Aquaman star Jason Momoa weighs in on the MCU-DCEU rivalry, explaining why it’s ultimately worthless. The MCU as we know it now began with 2008’s Iron Man, which introduced Robert Downey Jr.’s eponymous superhero. The film was a smashing success, kicking off Phase 1 of the MCU, which culminated in 2012’s The Avengers. Since then, the MCU has grown into a cultural force, producing larger films on a more regular basis, the most recent being Taika Waititi’s Thor: Love and Thunder. Marvel shows no signs of slowing down with the announcement of two new Avengers films as part of MCU Phases 5 and 6.
On the other hand, the DCEU has given audiences multiple interesting films, even if it has struggled to attain the same degree of coherence and world-building as the MCU. Fans enjoyed Man of Steel, Aquaman, The Suicide Squad, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League, as well as James Gunn’s recent HBO Max endeavor, Peacemaker. A rivalry exists between the MCU and the DCEU, perhaps dating back to the early days of Marvel and DC Comics, with many fans firmly believing that one cinematic universe is superior to the other. Momoa has joined in on the competition ahead of the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom next spring.
Momoa explains why he believes the competition between the MCU and the DCEU is unnecessary in a recent interview with The Wrap, stating that both have their own heroes and methods. According to the actor, everyone participating in the projects should finally appreciate seeing their hard work come to life on the big screen. Momoa also gives Downey Jr. and Thor’s Chris Hemsworth great marks. Momoa’s complete statement is below:
“I don’t think Marvel has an Aquaman and we don’t have a Guardians of the Galaxy, we don’t have a Thor. I think we should just enjoy the movies that we all worked so hard to make. I look at Robert Downey and Hemsworth’s amazing, they’re just my brothers out there making great content. So I don’t really compare, myself. There’s only one me, bro.”
Momoa’s views come at an important time for both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Extended Universe. Some Marvel fans have viewed Phase 4 of the MCU to be lackluster and directionless so far, possibly best demonstrated by the critically acclaimed Thor: Love and Thunder. Similarly, while DC has found great success with Matt Reeves’ The Batman, the DCEU itself is in a difficult position right now, with Wonder Woman 1984 failing to connect with many fans and the status of next year’s The Flash appearing to be in constant flux due to star Ezra Miller’s off-screen antics.
Regardless of the present challenges that both cinematic universes are facing, Momoa clearly feels that the MCU and the DCEU can coexist without rivalry. After all, as he points out, the live-action versions of characters from both realms have proven to be enormously popular with fans, and each reality has its own set of qualities. While it is unknown what the future holds for the MCU and the DCEU, Momoa will benefit from both.
Source: The Wrap