DCU: Every Project Announced For The New DC Universe

Amongst all the speculations, James Gunn and Peter Safran have finally announced their future plans for DCU under the banner of DC Studios. Let’s ponder

By Mohit Srivastava
February 1,2023
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Ever since James Gunn and Peter Safran assumed the leadership of DC Studios, the dawn of a new superhero cinematic universe was evident. Months of rumors, speculations, and chaos followed. However, during a press conference (held on January 30), Gunn and Safran talked in detail about which characters and stories they are planning to incorporate into the DCU. They also underlined how they intend to tell a monumental story in two chapters, calling the first one – “Gods and Monsters.” Check out below James Gunn’s tweet –

And here is a quick recap of everything that was announced.

A full DC Reset

Shazam – Fury of the Gods

Before going forward to a whole new universe, the current universe needs to be wrapped up, that is what James Gunn and Peter Safran are aiming for. The DC movies currently set to release in 2023 are:

  1. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (March 17)
  2. The Flash (June 16)
  3. Blue Beetle (August 18)
  4. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (Dec. 25)

The Flash shall focus on resetting the current DC universe and making way for the next DCU: Chapter 1. According to Gunn, The Flash, directed by Andy Muschietti, is “probably one of the greatest superhero movies ever made.” He even said that the four leads of these films could potentially return to their roles in DCU projects down the line.

DCU: Chapter 1 – Gods & Monsters

Movies

1. Superman: Legacy 

Superman Legacy

Kicking off the new DCU is Superman: Legacy, which is scheduled to release on July 11, 2025. Gunn is behind penning the script of the movie and he revealed that the movie shall focus on the beloved hero’s legacy as a Kryptonian and Earth’s protector. The movie shall focus on a younger version of the character and will be played by a new actor (not Henry Cavill). Announcement of director and leads is still to be made.

2. The Authority

The Authority

Based on a 1999 comic book series of the same name published under DC’s Wildstorm imprint. It follows a group of 7 heroes with really unique superpowers. In fact, these superheroes are so concerned with saving the planet that they often crossed moral lines to achieve their goal. Believing that the ends justify the means, the heroes of The Authority often act like villains.

3. The Brave and the Bold

The Brave and the Bold

Batman: The Brave and the Bold shall focus on the extended Bat-family. This movie will take place in the main DCU and hence would be different from Reeves’ Batman universe. Inspired by Grant Morrison’s comic book run, the story shall focus on Bruce Wayne (Batman) and his relationship with his estranged son Damian Wayne (Robin).

4. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

Supergirl – Woman of Tomorrow

Another movie that Gunn announced was Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which is based on Tom King’s award-winning comic book series of the same name. The story follows another Kryptonian – Kara Zor-El and her quest for peace as she goes to find those responsible for the destruction of her home planet. Gunn says, “We will see the difference between Superman…versus Supergirl, raised on a rock, a chip off of Krypton, and who watched everyone around her die and be killed in terrible ways for the first 14 years of her life and then come to Earth. She is much more hard-core and not the Supergirl we’re used to.”

5. Swamp Thing

Swamp Thing

Finally, the first Chapter of DCU will come to a close with a film called – Swamp Thing. The movie shall reportedly take a horror take on the character. Based on one of Alan Moore and DC’s most iconic characters, Gunn said that the movie will “investigate the dark origins” of the character.

TV Shows

1. Creature Commandos

The Creature Commandos

‘Creature Commandos’ shall be the first TV entry in the DCU’s first chapter. It shall have seven animated episodes and will feature a team put together by Amanda Waller and comprise some of DC’s most monstrous characters. It is similar to the Suicide Squad, the only difference being that all of the members are ‘monster-prisoners.’ Gunn has written the script for all its episodes and now they are searching for voice cast members who can also play their characters in live-action productions.

2. Waller

Viola Davis as Amanda Waller in Suicide SquadViola Davis as Amanda Waller in Suicide Squad

Featured in multiple DC movies and played brilliantly by Viola Davis, the character of ‘Amanda Waller’ was an instant hit among the fans. Now, Gunn is bringing a solo tv series based on the character called – Waller. DC Studios says the show will feature Team Peacemaker, and is written by Watchmen’s Christal Henry and Supernatural’s Jeremy Carver. the series will serve as a direct follow-up to Peacemaker, meaning that Peacemaker and Suicide Squad will still be canon in the DCU, even after The Flash resets the multiverse.

3. Booster Gold

Booster Gold

The fan-favorite character Booster Gold, is finally making his live-action debut. A live-action series based on Booster Gold was announced by Gunn in his presentation. The series shall feature a loser who travels back in time and tries to become a superhero by using advanced technology as his power source. In the comic books, Booster Gold often teams up with Blue Beetle, so maybe Blue Beetle shall also remain on the DCU.

4. Lanterns

Green Lantern Corps

Another series that Gunn announced is – Lanterns. The series shall focus on the two most-beloved Green Lanterns in DC Comics history: Hal Jordan and John Stewart. It shall focus on the Green Lantern Corps investing a dark crime that takes place on Earth. DC Studios said it will be an “enormous TV event series.”

5. Paradise Lost

Themiscyra in Wonder Woman

Set in Themyscira, Wonder Woman’s birthplace, the final TV show as part of their DCU: Chapter 1 plans that Gunn announced is – Paradise Lost. The series shall be set years before Diana’s birth and will explore various political disputes on the island as different Amazons try to seize power for themselves. If reports are to be believed, the show is expected to serve as an origin story of Themyscira itself and reveal how the Amazons created an all-women society hidden from the rest of the world.

DC Elseworlds

The Batman

Gunn also said that although they are very focused on establishing the DCU, some stories shall still stand apart from other projects. Some of the projects ‘already in development’ shall be made under the name of a new banner ‘DC Elseworlds’. This shall include the following titles:

  1. The Batman – Part II (2024): The sequel to Reeves and Robert Pattinson’s The Batman (2022).
  2. Penguin: A tv show spinoff of Reeves’ Batman universe.
  3. Joker: Folie à Deux (2024): The sequel to Joaqin Phoenix’s Joker (2019), featuring Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn.
  4. Teen Titans Go!: An animated tv show featuring the younger DC heroes.

However these projects might turn out to be, hit or flop among the masses, and how they react to the new DCU remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, 2025 shall be a big year for DC Studios. Up, up and away!