James Gunn’s DC Universe is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious reboots in comic book movie history. With its first chapter, Gods and Monsters, to introduce both iconic and obscure characters, the new DCU is for sure taking a unique approach to storytelling.
Unlike its predecessor, which struggled with inconsistent worldbuilding, the DCU promises a universe where every project contributes to the larger narrative. Moreover, this fresh start offers a perfect opportunity to reintroduce some characters, including the beloved ‘Powerless‘.
Why ‘Powerless’ Outshone Every Other DCU Project With Its Concept
While Batman, Superman, and the Green Lanterns will be given fresh introductions, lesser-known properties such as ‘Creature Commandos’ and ‘The Authority’ will also play key roles. However, this fresh start doesn’t only mean reinventing major characters. It presents an opportunity to revive some overlooked gems from DC’s past.
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Fans believe that among these ‘Powerless’ stands out as one of the most underrated and innovative DC shows that never got the chance it deserved. A reimagined ‘Powerless’ within the new DCU could just be what the new DCU needs to set itself apart from the old one. At its core, the show was unlike any other in the superhero genre.
It wasn’t about superpowers, epic battles, or secret identities. Instead, it was about the ordinary people who lived in a world where such things were everyday occurrences. Powerless focused on a team of workers at Wayne Security who developed products to protect civilians from the collateral damage caused by superhuman conflicts.
The show’s unique premise provided a comedic yet insightful look into the daily lives of the overlooked. The characters didn’t have superhuman abilities, they were engineers, office workers, and regular folks trying to navigate a world dominated by larger-than-life beings. The series had the potential to dive deep into themes of power, responsibility, and resilience.
However, despite its potential, ‘Powerless’ lasted only one season before NBC canceled it in 2017. It was a casualty of a fractured DC landscape, where TV and film projects operated in separate silos. The inability to integrate movie characters into the show limited its storytelling scope, making it feel disconnected from the larger DC universe despite its compelling premise.
How Can The New DCU Reintroduce ‘Powerless’?
Now that James Gunn’s DCU is consolidating movies, television, and animation into a single narrative, the conditions are perfect for a ‘Powerless’ revival. However, rather than sticking to the original workplace comedy format, the new iteration could expand its premise to explore the lives of different ordinary people across the DCU.
An anthology format could be the best way to reintroduce Powerless within the DCU. Each episode could focus on a different character or group in a new setting. Moreover, the civilian concept has been proven to be very successful with ‘The Boys‘. While the show has a fair share of superhero-focused episodes, the main plot revolved around a group of civilians who suffered consequences for simply just coexisting with superheroes.
Imagine episodes centered around Gotham’s low-level criminals who constantly find themselves thwarted by Batman, struggling to make ends meet in a city dominated by crime and vigilantism. This approach would not only flesh out the world of the DCU but also provide rich storytelling opportunities. It would allow audiences to connect with the universe in a way that goes beyond just the heroes and villains.
A Powerless Reboot Might Just Be What The New Audience Needs
One of the biggest criticisms of the DCEU was its lack of organic world-building. Many of its projects felt disconnected from one another. They often failed to establish a universe that felt lived-in. Now, the new DCU is already showing signs of addressing this. James Gunn’s Superman movie incorporates subtle references to DC lore which has not been done before.
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Moreover, a rebooted ‘Powerless’ could take this a step further by immersing viewers in the everyday lives of DCU citizens. The show has the capability to make the world feel more interconnected and alive. Additionally, ‘Powerless’ could serve as a bridge between different projects. It can allow fans to see the consequences of major events from a ground-level perspective.
The superhero genre has evolved significantly since ‘Powerless’ was first introduced. Audiences have shown a growing appetite for stories that subvert traditional superhero narratives. ‘The Boys’ and ‘Invincible’ have proved that. So, a new ‘Powerless’ could capitalize on this shift by offering a fresh and comedic take on the whole collateral situation.
