his latest video, he argues the franchise is losing momentum after a string of underperforming projects — from Superman’s box office to the lackluster reception of Creature Commandos and Peacemaker Season 2.
Drinker says the “honeymoon period” with Gunn is long over. The enthusiasm that greeted his appointment has faded, replaced with the realization that his version of DC isn’t connecting with audiences.
Superman Flops at the Box Office
Drinker points to Superman’s weak financial performance as the clearest sign of trouble. Citing a recent Forbes report, he says the film brought in around $615 million worldwide, clearing just over $300 million after costs, not enough to break even.
“This, dear viewer, is what we call a flop,” he says, noting even Forbes had to admit the movie failed to turn a profit. Drinker adds that if Superman — “the single most iconic superhero of all time” — can’t work under Gunn’s leadership, the rest of the DCU stands little chance.
Peacemaker and Creature Commandos Fizzle
On the TV side, Drinker calls Creature Commandos “irrelevant” and Peacemaker Season 2 a disappointment. Despite heavy promotion from Gunn, he says the show failed to make Nielsen’s top ten and quickly lost audience interest after its premiere.
Drinker also criticizes the series for inserting “modern-day political lectures” and for Gunn’s habit of casting his wife and friends in major roles. He argues the nepotism and politics have alienated fans rather than building excitement for Gunn’s DCU.
Gunn’s Two Big Mistakes
According to Drinker, Gunn’s downfall comes down to two major errors.
First, he failed to make a clean break from the old DCEU. Instead of a full reboot, Gunn kept his Suicide Squad and Peacemaker projects alive while scrapping most of Zack Snyder’s universe, a move that Drinker says left audiences confused about what’s canon.
Second, he forced his personal style into every project. Drinker says Gunn’s writing formula — a team of flawed misfits, self-deprecating humor, and pop songs during action scenes — worked in Guardians of the Galaxy but feels stale and out of place in Superman. Update: Gunn just said Supergirl is like Guardians.
The James Gunn Formula Is Worn Out
Drinker argues Gunn’s creative approach peaked years ago and hasn’t evolved. He says the filmmaker’s attempt to mold Superman into his familiar brand of quippy antiheroes simply didn’t work.
“Superman was fundamentally incompatible with his style of writing,” Drinker says, adding that the DCU now feels more like Gunn’s “personal vanity project” than a shared cinematic universe.
He compares Gunn unfavorably to Marvel’s Kevin Feige, saying at least Feige knows his limits and lets other creatives take charge when needed.
Paramount Deal Could End It All
Drinker also touches on the ongoing talk of Paramount potentially acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, saying that if the deal happens, Gunn and his DCU could be among the first casualties, as we exclusively reported.
He suggests new leadership won’t tolerate a failing franchise led by a director who “fumbled what should have been a slam dunk.” With Supergirl and Clayface next on the slate, Drinker questions what could possibly revive fan interest.
“You Only Get One Chance”
Drinker closes by saying Gunn has already blown his first impression. “You only get one chance to make a first impression,” he says, “and something tells me this could be James Gunn’s last.”
The video has already sparked discussion online and has been viewed over 250k times with thousands of comments, with many agreeing the DCU feels lost before it’s even begun.
Watch the video:
