The DC Universe has been facing a series of challenges recently, marked by the cancellation of major projects and a string of underperforming movies at the box office. Now James Gunn and Peter Safran have been appointed to breathe new life into the DC Universe.
Their ambitious plan involves creating a cohesive network of films, TV shows, and video games over the span of eight to ten years. Superman: Legacy, which releases in 2025, will serve as the cornerstone of this revamped DCU.
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A slew of upcoming projects has already been announced by James Gunn. However, there are some previously planned DC movies set to be released such as Blue Beetle, Batman II and Joker: Folie à Deux. According to Gunn and Safran, these movies will exist as a part of “Elseworlds” concept.
Essentially, these movies won’t be considered official DCU canon; they’ll exist in a separate universe. However, the door is open for characters from these films to potentially cross over into the unified DCU in the future.
See below for every DCU/Elseworlds project announced so far.
Blue Beetle
Release Date: August 18, 2023
The Blue Beetle movie, helmed by director Angel Manuel Soto, focuses on the underrated DC Superhero Blue Beetle. The story follows the journey of Jamie Reyes who gets a super-powered suit when a mysterious Scarab attaches itself to him.
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Reyes’ family will play a significant part in the storyline of Blue Beetle, with a notable cast lineup. Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Elpidia Carrillo, Belissa Escobedo, and George Lopez are set to embody the roles of the grandmother, father, mother, sister, and uncle respectively.
Taking on the character of Jenny Kord, Reyes’ romantic interest, is Bruna Marquezine. On the antagonist side, Raoul Trujillo and Susan Sarandon will bring life to the villains Conrad Carapax and Victoria Kord in the Blue Beetle narrative.
Aquaman (2) and the Lost Kingdom
Release Date: December 25, 2023
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom serves as DC’s sequel to the 2018 Aquaman. Jason Momoa resumes his role as Arthur Curry, the heroic figure and Justice League member. James Wan once again helms the directorial reins.
The storyline remains shrouded in secrecy, lacking even a trailer at this point. However, what’s confirmed is that Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will reprise his role as Black Manta, with an even more prominent presence compared to the first movie.
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Patrick Wilson’s antagonist character from the initial instalment, Orm, is set to make a return, along with Temuera Morrison as Tom Curry, Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, Willem Dafoe as Vulko, Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus, Amber Heard as Mera, and Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin.
The cast introduces new members as well: Vincent Regan takes on the role of Atlan, the inaugural king of Atlantis; Jani Zhao joins as the fresh character Stingray; Indya Moore portrays Karshon, who in DC Comics embodies a shark with extraordinary abilities; and Pilou Asbæk from Game of Thrones takes on a yet-to-be-revealed character.
Joker 2: Folie á Deux
Release Date: October 4, 2024
Although existing independently from the DCEU continuity, Joker: Folie á Deux stands as one of the most eagerly awaited projects in the lineup. The intriguing title draws from a clinical term for a shared mental disorder, which aptly fits the dynamic between Harley and the Joker.
Joaquin Phoenix is poised to reprise his role as Arthur Fleck, also known as the Joker, while Zazie Beetz is set to return from the inaugural film. Joined by the talents of Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey, the sequel introduces Lady Gaga in the role of Harley Quinn.
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Set photos hint at the possibility of her portrayal offering a notably sinister interpretation of the character. Joker 2 is anticipated to embrace the format of a movie musical, veering into an entirely different genre from its gritty and dark predecessor. However, there is little doubt that the sequel will continue to exhibit these defining qualities in abundance.
Superman: Legacy
Release Date: July 11, 2025
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s fresh DC Universe will take flight with Superman: Legacy, marking the dawn of a new era for the franchise. The film is slated to hit theatres on July 11, 2025. While it will usher in a new, youthful actor in place of Henry Cavill, this won’t be a rehash of Superman’s origin narrative.
Instead, the focus will shift to Clark Kent, who is already established as a reporter at Daily Planet and has crossed paths with key figures like Lois Lane. The creative force behind the film is none other than James Gunn himself, who takes on both the writing and directing roles.
Related: James Gunn’s ‘Superman: Legacy’: Cast, Synopsis, Release Date, Everything We Know So Far
David Corenswet will play Clark Kent, while Rachel Brosnahan is Lois Lane. Meanwhile, three other heroes have been cast: Nathan Fillion will play the Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Edi Gathegi will play Mister Terrific, and Isabela Merced will play Hawkgirl.
The Batman Part II
Release Date: October 3, 2025
Matt Reeves’ The Batman was intended to initiate a fresh trilogy of standalone DC projects centred around the Dark Knight, so the confirmation of a sequel was inevitable. The Batman – Part II is slated to release on October 3, 2025, and will be a DC Elseworlds project, continuing the story of the 2022 original and the upcoming Penguin series.
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Robert Pattinson will once again step into the shoes of Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, though details beyond this remain largely under wraps. Ongoing speculation hints at the possibility of The Batman – Part II adapting DC Comics’ acclaimed No Man’s Land storyline, wherein Gotham City transforms into a battleground following a catastrophic earthquake.
The Authority
Release Date: TBA
James Gunn revealed The Authority on January 31, 2023. While an official release date is yet to be announced, the movie is slated to be part of the DCU’s inaugural chapter titled “Gods and Monsters.”
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This superhero team, in contrast to the norm, employs drastic measures to accomplish its goals, drawing parallels to Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys. While the creative team of writer and director remains unattached, Gunn confirmed that the group would share ties with the upcoming DCU Superman, scheduled to debut in Superman: Legacy of 2025.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold
Release Date: TBA
While Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman continues within the “Elseworlds” context, the DC Universe (DCU) is set to unveil its own iteration of the Dark Knight in The Brave and the Bold. Drawing inspiration from Grant Morrison’s Batman storyline, the movie will serve as the introduction to the DCU’s Bat Family.
Gunn elaborated, stating, “This marks the debut of DCU’s Batman, Bruce Wayne, and also serves as the introduction to our beloved Robin, Damian Wayne, a cunning and lethal young assassin.”
Related: DCU-Batman: ‘The Flash’ Director Andy Muschietti Set To Direct ‘Brave and the Bold’
Batman remained oblivious to Damian’s existence for the initial 8-10 years of the latter’s life, and Gunn characterizes this narrative as “a unique and intriguing tale of an unconventional father and son relationship” involving the duo.
Stars such as Supernatural co-lead Jensen Ackles and others have already shown interest in taking on the role of Bruce Wayne aka Batman. However, it has yet to be revealed who will officially be playing Batman in the DC Universe.
The Brave and the Bold will be directed by Andy Muschietti.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Release Date: TBA
James Gunn revealed Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow in January 2023; however, an official release date is yet to be announced. In striking contrast to Superman, Supergirl’s upbringing occurred on Krypton, where she bore witness to harrowing events for a span of fourteen years before her arrival on Earth.
Related: Jensen Ackles Responds To DCU Batman Casting Rumours: “Do I Want To Do It? Yes.”
Gunn has pledged a distinct and fresh approach to Supergirl, endowing her with a substantially greater level of strength and power compared to previous portrayals of the character. Casting details for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow have not been disclosed, and the implications for Sasha Calle’s role in The Flash remain uncertain, although it seems evident that the character will undergo a comprehensive reboot.
The Swamp Thing
Release Date: TBA
Swamp Thing is anticipated to embrace the true essence of horror within the DC Universe (DCU), delving into the enigmatic origins of the elusive Swamp Thing.
The film draws inspiration from Alan Moore’s acclaimed 1984 storyline The Saga of the Swamp Thing from DC Comics.
Related: Jackie Earle Haley Wants To Play DC’s Mad Hatter In Matt Reeves’ Next Batman Movie
James Mangold, who had previously expressed keen interest in collaborating with Gunn and Safran within the DCU, swiftly became attached to the project as both the writer and director.
Despite its darker thematic tone, Swamp Thing remains intricately interwoven with the broader DCU, underscoring Gunn and Safran’s bold willingness to venture into diverse genres while shaping their innovative franchise.
Untitled Black Superman Movie
Release Date: TBA
A new Superman film with a Black protagonist, penned by Ta-Nehisi Coates and produced by J.J. Abrams, is underway.
Related: ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ & ‘The Penguin’ Pause Production Until WGA Writers’ Strike Ends
Gunn and Safran have confirmed that the movie is still in development. This upcoming title is categorized as an “Elseworlds” project.
Summary
The Full Slate of upcoming DC movies and TV shows:
- Blue Beetle (August 18, 2023)
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December 20, 2023)
- Joker: Folie à Deux (October 4, 2024)
DCU Reboot (Gods And Monsters: Chapter 1)
- Superman: Legacy (July 11, 2025)
- The Batman Part II (Oct. 3, 2025)
- The Brave and the Bold (In Development)
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (In Development)
- The Authority (In Development)
- Swamp Thing (In Development)
- Waller/Peacemaker Season 2 (In Development)
- Creature Commandos Animated Series (Possibly 2024)
- Booster Gold TV Series (In Development)
- Paradise Lost TV Series (In Development)
- Lanterns TV Series (In Development)
Other DC TV shows that are in Development
- Gotham PD/Arkham TV Series (In Development)
- Matt Reeves Untitled Projects/Penguin TV Series (In Development)
- Dead Boy Detectives TV Series (In Development)
- The Sandman Season 2 (In Development)
- Superman & Lois: Season 4 (Greenlit; date TBD)
- Constantine 2 (In Development)
- Harley Quinn and Other Animated Titles (In Development)
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