>>85479297Mmm.
The problem is that you're looking at DC's output through those rose-tinted glasses. The DCEU was not their first attempt at a cinematic universe.
First - way, way back - came Catwoman. This would have been a way to reboot the Batman franchise back in 2004 - if it had worked, we'd have seen Christian Bale (by then already filming for Nolan's first movie) cross over with Catwoman at some point, probably in his first sequel. There would likely never have been a Dark Knight, or the sequel - imagine, a world without Baneposting, where Halle Berry could act. That would also of course almost certainly mean no birrio dorra grosses - whatever cause you ascribe them to, Batman just never showed that much profitability before.
Then there would have been 2007's Batman/Superman. In fact it would probably have come out later - but in 2007 it was confirmed to have been cancelled, and pre-production art (one of many possible logos for the movie) was used in I Am Legend.
The real reason it was cancelled? There was already a Batman sequel ready to start filming in 2007, for a 2008 release. On top of that, 2006's Superman Returns - an attempt to reintroduce the classic 1978 version of the character to modern audiences which lacked the charm and talent of its predecessors - made what would today be about $500m; but this wasn't enough, as it still had to pay off the costs of the aborted Superman Lives (including fat payments to Nicolas Cage for attaching his name, because it got as far as screen-testing costumes) as well as over 20 years worth of legal and rights costs associated with returning the Superman, then Supergirl, then Superboy rights to WB. This was attached to the budget which came to more than 75% of the total gross, making it a flop.
Then for a long time not much happened. Sure, there was Jonah Hex, and it was bad, but there was also Batman. And while Batman reigned, there was no need for a cinematic universe.
...but then Green Lantern happened.
