A new rebooted franchise of films and television series, theDC Universe (DCU), was released in 2024 and was created byJames Gunn andPeter Safran, who were appointed co-chairmen and co-CEOs ofDC Studios in a late-2022 restructuring. Certain DCEU characters, such asPeacemaker,Amanda Waller, andBlue Beetle, are played by the same actors in the DCU, while thesecond season ofPeacemaker takes place in the new universe.
Etymology
Upon announcement of the film series, the universe was commonly called the "DC Cinematic Universe" (DCCU) by fans and the media, in keeping with the naming convention of the already establishedMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).[1][2][3] Keith Staskiewicz, writing forEntertainment Weekly, jokingly coined the term "DC Extended Universe" (DCEU) in an article aboutBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice on July 1, 2015.[4][5] This term and the abbreviation DCEU quickly spread among the press and fans who took it as the official name of the franchise over the following years.[6][7] According toVulture writer Abraham Riesman, DC confirmed to him in September 2017 that the term was not used internally and they did not consider it official.[5]
In 2016, as part ofDC Films Presents: Dawn of the Justice League, bothGeoff Johns andKevin Smith referred to the franchise's name as being the "Justice League Universe".[8] During theDC Films panel atSan Diego Comic-Con 2018, a video banner displayed the words "Welcome to the Worlds of DC", after showcasing some upcoming films. As a result, some media outlets interpreted this as DC officially naming their shared film universe as the "Worlds of DC",[9][10] but in March 2020,Jim Lee referred to the franchise as the DC Extended Universe atC2E2.[11] The franchise was officially titled DC Extended Universe when the WarnerMedia streaming serviceHBO Max launched the following May.[12]
In 2016, Warner Bros. establishedDC Films afterBatman v Superman did not meet Warner Bros.' box office expectations and received negative responses from fans and critics. The division, led byGeoff Johns andJon Berg, was to oversee production and form a cohesive creative direction for the DCEU.[25][26][27] After the failure ofJustice League (2017), Johns and Berg were replaced byWalter Hamada in 2018.[28] The DCEU expanded to television with the release of thefirst season ofPeacemaker (2022) onHBO Max.[29]
Zack Snyder, the director ofMan of Steel,Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and co-story writer/director ofJustice League
Kal-El / Clark Kent, who arrived on Earth years ago as an infant fromKrypton, struggles with why he was sent to Earth. Raised by his adoptive parents,Jonathan and Martha Kent, Clark adopts the persona "Superman", and learns if his abilities are meant to maintain peace or conquer the world.[40]
During story discussions forThe Dark Knight Rises (2012),David S. Goyer toldChristopher Nolan his idea regarding how to present Superman in a modern context.[41] Impressed with Goyer's concept, Nolan pitched the idea to the studio,[42] who hired Nolan to produce and Goyer to write based on the financial and critical success ofThe Dark Knight (2008).[43][44] In October 2010,Zack Snyder was hired to direct the film,[45] andHenry Cavill was cast as Clark Kent / Superman in January 2011.[46]Principal photography began in August 2011.[47]Man of Steel was released in North America on June 14, 2013.[48]
Gotham City-based vigilanteBatman travels toMetropolis to preemptively combat Superman, fearing what would happen if the latter is kept unchecked, while another threat endangers humankind.[49]
By June 2013, Warner Bros. were fast-tracking a sequel toMan of Steel, with Snyder and Goyer returning as director and writer, respectively.[50] Nolan was involved in an advisory role as executive producer.[51] The sequel includedBatman in a main role, and serves as a reboot of theBatman film series.[22][23] Cavill,Amy Adams,Diane Lane, andLaurence Fishburne reprised theirMan of Steel roles,[52] whileBen Affleck was cast as Bruce Wayne / Batman.[53]Chris Terrio was hired to rewrite Goyer's script.[54] Originally scheduled to be released in July 2015, the release date was changed to May 6, 2016, to give the filmmakers "time to realize fully their vision, given the complex visual nature of the story".[55] The film's title was revealed to beBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.[56] Initial filming occurred on October 19, 2013, atEast Los Angeles College,[57] before fullprincipal photography began in May 2014 and concluded that December.[58][59] Production took place in Detroit, Illinois,New Mexico, Africa and the South Pacific.[58][60] After another date change, the film was released in North America on March 25, 2016.[61]
After Superman's death, a secret government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions and rescue the world from a powerful threat, in exchange for clemency.[69]
Suicide Squad is set after the events ofBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.[77] Affleck and Miller reprise their roles as Bruce Wayne / Batman and Barry Allen / The Flash from that film.[77] In amid-credits scene,Amanda Waller (portrayed by Davis) meets Wayne in a restaurant and hands him a dossier containing information on future members of theJustice League.[78]
Patty Jenkins, the director ofWonder Woman and co-writer/director ofWonder Woman 1984
Diana of Themyscira, anAmazon warrior who is also the demigoddess daughter of the godZeus, uses her talents and abilities to help humanity duringWorld War I.
In December 2013, Gal Gadot was cast as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman and signed a three-picture deal which included a solo film.[63][79] The film was announced in October 2014,[24] andMichelle MacLaren was confirmed to direct from a screenplay byJason Fuchs the next month.[80][81] MacLaren left the project the following year in April due to creative differences,[82] andPatty Jenkins was hired to replace her.[83] Filming occurred from November 2015 to May 2016 and took place in the United Kingdom, France and Italy.[84][85]Wonder Woman was released in North America on June 2, 2017.[76]
Motivated by Superman's death at the hands ofDoomsday, Batman and Wonder Woman assemble a team ofmetahumans to stop the threat of Steppenwolf, who is in search of threeMother Boxes scattered across Earth.[86]
By June 2013, Goyer was set to writeJustice League as part of a three-film deal he signed forMan of Steel.[50] Snyder was confirmed to return as director in April 2014,[87] and the film was announced in October asJustice League Part One.[24] In 2016, Chris Terrio was revealed to have written the script,[88] and the title was changed to simplyJustice League by June.[89] Affleck, Cavill, Gadot, Momoa, Miller, and Fisher reprised their respective roles from previous films.[90][91][92] Filming took place from April to October 2016 atWarner Bros. Studios, Leavesden in England, as well as locations around London and inIceland.[93][94] In May 2017, Snyder stepped down from his duties on the film due to his daughter's death;Joss Whedon filled his position on post-production, with additional scenes being written and directed by him.[95] Though Whedon was not officially credited for his role as post-production director, he completed enough additional work for a screenwriting credit on the film.[96]Justice League was released worldwide on November 17, 2017.[93]
The divisive reaction to the theatrical cut ofJustice League, with Snyder leaving directorial duties and the final cut of the film in the hands of Whedon, led to a fan-driven campaign for a "Snyder Cut" of the film. Arguments were made that Snyder's vision would be more cohesive to the previous films.[101] In March 2019, Snyder confirmed his original cut did exist, and stated that it was up to Warner Bros. to release it.[102] Warner Bros. remained silent regarding the matter, thoughVariety reported in November that Warner Bros. was unlikely to release Snyder's version ofJustice League, with one studio insider describing it as "a pipe dream".[103] Snyder announced in May 2020 thatHBO Max would be releasing his cut ofJustice League on their service on March 18, 2021.[104] Initially conceived as a four-part miniseries, it was ultimately released as a four-hour film,[105] twice the length of the theatrical version.[106] Snyder stated this version is intended to not affect the future of the DCEU continuity, but that it takes place in a slightly alternate universe.[107] The new cut cost an estimated $70 million to complete, primarily for visual effects and additional photography.[108] Some actors returned to their roles for the additional photography.[109][110] Work on the cut was completed in January 2021.[111]
James Wan, the co-story writer/director of theAquaman films
Arthur Curry, a half-Atlantean assistant lighthouse keeper, sets out to lead the underwater kingdom ofAtlantis against his half-brother,King Orm, who seeks to unite the seven underwater kingdoms against the surface world.
Jason Momoa was cast as Arthur Curry / Aquaman in June 2014.[52] By August,Will Beall andKurt Johnstad were writing competing scripts for the character's solo film.[120]Aquaman was announced in October.[24]James Wan was hired as director the following year, as well as to oversee the screenplay by Johnstad.[121]David Leslie Johnson was later brought to write a new script.[122] Beall returned to write the script, based on a story treatment by Wan andGeoff Johns.[123] Johnson worked on a rewrite of Beall's script with Wan and producerPeter Safran.[124] Principal photography began in May 2017 inQueensland, Australia and wrapped that October.[125][126]Aquaman was released in North America on December 21, 2018.[127]
Aquaman is set after the events ofJustice League, though critics have noticed numerous inconsistencies between the two theatrically released films.[128] Furthermore, Momoa claimed that the film takes place after "Zack's cut", with the ending of that version of the film directly tying into the events ofAquaman.[129] Heard reprises her role as Mera fromJustice League,[125] while Dafoe is introduced as Nuidis Vulko.[130]
By speaking "Shazam",Billy Batson, a 14-year-oldfoster child, can turn into an adult superhero, courtesy of an ancient wizard. He attempts to master his powers and defeat the evil forces controlled byDr. Thaddeus Sivana.[131]
In August 2014,Dwayne Johnson announced his attachment to a project about the superheroShazam, formerly known as Captain Marvel.[132] Johnson was revealed to be portraying the antiheroBlack Adam, Shazam's nemesis in the film, withDarren Lemke set to write the script in September.[133] In October, Warner Bros. announcedShazam as a film in its upcoming slate.[24] By January 2017,Henry Gayden was working on the script.[134] In July,David F. Sandberg was hired to directShazam!.[135] Johnson was dropped from the project, instead starring in a Black Adam solo film.[136] By October,Zachary Levi was cast as Shazam,[137] and in November,Asher Angel was cast as Shazam's child-age alter ego, Billy Batson.[138] Principal photography began in January 2018 and wrapped that May,[139][140][141] with most of the filming taking place atPinewood Toronto Studios, among other locations aroundToronto.[142]Shazam! was released in North America on April 5, 2019.[143]
Shazam! is set after the events ofJustice League.[144] Superman makes acameo appearance at the end of the film, but his face is not shown as Henry Cavill was unable to reprise the role due to scheduling conflicts.[145] The villainMister Mind is introduced in a mid-credits scene.[146]
By November 2016, a film based on the female superhero teamBirds of Prey was in development, withChristina Hodson signed on as screenwriter.[149] By April 2018, Warner Bros. selectedCathy Yan as director, with Margot Robbie reprising her role as Harley Quinn fromSuicide Squad.[150] Robbie also acted as producer alongside Sue Kroll and Bryan Unkeless. The film is the first theatricalR-rated installment in the DCEU and has a smaller budget than most of the other films.[151] In addition to Robbie's starring role, the cast also includesMary Elizabeth Winstead,Jurnee Smollett-Bell,Rosie Perez, andElla Jay Basco.[152][153][154] The full title of the film was revealed asBirds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) by Robbie.[155] Principal photography commenced in January 2019 in Los Angeles and lasted until April.[156][157][158]Birds of Prey held its world premiere in London on January 29, 2020, and was later released in North America on February 7.[159]
Birds of Prey is set after the events ofSuicide Squad.[160]
By June 2017, Geoff Johns and Patty Jenkins had begun work on the story treatment for aWonder Woman sequel.[162] In July, Johns was working on the script,[163] and the sequel was officially announced atSan Diego Comic-Con, with Gadot reprising the lead role.[164] In September, Jenkins signed a deal to return as director,[165] and brought onDavid Callaham to pen the script with her and Johns.[166] Production began in June 2018 and concluded that December.[167] Filming locations included theDistrict of Columbia,Northern Virginia, Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden in the United Kingdom and the islands ofTenerife andFuerteventura in Spain.[168][169][170][171]Wonder Woman 1984 was released in the United States on HBO Max and in theaters simultaneously on December 25, 2020.[172]
In a mid-credits scene,Lynda Carter, who starred as Wonder Woman in a1970s television series, is introduced asAsteria, a legendary Amazon warrior who possessed ancient golden armor that Gadot's Wonder Woman wears in the film.[173]
James Gunn, the writer/director ofThe Suicide Squad andshowrunner of the spin-off seriesPeacemaker
Amanda Waller sends a newTask Force X, consisting of both old and new members, on a mission to destroy aNazi-era laboratory containing experiments.
In March 2016, aSuicide Squad sequel was announced to be in development, with Ayer returning as director.[174]Adam Cozad was hired to write the script by March 2017.[175] By July, a new story treatment was written byZak Penn.[176] In September,Gavin O'Connor was hired as director and writer after Ayer dropped out.[177][178] O'Connor completed the script with David Bar Katz andTodd Stashwick by September 2018.[179][180] The next month, O'Connor left the project as Warner Bros. believed the script was too similar toBirds of Prey.[181] In 2019, the film was re-titledThe Suicide Squad, withJames Gunn directing, from a new script he wrote.[182] Gunn chose the project over various other films Warner Bros. had in development, including a Superman film.[183] In March,Idris Elba joined the cast. He was initially hired to replace Smith asDeadshot, who dropped out due to scheduling conflicts, but was later decided that Elba would play a new character so Smith could return in the future.[184][185] Robbie, Kinnaman, Courtney, and Davis reprise their roles fromSuicide Squad.[186] Production began in September 2019 atPinewood Atlanta Studios inAtlanta, with additional filming following inPanama, and concluded in February 2020.[187][188][189][190]The Suicide Squad began its international release on July 30, 2021, in the United Kingdom, and was released theatrically and on the streaming platform HBO Max in the United States on August 5.[191]
Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the powers of the Egyptian gods and imprisoned, Black Adam is freed from his tomb, ready to unleash his form of justice on the modern world.[192]
In September 2014, after being considered to play Shazam andLobo, Dwayne Johnson was cast as Black Adam, a central villain of DC'sShazam franchise.[133][193] The character was intended to be introduced inShazam!, but Johnson convinced the film's production studios to divide the narrative to focus on Black Adam's origin,[134] with Black Adam and Shazam instead set to cross paths in a future film.[194]Adam Sztykiel was hired as screenwriter.[195]Jaume Collet-Serra was hired as director in June 2019, with Johnson,Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, andDany Garcia attached as producers.[196][197] By September 2020,Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani had written a new draft of the script.[198] Filming began in April 2021 and wrapped that July.[199][200]Black Adam was released in the United States on October 21, 2022.[201]
Billy Batson and his foster siblings, who transform into superheroes by saying "Shazam!", are forced to get back into action and fight the Daughters ofAtlas, who want to use a weapon that could destroy the world.
A sequel toShazam! entered development in April 2019, with Henry Gayden returning as writer.[210] David F. Sandberg and Peter Safran returned as director and producer, respectively, andChris Morgan was hired as an additional screenwriter.[211][212] Zachary Levi reprises his role as the titular superhero, as most of the adult and child cast in theShazam Family.[213][214] AtDC FanDome in August 2020, the film's title was announced asShazam! Fury of the Gods.[215] Filming began in May 2021 inAtlanta and concluded that August.[216][217]Shazam! Fury of the Gods was released in the United States on March 17, 2023.[218]
In January 2023, co-CEOs of DC Studios James Gunn and Peter Safran stated thatShazam! Fury of the Gods will lead right into the events ofThe Flash.[219]
In January 2023, co-CEOs of DC Studios James Gunn and Peter Safran stated thatThe Flash would "reset" the DCEU continuity and lead right into the events ofBlue Beetle,Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and their future slate of films in the new DCU continuity, starting with "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters".[246][219] Gunn later explained thatThe Flash changes some aspects and characters, but not every aspect of the franchise that came before.[247]
AfterJaime Reyes graduates from college and returns to his hometown Palmera City, he is chosen to become a symbiotic host to the Scarab, an ancient alien biotechnological relic that grants him a powerfulexoskeleton armor, turning him into the superheroBlue Beetle.
In November 2018, a film centered on the Jaime Reyes incarnation of Blue Beetle was in development, with a script written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer.[248] By February 2021,Ángel Manuel Soto signed on as director,[249] andXolo Maridueña was cast as the titular character in August.[250] John Rickard andZev Foreman serve as producers.[251] Principal photography commenced in May in Atlanta, and wrapped on July 18, 2022, inPuerto Rico.[252][253] Initially developed as an HBO Max exclusive film,[254]Blue Beetle was later changed to a theatrical release, and was released on August 18, 2023.[255]
In January 2023, co-CEOs of DC Studios James Gunn and Peter Safran stated thatBlue Beetle directly follows the events ofThe Flash,[219] where much of the franchise will be "reset" in such a way thatBlue Beetle will be "totally disconnected (from everything that came before) and can be a part of the DCU".[246][247]
Four years after the events ofthe first film, Arthur Curry / Aquaman is forced to protect Atlantis and his loved ones from devastation after an ancient power is unleashed byDavid Kane / Black Manta obtaining the cursed Black Trident. To achieve this, he seeks help from an unlikely ally, his brother Orm.
In January 2019, Warner Bros. confirmed development of anAquaman sequel, with intentions for James Wan to return as director.[256] In addition to starring, Momoa has a larger creative role in the sequel; together with his writing partner Thomas Pa'a Sibbett,[257] he pitched their idea for the sequel to Warner Bros. and co-wrote the first story treatment.[258][259][260] In February, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick signed on as screenwriter; he completed the script alongside Wan.[261][258] Producer Peter Safran said that the film will explore the otherSeven Kingdoms of Atlantis.[262] The title was announced asAquaman and the Lost Kingdom.[263] Filming occurred from June 2021 to January 2022 in the United Kingdom, Hawaii and Los Angeles.[264][265]Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was released on December 22, 2023.[266]
In January 2023, co-CEOs of DC Studios James Gunn and Peter Safran stated thatAquaman and the Lost Kingdom would take place following the "reset" of the timeline of the DC film byThe Flash, and that it would be directly followed by the DCU's first slate of content, "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters",[246][219][247] with that franchise's "true start" being the 2025 filmSuperman.[267]
Short film
Epilogue: Etta's Mission (2017)
Epilogue: Etta's Mission is a short film directed by Patty Jenkins and released on theBlu-ray edition ofWonder Woman (2017). It takes place sometime after the main events of the film and focuses on Etta recruiting the remainder of the "Wonder Men" for a new mission involving the Mother Box.[268][269]
Task Force X memberChristopher Smith / Peacemaker is sent on a black-ops mission to target "butterflies", individuals possessed by parasitic, insect-like creatures invading the human race.[271]
By September 2020, a television series spin-off ofThe Suicide Squad centered on Peacemaker was in development forHBO Max.James Gunn served as an executive producer alongsidePeter Safran, wrote its eight episodes and directed several of them.[29]John Cena reprises his role as Peacemaker from the film.[29] Filming began inVancouver, Canada in January 2021 and concluded that July.[272][273] The first three episodes ofPeacemaker were released on January 13, 2022, with subsequent episodes released weekly until February 17.[274] Soon after the series ended, the series was renewed for asecond season, with Gunn set to write and direct every episode.[270]
After the second season was ordered following the positive reactions garnered by the series, with the show's creator James Gunn confirmed to write and direct all planned episodes, and John Cena set to reprise the title role,[270] Gunn stated that the new season would explore the greater ramifications from the aftermath of the first season's events.[281] Following the surprise cancellation of the HBO Max filmBatgirl in August 2022, Gunn reaffirmed thatPeacemaker's second season was "safe" and would continue development.[282] Later in the same month he stated that filming was scheduled to begin in 2023,[283] but in January 2023 Gunn said that the second season was delayed as he was busy working on other projects.[284]
Canceled and reworked projects
Over the years, many projects that were at one point supposed to be part of the DCEU have either been moved into a different continuity, outright canceled, or unreleased. Following the end of the DCEU and reboot into the DCU, various projects that were in development have been shelved though they may be repurposed for the new continuity:
The Amazons : In December 2019,Patty Jenkins announced aWonder Woman spin-off film, focusing on thetitular race ofThemyscira. Jenkins was intended to serve as a producer,[285] while it was later revealed that she andGeoff Johns had written the story, with a plot that was set chronologically betweenWonder Woman 1984 and the planned third film.[286][287] A similar television series forHBO Max was later announced in January 2023 as a part of theDC Universe, titledParadise Lost.[288]
Batgirl : In March 2017,Joss Whedon was hired to write, direct and produce a film centered aroundBarbara Gordon / Batgirl.[289] Production was scheduled to commence in 2018,[290] but Whedon stepped down in February.[291] In April,Christina Hodson was hired as the screenwriter forBatgirl,[292] which she would begin writing after completing work onThe Flash.[293] In May 2021,Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were hired as the film's co-directors, withKristin Burr serving as producer.[294] In July,Leslie Grace was cast in the titular role.[295] Principal photography began in Glasgow in November 2021, and wrapped by the end of March 2022.[296][297]Batgirl was scheduled to be released sometime in 2022 onHBO Max,[298] though it was reportedly being reconsidered for theatrical release byWarner Bros. Discovery by April.[299] That August, Warner Bros. Discovery canceled the plans to release the film on HBO Max or theatrically following poor test screenings. The film was deemed not "big" enough for the big screen yet too expensive to be released on HBO Max. Despite the project's cancellation, the studio still hoped to work with Arbi, Fallah and Grace on other DC projects.[300] In January 2023, co-CEO of DC StudiosPeter Safran commented that Zaslav had made the right decision with canceling the project, while providing positive statements regarding its creative team he stated that it was "not releasable". Safran elaborated that "it would not have been able to compete in the theatrical marketplace; it was built for the small screen". The studio however looks to reintroduce the character elsewhere in the franchise, while also intending to work with Arbi and Fallah in the future.[301]
Ben Affleck'sThe Batman : In July 2015, Ben Affleck was in negotiations to direct, produce, star in, and co-write (with Geoff Johns) a Batman film.[302] Affleck was confirmed as the film's director atSan Diego Comic-Con in 2016.[303] Affleck stepped down as director in January 2017,[304] andMatt Reeves was hired to direct and co-produce the film the next month.[305] Under Reeves, the film shifted focus towards a younger and inexperienced iteration of the character, with the filmmaker focusing on noir and detective fiction aspects from the comics. Affleck eventually left the project altogether and was replaced byRobert Pattinson asBatman, allowing the film to drop its connections to the DCEU and establishing a separate universe.[306] The film launched what Reeves referred to as "The Batman Epic Crime Saga,"[307] being set to comprise an eventual trilogy of films and spin-off series for television such asThe Penguin.[308]DC Studios co-CEOJames Gunn confirmed in January 2023 that Reeves' franchise would continue production under theDC Elseworlds banner, separate from the newDC Universe (DCU) franchise that succeeded the DCEU and was planned to introduce its own iteration of Batman.[309]
Batman Beyond : In December 2022, it was reported that aBatman Beyond film starringMichael Keaton was in development, with a script by Christina Hodson. The plot would have involved an aged Bruce Wayne, continuing the plot threads from his appearance inThe Flash, and would have included Catwoman.[310] Development on the film was shelved after Gunn and Safran were appointed as co-heads ofDC Studios.[311] In January 2023, Gunn and Safran said that there is potential for a future multiverse project in which they may incorporate Keaton's incarnation of Batman.[312]
UntitledBlack Adam sequel: In April 2017,Dwayne Johnson stated that DC Films planned onBlack Adam andShazam appearing in a future film together.[313] In October 2022, Johnson confirmed future plans for Black Adam to fightSuperman in the DCEU, and reaffirmed plans for the character to crossover with Shazam.[314][315] That month, producers Hiram Garcia andBeau Flynn stated that the sequel was in development, with plans to fast-track production on the project.[316] Johnson publicly revealed that December that the character would not be a part of the initial slate of projects lined up for the new DC film universe under Gunn and Safran. He added that both DC Studios and his production companySeven Bucks Productions would continue collaborating in the future, and that the studio intended to "continue exploring the most valuable ways Black Adam can be utilized in future DC multiverse chapters".[317]
Black Canary : By August 2021, an HBO Max-exclusive film centered aroundDinah Lance / Black Canary entered development withJurnee Smollett reprising her role fromBirds of Prey,Misha Green writing the script, and Sue Kroll producing.[318] In June 2022, the script was continuing to be written.[319]
Booster Gold : In September 2015, abuddy cop film centered aroundMike Carter / Booster Gold andTed Kord / Blue Beetle was announced to be in development withGreg Berlanti attached as producer.[320] In May 2016,Zack Stentz was hired to write the script, while Berlanti expressed interest in directing the project.[321] The script had been completed by March 2018.[322] In November 2022, after co-CEO of DC StudiosJames Gunn had conducted a poll on his social media asking fans which characters they would like to see included in the franchise moving forward, the filmmaker confirmed that the most requested was Booster Gold, noting that DC Studios intends to follow what the audience is wanting.[323] In January 2023, a similar project was revealed to be in development for the DC Universe franchise, in the form of atitular television series.[324]
Creature Commandos : In January 2021, Gunn revealed that he was developing ideas for more spin-off installments ofThe Suicide Squad,[325] while Warner Bros. officially confirmed that there would be additional DC projects created by Gunn in August of the same year.[326] In January 2022, Gunn confirmed he was developing another television series intended for HBO Max, while stating that the tone would be more serious than his previous work.[327] By June of the same year, the filmmaker revealed that he will serve as writer and director for the show and confirmed that characters fromPeacemaker will feature into the plot, while stating that the show is separate from theAmanda Waller project that was revealed to be in the works in May 2022.[328] The project ultimately became ananimated series, and was released as a part of the DC Universe franchise.[288]
UntitledCrisis on Infinite Earths film: In August 2022, when the Warner Bros. Discovery merger was completed andWalter Hamada began preparations to leave his role as President of DC Films, it was revealed that prior to these events Warner Bros. had been developing a project based onCrisis on Infinite Earths.[329] The potential film was teased atDC FanDome in October 2021 with key art drawn byJim Lee, depicting stitched together vignettes of characters both from the DCEU and other continuities such asRobert Pattinson'sBatman.[330] The plot would have similarly incorporated the multiverse and iterations of the main characters from alternate realities. Following Hamada's departure from the studios, the project's future realization is dependent on Gunn and Safran's plans for the franchise.[310][331][332][333]
Cyborg : In April 2014,Ray Fisher was cast asVictor Stone / Cyborg,[65] and Warner Bros. announced a film centered around the character was in development the following October.[334]Joe Morton was set to reprise his role as Dr.Silas Stone.[335] Morton commented that there were discussions to include scenes involving Cyborg that werecut during post-production on the theatrical release ofJustice League.[336]Cyborg was scheduled to be released on April 3, 2020, before being delayed.[337][338] In April 2020, developments continued;[339] though by 2021, amidst a dispute between the actor and Warner Bros. Pictures regarding an investigation in the reshoot process onJustice League,[340] Fisher stated that he would not play the role in any film that had Hamada's involvement.[341][342] DC Films responded that they would recast the role.[343][344] In March, Fisher said that though he is not opposed to reprising the role in future DCEU films, he would preferCyborg to be directed by either Snyder orRick Famuyiwa.[345] In February 2022, when discussing the Justice League's appearance in thefinal episode ofPeacemaker, Gunn revealed that Cyborg did not feature in the scene due to the studio's "future" plans with the character.[346] In October 2023, however, it was reported that no cast members fromJustice League would reprise their roles in the DC Universe.[347]
Deadshot : By December 2016, a film centered aroundFloyd Lawton / Deadshot was in development,[348] withWill Smith reprising his role fromSuicide Squad.[349] In February 2019, Smith left due to scheduling conflicts,[350] and by April the character was written out ofThe Suicide Squad to allow Smith an opportunity to return in a future film.[185] By April 2022, production on the film was delayed in favor of other projects due to the production payroll figures that Smith had requested.[351]
Deathstroke : In October 2017, a film centered aroundSlade Wilson / Deathstroke was announced to be in development withGareth Evans attached as screenwriter and director from a story byJoe Manganiello,[352] who was also set to reprise his role fromJustice League.[353] The project was greenlit after Evans impressed executives with his pitch.[353] By April 2020, Evans was no longer in negotiations to work on the project, while the filmmaker described the story as a "dark" and "unforgiving" origin story, similar in style to Korean noir films.[354][355][356] In March 2021 after numerous delays, Manganiello stated thatDeathstroke had been canceled because Warner Bros. did not consider it a priority.[352] The project was brought back into discussions with the possibility of a revival for Gunn and Safran's future plans of the DCEU in December 2022.[310] In February 2024, Manganiello revealed that he had written a screenplay during this time, before Gunn later convinced him to let the project and role go due to the soft-reboot occurring with the DC Universe franchise. Despite this,Jim Lee approached Manganiello to create a graphic novel series based on his unproduced script.[357]
UntitledThe Flash sequel: By October 2022, the script for a sequel toThe Flash had already been completed byDavid Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, with Warner Bros. anticipating a successful box office run forThe Flash.[358] The script was stated to included Keaton's iteration of Batman and Calle's Supergirl.[359] The studio was not expected to retainEzra Miller for future films because of the actor's various controversies and legal issues,[360] although some Warner Bros. executives were open to continuing to work with Miller.[361] Later that month, DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran said that until a decision was made there was potential for Miller to reprise the role in the upcoming DC Universe franchise.[362] Gunn confirmed thatThe Flash would reset thecontinuity of the DCEU and alongsideAquaman and the Lost Kingdom, would lead into the DCU's first feature film titledSuperman (2025).[362][363] In June,Andy Muschietti expressed interest in featuringEobard Thawne / Reverse-Flash, a character who was only hinted at in the first film, as an antagonist for a sequel.[364] Though it was believed that a sequel could happen if the film could achieve financial success,[365] financial underperformance and the announcement that no actors from the Snyder'sJustice League would reprise their roles ended chances of a sequel being realized.[366][367][368][347]
Green Lantern : Originally, the 2011Green Lantern film was planned to be the first film in a shared DC cinematic universe, but its planned sequels were canceled in September 2011[369] and the film was eventually left out of continuity due to its critical and financial disappointment.[370] The film was laterretroactively established to be set within the multiverse of DC media, designated as Earth-12 in theArrowverse crossover event "Crisis on Infinite Earths".[371]
Green Lantern Corps : A film centered around theGreen Lantern Corps was originally announced to be in development in October 2014.[334][372] In January 2017,David S. Goyer and Justin Rhodes were hired to write the screenplay, based on a story written by Goyer and Geoff Johns, with Goyer intended to also serve as producer. The plot was stated to feature various members of the titular team, withHal Jordan andJohn Stewart planned to be the lead characters, while Warner Bros. described the film as "Lethal Weapon in space".[373][374][375] By June 2018, Geoff Johns was hired to do a rewrite on the script in addition to serving as producer, stating that the script at that time was influenced by his work on theNew 52Green Lantern comics.[376] In July 2019,Christopher McQuarrie stated that he had worked on apitch over a year prior, where the story would have connected to theMan of Steel sequel that was also in development, explaining that he had since moved on to other projects due to what he perceived as no further movement by Warner Bros. to proactively develop the film.[377] By November 2019, Johns was expected to deliver his script to Warner Bros. before the end of the year.[293] During the development ofZack Snyder's Justice League, John Stewart / Green Lantern was removed from the film due to the studio already having other plans for character.[378]Green Lantern Corps was originally scheduled for a July 24, 2020, release,[337] though it was later delayed and scheduled for a tentative release in Warner Bros. Pictures 2022–2023 schedule.[338][379] A similar project was later announced as a part of the DC Universe franchise titled,Lanterns.[288]
Gotham City Sirens : A film based on theGotham City Sirens (a team consisting ofHarley Quinn,Catwoman, andPoison Ivy) was in development by December 2016, withDavid Ayer signed on as director and co-producer from a script byGeneva Robertson-Dworet.Margot Robbie andJared Leto were set to reprise their roles of Quinn and the Joker fromSuicide Squad, with Robbie also taking the role of an executive producer.[348][380] The film's development was later postponed in favor ofBirds of Prey.[381] In January 2020, Ayer confirmed that the project was still in development,[382] while Robbie stated thatBirds of Prey took priority, as she chose to first to introduce audiences to other lesser-known characters. She also stated that she was still "pushing" forward withGotham City Sirens, and expressed hope of exploring the dynamics of the characters on screen.[383][384] In 2022, Robbie revealed that there were plans for the character to return in the franchise,[385] and stated that she was continuing to advocate for a romantic relationship to be portrayed between Quinn and Ivy.[386]
Harley Quinn vs. The Joker : By July 2017, a film featuring Harley Quinn and the Joker was in development with the working title ofHarley Quinn vs. the Joker, scheduled to begin production after the completion ofThe Suicide Squad.[387][388]Glenn Ficarra andJohn Requa were hired as co-writers, co-directors, and co-producers.[389] In September 2018, the script was completed and submitted to Warner Bros. with principal photography intended to commence after the release ofBirds of Prey.[390] The film was canceled in February 2019.[391]
Hourman : In March 2021, a film centered around the character ofHourman was announced as being in development, after a similar project had previously been considered in 2013 for a television series onThe CW. Written by Gavin James and Neil Widener, the project was intended to continue plans of expanding the franchise with lesser-known characters.[392]
John Constantine : In February 2021, a television series focusing onJohn Constantine entered development at HBO Max. The series, featuring a young Constantine in contemporary London,[393] was planned to be horror-oriented and would tie in withJustice League Dark. Guy Bolton was hired to write the pilot, while J. J. Abrams was attached as an executive producer.[394] The creatives involved were determined to have a diverse cast pool, and looked to the non-white actors for the lead role.[395] By August 2022, production was tentatively scheduled to commence in early-2023.[396][397][398] In September of the same year after four episodes of the series were written, the show was no longer moving forward at HBO Max, in favor of the studio's intentions of developing asequel film toConstantine (2005).[393] In October, the series was confirmed to still be in development and was being shopped around to other streaming services.[399]
Untitled Joker film: In June 2018, a film featuring the Joker entered development with Jared Leto attached as an executive producer in addition to reprising his titular role as the Joker. Though Leto was also initially involved with hiring the film's production crew,[400] the film was canceled by February of the following year; afilm set within another universe was released in 2019,[391] and was later designated a part of the DC Elseworlds franchise.[309]
UntitledJustice League sequel: In October 2014,Justice League Part Two was announced, withZack Snyder returning as director.[24]Deborah Snyder later revealed thatJustice League would not beone film split into two parts.[401] The film was scheduled to be released on June 14, 2019,[76] but production was pushed back to accommodateThe Batman.[402] Joss Whedon, the director ofJustice League's reshoots, would eventually rework one of the film's post-credit scenes to tease the Injustice League as villains of a possible sequel.[403] In October 2017,J. K. Simmons stated that work on the script was in-progress,[404] while in December,Variety reported that there were "no immediate plans" for Snyder to return as director.[405] By 2019, Warner Bros. had prioritized standalone films over the project.[406][262]WarnerMedia CEOAnn Sarnoff stated in March 2021 thatZack Snyder's Justice League was considered "a storytellingcul-de-sac" by the studio, with no sequels planned.[407] In August, producerCharles Roven confirmed the studio's interest in aJustice League sequel, but added that it was still "a number of years away".[408] A sequel was once again under consideration whileMichael De Luca andPamela Abdy were in charge of DC Films, before Gunn and Safran took over.[409]The Wall Street Journal reported in July 2025 that DC Studios was planning to eventually develop aJustice League film set in the newDC Universe (DCU) franchise, while the DCU filmSuperman introduced a prototype team known as the "Justice Gang."[410]
Justice League Dark : In January 2013,Guillermo del Toro began developing a film centered on theJustice League Dark and submitted a script in November 2014,[411][412] but was no longer attached by June 2015.[413] In August 2016,Doug Liman joined to direct with the titleDark Universe, alongsideScott Rudin producing andMichael Gilio rewriting the script.[414] Liman left the following May due to scheduling conflicts.[415] In mid-2017, it was retitledJustice League Dark withGerard Johnstone polishing the script.[164][416] By April 2020, the project was redeveloped as a series for HBO Max, withJ. J. Abrams serving as an executive producer.[417]Justice League Dark was intended to premiere after the individual team members were introduced in their own series, with the studios involved inspired to a similar approach asMarvel Television'sNetflix series individually premiering before crossing over inThe Defenders (2017).[394] By February 2023, the series was no longer moving forward.[418]
Krypton : In October 2014,Man of Steel writer David S. Goyer was attached to develop a television series focused on the planetKrypton.[419] During the development, Goyer revealed that the series would use unused concepts for the planet that were created forMan of Steel.[420] In early marketing materials for the series and the first teaser that debuted at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con, theSuperman logo designed for the DCEU films was used to represent the House of El, implying that the series would have been a direct prequel toMan of Steel.[421][422] During the casting process, the production crew sought an actor who resembled a youngHenry Cavill to portray Seg-El, Superman's grandfather,[423] while Goyer stated that the series was planned to take place 200 years prior to the events ofMan of Steel.[424] Ultimately, all connections toMan of Steel were dropped by the series' release in March 2018.[422] Executive producerCameron Welsh later described the series as "adjacent" to both the DCEU and the Arrowverse.[425]
Lobo : In September 2009, a film centered aroundLobo was in development.Guy Ritchie andBrad Peyton were attached to direct at different times,[426][427] while Dwayne Johnson was originally intended to star.[193][428] After various iterations, in 2016,Jason Fuchs was hired as screenwriter.[429] By February 2018,Michael Bay was attached to direct. Fuchs rewrote the script at Bay's request so the budget could be considerably lowered.[430] In November 2022,Jason Momoa revealed that under the direction of Gunn and Safran, a project that he categorized as a "dream come true" was in development,[431] which included his favorite comic book character.[432] The project was later reported to beLobo.[433][434] In January 2023, Gunn and Safran addressed Momoa's involvement with future adaptations of the character, while stating that the actor would not portray two characters in the franchise.[219]
Madame X : In June 2021, a series focusing onMadame Xanadu entered development at HBO Max.Angela Robinson was attached to write and executive produce the series along with J.J. Abrams. The series was planned to tie in withJustice League Dark.[435] By September 2022, the project was dropped by HBO Max and was being shopped around to other streaming services.[436][397][393]
UntitledMan of Steel sequel: By October 2014, a sequel toMan of Steel was in development,[24] with Henry Cavill set to reprise his role.[437]Matthew Vaughn had discussions with the studio to direct the film in 2017,[438] but after two years, the talks with Warner Bros. ended in March and Vaughn left the film.[439] Shortly after in July, Christopher McQuarrie said that he and Cavill had pitched a sequel idea to Warner Bros. over a year prior, with the plot having ties toGreen Lantern Corps, but he moved on to other projects due to what he perceived as no movement on the films.[440] Later,Michael B. Jordan had pitched his own take on the character, but was not ready to commit due to an already busy schedule.[293] By November, Warner Bros. had entered negotiations with J. J. Abrams about taking control of the project.[293] The film was no longer in active development by May 2020, but Cavill entered negotiations to reprise the role in a different film.[441] Snyder later stated that his plans for the plot had includedBrainiac and the Kryptonians who were banished to thePhantom Zone at the end ofMan of Steel.[442] In 2022, after Cavill reprised his role inBlack Adam,[208][209] a film centered around his iteration of Superman was back in active development, intended to serve as the first film focusing solely on the character sinceMan of Steel. Charles Roven was hired as producer at that time, with a story pitch written bySteven Knight. The studio was actively searching for a director.[399] Cavill confirmed in October that he would reprise the role in multiple future installments,[443] but later in December, while De Luca and Abdy had worked closely with Cavill to announce his return as Superman, Gunn and Safran instead opted to develop a film with the character at a younger age.[358][310] Cavill confirmed that he would no longer play Superman.[444] Gunn and Safran optioned to move ahead withSuperman as a part of the DC Universe franchise instead.
The Metal Men : In April 2007, a film centered around theMetal Men entered development with Eric Champnella as screenwriter;Lauren Shuler Donner and Jack Leslie also joined as producers.[445] In May 2012,Barry Sonnenfeld entered negotiations with Warner Bros. to direct the film[446] and was hired the next month.[447] DC Entertainment presidentDiane Nelson reiterated in 2013 the company's intentions to make the film.[448] The development was in limbo for several years until October 2021, when Sonnenfeld revealed that the film's story was still being written.[449] In November 2022, Gunn confirmed that he and Safran had plans for the team in the future of the franchise.[450] The Metal Men's creator,Will Magnus, appeared in theHBO Max animated seriesCreature Commandos, the first installment of the newDC Universe (DCU) franchise, voiced byAlan Tudyk.[451]
New Gods : In March 2018,Ava DuVernay signed on to direct a film centered around theNew Gods. Initially with a script written byKario Salem,Tom King was later brought to co-write the film with DuVernay.Darkseid was planned to be the main antagonist of the film, and theFemale Furies were set to appear.[452] The fourth draft of the script was ongoing in 2020.[453] In December, DuVernay said that theCOVID-19 pandemic had given her and King time to dig into "the mind and musings ofJack Kirby".[454]New Gods was canceled in April 2021, though Warner Bros. stated that it could be revived in the future. According toThe Hollywood Reporter, the project faced difficulties due to Darkseid's role inZack Snyder's Justice League, and Warner Bros. wanted time to pass before the character appeared again.[455] Later, DuVernay revealed thatMister Miracle,Big Barda,Granny Goodness, andHighfather would have appeared in the film.[456]
Nightwing : By February 2017, a film centered aroundDick Grayson / Nightwing was in development, withChris McKay andBill Dubuque signed on as director and screenwriter, respectively.[457] Although the script was nearing its final draft,[458] McKay said in June 2021 that the project was delayed due to DC having "other priorities", but also reaffirmed his intentions to still make the film. He also said that the film could possibly be reworked to remove its connections to the DCEU continuity.[459] In August 2023, the project was canceled.[460]
UntitledBlack Manta film: In February 2019, Warner Bros. announced a horror-themed spin-off fromAquaman focusing on the villainousTrench kingdom. Safran andJames Wan were set to produce, with Noah Gardner and Aidan Fitzgerald writing the script. The film was planned to have a lower production budget than other DCEU films.[461] The film was expected to be released beforeAquaman and the Lost Kingdom.[262] In April 2021, the project was canceled, though Warner Bros. said that it may be revived in the future.[455] In October, Wan revealed that the initially announced name ofThe Trench was a working title, to misdirect the audience that the movie was secretly aBlack Manta film.[462]
Plastic Man : By December 2018, acomedy-actionadventure film based onPlastic Man was in development with Amanda Idoko hired to write the script.[463] In December 2020, Cat Vasko was hired to do a rewrite of Idoko's screenplay, with the project reworked to be a female-centered film.[464]
Static Shock : At DC FanDome held in August 2020, a live-action film centered aroundStatic was revealed to be in development,[465] with Michael B. Jordan joining the production team as a producer alongsideReginald Hudlin in October.[466] Walter Hamada described the film as a project that could be developed as an HBO Max-exclusive film.[407] In March 2021, Randy McKinnon was hired as screenwriter.[467]
Supergirl : In August 2018, a film centered aroundKara Zor-El / Supergirl, was announced to be in development withOren Uziel penning the script.[468][469][470] In February 2021,Sasha Calle was officially cast in the role, with the character debuting inThe Flash.[471] A similar project was later announced as a part of the DC Universe franchise titledSupergirl,[288] which will starMilly Alcock in the titular role, and adapt a script written byAna Nogueira.[472][473]
Untitled Val-Zod television series: By July 2021, alimited series centered aroundVal-Zod was in development for HBO Max. Michael B. Jordan was set to produce the series and also potentially star, while Darnell Metayer and Josh Peters were attached to write.[474][475] Jordan previously pitched a feature film centered around an African-American Superman, only to place development on hold due to his busy production schedule.[293]
Waller : In January 2021, Gunn revealed that he was developing additional spin-off installments toThe Suicide Squad alongside Warner Bros. Entertainment,[325][326] and further clarified his intentions to develop the projects the following year in February.[476] By May of the same year, it was revealed that a spin-off continuation television series ofPeacemaker was in development, which will center around the character of Amanda Waller. Viola Davis was announced to be reprising her role from other DCEU media, in addition to serving as an executive producer on the show. Christal Henry will serve aswriter, in addition to executive producing alongside James Gunn and Peter Safran.[477]The project was later repositioned as a part of the DC Universe franchise.[288]
The Wonder Twins : In February 2022, a film centered aroundZan and Jayne / the Wonder Twins entered development for HBO Max.Adam Sztykiel was slated to make his directorial debut and write the screenplay, with Marty Bowen andWyck Godfrey serving as producers.[478] By that April,KJ Apa andIsabel May were cast in the lead roles of Zan and Jayna, respectively.[479] Principal photography was scheduled to commence inAtlanta, Georgia in July,[479][480] but the project was canceled in May following WarnerMedia's merge with Discovery Inc. and the creation of Warner Bros. Discovery. The CEO of the newly formed conglomerate,David Zaslav, felt that the film's estimated $75 million-plus budget would not bolster enough of a return as a straight-to-streaming release. Additionally, Zaslav has a directive mandate that DC Films will first focus on theatrical releases, with internal criticism also stating that the project was conceived in a style deemed "too niche".[481][480]
Wonder Woman 1854 : In April 2024, Zack Snyder revealed that initially there had been plans to have the character ofWonder Woman in a project with the title ofWonder Woman 1854. Snyder explained that the photograph which Bruce Wayne discovers during the events ofJustice League was the story that was intended to be explored first, depicting the character's continued search for her villainous uncleAres throughout various time periods of history, and the romantic relationships she had while living as an immortal who does not age. The filmmaker stated that the image was intended to give the audience of glimpse of her time fighting in theCrimean War, while crediting Stephen Berkman with arranging the behind-the-scenes layout of the image. Further elaborating, Snyder stated that Wonder Woman's story in the DCEU would have shown her traveling to anywhere in history where there was conflict with the intent of ending Ares' influence on mankind. After the success of the 2017titular film however, the decision was made to create a sequel instead of another prequel.[482]
UntitledWonder Woman 1984 sequel: After principal photography onWonder Woman 1984 was completed, director and co-writer Patty Jenkins said that the plot for a thirdWonder Woman film had been written. She revealed that the story arc for Wonder Woman was planned over three films, with the third taking place in the present.[483][484] Jenkins and Gadot planned to work on other projects before proceeding with the sequel.[485][486] In 2020, Jenkins said she had stories written for two moreWonder Woman films completed.[487] Two days after1984 was released, a third film was officially greenlit byWarner Bros. Pictures. Jenkins was set to return as director, with a script she wrote, while Gadot was planned to reprise her role as the titular heroine.[488] In October 2021,Gal Gadot stated thatLynda Carter would reprise her role as Asteria from1984.[489][490] A year later, Jenkins revealed that the script for the film was completed, while also stating that she had tentative plans for further installments.[491] Filming was expected to begin in mid-2023,[492] but in December the third film was revealed to be no longer moving forward because the script conflicted with the current plans for the DCEU formulated by Gunn and Safran.[409][493]
Zatanna : In November 2018, Warner Bros. was considering developing a film based onZatanna.[494] By March 2021,Zatanna project was in development as an HBO Max-exclusive film,[495] andEmerald Fennell was hired as screenwriter later that month. The film was to be produced by J. J. Abrams.[496] By October 2022, the film was initially scrapped at HBO Max, but later began being shopped around to other streaming services.[399]
In October 2014,Geoff Johns explained that DC's approach to their films and television series would be different fromMarvel Studios' cinematic universe, stating that their film universe and TV universes would be kept separate within a multiverse to allow "everyone to make the best possible product, to tell the best story, to do the best world".[497] This divide lasted until January 2020, when the DCEU was retroactively established to have connections toThe CW'sArrowversecontinuity via an expansion of the multiverse concept, duringPart 4 of the "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover.Ezra Miller reprised their role asBarry Allen in a cameo appearance alongsideGrant Gustin'sversion of the character. During their conversation, Miller's Barry gets the idea to call himself "The Flash" from his alternate self and mentions "Victor" (Ray Fisher'sCyborg).[498] Despite their cameo, the episode did not confirm the designated Earth for the DCEU characters.[499][500]
Miller's cameo opened up more possibilities for crossovers between DC films and the Arrowverse. President of DC Films,Walter Hamada, revealed that prior to "Crisis on Infinite Earths", DC had been structured in a way that the television division had to clear the use of characters with the film division. Now, the company could "really lean into this idea of [the multiverse] and acknowledge the fact there can be a Flash on TV and one in the movies, and you don't have to pick one or the other, and they both exist in this multiverse".[501] Arrowverse creator and executive producer Greg Berlanti agreed, feeling that "moving forward, there's more opportunity to do more things like this",[502] and was open to more film characters appearing in the Arrowverse.[501]
In August 2020, Hamada announced plans to develop a multiverse inspired by the comics. In doing so, the studio also stated that all past, present, and future projects are a part of the same unified multiverse.[306][240][407]The Flash directorAndy Muschietti further explained that all previous adaptations of DC Comics were a part of the multiverse: "...all the cinematic iterations that we've seen before are valid... all that you've seen exists, and everything that you will see exists, in the same unified multiverse".[240][407] In 2023, the DCEU version of Shazam made a cameo appearance through archival footage in theTitansseason 4 episode "Dude, Where's My Gar?".[503]
Timeline
In the DCEU, the events of the films rarely explicitly make their exact years known.[504]Man of Steel takes place after the events ofWonder Woman andWonder Woman 1984, which are set in 1918 and 1984, respectively.Wonder Woman also has bookend scenes set in the present after the events ofBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The events ofBatman v Superman occur 18 months after the events ofMan of Steel, which follows the consequences and the emergence of aliens and metahumans such asSuperman.[62] The film concludes with the death of Superman, which is emphasized inSuicide Squad andJustice League, taking place approximately one and two years later, respectively.[505]
Jason Momoa confirmed thatAquaman takes place right afterZack Snyder's Justice League.[129]Aquaman is followed byShazam!, which occurs during the Christmas season of 2018.[506] The events ofBirds of Prey are set in 2020.[160]Shazam! Fury of the Gods is set about two years after its predecessor, but at least in 2021, because Billy Batson was fourteen inShazam! whereas inShazam! Fury of the Gods he is seventeen years old.[507]The Suicide Squad is confirmed to take place in 2021.[508]Peacemaker is set five months after the events ofThe Suicide Squad.[275] In an episode ofPeacemaker a newspaper page can be seen talking about the upheavals happening in Kahndaq caused by theIntergang from which it can be inferred that the events ofBlack Adam happen shortly afterPeacemaker.[509]Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is set four years after the firstAquaman.[510]The Flash is set in 2023 and 2013 of an alternative timeline whereMichael Keaton is Batman.[511]Blue Beetle is the final film in the DCEU timeline, butXolo Maridueña will reprise his role in the DCU.[512]
In January 2023, Gunn and Safran announced the initial ten installments for the DCU, which make up a portion of the slate subtitled "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters". They included the filmsSuperman (2025),The Authority,The Brave and the Bold,Supergirl, andSwamp Thing, as well as the television seriesWaller,Creature Commandos,Lanterns,Paradise Lost, andBooster Gold. The duo were open to DCEU actors such as Miller, Gadot, Momoa, and Levi reprising their respective roles,[32] though Gunn clarified thatSuperman would serve as the start of the new continuity, with the DCU being able to change events from the DCEU, with the DCEU properties serving "like a rough memory of what happens in the DCU".[699]The Flash film would be used to reset some aspects of the universe heading into the DCU.[247]Peacemaker season 2 would be set in the new continuity.[700][701] In October 2023,Variety reported that no actors from Snyder's DCEU films would reprise their roles in the DCU.[347]
^The footage shot during the film's principal photography was written by David Ayer but the footage shot during the film's reshoots/additional photography (described as being a higher amount than the average for a film[33]) was written byGeoff Johns.[34] Ayer retained sole writing credit for the finished film.
^Snyder was the director duringprincipal photography, but was replaced byJoss Whedon during post-production. Snyder retained directorial credit for the finished film,[35] though reports have indicated Whedon reshot a majority of the film. Consequently, Snyder released adirector's cut in 2021.[36]
^abThis release debuted concurrently in theaters and onHBO Max.[37][38]
^abcdCouch, Aaron & Borys Kit (December 9, 2022)."Heat Vision: December 9, 2022".The Hollywood Reporter.Archived from the original on December 10, 2022. RetrievedDecember 10, 2022.
^Porter, Rick (February 16, 2023)."'Duster' Series from J.J. Abrams a Go at HBO Max".The Hollywood Reporter.Archived from the original on February 16, 2023. RetrievedFebruary 16, 2023.In April 2020,Duster was one of three Bad Robot projects announced for the yet-to-launch HBO Max, along withThe Shining offshootOverlook and a Justice League Dark project. The latter two have since been scrapped...
.jpg)
_(1).jpg)
_(cropped).jpg)
_Dec_2024.jpg){kind=icon}