One of the biggest differences between Marvel and DC's respective strategies is that of the need to connect their television and film outfits. While Marvel believes that everything is connected in their universe, DC lets their multiverse flourish through independent platforms. And according to current DC mastermind Zack Snyder, this strategy works because of its inherent variety.
During an interview with the Hall Of Justice podcast (via ComicBook.com,) Snyder celebrated the variety of the DC Universe, in both its television and film branches. The Batman v. Superman: Dawn Of Justice director justified such feelings with the following statement:
As opposed to trying to shoehorn all these storylines into a single universe, we let the characters exist in a multi-universe, and it's a lot more fun, and a lot more value for the audience.
Despite TV fans wanting to see Grant Gustin play The Flash in any future Justice League movies, or film fans wanting to see Henry Cavill dropping by to visit his cousin on Supergirl, Zack Snyder has made it absolutely clear that neither of those worlds shall collide. With his approach to the DC Universe, the famed multiverse of DC Comics can thrive in its separate dimensions of being. This means that you can pick which Flash you want to root for, or if you're so inclined, you can root for both at the same time. Can't stand Gotham? Well that's ok, because you don't need to watch it to understand Ben Affleck's Batman or Zack Snyder's take on his origins.
Marvel's outfit works differently, as their shows are almost required viewing for anyone who wants to truly keep up with their movies. Just ask anyone who saw Avengers: Age Of Ultron without keeping up with season 2 of Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. However, with Marvel's television and film universes being set in the same continuum, their entertainment operation does manage to afford them a luxury that DC's operation lacks: they can test out new concepts on TV, and use them in their films later. Or, in the case of Agent Carter, they can reverse the process and take a character that became popular in the world of their films and give them an outlet for their own adventures.
While the Marvel way does make for a larger playground for the entire MCU to unfold itself, it locks its fans into one interpretation of the material. Not only that, it expects more of an investment from the audience, rather than just expecting them to show up to their local theater and have a good time. This only helps diversify things between Marvel and DC's film and TV setups, as well as assists in providing something for everybody. Whether you want a gigantic unified world, or a bilateral split between your film and TV entertainment, there's something out there for you to enjoy.
