Finally, on the very last day of January 2023, James Gunn revealed the upcoming slate for DC Studios. After months of speculation, James and Peter Safran have set the record straight on the next eight to ten years for DC.
DC ‘ELSEWORLDS’ Division
James Gunn and Peter Safran have announced a new film division within DC Studios entitled DC Elseworlds. Much like the comic counterpart, this “section” of DC films will house stories and projects not connected to the main DC Universe. This includes Matt Reeve’s The Batman, Joker and Joker: Folie A Deux, the animated Teen Titans Go series, and future projects. Gunn also announced that the sequel to The Batman is entitled The Batman Part II, and will release October 3rd, 2025.
The “Bridge” Projects
Before the audience can get to the true beginning of DC Studios, there are a few projects that are on the schedule. Gunn talked about his excitement for these projects, but adamantly stated that these are before the new regime.
SHAZAM: FURY OF THE GODS (March 17th, 2023)
Gunn confirmed that Shazam and Shazam: Fury Of The Gods are by themselves, set apart from the main DC Continuity. Are they Elseworld? Only time will tell.
THE FLASH (June 16th, 2023)
James Gunn confirmed that The Flash will do exactly what the entire entertainment sphere has predicted. This film will reset the DC Universe for the future.
BLUE BEETLE (August 18th, 2023)
Gunn wasn’t clear on whether or not Blue Beetle or Aquaman will transition into future projects, but he did mention them multiple times in future plans. Make of that, what you will.
AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM (December 25th, 2023)
Peter Safran stated there are plans for an Aquaman 3 as well.
Intro to God’s & Monsters Chapter 1
This is the beginning of the eight to ten-year plan for DC Studios. These projects are not the entirety of the first chapter, but they do make up a good size of the schedule.
CREATURE COMMANDOS (Animated TV Series – TBD)
This series has been written by James Gunn and will feature characters both animated and live action. Both versions of the characters will be played by the same actor. In the voice-over booth as well as on screen. The characters are Rick Flagg Sr. (who will appear in other DCU projects too), Nin Mazursky, Eric Frankenstein, Doctor Phosphorus, The Bride of Frankenstein, G.I. Robot, and Weasel. The first season will be seven episodes.
WALLER (TV Series – TBD)
Viola Davis will return as Amdana Waller. She will team up with members of team Peacemaker to stop an unknown threat. The series is written by Christal Henry (Watchmen HBO) and Jeremy Carver (Doom Patrol).
The True Beginning of the new DC Universe
SUPERMAN: LEGACY (Theatrical Movie – July 11th, 2025)
Written by James Gunn and looks to take inspiration from Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman comic run from 2005 through 2008. No annoucement of a director…yet.
LANTERNS (TV Series – TBD)
Lanterns will take the place of Greg Berlanti’s previously announced Green Lantern series. The series will follow the primary Green Lanterns of earth (Hal Jordan and John Stewart) as well as a few others. The series is described as an “earth-based True Detective series” following an ancient terrifying mystery that ties into the larger DC Universe.
THE AUTHORITY (Movie – TBD)
The Wildstorm characters will be brought into the DC Universe to interact with the primary characters. Imagine a mix of characters from The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker into one misfit crew who are convinced the world can be saved by any means necessary.
PARADISE LOST (TV series – TBD)
An action series following the story of Paradise Island, (Themyscira) the home of Wonder Woman and the Amazonians. Gunn mentioned Paradise Lost in the same sentence as Game Of Thrones, so expect drama, romance, and plenty of action.
A New Batman For DC Universe
THE BRAVE & THE BOLD (Theatrical Movie – TBD)
The Brave And The Bold will be the beginning of a new Batman within the DC Universe. This new Batman will be within the main continuity and is introduced with his half-vigilante/half-assassin son Damian Wayne. This film will be based on Grant Morrison’s legendary comic run of the same name. The Brave And The Bold will also mark the beginning of the Bat-family in the DC Universe.
BOOSTER GOLD (TV Series – TBD)
Booster Gold is an upcoming comedic action series that follows a “hero” who struggles with Imposter Syndrome. The time-traveling character leaps back into time to “save the day” for fame and fortune, even though he already knows the outcome of his actions. James Gunn is already in contact with the final list of actors to portray Booster.
SUPERGIRL: WOMAN OF TOMORROW (Theatrical Release – TBD)
Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow will take heavy inspiration from Tom King’s comic run of the same name in 2022. Gunn reiterated that this film will lean more into science fiction and fantasy than a typical caped crusader movie.
SWAMP THING (Theatrical Release – TBD)
The final thing James Gunn discussed was a new Swamp Thing project that will lean heavily into its horror roots. While tonally it will be different than the previous projects in Chapter One: God’s and Monsters, Gunn has assured that it will feed into the rest of the stories.
What about Milestone Comics and Static Shock?
While James Gunn ended the presentation there, he assured that there will be more news to come in the not too distant future. For more breaking news, be sure to follow BackstageOL!
