James Gunn and Peter Safran finally revealed their master plan for the DC Universe today, and it was full of revelations about new theatrical movies and HBO Max series. The two revealed their plans at a press conference in California yesterday, narrowly meeting their deadline for reveal their plans by the end of January. From a brand new Superman movie to a slate of TV shows for HBO Max, read on to find out new DC Studios executives have revealed.
The first phase of the DCU is called Chapter One: Gods and Monsters
Gunn and Safran revealed that the renewed first part of the DC Universe is called Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. The big, overarching DC story will be interconnected between the planned films and series. Gunn and Safran also revealed that they are putting together an eight-to-ten-year plan, and that the actors will have to sign a decade-long contract for film and television appearances.
The movies and series revealed today represent half of the content of Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. The Flash, which has yet to be released on June 16, will serve as a reset point for the new DC universe, paving the way for the stories planned for Gods and Monsters.
Superman: Legacy has been announced with a 2025 release date
James Gunn is the writer of Superman: Legacy, a feature film currently scheduled for release on July 11, 2025. The film will show how Clark Kent balances his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, showing Superman as a good hero in a morally complex world. This movie will be PG-13, and we’ve learned that ratings for other projects depend on the story. Gunn has not decided if he will direct Superman: Legacy.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is an adaptation of Tom King’s comic book
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is also part of the first chapter of the DCU. The film is based on Tom King’s comic book of the same name, in which we see a Supergirl who is much “rougher” than we’ve seen before, according to Gunn. That’s because Kara grew up on a piece of Krypton that drifted off the planet in a “horrific situation where she watched everyone around her die.”
The Brave and the Bold introduces Batman to the DCU
A new Batman is coming to the DCU, via The Brave and the Bold. This film focuses on Damian Wayne, the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul. It’s a father and son story based on Grant Morrison’s comics. We can expect to see other members of the Bat family as well.
Swamp Thing and The Authority movies announced
Gunn and Safran also revealed a new Swamp Thing movie that will explore the character’s dark origins. Little else has been revealed about the project. The last movie revealed was The Authority, which will move many characters from Wildstorm into the DCU. Gunn described it as “a very different kind of superhero story,” featuring a group of heroes who believe the only way to fix a broken world is to take matters into their own hands.
Creature Commandos is an animated series written by James Gunn
DC Universe: Every upcoming movie
Creature Commandos will be the first new show on HBO Max. This is an animated show written by James Gunn that is already in production. The show will feature Rick Flag Sr., Nina Mazurski, Dr. Phosphorus, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, GI Robot and Weasel.
Paradise Lost is a “Game of Thrones-like story” about Themyscira
Paradise Lost will be set in Themyscira, home of the Amazons and the birthplace of Wonder Woman. This drama will focus on the creation and politics of this all-female society. The events of Paradise Lost take place before Diana’s birth.
DC reveals three additional series for HBO Max
Gunn and Safran also pitched Waller, a new series set between seasons one and two of Peacemaker. Viola Davis returns as Amanda Waller, and the show will also feature a part of Team Peacemaker.
We also learned about Lanterns, a true detective-like series that follows intergalactic cops Jon Stewart and Hal Jordan. Finally, there’s Booster Gold, which is the story of a superhero with imposter syndrome who uses technology from the future to pose as a superhero.
Gunn says “Let’s see what happens” regarding Ezra Miller’s future as The Flash
While the upcoming Flash movie is a key turning point for the new DCU, it’s uncertain what will happen with The Flash moving forward. The Flash star Ezra Miller hit the news in 2022 due to a slew of legal issues, leaving their future with DC in question. We heard it recently some executives at Warner Bros. Discovery is still keen to work with Miller. Gunn didn’t answer one way or the other, saying, “Let’s see what happens,” Gunn said. “When the time is right, we’ll have the conversation.”
Other upcoming DC movies and shows have been confirmed, including Matt Reeves’ Batverse
Every DC movie and series affected by the Warner Bros. merger. Discovery
Although some DC projects have begun work since the acquisition of Gunn and Safran, many previously announced projects are still in development in addition to Matt Reeves’ Batverse. Here’s the full list of previously announced DC projects that are still confirmed:
- Shazam! Wrath of the Gods
- The lightning
- Blue beetle
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
- Peacemaker season 2
- Joker: Folie à Deux
- Batman 2
- Gotham Knights (The CW)
- Superman and Lois (The CW)
- Pennyworth (HBO Max)
James Gunn Says Henry Cavill Wasn’t Fired, ‘Just Not Hired’
Despite a cameo in last year’s Black Adam, Henry Cavill is not returning as Superman in the current DCU roadmap. Gunn spoke about the decision to move in a different direction for the character, saying it was “important to say that Henry Cavill wasn’t fired. Henry just wasn’t hired to be Superman in the Superman movie. There was never a deal for another movie, and this wasn’t it.”
Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN covering video game and entertainment news. He has over six years of experience in the gaming industry with names in IGN, Nintendo Wire, Switch Player Magazine and Lifewire. Find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.
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