The Future of DC Has Arrived!
In a private gathering, new DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran unveiled their highly anticipated initial slate of projects, giving audiences a glimpse into the visionary approach to DC storytelling that is to come.
Dubbed Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters this first wave of 10 projects (with more to come, according to Gunn) will introduce fans to a completely unified universe, breaking away from the fragmented past of separate film series and isolated universes.
“For the first time ever, everything DC-related – film, television, live-action, animation, gaming – is centralized under one creative vision,” explains Safran. Gunn adds, “From our first project forward, everything will be unified.” The duo takes the reins, bringing stability and coherence to a universe that had previously been fragmented and loosely controlled.
Their initial slate of projects includes major reboots, fresh new perspectives, and familiar faces. As they lead DC into a new era, Gunn and Safran promise a cohesive and connected universe, starting with a brand-new “Superman” movie. Get ready, DC fans, for an electrifying journey ahead, here are the 10 projects:
Creature Commandos – TV Series
Bringing the Unusual to Life! James Gunn’s first project in the new era of DC Studios will be the animated TV series Creature Commandos. Based on the comic property of the same name, this series brings together vampires, werewolves, and zombies in a thrilling new adventure. Already in production, Gunn reveals that this is just the beginning of a fully integrated and connected DC universe.
“Animation will lead into live-action and back into animation again,” says Gunn. He notes that any animated project has the potential to be brought to life on the big screen, and vice versa. Confirmed characters include fan-favorite Weasel from The Suicide Squad, played by Sean Gunn.
James Gunn has written all seven episodes of the series himself, ensuring a consistent and cohesive story. As the first project in this unified DCU, Creature Commandos sets the stage for a thrilling journey ahead.
Waller – TV Series
Viola Davis is staying in the DC Universe as the actress reprises her role as Amanda Waller in the new TV series focused on her character. Gunn explains that this is a multiverse and some characters will have different actors, while others will remain the same, such as with Davis as Waller and leading Team Peacemaker.
This series will fit “in between” the first and second seasons of Peacemaker, as Gunn has been busy writing Creature Commandos and Superman. Season 2 of Peacemaker will be delayed, but fans can look forward to the exciting new adventures of Amanda Waller.
Chrystal Henry (Watchmen) and Jeremy Carver (Doom Patrol) are writing the series.
Superman Legacy – Movie
The DCU next big move is Superman Legacy. As the launching point of the new DC era, this film will delve into the struggle of the Man of Steel to reconcile his Kryptonian roots with his human upbringing.
Superman Legacy is not a retelling of his origin, but a showcase of his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the American way. With a target release date of July 11, 2025, this is expected to set a new standard in superhero storytelling. Written by James Gunn, there is hope that he may also direct the film.
Safran described it as the true beginning of the DCU and praised the script as a testament to the power of kindness in a world that has forgotten its value.
Lanterns – TV Series
Green Lantern is finally making its long-awaited return to the screen with the highly-anticipated TV series Lanterns. Inspired by the popular HBO series True Detective, the series will follow the journey of two of the most beloved characters from the Lantern Corp., Hal Jordan and John Stewart, as they unravel a mysterious case with terrestrial roots. This series will play a crucial role in shaping the larger narrative that the production team is crafting for the DCU’s future film and TV projects.
Safran reveals that the new Lantern series will replace the previously planned “space opera” TV show that was headed by Greg Berlanti and starring Finn Wittrock and Jeremy Irvine. This new series promises to be a game-changer, elevating the DCU to even greater heights.
The Authority – Movie
A movie inspired by the comic book series The Authority is set to join the DC Universe, incorporating characters from Wildstorm imprint.
Gunn elaborates that the DCU is not limited to a tale of heroes and villains and that there will be a spectrum of characters ranging from anti-heroes to morally ambiguous ones like The Authority, who believe in taking matters into their own hands to fix the world.
Paradise Lost – TV Series
Welcome to the alluring world of Themiscyra. The series Paradise Lost will explore the political intrigue of an all-female society. Yes the future of Wonder Woman 3 remains uncertain, and mostly likely canceled, we’ll get our Amazonian fix by turning our attention to the exotic island of Themiscyra.
Set before the birth of Diana (Wonder Woman), this series delves into the intricacies of an all-female society, exploring the beauty and darkness behind their origin. In the vein of Game of Thrones, Paradise Lost promises to be a tale of political maneuvering and power struggles amongst the women of Themiscyra.
“What’s the origin of an island of all women?” Gunn asks. “What are the beautiful truths and the ugly truths behind all of that, and what’s the scheming like between the different power players in that society?”
While Diana will not make an appearance in the series, Paradise Lost promises to offer a captivating look into the birthplace of one of DC’s most iconic characters.
The Brave and the Bold – Movie
The Caped Crusader is back, but this time he’s got company. The Brave and the Bold, feature-length film is inspired by Grant Morrison‘s run on Batman, will bring the DCU’s dynamic duo of Batman and Robin to the forefront in a tale of father and son.
According to Gunn, the film will introduce audiences to Bruce Wayne as the DCU’s Batman, as well as his son Damian Wayne, a young assassin with a dark past. Despite having been kept a secret from Batman for the first decade of his life, their relationship will be the focal point of this new iteration of the classic duo.
This Batman will exist separate from Robert Pattinson‘s iteration in the upcoming Matt Reeves films, which will be categorized as Elseworlds outside of this continuity. Are you ready for a fresh take on the Dark Knight and his pint-sized partner?
Booster Gold – TV Series
At long last, the comic book hero Booster Gold will finally grace the screen in a stunning new adaptation. The series is set to deliver a thrilling take on the beloved character.
“Booster Gold is the tale of a loser from the future who harnesses the power of advanced technology to travel back in time and present himself as a superhero,” says Safran, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s central theme. “It’s the superhero equivalent of Imposter Syndrome,” adds Gunn, further emphasizing the unique and thought-provoking nature of the project.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow – Movie
Supergirl is set to soar onto the big screen and re-imagined for a new generation. Based on Tom King‘s acclaimed comic book series, this film will introduce a radically different version of the character than what audiences may be familiar with.
As Gunn explains, “In our DC Universe, we explore the fundamental difference between Superman, who was raised on Earth by loving parents from infancy, and Supergirl, who spent her first 14 years on a Kryptonian colony witnessing the brutal death and destruction of those around her.”
With the film expected to follow King’s comics, viewers can expect a captivating space-bound journey featuring Supergirl, a loyal dog, and a young girl on a mission for revenge. This Supergirl will be a fresh departure from the beloved TV series.
Swamp Thing – Movie
The DCU is set to delve into the murky depths of the swamp with a Swamp Thing film. The Gunn-Safran duo emphasized the diversity of tone within the interconnected universe, each film reflecting the unique vision of its filmmakers.
“Expect a departure from the norm as we delve into the dark origins of Swamp Thing,” Safran revealed. “Each film in the DCU offers a distinct tonal experience, making for an exciting mash-up of diverse perspectives in the future.”
While the character was previously brought to life in a 2019 live-action TV series that was unfortunately short-lived, this latest adaptation promises to uncover the mystery at the heart of the swamp.