The page to screen transition of the DC Universe has had some ups and downs to say the least. From the highs and lows of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and the Justice League Snyder Cut movie controversy, most DC fans have been left with a sour taste in their mouths. However, DC fans can rejoice as there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. James Gunn, who is behind major hits such as the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy as well as The Suicide Squad is to be the head of this next chapter of DC. After the anti-climactic ending to the DCEU, it seemed like it was time for a reset which is exactly what Gunn plans to do. He will be in charge of the creative side of the DC Universe (DCU) which is already in full swing. The universe will include interconnectivity between movies, shows, and animated projects where quite a large portion of their slate has already been announced, which is being called Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.
Up first for Chapter one of the DCU will be their animated show, Creature Commandos. This is set to release at some point in the later half of this year as it had already been written and seemingly is finished or near the end of production. This show will include characters such as Rick Flag, Eric Frankenstein, the Bride of Frankenstein, G.I., Weasel and various others. The plan is for the actors portraying the animated characters to migrate into live action (involving real people on screen) as well, creating a more interconnected universe.
The other project that we know most about is the Superman film. This new iteration of the classic character, previously titled Superman: Legacy is already in production. Gunn has written and is directing the film himself. The film will include all of the classic characters such as Superman, played by David Corenswet, Lois Lane played by Rachel Brosnahan and Lex Luthor played by Nicholas Holt. Other characters appearing include the main villain The Engineer, Hawkgirl, Guy Gardener (a Green Lantern) and Metamorpho. The film is set to premiere in July of 2025 and will hopefully serve as the successful blockbuster that DC so desperately needs.
Besides those two projects there isn’t a ton of information known about the rest of the slate but there are five titled movies we are aware of so far. The Authority will be “a big movie” based on the sort of dark Justice League brought to DC comics by Wildstorm who DC purchased in 1999. Batman: The Brave and the Bold will be a Batman and Robin story, skipping the classic origin story which is so often portrayed on the big screen and instead shifting focus to Batman and his son Damian Wayne who was raised by assassins. Super Girl: Woman of Tomorrow will be based on the comic run with the same name. It was recently announced the House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock will be portraying Supergirl and could even make an appearance in the Superman movie. Swamp Thing will explore the popular DC monster with James Mangold set to direct but little else is known about the film. Just as vague is the Teen Titans movie which was just revealed by the Hollywood Reporter. All that is known is that Anna Nogueria will write the screenplay.
Moving to the Silver Screen (television), there are five upcoming announced shows. Gunn revealed the Peacemaker season two is currently in pre-development which will be set in the DCU even though season one was set in the DCEU. The specifics of how that will work have yet to be thoroughly explained. Amanda Waller who has heavily featured in both Suicide Squad movies as well as Peacemaker will be getting her own show as well. It will follow up her character's shocking fate at the end of Peacemaker season one. Paradise Lost will be a Game of Thrones sort of show, exploring the political aspects of Themyscira, the birthplace of Wonder Woman. Lanterns will be a mystery/detective style show which will display Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart teaming up. The final show will be Booster Gold however little to nothing is known about this project.
While all these new announcements seem exciting, creating this new universe will be a lofty goal. However, James Gunn has proven himself time and time again, so there’s no reason to think he’ll fail now. There is still a lot to be explained, such as the continuity of these projects but it is sure to all be explained in due time. For now, fans must patiently wait for the kickoff to this new era of DC.
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