All right, so now that the hierarchy of power in the DC universe has changed forever, seriously, if I had a dollar for every time I heard that. Black Adam is almost a reset button in a sense for the DCEU and that which has been established over the past 8ish years or so.
But we’re not dwelling on the past; let’s look forward to the bright future of the various DCEU movies that are set to release, ones in development, rumored projects, and the unfortunate ones that are in some sort of purgatory, production hell. One day friends, one day, we’ll get that weasel trilogy no one was asking for.
James Gunn And Peter Safran, New Heads Of DCU
Big news dropped, causing a shake-up at DC films, as it was announced that James Gunn and Peter Safran have taken on the roles of Co-CEOs of the DC Universe, which I’m guessing is now solely the DCU. Suck it, Kevin Fiege. But truly, the hierarchy of power has changed with these two at the helm, and in turn, this could mean some of these shelved or doubtful projects could be back on the menu.
With Gunn seeing success with both The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker series, creative juices will fly, and who knows, maybe this is all an elaborate plan to finally cross over Batman and Scooby Do in live action.
Here are all the Upcoming DC Movies:
Shazam: Fury Of The Gods (March 17, 2023)
Anyway, the next DC film happens to be Shazam: Fury of the Gods, hitting the cinemas on March 17, 2023. Following the release of Black Adam seems to be a cheeky way of bringing the Shazamily back into things. However, this sequel doesn’t look like it’ll be the two gods facing off against one another just yet. Instead, Fury of the Gods is bringing back the whole group we grew to love from the first film, along with their superpowered counterparts, but instead, it is the villains of the Daughters of Atlas that they will be going up against.
Hespera, Kalypso, & Ath-eena played by Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu, and Rachel Zegler, respectively, as they are upset by how Billy and the others have used the powers they were given; they face off against the group to retrieve in what appears to be a massive transformers dragon fight. Remember that dragon from Transformers the last knight? What the hell was that?
Now it’s no doubt the post-credits scene will set up the Shazam versus Black Adam storyline because of their connection to the Gods, so anyone hoping for Mister Mind and Mark Strong’s Doctor Sivana might pop back up maybe in a Shazam 3?
Now When Shazam was released in 2019, it changed that image of DCEU being all dark and the “Why So Serious” memes. I was some light in DCEU and fitted perfectly with the Shazam character. Now the sequel seems to have the same vibe, tone, and humor that we saw in the film. Now, this can be good, but we know what happened when Thor Love And Thunder tried to be a bigger version of its previous film Thor Ragnarok. I hope that this doesn’t happen with Shazam 2 because “they got family” (insert Dom from the Fast and Furious franchise).
Also Read: Black Adam Review: The Rock Saved DCEU
The Flash (June 23, 2023)
Zooming into theaters on June 23, 2023, is the fastest DC hero, The Trash, I mean The Flash featuring the bad boy of the superhero world Ezra Miller. The Flash movie has had hiccup after hiccup, with directors being switched out, scripts being reworked, the title being switched from The Flash to Flashpoint and back again because of reasons, along with an apology tour by DC regarding their lead.
But Andy Muschietti is firmly set on directing this story, which has been said to be tackling the Flashpoint comic storyline. In this, Barry Allen crashes through different dimensions, changing his mother’s fate which in turn has a huge ripple effect, resulting in the heroes we’ve seen in Justice League taking on entirely different story arcs.
Have there been set photos of multiple flashes or, uh, flash people? Being featured along with Michael Keaton returning as Batman from his stint as the character dating all the way back to 1989. It’s also rumored we’re to see Michael Shannon and Anja Traya (Antje Traue) return as their characters from Man of Steel, along with Sasha Calle being introduced as Supergirl.
This movie has the potential to shake things up and rewrite what we know the DCEU is, potentially even resulting in a recast of Barry Allen, switching out characters we’ve grown to love, and even dipping into other DC properties we haven’t yet seen become part of the established DCEU as of now, we’ll see if this… The multiverse of Madness lives up to the Flashpoint name.
But the main problem behind this movie, as we all know, is the lead itself. Ezra Miller has been doing thing after thing, and he is definitely the fastest man alive in terms of stuff (you know what stuff I am talking about). And even though Ezra has apologized for his crimes, DC will most probably recast The Flash character.
Blue Beetle (August 18, 2023)
Beetle Borg fans rejoice; I know it’s been a tough 25 years because Blue Beetle is crawling into theaters on August 18, 2023. Now I am not too aware of who Blue Beetle is, but his comic origins date all the way back to 1939. There have been three different characters dawning the Blue Beetle mantle, Dan Garrett, Ted Kord, & Jaime Reyes, with this theatrical adaptation following the most recent one of them, Jaime Reyes.
Cobra Kai actor Xolo Maridueña has been cast in the role, which follows a Mexican-American teen living in Texas with his family when a mysterious scarab essentially attaches itself to Reyes and turns out to be an alien battle suit of some sort. This obviously shakes up his life with these new powers and responsibilities.
Behind-the-scenes photos have given us a great look at this superhero outfit he’ll be wearing, which is spot-on from the comic book panels. I’m definitely intrigued by this newer character. While plot details have been scarce, it’ll most likely serve as an origin story for the character, with Susan Sarandon being cast as Victoria Kord, the wife of the second Blue Beetle, Ted Kord.
She’s supposed to wind up being the villain, and I’m assuming wanting the scarab for her own nefarious purposes. Again all speculation, so let me know your thoughts on Blue Beetle and whether or not you grew up with the Beetle Borgs. I don’t know if this will happen or not, but I think this Blue Beetle can be The Spider-Man for DCU. I know, not at the level, but sort of.
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (December 25, 2023)
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom is set to go face to face with one of the 17 Avatar movies, surfing into theaters on Christmas of 2023. Now, much like every other DCEU film, there has been delay after delay attributed to post-production difficulties, mainly because they don’t have a clue what is happening with the film.
Do they include Amber Heard, who is said to have had her role significantly lessened? Even though Batlfeck is out as the DC Batman, he was spotted in a behind-the-scenes video confirming he has a part in the film, maybe just a post-credits stinger, who knows.
But Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is said to be revolving around Black Manta pursuing his revenge on Aquaman after the events of the first film, teaming up with Randall Park’s Dr. Shin from the post-credits scene. Orm, the Ocean Man, is also vying for the Ocean Master role once again.
Director James Wan stated he wanted to incorporate some real-world themes into the sequel, focusing more on darker, almost horror aspects. Being largely inspired by the 1960s cult horror film, Planet of the Vampires, which follows a crew being drawn to a distress beacon on a strange planet, only to realize they had been manipulated into coming.
As the strange creature’s planet is dying, they seek to escape to the human world, which could mirror ecological events happening today. It is a bit odd, though, because, on the other hand, Jason Momoa has stated they are leaning more toward comedy with the script. So who knows, it might be the best of both worlds.
The first Aquaman movie was the most profitable movie for the DCEU. Brought them some good cash after the not-so-good earnings of Justice League. Who knows, Aquaman could do the same wonders.
Joker Folie à Deux (October 4, 2024)
The most interesting one in the DC lineup has got to be Joker 2, hitting theaters on October 4, 2024. The success of the first Joker was unbelievable, and with it being essentially standalone, in its own world, without the caped crusader, I think even DC was shocked by how well it did.
Anyway, director Todd Philipps and Joaquin Phoenix are back in this sequel titling it, Joker: Folie à deux. But the French expression translates to “madness for two” and is defined as being a shared delusional disorder between two people. This leads to the casting of Lady Gaga as Phillip’s take on Harley Quinn.
And going further, the sequel is described as being a musical, comparing it to a 1977’s New York, New York approach, as the first film had many similarities to 1976’s Taxi Driver. Yep, any sort of superhero mold of the last decade is completely thrown out of the window for this one.
The plot is supposed to pick up after the muddled events or delusions of the first Joker, so expect a lot of it to take place in both Arkham State Hospital and Arkham Asylum. The musical aspects could be solely from the viewpoint of Harley Quinn as well, but this is still unconfirmed.
This isn’t supposed to be connected to the greater DCEU or even the Robert Battinson Batman film, but if money talks, which it does, they could make this a prequel years before The Batman, but in the same universe.
Also Read: Ant-Man And The Wasp Quantummania Trailer Breakdown: Kang Has Killed A Lot Of Avengers Variants
The In-Development DC Movies
Those are the DC films we have the most information on, so yaaaaaayyyy! But let’s get into the films and shows that have been said to be in some sort of development, whether it be a full script or the name with dollar signs written on a napkin during a Warner Brothers happy hour.
Wonder Women 3
A third Wonder Woman is currently in development, said to be fast-tracked after the fans went mild after the lukewarm reception to Wonder Woman 1984. Again not much is known aside from Patty Jenkins coming back to direct and Gal Gadot starring.
Jenkins had been dividing time between this and a Star Wars Squadrons film; however, that was delayed indefinitely, much like every Star Wars film, so work on the script is back on track, maybe in late 2023 if loads of coffee is involved.
The Batman 2
After the success of Batman, it’s no surprise director Matt Reeves and leads Robert Battinson are coming back for this sequel. Though not much is known regarding a release date or even plot details, we can assume it’ll be the next step in Batman and Bruce Wayne’s evolution, aka him coming into his playboy persona and the caped crusader.
As for villains, Batman set up Barry Keogan’s Joker in a deleted scene, along with hinting at both the Court of Owls and the villain of Hush. So it’ll be interesting to see where Reeves takes things and how this will connect to the upcoming Gotham PD and Penguin series coming to HBO Max.
There has also been word that a second Batman series of films would be popping off in the extended world of DC films. It’s pretty much a she-said, he-said situation, so take this with a grain of salt. But with the events of The Flash shaking things up, this could result in a Ben Affleck return in the bat suit or even an older Michael Keaton Batman that introduces other members of the Bat-family, like Robin or Batgirl. Well, Batgirl is, uhh, it’s something.
However, with Walter Hamada recently stepping down as head of DC films, this could be complete nonsense and scrapped at this point.
Man Of Steel 2
Man of Steel fans, you’ve been waiting for a long, long time for that sequel. Well, get ready because a Girl of Steel movie is in the works! But yeah, presumably, this is going to be following Sasha Calle’s Supergirl, who will be featured in The Flash movie. It is unclear whether or not she will be the official Supergirl of the DCEU or if she will team up with Henry Cavill’s Superman in the film. Either way, the writer of The Cloverfield Paradox is said to be tackling the script.
Since we’re talking about super people, let’s talk about the Man of Steel sequel. Literally, nothing was known about this; the whole concept was wrapped in kryptonite, with Henry Cavill never wearing the suit again. Well, the mid-credits scene of Black Adam completely changed that, being a shining beacon of hope because Henry Cavill’s Superman makes a cameo. This is huge because he hasn’t worn the suit since 2017’s Justice League and wasn’t featured in the end credits scenes from Shazam or even Peacemaker.
So him seemingly coming back to the DCEU shakes things up, potentially fast-tracking the long overdue Man of Steel sequel, with him facing off against Black Adam, because, uhh, if we remember, the hierarchy of power in the DC universe has changed forever. Again nothing but hope now.
Yeah, also, Henry Cavill dropped a video of him in the suit, stating it is official that he is back as Superman, teasing that the suit and his cameo in Black Adam are just a taste of what’s to come, so expect BIG news of this sequel soon.
A Green Lantern Corps
A Green Lantern Corps film has been hinted at and in development all the way back to 2014 when Justice League was on the horizon. However, things have cooled down ever since the Green Lantern series on HBO Max was announced. We may still see this film, which was once said to be featuring old and new Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart and was described as being a Lethal Weapon in space. I mean, sign me up because giant green fists and someone complaining they are “too old for this shit” has got my money.
The Maybe/Rumors DC Projects
Now let’s talk about the rumored DC movies and projects that we could see r maybe won’t see. In this list, there are some DC movies that fans would love to see, while there are also some movies that Warner Bros would love to make.
Cyborg
Much like Green Lantern, a Cyborg standalone movie was supposed to be released in 2020, but we’re two years past, and, uh yeah, that didn’t happen. Actor Ray Fisher who portrayed the Mr. robot man voiced strong opinions about the current DC Films leadership and the alleged mistreatment during Justice League reshoot towards director Joss Weadon.
Cyborg was to appear in The Flash movie but has since been said to have been written out. Fisher vowed not to work with DC Films until something changed. And with Walter Hamada stepping down, there could be a chance of his return, but very unlikely.
Blackhawk
A Blackhawk movie has seen some interest from director Steven Spielberg, yes, THE Steven Spielberg. With it following WWII era fighters, who then turn mercenaries. It sounds like there would be little to no connection to the current DCEU unless it weaves with Wonder Woman’s origins. But again, that is IF Spielberg comes back around to this one.
Nightwing
A Nightwing film was said to be hinted at in the DCEU master plan all the way back in 2014, with it later bringing on Chris McKay to write the script. As recently as 2021, McKay said, “It’s not lost yet,” hinting we could still see Nightwing on the big screen. And if the Gotham Knights game is any indication of Nightwing’s physic, he is the total package.
Jared Leto’s Joker
Jared Leto’s Joker was an interesting adaptation, to say the least, and we’re supposed to see his Joker return in an untitled Jared Leto Joker project at some point. Maybe, not really; yeah, it’s probably not going to happen. It was said to be a standalone Joker movie, which would then lead into a Harley & Joker couples movie.
However, with Leto’s comments regarding DC and the massive success of 2019’s Joker, it seems like Leto will have to keep all of those dead rats and used condoms for himself.
Lobo
A script for the interstellar mercenary and bounty hunter, Lobo, is in the works. Screenwriter Jason Fuchs is said to have finished a new draft early last year. Aside from the rumored Michael Bay connection and him directing it, it seems Lobo will have to sit around puffing that cigar just waiting.
Static Shock
An electrifying new project featuring Static Shock is also in the works at DC. Based on the Milestone comic and animated tv series that I used to watch all the time as a kid, The electromagnetic teen is supposed to hit the big screen at some point.
Michael B Jordan and Reggie Huddlin are executives producing this adaptation, which could dive into the greater DC universe, but more likely start as a standalone. I just hope to see my man surfing on a manhole cover.
Black Superman
We already talked about Superman and the return of Man of Steel in a sequel, but there is also movement on another Superman standalone film, coming from JJ Abrams Bad Robot production company, featuring a Black lead as our Superman.
It is unknown which Superman will be featured or even a multiversal version of Clark Kent. A shortlist of directors has been rumored, but with the other Superman series Michael B Jordan is working on, along with the updated Man of Steel sequel news, this project, like others, is probably being retooled as you watch this.
Hourman
An Hourman project is in the works, first being announced in 2021. This might be the one that interests me the most, revolving around a man who takes a pill that allows him increased strength and endurance, but only for 1 hour and can only be taken once a day. Hmm sounds like Project Power took some liberties with that idea. Anyway, Gavin James and Neil Widener are said to be writing the script; however, there has been no word since.
Black Canary
And a Black Canary movie starring Jurnee Smollet from Birds of Prey is said to be on its way. Though there is no release date as of now, the most recent development was from June of 2022, with Smollett stating she was excited to explore the character in a deeper way. This could be a follow-up to 2020’s Birds of Prey or a fresh start in the ever-changing DCEU Film universe.
The Not-So-Likely DC Projects
Now it’s time to pour one out for these next few projects, they are not dead yet, but they have been put into a purgatory of creation and shelved. Will we see them? Do we want to see them? Ehhhh, maybe?!
Batgirl
Batgirl, who was done dirty, my friend. So the Batgirl movie had been said to be 70% done with post-production, one of the first HBO Max exclusive releases, but then it was shelved.
Deemed never to see the light of day, used as a tax write-off. This was to feature Leslie Grace as Barbara Gordan, featuring an outfit similar to the New 52 comics, with a triumphant return to movies, Brendan Fraser playing Firefly.
Even with a lot of positives being said about the film, Warner Brothers scrapped it because it didn’t fit with the company’s strategic approach to maximizing secure financial return. Translation means it sucked, or it wasn’t going to make money. Or it sucked and wouldn’t make money.
The Trench
The Trench was supposed to be an offshoot story set after the first Aquaman focusing on, you guessed it, the Trench. These were the fish monster people that devolved from the Atlantians, shown attacking Aquaman and the boat in the first film.
James Wan said this would be a horror film, focusing on this species and the different realms in the oceans. Noah Gardner and Aidan Fitzgerald even completed the script, and it’s ready to go; however, Warner Bros shelved it, saying maybe one day. James Wan later revealed in 2021 that the film would be a Black Manta solo film starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II rather than focusing entirely on the Trench.
New Gods
Just like the Trench, a New Gods movie was to be helmed by director Ava DuVernay, which would focus on Mr. Miracle, Darkseid, and Apocalypse, with DuVernay saying she saw who the fans wanted in fan casting, and was quote “taking notes.” However the same time The Trench was shelved, this project was as well.
Wonder Twins
A Wonder Twins film starring KJ Apa and Isabel May in the lead roles was being developed. Said to be an origin story in a sense, with the two learning to adapt to Earth with their powers. The feature was supposed to be an HBO Max exclusive, but was entirely scrapped due to budget cuts, as it was budgeted for around $75 million, and said the characters were far too niche to be a worthwhile investment. No one knows you; get out here, will ya?
Either way, DC may have some bad press here or there, but they are working on a whole bevy of new, exciting, interesting, and weird projects. I’d love to hear what projects you are looking forward to, and will we ever see the Batgirl movie that is just sitting on a shelf collecting dust?
Also Read: Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special Trailer Breakdown: A Christmas Present For Peter Quill
