Why DC’s Comic-Con 2022 Panel Was So Disappointing

The DC Extended Universe panel at 2022’s San Diego Comic-Con included two new looks at upcoming films, yet it still disappointed DC audiences. Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment have two exciting new live-action films lined up for 2022, and both were showcased at their panel, but none of their other upcoming projects were teased, and one particular surprise was also notably missing. Rumors suggested that Henry Cavill would appear on the panel to announce a new, Superman-centric, direction for the franchise, but he never showed up.

The DCEU got off to a rough start, with Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice being divisive entries, despite their respect for the comic source material. The franchise eventually found its footing with films like Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Shazam!, though Henry Cavill’s performances as Superman often escaped criticism from even the franchises’ biggest detractors. Since the release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, there has been renewed interest in seeing Henry Cavill reprise the role of Superman, be it in a Man of Steel sequel or as a guest star in the adventures of other DCEU heroes.

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Many DCEU fans had high hopes for 2022’s Comic-Con panel, with exciting upcoming films like Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Black Adam coming later in 2022 and the continuity-altering The Flash and Batgirl (with both films featuring Michael Keaton as Batman) coming in 2023. In addition to rumors suggesting that the DCEU would have a stronger focus on Superman following the merger between WB and Discovery, Dwayne Johnson has been quite vocal about his desire to see Black Adam fight Henry Cavill’s Superman, leading fans to anticipate a surprise appearance by Cavill. The panel, ultimately, included a trailer for Shazam 2 and a short new teaser for Black Adam which, despite building hype for both movies, left many feeling disappointed, as no other DCEU films were teased and Henry Cavill was nowhere to be seen during the event.

DC’s Comic-Con Panel Did What It Promised, So Why Are People Frustrated?

Why DC’s Comic-Con 2022 Panel Was So Disappointing

While the upcoming Shazam 2 and Black Adam are highly-anticipated, DC fans were likely hoping for bigger announcements and surprises than simply new looks at already-announced movies. The problem with these types of expectations is that they’ll lead fans to expect more than what’s promised. Shazam 2 and Black Adam are the only remaining DCEU properties set to release in 2022, and unfortunately, the culture of surprises and fanservice at events like DC’s panel has led to unrealistic expectations from longtime fans.

Reports that Henry Cavill would appear on stage during DC’s panel led to a significant amount of hype for his anticipated return to the Superman role, however, those rumors were never actually confirmed. With Black Adam having a new teaser and Dwayne Johnson attending the panel, many expected Henry Cavill to appear and tease the upcoming brawl between Superman and Black Adam. For better or worse, the DC Extended Universe Comic-Con panel did precisely what it promised, much to the disappointment of DC fans.

Next: Why Batman Wasn’t At Comic-Con 2022

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