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10 Projects Coming to the DCU, Including Superman, Batman, and Robin
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The new DC universe is starting to take shape. This June, news broke that the first film of the new era, “Superman: Legacy,” has found its Superman and Lois Lane. David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan will step into the famous roles in the film, which is written and directed by DC Studios co-head James Gunn.
Back on Jan. 31, Gunn and his co-lead Peter Safran, who took over leading the superhero-comics-inspired film and television franchise together in November 2022, announced DC Studios’ plans for the future. They shared the first details for 10 upcoming projects – five movies and five TV shows – which will create Chapter One of the new DCU, which they’re calling the “Gods and Monsters” chapter.
This all might be a little confused if you’re not deep into DC lore. Basically, all these projects will be in one shared universe. Old movies like “Batman v. Superman,” the Gal Gadot “Wonder Women” series, “Aquaman,” “Black Adam”, and “The Flash” won’t have any impact going forward. However, according to Variety, Gunn and Safran said that some of the actors including Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, and Zachary Levi could all potentially reprise their respective roles. Plus, Viola Davis will definitely return as Amanda Waller for her series “Waller.”
If that’s making you worry about the “Joker” sequel with Lady Gaga and the sequel to 2022’s “The Batman,” don’t stress. Gunn and Safran said those projects exist in their own universe and will continue to go forward. There are also two more DC movies scheduled to release this year: “Aquaman 2” and “Blue Beetle.”
Another change Gunn and Safran are making for the new DCU is that from now on, whoever signs on to play a character in an animated show will also sign on to play them in live-action, and vice versa. It’s not clear if that will affect HBO Max’s current run of the “Harley Quinn” animated series, where Kaley Cuoco voices the lead anti-hero, who’s been portrayed by Margot Robbie on screen.
As for the 10 new projects, Gunn and Safran shared very few details about them in Janaury, but we’ve learned more info about many of them since. Ahead, we’re breaking down everything we know so far about the movies and TV shows in the new DCU.
Related: The Most Anticipated Movies of 2023, From “Barbie” to “The Color Purple”
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"Superman: Legacy"
“Superman: Legacy” is written and directed by Gunn (Gunn directed 2021’s “The Suicide Squad” as well as the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series for Marvel). The movie is not an origin story of Superman, aka Clark Kent, but will deal with how he balances being from Kypton with being raised by humans. In June, it was announced that David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan will play Superman and Lois Lane.
There’s also another Superman movie, written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, in development, but it won’t be a DCU film. “Superman: Legacy” is the only DCU film with a release date and will hit theaters in 2025.
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"The Authority"
“The Authority” will focus on the titular hero group, who most people have probably never heard of. The original comic book series was created in 1999 by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch as a team of heroes who get the job done by any means necessary. The team has had different lineups over the years, so it’s unclear which specific characters will be in the film. Gunn said the movie is being written now but did not name the screenwriter, nor announce a director or cast.
Gunn told Collider in January about the film, “I’ve worked a lot on the outline for ‘The Authority’ myself,” but hinted that “Superman: Legacy” was taking most of his energy.
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"The Brave and the Bold"
“The Brave and the Bold” will not just focus on Batman, but also his iconic sidekick: Robin. This version of the character will be Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s son. “It’s a very strange sort of father-son story about the two of them,” Gunn said during the announcement, according to Variety. Andy Muschietti, who directed 2023’s “The Flash,” is set to direct the film.
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"Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow"
“Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” is based on Tom King’s comic book run of the same name. Supergirl, of course, is Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El. Unlike Superman, she was raised among Krytonians before seeing everyone she knows die and comes to Earth. Gunn described it as “hardcore,” but added that Krypton the Superdog will also be involved. Sasha Calle played the titular hero in “The Flash,” but she is not officially attached to the project.
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"Swamp Thing"
“Swamp Thing” is set to be a horror film that will explore the origins of the character. Gunn said part of what inspired him was the “mashup” approach he took with “Guardians of the Galaxy,” but that he planned to one-up that here. “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” director James Mangold is writing and directing the film, per a tweet from Gunn.
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"Creature Commandos"
“Creature Commandos” is the first project Gunn and Safran green-lit, and the animated series is currently in production. Gunn also wrote every episode. In the original ’80s comics series, Frankenstein’s monster, a werewolf, a vampire, and a gorgon team up to fight Nazis in World War II. Frank Grillo voices Rick Flag Sr., Zoë Chao voices Nina Mazursky, Alan Tudyk voices Dr. Phosphorus, and David Harbour voices Eric Frankenstein. Gunn’s brother actor Sean Gunn voices both G.I. Robot and Weasel. Maria Bakalova voices Princess Ilana Rostovic with Indira Varma as the Bride of Frankenstein, and Viola Davis is back as Amanda Waller (just an animated version, this time). The series will stream on Max in 2024.
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"Waller"
“Waller,” Gunn said, is a continuation of the “Peacemaker” series, which is currently on Max. The series stars Davis as the title character, who also appeared in “Peacemaker.” Christal Henry and Jeremy Carver – who created the recently canceled “Doom Patrol” – serve as executive producers. Like “Creature Commandos,” “Waller” will premiere before “Superman: Legacy.”
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"Lanterns"
“Lanterns” show will focus on the two better-known members of the Green Lantern Corps, Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Ryan Reynolds played Jordan in the 2011 “Green Lantern” film, while Stewart became a fan-favorite in part thanks to his role in the 2000s animated series “Justice League.” He was also one of DC’s first Black heroes. Gunn said this show will have “True Detective” vibes as the duo investigates a mystery that will be essential to the DCU.
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"Paradise Lost"
“Paradise Lost,” another Max TV series, will be set on Wonder Woman’s home island, Themyscira, before she was born. Safran described it as similar to “Game of Thrones” and the political intrigue in a society of all women.
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"Booster Gold"
The “Booster Gold” character is Mike Carter, a man from the future who uses technology to come back in time and convince people he’s a superhero. This TV series will have a comedic beat. The character was previously played by Donald Faison on “Legends of Tomorrow.”