{"id":54016,"date":"2026-06-26T15:00:06","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T19:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.filmbuffonline.com\/FBOLNewsreel\/wordpress\/?p=54016"},"modified":"2026-06-26T15:02:46","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T19:02:46","slug":"whats-next-for-the-dcu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.filmbuffonline.com\/FBOLNewsreel\/wordpress\/2026\/06\/26\/whats-next-for-the-dcu\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s Next For The DCU?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"DC<\/a><\/p>\n

Last summer\u2019s Superman<\/strong> from director and co-head of DC Studios James Gunn, established the bedrock for Warner Brothers\u2019 rebooted comic book-based cinematic universe, the DCU. As such, it was the key project among the slate of films announced when Gunn and his production partner Peter Safran took the reins and relaunched the failing franchise with a new direction.<\/p>\n

This year sees the pair\u2019s plan, which they initially presented<\/a> under the umbrella title \u201cChapter One: Gods And Monsters,\u201d start to accelerate with the release of three titles – the feature films Supergirl<\/strong> and Clayface<\/strong> and the HBO series Lanterns<\/em> – over the space of the next four months. Man Of Tomorrow<\/strong>, Gunn\u2019s direct follow-up to Superman<\/strong> is also currently in production for next year. Beyond that, though, no further concrete plans have been made. Needless to say, there are a number of projects that have been announced or reported on that are in various stages of development, so\u00a0let’s take a look at the state of that production slate and see where things stand at this moment for the DC Universe.<\/p>\n

Lanterns<\/h3>\n
\"Lanterns,<\/a>
image via DC Studios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writers: Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof and Tom King
\nCast: Kyle Chandler (Hal Jordan\/Green Lantern), Aaron Pierre (John Stewart\/Green Lantern), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner\/Green Lantern), Ulrich Thomsen (Thaal Sinestro), Kelly Macdonald (Kerry), Garret Dillahunt (William Macon), Poorna Jagannathan (Zoe)
\nStatus: In Production
\nRelease Date: August 16, 2026<\/p>\n

This series will center on Hal Jordan and John Stewart, two human members of the intergalactic police force known as Green Lanterns, as they investigate an Earth-bound crime. Both this and Supergirl<\/strong> seem poised to introduce viewers to some of the more cosmic side of the DC Universe, and their close proximity of their 2026 releases suggests that they may complement each other in that regard. Additionally, when the show was first announced in 2023, Safran stated<\/a> that it “plays a really big role leading us into the main story that we\u2019re telling across our film and television.”<\/p>\n

Clayface<\/h2>\n
\"Clayface<\/a>
Image via DC Comics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: Mike Flanagan, Hossein Amini
\nDirector: James Watkins
\nCast: Tom Rhys Harries (Matt Hagen\/Clayface), Naomi Ackie (Dr. Caitlin Corr), Max Minghella
\nStatus: Pre-Production
\nRelease Date: September 11, 2026<\/p>\n

While so far the installments of the DCU have centered on superpowered beings in a somewhat colorful, comic book way, Clayface looks to take its story into darker territory – body horror. Tom Rhys Harries stars as Matt Hagen, an actor whose face is scarred in an accident and turns to an experimental treatment to recover his looks. Unfortunately, the treatment has some negative side-effects that causes his body to loose its cohesion in a horrifying way. Not part of the original announced lineup, Doctor Sleep<\/strong> writer\/director Mike Flanagan pitched the idea to Gunn and Safran, who gave him the go ahead to develop the screenplay. However, a commitment to develop and direct a new Exorcist<\/strong> movie for Universal made him unavailable to direct this film. Warners then tapped James Watkins to direct.<\/p>\n

Man Of Tomorrow<\/h2>\n
\"Superman<\/a>
Image via DC Studios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: James Gunn
\nDirector: James Gunn
\nCast: David Corenswet (Kal-El \/ Clark Kent \/ Superman), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Edi Gathegi (Michael Holt \/ Mister Terrific), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner \/ Green Lantern), Isabela Merced (Kendra Saunders \/ Hawkgirl), Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Frank Grillo (Rick Flag Sr.), Sara Sampaio (Eve Teschmacher), Mar\u00eda Gabriela de Far\u00eda (Angela Spica \/ The Engineer), Lars Eidinger (Brainiac), Aaron Pierre (John Stewart \/ Green Lantern), Milly Alcock (Kara Zor-El \/ Supergirl), Neva Howell (Martha Kent), Stephen Blackehart (Sydney Happersen), Adria Arjona (undisclosed role, possibly Maxima), Andre Royo, Matthew Lillard and Sinqua Walls.
\nStatus: In Post-Production
\nRelease Date: July 9, 2027<\/p>\n

First teased by Gunn in the aftermath of Superman<\/strong>‘s success as something that was not necessarily Superman 2<\/strong>, next summer’s Man Of Tomorrow<\/strong> reportedly will see Superman and Lex Luther teaming-up with a number of other of Earth’s superheroes in the face of the threat on intergalactic villain Brianiac. As of publication, the film is currently in production.<\/p>\n

American Villain (Formerly Untitled Jimmy Olsen Series)<\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Image via DC Studios<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: Unknown
\nDirector: Unknown
\nCast: Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen)
\nStatus: Greenlit\/In Pre-Production
\nRelease Date: Unknown<\/p>\n

Shortly after Superman<\/strong> premiered, rumors began circulating about a possible Jimmy Olsen spin off. Rumors became reality when Gunn announced the series, without revealing the title, last November with American Vandal<\/em>‘s Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda attached as writers, executive producers and showrunners. The series will follow Jimmy Olsen and other Daily Planet<\/em> reporters in a faux-true crime documentary series as they track down a number of the supervillains in the DCU. The first season reportedly will concentrate on Gorilla Grodd.<\/p>\n

Creature Commandos<\/h2>\n
\"Creature<\/a>
Image via MAX.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: James Gunn, others
\nCast: Indira Varma (The Bride), Sean Gunn (G.I. Robot, “John Doe” \/ Weasel), Alan Tudyk (Alex Sartorius \/ Doctor Phosphorus), David Harbour (Eric Frankenstein), Frank Grillo (Rick Flag Sr.), Anya Chalotra (Circe), Viola Davis (Amanda Waller), Steve Agee (John Economos), Stephanie Beatriz (Aisla MacPherson)
\nStatus: Season 2 in Production
\nRelease Date: Season 1 Currently Available, Season 2 TBA<\/p>\n

Following some questions from the government over her use of human supervillains as part of Task Force X, aka the Suicide Squad, ARGUS chief Amanda Waller assembles a new black ops team, the decidedly non-human Task Force M, aka the Creature Commandos. This was also a series that Gunn was writing at the time of his hire to run DC Studios, so it was easy for him to fold it into his ongoing reboot plans. The first full DCU project released, it does give its audience some tantalizing glimpses of characters who they will be seeing more of in the future. The series was a hit for streamer MAX and a second season was ordered in December 2024 and is currently in production. Dean Lorey is returning as showrunner for the second season, overseeing a writers room in place of Gunn writing the whole season as he did for season one.<\/p>\n

Dynamic Duo<\/h2>\n
\"Dynamic<\/a>
Image via DC Comics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: Matthew Aldrich
\nDirector: Arthur Mintz
\nCast: Unknown
\nStatus: In Production
\nRelease Date: 2028<\/p>\n

Animation production house Swaybox Studios has developed this project and will be using a number of animation styles – including hand-drawn animation, CG-animation, models and even physical puppets. Reportedly the story will center on Dick Grayson and Jason Todd as two inseperable teenage street toughs who who find their friendship tested when Grayson gets adopted by Bruce Wayne and Todd joins the Red Hood gang. There is no word as to if the film is separate from the DCU or a deviation from some of the standard extended Batman family lore.<\/p>\n

The Brave And The Bold<\/h2>\n
\"Batman<\/a>
Image via DC Comics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: Christina Hodson
\nDirector: Andy Muschietti
\nCast: Unknown
\nStatus: In Development
\nRelease Date: 2029<\/p>\n

Drawing on writer Grant Morrison\u2019s run on the Batman And Robin<\/em> comics series, this film will feature Batman teamed up with his son Damien Wayne as his Robin while setting up the status quo for much of the rest of the Batman family of characters. Flash<\/strong> director Andy Muschietti was brought on board the project in June 2023 to oversee development. Recent statements<\/a> from Muschetti, however, seem to suggest that in order to not conflict with Matt Reeves\u2019s non-DCU The Batman II<\/strong>, which is currently targeted for an October 2027 release, The Brave And The Bold<\/strong> could be pushed further down the DCU release calendar. Gunn has confirmed that by saying he would not schedule two different Batman<\/strong> films within the same calendar year. With the animated Dynamic Duo<\/strong> targeted for 2028, it fees likely that The Brave And The Bold<\/strong> won’t be seeing theaters until 2029.<\/p>\n

Mister Miracle<\/h2>\n
\"Mister<\/a>
Image via Warner Brothers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: Tom King
\nDirector: Unknown
\nCast: Unknown
\nStatus: In Production
\nRelease Date: Unknown<\/p>\n

Announced in June 2025<\/a>, this adult animated series is based on the Eisner Award-winning comic from writer Tom King and artist Mitch Gerads. The story is centered on Scott Free, aka Mister Miracle, one of the race of alien New Gods who, alongside his wife Big Barda, is just trying to live in domestic tranquility on Earth. Their hopes for a nice quiet life are shattered when their two homeworlds \u2013 New Genesis and Apocalypse \u2013 go to war after Apocalypse\u2019s evil ruler Darkseid gains control of the all-powerful Anti-Life Equation.<\/p>\n

Paradise Lost<\/h3>\n
\"DCU<\/a>
Image via DC Comics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writers: Kira Snyder and Janet Lin (head writers)
\nDirector: Unknown
\nCast: Unknown
\nStatus: In Development
\nRelease Date: Unknown<\/p>\n

Part of the original slate announcement, Paradise Lost<\/em> was described as an HBO Max series that looks at palace intrigue on Wonder Woman\u2019s home island of Themyscira with Gunn comparing the show to HBO\u2019s popular Game Of Thrones<\/em> fantasy series. Although there is expectation from both fans and Warner Brothers to get Wonder Woman into the new DCU, Gunn stated in April of this year that Paradise Lost<\/em> is still in “extreme development.”<\/p>\n

Wonder Woman<\/h2>\n
\"Wonder<\/a>
Image via Warner Brothers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: Ana Nogueira
\nDirector: Unknown
\nCast: Unknown
\nStatus: In Development
\nRelease Date: Unknown<\/p>\n

While development on Paradise Lost<\/em> continues, Variety<\/a> has reported that Warners is pressuring DC Studios to fast track a separate film that would feature the heroic Amazon princess. Gunn somewhat confirmed the story, stating on social media<\/a> “It’s a priority but I wouldn\u2019t call that fast-tracked. Nothing is going to be shot unless we’re as sure as we can be that the script is good.” As to who could be writing that script, the Hollywood Reporter<\/a> has stated that as of this writing, Supergirl<\/strong> scribe Ana Nogueira is handling those chores.<\/p>\n

Swamp Thing<\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Image via DC Comics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: James Mangold
\nDirector: James Mangold
\nCast: Unknown
\nStatus: In Development
\nRelease Date: Unknown<\/p>\n

While not part of the initial slate of titles announced by Gunn and Safran in January 2023, it only took a couple of weeks before it was reported that writer\/director James Mangold would be spearheading<\/a> this project bringing the DC horror character to life. Mangold is also concurrently developing his Star Wars<\/strong> film Dawn Of The Jedi<\/strong> for Lucasfilm, and it remains to be seen which project will go into production first.<\/p>\n

Bane And Deathstroke<\/h3>\n
\"Bane<\/a>
Images via DC Comics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: Matthew Orton
\nDirector: Unknown
\nCast: Unknown
\nStatus:Reportedly in Development, Not Confirmed
\nRelease Date: Unknown<\/p>\n

Another project only reported on by the industry press in September 2024<\/a>. Although it has not been officially announced by Gunn and Safran, it has been reported this past May<\/a> that Greg Mottola (Adventureland<\/strong>) is in contention for the director’s chair.<\/p>\n

Blue Beetle<\/h2>\n
\"Blue<\/a>
Image via Warner Brothers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: Cristian Martinez
\nShowrunner\/Director:
\nCast: Xolo Mariduena (Jamie Reyes\/ Blue Beetle)
\nStatus: In Development
\nRelease Date: Unknown<\/p>\n

Initially reported on by Deadline June 2024<\/a>, this animated series will spin off from the live action film from 2023, “but will divert from telling the same story.” Presumably, this means that the series will not repeat the film\u2019s origin story telling how teenager Jamie Reyes (Mariduena) acquired the symbiotic alien weapons suit he uses under his superhero alias. It is unclear if that suggests the animated series will be abandoning the mystery of the disappearance of Ted Kord, the previous hero who had used the name Blue Beetle, a storyline that was left hanging at the end of the film. If the show is successful, Deadline states that it could help to propel the character back to live action.<\/p>\n

No other cast members from the original film beyond Mariduena have been reported as joining the show, though Deadline\u2019s report states that a number “have been approached and DC has received a positive response regarding returns.” Angel Manuel Soto and Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, who respectively served as director and screenwriter on the 2023 film, are set to executive produce.<\/p>\n

Booster Gold<\/h2>\n
\"Booster<\/a>
Image via DC Comics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Showrunner: David Jenkins
\nCast: Unknown
\nStatus: In Development<\/p>\n

A former athlete who was disgraced after getting caught in a betting scandal, Booster Gold decides to travel from his home time in the 25th century to the 1st century and use his knowledge of history to make his fortune as a superhero. First introduced in 1986 by comics creator Dan Jorgensen, Buster Gold has often been depicted as a more lighthearted character whose braggadocio often gets him in over his head. His origin has some light connections to the 25th century group the Legion of Super Heroes, though it is unknown if those will carry over to the show. Last July, Variety<\/a> reported that Our Flag Means Death<\/em> creator David Jenkins had been recently attached to the project to write the pilot, which Jenkins revealed he had “just handed in” on June 15, 2026 on social media<\/a>. If the show goes to series, Jenkins would serve as showrunner.<\/p>\n

Teen Titans<\/h2>\n
\"Teen<\/a>
Image via DC Comics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: Ana Nogueira
\nDirector: Unknown
\nCast: Unknown
\nStatus: In Development
\nRelease Date: Unknown<\/p>\n

Although reported on in the trades in March 2024<\/a>, Gunn and Safran held off on officially confirming its existence until they stated that screenwriter Ana Nogueira was being moved off of this project to focus working on the Wonder Woman<\/strong> screenplay> and it is unknown what the status of her Teen Titans<\/strong> screenplay is.<\/p>\n

Waller<\/h2>\n
\"Waller<\/a>
Image via Warner Brothers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: Christal Henry
\nDirector: Unknown
\nCast: Viola Davis (Amanda Waller), Steve Agee (John Economos, unconfirmed)
\nStatus: In Development
\nRelease Date: Unknown<\/p>\n

Another HBO Max series, this one centering on the hard edged spymaster who runs the government’s covert black ops teams Task Force X and Task Force M. The series was originally set to be released following Peacemaker<\/em> season 1 and before Superman<\/strong>. This plan was disrupted by the twin Writers Guild and Screen Actors Guild strikes in 2023. Since then, Gunn has stated that the show<\/p>\n

The show is currently being targeted to follow Peacemaker<\/em> season 2. As of now, only Davis’s participation has been announced. No other characters who have previously appeared in Peacemaker<\/em> have been confirmed or denied as potentially appearing in this series, possibly as that may constitute spoilers for Peacemaker<\/em> season 2.<\/p>\n

Sgt Rock<\/h2>\n
\"Sgt<\/a>
Image via DC Comics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer: Justin Kuritzkes
\nDirector: Unknown
\nCast: Unknown
\nStatus: In Development
\nRelease Date: Unknown<\/p>\n

Sgt Rock and the soldiers of Easy Company were the stars of DC Comics’ Our Army At War<\/em>, one of the most popular titles in the overall subgenre of military-themed comics. The character fell out of vogue with casual readers by the mid-1980s and is remembered mostly by die-hard comics fans today. Various attempts have been made to bring the character to the big screen as far back as 1987 when Arnold Schwarzenegger was attached to play Rock in a proposed film. Sgt. Rock and Easy Company have already made their debut in the DCU, appearing in flashback in the Creature Commandos<\/em> season one episode “Cheers To The Tin Man.” Initially Challengers<\/strong> director Luca Guadagnino was set to direct with Daniel Craig star as Rock, but that plan ultimately fell through. Gunn has stated that the film is still something that he wants to get made and that it remains in development.<\/p>\n

The Authority<\/h2>\n
\"The<\/a>
Image via DC Comics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Writer\/Director: Unknown
\nStarring: Maria Gabriela de Faria (The Engineer)
\nStatus: Development Suspended
\nRelease Date: Unknown<\/p>\n

Another superteam in the DC pantheon, but one known for not being as clearly heroically virtuous as those on the Justice League. Instead of taking a reactive stance to potential threats like the members of the Justice League, the Authority is more than ready to take more strident measures. Naturally, this puts the two groups at odds with each other. Gunn described getting the film made as a passion project, but as of yet there has been no official word of any creatives being attached to the film. Authority member The Engineer has already appeared in Superman<\/strong>, played by Maria Gabriela de Faria, and her affiliation with Lex Luthor perhaps gives a clue as to where the team’s sympathies may lie. In an interview on the Happy, Sad, Confused<\/em> podcast, Gunn stated<\/a> that the unnamed writer on the project has moved on to a new, and currently unannounced, DC Studios project, leaving The Authority<\/strong> in search of a new writer. Some have coupled this with another statement from Gunn indicating that an unnamed project had been cancelled due to script issues to conclude that The Authority<\/strong> has been cancelled. Official word of the project being shelved came from Gunn in late April 2026, stating<\/a> “The script wasn\u2019t quite there but more importantly it didn\u2019t work in terms of the larger DCU both in terms of the story and practical concerns. Maybe some day. Not soon.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A look at what James Gunn and DC Studios is developing for the future of the DCU<\/div>\n

[click for more]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":54057,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3185,1695],"tags":[12325,12171,6868,12117,12213,12324,5571,11514,12323,12214,3943,1845,3887,1418,11515,11521,11518,382],"series":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-54016","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-featured-stories","8":"category-features","9":"tag-american-villain","10":"tag-bane-and-deathstroke","11":"tag-booster-gold","12":"tag-clayface","13":"tag-dcu","14":"tag-dynamic-duo","15":"tag-james-gunn","16":"tag-lanterns","17":"tag-man-of-tomorrow","18":"tag-mister-miracle","19":"tag-paradise-lost","20":"tag-sgt-rock","21":"tag-swamp-thing","22":"tag-teen-titans","23":"tag-the-authority","24":"tag-the-brave-and-the-bold","25":"tag-waller","26":"tag-wonder-woman"},"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t