NIGHTWING Director Praises Warner Bros.’ Filmmaker-Driven Approach and Discusses Building the DCEU

Following the success of Man of Steel in 2013, Warner Bros. began the process of building a cinematic universe based on DC Comics. So far, the DC Extended Universe has released four movies, with many more on the way. One of these films is Nightwing, which finally puts the spotlight on Dick Grayson.

There has also been a lot of talk about WB’s “director-driven” approach to the DCEU. Some argue that these films aren’t all that focused on the director’s vision, especially with Suicide Squad‘s David Ayer. However, we also have Patty Jenkins having creative control on Wonder Woman, while established filmmakers like Matt Reeves and James Wan are making movies in this mega-franchise.

Now, Nightwing director Chris McKay shares his thoughts on WB’s filmmaker-driven style. Speaking with Metro, McKay calls WB the most director-driven major studio out there, and that’s no different with the DC films. He also says that this is what separates the DCEU from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “That’s the kind of filmmaking you are going to see, and have seen with Patty Jenkins on Wonder Woman. That’s what they have done and what they will continue to do, and that’s why these movies are not trying to follow the Marvel model, they’re trying to do their own thing with filmmakers that they like, and produce things that are wholly original and wholly unique.”

But giving directors creative freedom is one thing. WB also has to make sure that these films work as part of a shared universe. McKay admits that it’s not a flawless process, but the likes of Jon Berg and Geoff Johns are very much committed to it. “They still want to build a universe, and that’s why it takes a lot of time and a lot of people banging their heads together trying to figure out what to do. Because it’s hard. It’s hard to get all these people, and all these egos, and all this stuff in one place and get it all to work out. But they are committed to that, and that’s what’s amazing about working with Jon and Geoff. They’re real partners, and so is everyone at the Warner Bros family.”

Currently, it’s unknown when we’ll be seeing Nightwing. McKay has previously talked about taking his time with the film, rather than rushing it out to hit a release date. He has also shared his plan for “badass” action sequences that won’t rely on CGI. Hopefully, we’ll get to see McKay’s vision come to life sooner than later.