DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has introduced the primary chapter of their long-term plans for the revamped DC Universe (DCU), through a roadmap. Dubbed ‘Gods and Monsters,’ the plan for the following 8-10 years has been conceived by Gunn with co-CEO Peter Safran, and can join the storylines throughout movies, TV, gaming, and animation. “That the characters are constant, performed by the identical actors, and it really works inside one story,” Gunn stated within the presentation, after reaffirming how disconnected and messy the earlier DC Prolonged Universe (DCEU) was. The announcement performed host to a number of recognized mental properties, along with introducing new arcs, corresponding to these of Creature Commandos and Booster Gold.
The Batman: Half II
Matt Reeves’ The Batman and its associated universe was marked protected by father or mother firm Warner Bros. Discovery, who beforehand deemed it as a ‘high quality product’. Now, it looks as if the reported assembly between the director and Gunn went easily, with the latter confirming that they’re incorporating DC Comics’ Elseworlds technique to tell apart tales that do not tie into the primary DCU canon. The identical applies to Todd Phillips’ Joker franchise and Teen Titans GO! Even the Colin Farrell-led Penguin spin-off collection will likely be handled as such since it’s a part of the BatVerse. Robert Pattinson will return within the sequel, which is now formally titled ‘The Batman: Half II,’ and is slated to launch October 3, 2025.
Superman: Legacy
Billed because the “true starting of the DCU”, Superman: Legacy is the following live-action interpretation of the Kryptonian superhero, written by Gunn himself. As beforehand acknowledged, the script will give attention to a youthful model of the Man of Metal, though it isn’t an origin story. Gunn additionally addressed Henry Cavill’s function surrounding the state of affairs, whose return as Superman was cancelled, in favour of their up to date plans for the DCU. “Additionally, vital to say that Henry Cavill was not fired,” Gunn stated within the press convention (through IGN). “Henry was simply not employed to be Superman within the Superman film. There was by no means a deal there for an additional film.”
Cavill’s announcement on Instagram and experiences mentioning a Man of Metal sequel induced many to imagine that he was again to don the cape as soon as extra. Nonetheless, Gunn’s newest feedback counsel that issues have been by no means official. “I like Henry, I believe he is a fantastic man,” Gunn stated throughout the presentation (through The Hollywood Reporter). “I believe he is getting d-cked round by lots of people, together with the previous regime at this firm. However this Superman will not be Henry, for quite a few causes.” Superman: Legacy is eyeing a launch on July 11, 2025.
The Flash, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and Aquaman and the Misplaced Kingdom
This bit might be probably the most complicated a part of your complete roadmap. Gunn affirmed that the Ezra Miller-led The Flash film will function the reset level for the DC Universe, drawing inspiration from the Flashpoint storyline, which finds the scarlet speedster bringing unintended outcomes to his timeline. Nonetheless, he recommended that Shazam! Fury of the Gods — which obtained a brand new trailer final week — connects “instantly” into The Flash. It is unclear whether or not this might be the final we see of Shazam!, given the filmmaker-executive beforehand axed a Black Adam sequel as effectively. Shazam! 2 releases March 17 in theatres, adopted by The Flash on June 16. With the latter serving as a resetting juncture, will probably be attention-grabbing to see how this story unfolds.
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Then in August, Blue Beetle is available in to interrupt new floor within the DC Universe, that includes the franchise’s first film to star a Hispanic actor. It would then be adopted by Aquaman and the Misplaced Kingdom on Christmas Day, which additionally stars Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne — each have been a part of the outdated Snyderverse regime. Plainly whereas the film comes out on schedule, it can circle again to the timeline reset occasion in The Flash. This might result in much more confusion since star Jason Momoa confirmed final month that he’ll at all times be Aquaman and that nobody was changing him. Does Gunn plan on utilizing him within the new DCU continuity? Solely time will inform.
That stated, Gunn appeared fairly sure when addressing the standing of two predominant DCEU actors — Affleck and Cavill — noting that they “should not a part of this universe.” The previous, nevertheless, is in talks with the studio to direct a DC venture.
Creature Commandos
The pretty unheard-of Creature Commandos is among the many first initiatives followers can count on to see from the revamped DC Universe. Written by Gunn himself, the animated collection will tie instantly into the live-action universe, with characters shifting out and in of mediums — “often having the identical actor play their voice as who performs them in dwell motion.” That is much like what the Marvel Cinematic Universe does with What If…?. Gunn additionally revealed the seven predominant characters to count on from the unique comedian e book collection – Rick Flag Sr., Nina Mazursky, Dr. Phosphorus, Eric Frankenstein, G.I. Robotic, and Weasel. The anthropomorphic Weasel was beforehand seen in The Suicide Squad film and was voiced by Sean Gunn. At this level, there is not any telling if he’ll reprise the function.
Waller
Lower than per week after the Doom Patrol collection obtained cancelled, creator Jeremy Carver has discovered a brand new gig in Waller. Because the title suggests, the collection will chart the story of the ruthless Job Pressure X director Amanda Waller, with Viola Davis returning to play the function, who has now established herself as a recurring canon function in DC initiatives. “Viola Davis is gonna group up with members of Workforce Peacemaker,” Gunn stated, including that Carver will companion with Christal Henry (Watchmen) to conceive the collection.
Lanterns
As reported beforehand, HBO Max’s long-gestating Inexperienced Lantern collection will likely be targeted on the 2 most beloved John Stewart and Hal Jordan variations of the character. Lanterns was greenlit as a part of a artistic overhaul, which noticed author Seth Grahame-Smith stepping down from the venture, after having written a full eight-episode season that includes the brazenly homosexual Inexperienced Lantern member Man Gardner. This new venture has a completely new story, which Gunn compares to True Detective, “with a few Inexperienced Lanterns who’re area cops watching over precinct Earth.” He added, “in it, they uncover a terrifying thriller that ties into our bigger story of the DCU.”
The Authority
A ‘ardour venture’ of Gunn, The Authority relies on characters from the Wildstorm imprint and can work together with the primary DCU characters. They’re primarily composed of a group of superheroes obsessive about saving the planet, to the extent that they’re keen to cross ethical strains, with ideologies typically mirroring that of a villain. “I believe it is a very totally different have a look at superheroes,” Gunn added.
Paradise Misplaced
Set in Themyscira, the island nation the place the Amazonians dwell, Paradise Misplaced is a deliberate TV collection that can function an origin story for the locale. Inhabited and ruled solely by girls, the present will give attention to some ‘drama and political intrigue, exploring the set guidelines and the lore behind banishing all males from the territory. “It is virtually like Sport of Thrones with Westeros, however with the entire inhabitants of Paradise Island,” Gunn stated within the presentation.
The Courageous and the Daring
Based mostly on author Grant Morrison’s unbelievable comedian e book run, The Courageous and the Daring film will introduce DCU’s Batman. There is no phrase on casting particulars but, however it can function the Darkish Knight’s organic son Damien Wayne as Robin. Born as a high-skilled murderer underneath nemesis Ra’s al Ghul’s supervision, it’s now as much as Bruce Wayne to channel his interior father or mother and convey the risky youngster in line. This may also function the start of the Bat-Household within the DC Universe.
Booster Gold
Cult favorite superhero Booster Gold is getting a TV collection adaptation at HBO Max. For the uninitiated, it follows a glory-seeking showboat loser from the long run, who travels again in time and makes use of superior expertise to stage high-publicity stunts and turn out to be a superhero. Having prior data of historic occasions, he manages to plan out his plan of action and win the hearts of many, though his status quickly will get tarnished. Within the comics, he is seen very often with Blue Beetle, so perhaps we’ll get to see him interacting with Xolo Maridueña’s character from the aforementioned film.
Supergirl: Lady of Tomorrow
Based mostly on Tom King’s model of the character, Supergirl: Lady of Tomorrow is described as an epic sci-fi film that’ll discover a singular, jaded model of Kara Zor-El. Everybody is aware of about her cousin Kal-El, who was raised by loving dad and mom as Clark Kent, finally changing into an emblem of hope for Metropolis. Kara, nevertheless, grew up on a floating chunk of Krypton hurtling someplace out within the galaxy, having witnessed folks round her die in horrible methods.
Swamp Factor
DC is heading into the horror trajectory with its upcoming Swamp Factor movie, which whereas tonally totally different, will nonetheless ‘feed into’ the remaining DCU. Little or no is thought about this film, however it can give attention to the origin story of the beloved character.
