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James Gunn and Peter Safran have finally unveiled their master plan for the DC universe today, and it was filled with reveals of new theatrical films and HBO Max series. The pair revealed their plans at a press event in California yesterday, narrowly meeting their self-imposed deadline to reveal plans by the end of January. From a brand new Superman film to a suite of television shows for HBO Max, read on to learn everything the new heads of DC Studios revealed.
The DCU's First Phase Is Called Chapter One: Gods and Monsters
Gunn and Safran revealed that the revamped DC Universe's first part is called Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. DC's big, overarching story will be interconnected between the planned movies and series. Gunn and Safran also revealed they're setting up an eight-to-ten year plan, and that actors will have to sign a decade-long deal for movie and TV appearances.
The films and series revealed today represent half of the content for Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. The Flash, which is still set to release on June 16, will serve as the reset point for the new DC Universe, paving the way for the stories slated for Gods and Monsters.
Superman: Legacy Announced with 2025 Release Date
James Gunn is writing Superman: Legacy, a feature film currently slated for July 11, 2025. The movie will show Clark Kent balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing, showcasing Superman as a good hero in a morally complex world. This movie will be PG-13, and we learned ratings for other projects depend on the story. Gunn hasn't decided if he will direct Superman: Legacy.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Is an Adaptation of Tom King's Comic
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is also a part of the DCU's first chapter. The movie is based on Tom King's comic of the same name, in which we see a Supergirl that's much "harsher" than we've seen before, according to Gunn. This is because Kara grew up on a piece of Krypton that drifted away from the planet in a, "horrible situation where she watched everybody around her die."
The Brave and the Bold Introduces the DCU's Batman
A new Batman is coming to the DCU, by way of The Brave and the Bold. This movie focuses on Damian Wayne, the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul. It's a father and son story, based on the Grant Morrison comics run. We can also 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, which is set to explore the character's dark origins. Little else was revealed about the project. The final movie revealed was The Authority, which will move a lot of Wildstorm characters into the DCU. Gunn described it as a "very different kind of superhero story", starring a group of characters that think the only way to fix the broken world is to take things into their own hands.
Creature Commandos Is an Animated Series Written By James Gunn
Creature Commandos will be the first new show on HBO Max. It's an animated show written by James Gunn that's already entered production. The show will feature Rick Flag Sr., Nina Mazursky, Dr. Phosphorus, Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, G.I. Robot, and Weasel.
Paradise Lost Is a "Game of Thrones-Type Story" About Themyscira
Paradise Lost will be set in Themyscira, which is home of the Amazons and birthplace of Wonder Woman. This drama will focus on the creation and politics of this all-women society. The events in Paradise Lost take place before Diana's birth.
DC Reveals Three Additional Series for HBO Max
Gunn and Safran also showed off Waller, a new series that takes place in between Peacemaker Season One and Season Two. Viola Davis is returning to star as Amanda Waller, and the show will also include some of Team Peacemaker.
We also learned about Lanterns, a True Detective-like series that follows intergalactic cops John 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 pivotal turning point for the new DCU, what will happen with the Flash moving forward is uncertain. Flash star Ezra Miller made headlines throughout 2022 for numerous legal issues, leaving their future with DC in question. We recently heard that some Warner Bros. Discovery executives are still willing to work with Miller. Gunn wouldn'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 Confirmed, Including Matt Reeves' Batverse
While some DC projects have hit the cutting room floor since Gunn and Safran's takeover, a lot of previously-announced projects are still moving forward in addition to Matt Reeves' Batverse. Here's the full list of previously-announced DC projects that are still confirmed:
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods
- The Flash
- Blue Beetle
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
- Peacemaker Season 2
- Joker: Folie à Deux
- The Batman 2
- Gotham Knights (The CW)
- Superman & 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 isn't returning as Superman in the DCU's current roadmap. Gunn spoke to the decision to move in a different direction for the character, saying it's "important to say that Henry Cavill was not fired. Henry was just not hired to be Superman in the Superman movie. There was never a deal there for another movie, and that's not what it was."
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 bylines at IGN, Nintendo Wire, Switch Player Magazine, and Lifewire. Find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.
