Superman, Batman + More: James Gunn Unveils DC’s Upcoming Plans
James Gunn and Peter Safran, the new heads of DC Studios over at Warner Bros., have officially announced their plans for the first phase of a new era of superhero movies.
The first chapter of Gunn and Safran’s DCEU is called “Gods and Monsters.” That phase will include a Superman movie reboot, a Supergirl film, a Wonder Woman-based HBO Max series and more. There will also be a sequel to The Batman which will exist outside of the DCEU, and will be labeled as an “Elseworlds” film.
Superman: Legacy is slated to hit theaters in 2025 and will “focus on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing,” according to Entertainment Weekly. Gunn, who wrote all three Guardians of the Galaxy films for Marvel, as well as The Suicide Squad and the Peacemaker TV Series for DC, is writing Superman: Legacy.
Gunn said in a statement: “Superman: Legacy is the true foundation of our creative vision for the DC Universe. Not only is Superman an iconic part of DC lore, he is also a favorite character for comic book readers, viewers of earlier movies, and fans around the world. I can’t wait to introduce our version of Superman who audiences will be able to follow and get to know across films, movies, animation, and gaming.” As we previously reported, Henry Cavill won’t be reprising his role as Superman, since Gunn’s focus is on a film about a younger Clark Kent. Gunn has maintained that the character of Superman remains “a huge priority, if not the biggest priority.”
Gunn calls Superman: Legacy “the true beginning of the DCU” in a video announcement shared on Twitter. However, other projects will come out beforehand.
Before this new chapter kicks off, Gunn says we will still see Shazam! Fury of the Gods starring Zachary Levi; The Flash starring Ezra Miller, which “resets the entire DC universe” and Blue Beetle prior to the Aquaman sequel.
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
As far as the future of Wonder Woman goes, Gal Gadot does not appear to be reprising her role, either, although there hasn’t been a definitive statement about that. While Ben Affleck’s Batman is expected to appear in the upcoming Flash movie on June 16, Safran and Gunn want him to direct, per Deadline. Fellow Batman actor Robert Pattinson will also not be featured in the new DCEU Batman & Robin movie, The Brave and the Bold. Pattison will continue to play Batman in Matt Reeves’ sequel, Batman II, which is currently being penned. Gunn noted that projects outside of the main DCU universe will be dubbed as “Elseworlds” projects.
Take a look below at the full slate of upcoming DC TV and film projects:
DC movies:
Superman: Legacy
The Authority
The Brave and the Bold: will introduce its Batman and Robin in this unusual father-son story inspired by Grant Morrison’s comic series.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow: will be based on Tom King’s comics stories.
Swamp Thing
The Batman – Part II: in theaters on Oct. 3, 2025.
DC HBO TV series:
Creature Commandos: an animated show in which Amanda Waller creates a black ops team out of monstrous prisoners.
Waller: starring Viola Davis, this series features Team Peacemaker.
Booster Gold: Booster Gold uses basic technology from the future to pretend to be a superhero in present day.
Lanterns: will follow intergalactic cops John Stewart and Hal Jordan as they uncover a dark mystery.
Paradise Lost: set in Themyscira, home of the Amazons and birthplace of Wonder Woman, this drama focuses on the genesis and political intrigue of an island of all women.
Actors Who Appeared in Both DC and Marvel Movies
