Promotional Image for Superman: Legacy Shared by DC
Previously, DC Studios was in shambles. Audiences worldwide became disappointed with the studio’s execution of its films. With far too many universes to count, fans were confused as to what was even canon.
There was no clear plan of what was going to bring the heroes together, and numerous characters got introduced over the years to never be seen again. Cyborg is a prime example of this. He appeared in the various iterations of “Justice League,” and that was all we saw of him.
During the Covid-19 pandemic things worsened. The studio was running out of money, and needed a big change. Fans demanded that the studio focuses on an overall story, compared to the mess of films that had been released prior.
On Oct. 5, 2022, it was announced that James Gunn and Peter Safran would assume the title of co-CEOs of DC Studios. Additionally, over the course of the last year Gunn revealed the first few films and shows of a new DC Universe (DCU) as well as casting.
However, Gunn revealed that everything in the new DCU will be one story spread across films, television, and even video games. He also noted that projects such as Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” are labeled as Elseworlds.
The first project to be released is an animated series titled “Creature Commandos,” following the team of the same name. The main cast includes Frank Grillo, David Harbour, Indira Varma, Maria Bakalova, Alan Tudyk, Sean Gunn, Zöe Chao, Viola Davis, and Steve Agee.
The plot is currently unknown, but the series is set to release later this year.
The second project is “Waller,” a live action series focused on Amanda Waller. Viola Davis will return to the role. Additionally, Danielle Brooks and Steve Agee will return as Adebayo and Economos.
The release date for this series is unknown at this time, along with its plot. However, it will release before the DCU’s first film: “Superman: Legacy.”
“Superman: Legacy” is meant to be the true start of the new DCU. It will be the new introduction to both the titular character and the members of the Justice League. However, this film will not be an origin story.
The cast currently includes David Corenswet (Superman), Rachel Brosnaham (Lois Lane), Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), Sara Sampaio (Eve Teschmacher), Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner), Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho), Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific), Sean Gunn (Maxwell Lord), and María Gabriela de Faría (The Engineer).
The film is based on the comic books “All-Star Superman” and “Superman for All Seasons.” It is set to release on July 11, 2025 and begins filming this March.
Although fans are upset about Henry Cavill being fired, there is a difference in Gunn’s vision. Superman is not meant to be evil, nor is he meant to lose Lois. Gunn chooses to focus on the hero, and all the good he can do for the people.
After Superman, the next project is a live action series called “Lanterns.” Details are unknown at this time, but it will be focused on Hal Jordan and John Stewart uncovering a mystery on Precinct Earth.
It is unknown if Nathan Fillion will return as Guy Gardner for the series.
The next film in the new DCU is “The Authority.” The film is about a team of superheroes who believe the world is broken and needs to be fixed by any means necessary.
In the comics, this group’s emergence was partially due to Flashpoint, the alteration of history due to The Flash time-traveling to save his mother.
Only one cast member has been revealed so far, and that is María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer.
“Paradise Lost” is another series that was announced by Gunn. The plot revolves around the previous generations of inhabitants of Paradise Island, birthplace of Wonder Woman. However, Wonder Woman herself is not going to be introduced in this series.
There are currently no additional plot details besides the fact that there is inspiration drawn from “Game of Thrones.”
Perhaps the most exciting film of the upcoming DC slate is “The Brave and the Bold.” This will be the first time that Batman will appear in a live action film with his son, Damian Wayne. This story will be taken straight from the comics.
Batman will be training Damian to become an assassin throughout the film. “The Flash” director Andy Muschetti will be helming the film.
Next on the slate is the loser of the future, “Booster Gold.” There are no plot details shared, besides the fact that the character time travels to the present in order to be a superhero.
“Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” was also announced to be a live action film. It will be based off of 2022’s comic series under the same name. The film will develop the character of Supergirl, who grew up under much different circumstances than Superman.
The final project on the initial slate given by Gunn is “Swamp Thing.” It will be a live action film which is an origin story. However, this film will have aspects of horror films.
Among all the projects that have been announced so far, it seems that “Swamp Thing” might not interact with the rest of the DCU from the start.
The DC Universe is now expanding far beyond what it previously did, with many new characters and stories being played out.
Although most fans only see DC through its failed films, perhaps this new beginning will bring about a change in attitudes.
Overall, this change is necessary. James Gunn has a clear vision of the story he wants to tell, and he is even willing to address fans’ wants. Although nothing is ever perfect, this may be the best change in leadership that DC Studios will ever receive.
“Creature Commandos” is set to release on Max this year.