The New DC Universe EXPLAINED
The New DC Universe Explained
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today were explaining how we went from one DC cinematic universe to another in just over a decade.
Chapter 1: The Rise(?) & Fall of the DCEU
As Marvel changed the game with their cinematic universe, it was only a matter of time before DC threw its cape into the ring. Although DC and Warner Bros. were playing catch-up, it wasnt their first crack at uniting their storied heroes on the big screen. Years before The Avengers, George Miller was attached to direct an unproduced Justice League movie. 2011s Green Lantern was a potential launching point for a shared universe. We all know how that went! 2013s Man of Steel officially commenced the DC Extended Universe on a divisive note. While some described Zack Snyders version of Superman as bold, others felt it sucked out the characters defining optimism. Regardless, the film was financially successful enough to move forward with Batman v Superman.
Where Marvel took its time laying a solid foundation, Batman v Superman felt like going from Iron Man to Captain America: Civil War. It shoehorned in numerous characters without developing them, and rushed iconic storylines like the death of Superman. Although the crossover made money, the fact that it couldnt hit $1 billion, coupled with scathing reviews, left many questioning if DC should just reboot. It would eventually. Before admitting defeat, the DCEU saw a few bright spots. The acclaimed Wonder Woman broke new ground while Aquaman finally reached the billion-dollar barrier. Yet, for every hit, there was a costly fiasco like 2017s Justice League. The effects of the pandemic and a questionable shift toward streaming only made it harder to sell this inconsistent brand.
Brand confusion didnt help. The DCEU commenced around the same time as televisions Arrowverse, which took place in a separate continuity. Then you had movies like Todd Phillips Joker, which was set in another universe. Despite being titled the DC Extended Universe, most fans called it the Snyderverse. It was also debated whether the theatrical version of Justice League or the long-awaited Snyder Cut was considered canon, making the continuity even messier. As interest continued to wane, Dwayne Johnson built up Black Adam as the edgy antihero who could save this cinematic universe. While that film was #1 three weeks in a row, it couldnt break even. Not long after a mid-credits scene teased Black Adam fighting Superman, the DCEU entered its endgame.
Chapter 2: Did We Jump the Gunn?
As WarnerMedia merged with Discovery, CEO and president David Zaslav established himself as a controversial figure with the shelving of the practically finished Batgirl movie as a tax write-off. While many criticized his bottom-line approach to running Warner Bros. Discovery, Zaslav touched upon one truth: DC desperately needed its own Kevin Feige. Walter Hamada, who had been overseeing DC movies since 2018, wasnt cutting it. Despite pleas from diehard fans to come back, Zack Snyder has made it clear that hes done with superheroes for now. After considering several candidates, it was announced that James Gunn and producer Peter Safran would become the co-chairs and co-CEOs of DC Studios, which replaced DC Films. Likewise, the DCEU was retired to make way for the DC Universe.
After Disney fired Gunn in 2018 over resurfaced tweets, WB leaped at the opportunity to work with him. Gunn expressed interest in directing The Suicide Squad, which opened in 2021 to rave reviews. Unfortunately, the pandemic, a simultaneous streaming release, and bad memories of its 2016 predecessor resulted in poor box office. Still, The Suicide Squad quickly became a fan favorite along with the Peacemaker TV series, which Gunn also developed. After much negotiation, Gunn returned to the MCU to helm the third Guardians of the Galaxy feature and a holiday special. He wouldnt be sticking around, though, moving from Marvel to DC. While Gunn mapped out a shared universe thatd span film, TV, and games, several DCEU movies were still in the pipeline.
Although Patty Jenkins third Wonder Woman and Black Adam vs. Superman never made it beyond the planning stages, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom were all set to come out in 2023. They didnt meet the same fate as Batgirl, but all four lost money. With the DCEU being a sinking ship, audiences just didnt consider them priority viewing. Even Blue Beetle, which got enthusiastic reviews, couldnt attract audiences with superhero fatigue settling in. Since the pandemic, the only DC movie that performed well critically and commercially was Matt Reeves The Batman, which takes place in yet another continuity. Some speculated DCs new leadership would jeopardize Reeves future Batman projects, although that wouldnt be the case.
Reeves films and The Penguin miniseries are part of the Batman Epic Crime Saga. Its labeled under DC Elseworlds along with Todd Phillips Joker duology, the Harley Quinn animated series, and other projects that dont tie into the DC Universe. While the DCEU is done, the DCU will retain a few actors, like Viola Davis as Amanda Waller and Xolo Maridueña as Blue Beetle. Jason Momoa is no longer Aquaman, but hell be playing the DCUs Lobo. John Cena will reprise his role as Peacemaker in the second season of his show, which is being set in the DCU. Although Peacemaker Season 1 and The Suicide Squad were part of the DCEU, Gunn said a rough memory of them would carry over to the DCU.
This is evident in the Creature Commandos animated series, which saw the return of characters like Weasel. Creature Commandos kicked off the DC Universes first chapter, Gods and Monsters. On the theatrical front, this chapter will consist of at least six films, starting with 2025s Superman, which Gunn wrote and directed. Superman will be followed by Supergirl starring Milly Alcock, a body horror picture in Clayface, a team-up movie revolving around the Authority, a Bat-Family-centric film entitled The Brave and the Bold, and a deep dive into the macabre with Swamp Thing. Also in development are a Teen Titans movie, a Bane/Deathstroke crossover, a Sgt. Rock film set in World War II, and a reimagining of Wonder Woman.
The DCU has a full TV slate as well, with Lanterns on HBO, an Amanda Waller spinoff, a Wonder Woman prequel in Paradise Lost, and a comedic Booster Gold series. In addition to another season of Creature Commandos, animated shows centered on Blue Beetle and Mister Miracle are in the works. Among Gunns goals is to make the DC Universe stand out from Marvel. Where MCU heroes mostly helm from New York, the DCU focuses on fictional cities like Gotham and Metropolis. Instead of Tony Stark telling the world hes Iron Man, DC will emphasize heroes with secret identities. Oh, and when a major character dies, theyll stay dead for the most part. We might see the Lazarus pits down the line.
Chapter 3: A New Tomorrow? Although Gunn and Safran have big plans for DC, some fear itll be too little, too late. Superhero movies dont print money like they did a few years ago. Even Marvels output has been hit and miss. That said, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was among the most successful post-Endgame releases. With the original Guardians film, Gunn turned a once obscure superhero team into household names. He could do the same with lesser-known DC characters like Clayface and Swamp Thing. Of course, if a name like Superman doesnt pack theaters, the DC Universe might be in trouble. Time will only tell if DCs 8-to-10-year plan works out or if were in store for another Dark Universe, which couldnt even make it past one movie. Either way, Superman wont just set a precedent for DC moving forward. Itll potentially serve as a testing ground to see if the masses still care about the superhero genre. If not, Supes can always spin the world back.
What are your thoughts on the DC Universe? Let us know in the comments.