The cinematic universe of DC films is rich with ambition, characterized by tangled narratives and legendary heroes. However, within this vast tapestry, significant plot points often transpired off-screen, leaving audiences to decipher crucial moments through dialogue and subtle hints. Warner Bros.’ efforts to forge a unified cinematic experience often resulted in essential scenes being alluded to but never fully realized, depriving fans of the emotional or narrative impacts that these events could have delivered.
Films such as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League, and Birds of Prey merely hinted at much larger narratives, fostering a sense of a grand universe that was ultimately unfulfilled. Some critical events might have been planned for sequels or spin-offs that were either abandoned or altered during production, resulting in a cinematic universe that feels incomplete and fragmented. As a result, viewers found themselves longing for deeper connections with the backstories that lay just beyond their reach.
1
Joker Kills The DCEU’s Robin
Before Batman V Superman
Among the most compelling implications in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a fleeting glimpse of a defaced Robin suit in the Batcave, scarred by graffiti that reads “HAHAHA Joke’s on you, Batman.” This moment is never elaborated upon, yet it strongly suggests that the Joker was responsible for the death of Batman’s young apprentice, Jason Todd. Zack Snyder later affirmed this interpretation, making it clear that this moment references a tragic event from the comics.
The absence of this shocking event on-screen means viewers are left with only a haunting visual that hints at Batman’s profound pain and descent into brutality. Joker’s actions deeply affected Bruce Wayne, shaping his worldview and instilling a sense of paranoia and violence. Unfortunately, the emotional complexity of this event, along with the repercussions for both Bruce and Gotham, remains largely unexplored.
2
Lex Luthor Escapes Arkham Asylum
During Justice League
At the conclusion of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Lex Luthor is apprehended after manipulating events that led to Superman’s demise. When Justice League resumes, Luthor’s escape from Arkham Asylum is briefly touched upon, but the actual breakout is conspicuously absent. Instead, audiences see the guards discovering a decoy in Luthor’s cell, which highlights his cunningness but leaves out what could have been an exhilarating escape scene.
This skip raises questions regarding Lex’s strategic abilities and his character’s development, as viewers are required to accept his escape without any context. For such a significant character, the lack of dramatization regarding his escape from a high-security facility stands as one of the most puzzling gaps in the DCEU narrative.
3
Lex Luthor First Communicates With Deathstroke
During Justice League
The post-credit scene in Justice League, where Lex Luthor approaches Deathstroke on his yacht, offers a tantalizing glimpse of their potential alliance. However, it neglects to explain how their paths crossed or how they initiated their partnership. This lack of backstory makes their connection seem superficial, reducing the buildup to a mere cliffhanger rather than a robust narrative.
For audiences craving deeper character development, especially for a fan-favorite villain like Deathstroke, this omission suggests a missed opportunity for an exciting collaboration, reducing their trajectory from an anticipated team-up to an unexplained partnership.
4
Joker and Harley Quinn Break Up
Before Birds of Prey
By the time Birds of Prey commences, Harley Quinn is already portrayed navigating Gotham without the Joker, following their tumultuous breakup. While the film’s animated prologue briefly summarizes their relationship and sudden split, it lacks the emotional weight it deserves. Given how pivotal their romance was in Suicide Squad, leaving the audience without a proper depiction of their breakup felt like a missed storytelling opportunity.
In Birds of Prey, Margot Robbie’s Harley is presented with newfound independence, yet the absence of resolution with the Joker leaves many viewers yearning for more. This breakup could have been a critical moment of character development, illuminating Harley’s evolution. Instead, the film’s decision to start mid-transition left fans to grapple with the aftermath of a relationship that could have defined both characters.
5
Wayne Manor’s Destruction
Before Batman V Superman
In Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Bruce Wayne is seen living in a sleek contemporary home, with Wayne Manor appearing merely as a dilapidated shell. The circumstances surrounding the manor’s destruction are left entirely unexplained, leaving viewers to speculate as to whether the Joker or another source was responsible. Zack Snyder provides some context, noting that the mansion was destroyed years previously, but he has never clarified the details.
For such an iconic structure within the Batman mythos, its devastation should have been a powerful narrative moment. Instead, its presence serves as a poignant symbol of Bruce’s traumatic past, hinting at broader themes of loss that remain unexplored.
6
Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale Break Up
Batman Returns
In the continuity of Tim Burton’s Batman Returns, the absence of Vicki Vale, Bruce Wayne’s love interest from the previous film, is notable. Hints of their breakup are conveyed through Alfred’s passing mention that she could not handle Bruce’s complex duality, yet this pivotal moment is never portrayed on-screen. The lack of exploration surrounding their relationship leaves a void within the narrative.
This glaring omission not only affects the continuity for invested viewers but also diminishes the emotional landscape of Bruce Wayne’s character, reflecting a stark contrast to the careful character development seen in modern superhero films.
7
Batman’s Early Career
Before Batman V Superman
The DCEU’s portrayal of Batman neglects to depict Bruce Wayne’s progression into the Dark Knight, opting instead to present a seasoned, disillusioned version of the character who bears the scars of unseen trauma. While past losses, such as the death of Robin, are hinted at, the absence of flashbacks or significant character moments leaves audiences yearning for a deeper understanding of his motivations.
8
Peacemaker Fights Kite-Man
The Suicide Squad
The convoluted psyche of Peacemaker was only partially explored in The Suicide Squad, where he is introduced as a brutal enforcer. His subsequent series expands on his background, making humorous allusions to his past encounters with Kite-Man. While this moment serves as comic relief, it also hints at a potentially entertaining narrative that audiences never get to witness.
Imagining a clash between the serious Peacemaker and the whimsical Kite-Man offers endless possibilities for dark humor. Unfortunately, this intriguing encounter remains solely within the realm of off-screen lore, showcasing a series of missed opportunities within the DCEU that could have captivated audiences further.
9
Wonder Woman’s Actions Between WW1 and 1984
Wonder Woman 1984
In Wonder Woman, Diana’s exploits during World War I are riveting, but her transition to the 1980s in Wonder Woman 1984 leaves a significant narrative gap. This 66-year interval is brushed aside, suggesting that she operated in secrecy, quietly aiding humanity while mourning the loss of Steve Trevor. This explanation feels inadequate for a character of her stature.
A lack of involvement in pivotal historical events such as World War II or the Cold War seems contrary to her character’s moral standings. The absence of her representation throughout this tumultuous period leaves a disheartening void, as viewers are left anticipating Wonder Woman’s interactions with the world and her evolution as a hero.
10
Batman Brings Peace to Gotham and Retires
Before The Flash
In The Flash, Michael Keaton’s version of Bruce Wayne is depicted as having retired from crime-fighting, having brought a rare peace to Gotham. However, the film rushes through this momentous shift with little exposition, ultimately falling short of showcasing the magnitude of Bruce’s achievement. This peaceful resolution is historic, as it prompts a reevaluation of Batman’s legacy, yet remains glossed over.
This dismissal of crucial plot details exemplifies the DCEU’s tendency to overlook significant narrative developments, which could create memorable emotional arcs but instead often leave audiences wanting more.
- For DC fans, these off-screen events remain tantalizing topics of discussion and speculation.
- With a burgeoning multiverse, there’s hope that future films may delve deeper into these unexplored narratives.