Like it or not, the very mixed reaction of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has had a major impact on how the DC Cinematic Universe is moving forward. By the time the superhero epic hit theaters, the production on Suicide Squad had been completed, Wonder Woman was currently shooting, and Justice League was just weeks away from beginning its massive production. But after Batman v Superman, DC Entertainment decided to make its Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns the new head of DC Films in hopes of creating a more confident and successful future.

His appointment to the top spot has seemed like a smart move for Warner Bros., particularly because the DC Cinematic Universe is getting ready to drive full-speed ahead in the next few years. And Zack Snyder’s Justice League is one of the most important pieces in assuring ongoing success. With the mightiest heroes in DC’s cannon hitting the big screen together, there’s so much that can go right (and wrong) with the film’s execution. And Johns appears to have a good grasp on what strategy to use for upcoming DC films. In a recent interview with WSJ (via CS), Johns discussed what tweaks he made to Justice League after the heavy criticism of Batman v Superman.

Mistakenly in the past I think the studio has said, ‘Oh, DC films are gritty and dark and that’s what makes them different.’ That couldn’t be more wrong. It’s a hopeful and optimistic view of life. Even Batman has a glimmer of that in him. If he didn’t think he’d make tomorrow better, he’d stop.

Suicide Squad reportedly went under reshoots in order to lighten the tone, although its cast and crew explained that it was to add more action. Either way, the DC Cinematic Universe is making big changes in more ways than one. And Johns might be the person to flip the currently poor outlook of DC’s first three installments into something much better.

Justice League hits U.S. theaters on November 17, 2017.