Why Don't Arrow and The Flash Connect to Batman vs. Superman Movie?

Marvel has built its Cinematic Universe over the course of more than six years through interconnected movies that culminate in epic, shared films. The company also added television shows Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter to its universe to further flesh out its stories.

DC Comics, meanwhile, is in the early stages of building its shared universe and is starting with Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016. But fans who have hoped for connections among the movies and the television series Arrow and The Flash have been and will remain disappointed, as the company has no plans to merge the two worlds.

In a lengthy Variety piece, DC's Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns explained why the company has chosen this route. "We want to give freedom to creators...so that they can take their passion [and make] the best show, the best film, the best game without having to tie it into other things," he said.

He also reasoned Arrow and similar shows are successful because they faithfully adapt the source material from the comics. "Yes, it's got to be adapted and expanded, whether it goes from TV to comics or comics to film, but the DNA of it is always true."

But Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. executive producer Maurissa Tancharoen said in the article that having a shared universe is "a blessing and a curse." For example, the show did not really take off until Captain America: The Winter Soldier hit theaters.

"The fact that it is one universe means that when something occurs on our show or a character makes a turn, it ripples through the entire universe, which gives it much more weight," she said. "It adds the seal of approval of all those other cinematic franchises." 

Where do you stand on this issue? Let us know in the comments section.