Fans have been anxiously waiting to learn James Gunn’s plans for the DCU. Now the DC Studios co-head has announced the first chapter of films and television shows for his new DC slate. Additionally, James Gunn revealed that this first DCU chapter will be labeled “Gods & Monsters.”
Interestingly, DC will not be excluding films or shows from other continuities. These properties will continue, such as Matt Reeves’ Batman films or Todd Phillips’ Joker films, but under the label DC Elseworlds. As such, this will give DC an extra opportunity to explore characters or storylines that wouldn’t otherwise fit into the new DCU.
As for the new slate, here are the upcoming films announced by James Gunn for the first chapter of the DCU:
Superman: Legacy
The Authority
The Brave and the Bold
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Swamp Thing
This new group of films is set to introduce new versions of characters like Superman, Batman, and Supergirl. For example, Superman: Legacy will focus on a younger version of the titular character. It’s expected to be released on July 11, 2025.
This will be followed by a film titled The Authority. This particular adaptation will involve several Wildstorm characters with the imprint being connected to the greater DCU as a result. Fans can expect a group of antiheroes to appear as they reach new extremes due to a broken world.
The Brave and the Bold will be a new iteration of Batman. This time, however, Robin will be appearing in the film as Bruce discovers Damian Wayne is his son. There are also other members of the Bat-family expected to appear. However, no cast details have been announced.
The new Supergirl film, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, will be based on Tom King’s recent DC run. Supergirl survives the destruction of Krypton by surviving on a piece of the planet that drifted away. The film will follow her character after being forced to see so many of her loved ones die.
Finally, Swamp Thing will be a new origin story featuring the fan-favorite comic book character.
Fans can also expect the following television shows to connect with the new DCU slate:
Creature Commandos
Waller
Lanterns
Paradise Lost
Booster Gold
Creature Commandos is the first animated series announced for the DCU. It features Rick Flagg Sr., played by a voice actor who will also play the role in live-action at some point, alongside Nina Mazursky, Doctor Phosphorus, Eric Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, G.I. Robot, and Weasel. The Bride of Frankenstein will be the villain of the series.
Waller will focus on Amanda Waller, once again played by Viola Davis, and it takes place between the events of Peacemaker Season 1 and Season 2. This is because James Gunn hasn’t had the time to work on Peacemaker Season 2. Doom Patrol executive producer Jeremy Carver and Watchmen writer Christal Henry are attached to the series.
Lanterns will introduce a detective mystery with the Green Lanterns serving as super cops on Earth. It’s expected that the series will introduce an ancient horror to come into play between other films and shows.
We then have Paradise Lost, a Game of Thrones-styled prequel series to Wonder Woman. It takes place in Themyscira before the origin of Diana Prince. It will involve the politics of their society and how women gain power.
Finally, Booster Gold will focus on the titular superhero with imposter syndrome who relies on future tech.
The DCU details are further discussed in the below video from James Gunn:
Here are just a few of our plans. Up, up, and away! #DCStudios #DCU @DCComics pic.twitter.com/8XNDNLUEPq
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) January 31, 2023
Of course, it’s unknown exactly how these films will tie in with the currently announced slate of DC properties. But James Gunn does suggest that Shazam! Fury of the Gods will lead into The Flash, then that film will “reset the entire DC Universe” before leading into Blue Beetle. And then, finally, we’ll have the new slate take place.
Now that fans have their first taste for what’s to come in the DCU – expect additional news in the near future. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any further updates regarding the DCU and James Gunn’s plans for the blockbuster brand as we have them.