DC Studios finally has plans revealed

Jason Robinson on February 6, 2023

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DC Studios: Ever since James Gunn and Peter Safran became the new senior executives of DC Studios, they have been preparing to push DC in a new direction.

They recently presented a new lineup of movies and TV series, which includes a few projects.

Superman is anticipated to resume flight in 2025, while Themyscira, Wonder Woman’s home island, is projected to have conflict comparable to that of Game of Thrones.

Damian Wayne will also make his long-awaited debut in a Batman film.

Plans

Since taking over DC Studios three months ago, Gunn and Safran have been very active combining the film, television, animation, and gaming sectors of DC IP.

To create a story that would unite the DC Universe, they started from zero, broke ties with subsequent projects and creators, and set up a writers’ room.

One of the supposed plans is marketed as the beginning of their ultimate objective.

The outcome was Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, which gave rise to other projects.

What the DC executives really revealed on February 1 was a combination of staple heroes and lesser-known characters.

“One of our strategies is to take our diamond characters – which is Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman – and we use them to prop up other characters that people don’t know,” said Gunn.

“To build those lesser-known properties into the diamond properties of tomorrow,” added Safran.

They did, nonetheless, also publish a warning that the proposed Chapter 1 plan may be revised.

Development

The most recent proposal for the new DC universe, which was developed by the group of writers that included James Gunn’s friends and other writers he admired, includes:

Drew Goddard (The Martian)
Christina Hodson (The Flash)
Jeremy Slater (Moon Knight)
Christal Henry (Watchmen)
Tom King (Batman)

Before the group’s efforts can be realized, four DC movies are also slated to be released this year, including:

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (March 17)
The Flash (June 16)
Blue Beetle (August 18)
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December 25)

The four films received the former leader Walter Hamada’s endorsement.

According to James Gunn, the four leading actors could eventually return to their roles in subsequent DCU projects.

“There is nothing that prohibits that from happening,” he said.

Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters

The following is a list of the first wave of movies DC will make.

Creature Commandos

James Gunn wrote the script for the seven-episode animated series Creature Commandos, which is now in production.

Although the voice actors have not yet been selected, they will most likely portray the live-action equivalents in later films and television programs.

Waller

Viola Davis will return to the screen in the acclaimed Peacemaker spinoff series as the ruthless titular character.

Christal Henry and Jeremy Carver, the creator of Doom Patrol, will pen the show’s screenplays.

Superman: Legacy

Another James Gunn-written picture, The Superman movie, will introduce the brand-new DC Universe.

“It’s not an origin story,” Safran assured. “It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with hsi human upbringing.”

“He is the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks that kindness is old-fashioned.

Superman: Legacy will be made available to the general public on July 11, 2025.

Lanterns

Greg Berlanti’s creation of the Green Lanterns TV series will be replaced with Lanterns, a fresh vision of the interplanetary organization.

“Our vision for this is very much in the vein of True Detective,” described Safran. “It’s terrestrial-based.”

Lanterns, one of the most prominent television programs currently in development, will feature a number of notable characters, including Hal Jordan and John Stewart.

“This plays a really big role in leading into the main story we are telling across film and TV.”

The Authority

A band of superheroes who take extreme measures to protect the planet will be the focus of the movie’s narrative, which will be similar to that of Guardians of the Galaxy.

“One of the few things of the DCU is that it’s not just a story of heroes and villains,” said Gunn.

“Not every film and TV show is going to be about good guy versus bad guy, giant things from the sky come, and good guy wins.”

“There are white hats, black hats, and gray hats.”

“They are kinda like Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men,” said Safran. “They know that you want them on the wall. Or at least, they believe that.”

Paradise Lost

The Wonder Woman movies are set several years before the Themyscira-based television series.

According to Gunn and Safran, Paradise Lost is a Game of Thrones-style political intrigue drama.

The Brave and the Bold

The Grant Morrison Batman series, which made Damian Wayne famous, was used as a template for the movie.

“This is the introduction of the DCU Batman, of Bruce Wayne,” said Gunn.

“[It] also introduces our favorite Robin, Damian Wayne, who is a little son of a bitch.”

“It’s a very strange father-and-son story.”

The Batman Part II

On October 3, 2025, the Matt Reeves film, which is based on the Elseworld storylines, will be released.

Robert Pattinson will embody the Dark Knight of Gotham City in the sequel.

Booster Gold

The HBO Max series will center on the lesser-known hero from the future.

“It’s about a loser from the future who uses basic future technology to come back to today and pretend to be a superhero,” they described.

Booster Gold was referred to by James Gunn as “imposter syndrome as a superhero.”

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

Supergirl makes her first appearance since Helen Slater in 1984 movie.

“We will see the difference between Superman, who was sent to earth and raised by loving parents from the time he was an infant, versus Supergirl, raised on a rock, a chip off of Krypton, and who watched everyone around her die and be killed in terrible ways for the first 14 years of her life and then come to earth,” the DC Studios heads said.

“She is much more hardcore, and not the Supergirl we’re used to.”

Swamp Thing

The horror film that ends DC Studios’ debut—not to be confused with the television series—will be Swamp Thing.

DC update: Shazam and Wonder Woman uncertain of future

Leah Cooper on January 16, 2023

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DC: The DC Extended Universe is in shambles as Marvel’s toughest rival has been trying to catch up with them for the past ten years.

Officials from Warner Bros. weren’t pleased with the outcome, despite the fact that director Zack Snyder had a very clear vision of what he wanted to achieve.

Instead of creating the complex world that Snyder had in mind, they opted to mimic the MCU.

DC was in a dreadful situation following the Justice League debacle in 2017, and fans had no idea what would unfold next.

By selecting Peter Safran and James Gunn, who would both manage a dual post at the senior levels, DC decided to get back on track this year.

However, their attempts to change the DC universe’s well-established landscape have sparked a lot of internet antagonism.

The Shazam situation

At DC Studios, there have been a lot of recent noteworthy changes.

As soon as Gunn opted against producing a third Wonder Woman movie, Gal Gadot had to hold back her initial delight.

The people were upset that Henry Cavill wouldn’t be reprising his role as Superman.

The revelation shocked his supporters because his comeback had just recently been formally announced.

In 2023, Shazam actor Zachary Levi will make a comeback to the big screen to play the original Captain Marvel.

Like everyone else, he is weighing how he feels about his status in DC.

By stating that Levi is “a grandfather” by James Gunn’s standards, one Twitter user drew attention to Levi’s age.

The actor who plays Shazam responded as follows: “Ageist.”

Gunn’s changes

James Gunn has faced criticism since he and Peter Safran were selected as co-presidents.

The largest being Cavill’s forced departure from the role of Superman.

In a reboot that will focus on the Man of Steel’s formative years, James Gunn claims that he plans to focus on Superman.

The debate over the decision to cancel Wonder Woman 3 and Jason Momoa’s Aquaman film series grew more heated.

Black Adam’s fate is yet unknown, although the Flashpoint Paradox is likely to be a major factor in the reboot.

Gunn did, however, acknowledge that prior to accepting the promotion, he was aware of the requirements:

“One of the things Peter & I were aware of when we took the job as heads of DC Studios was a certain minority of people online that could be, well, uproarious & unkind to say the least.”

“Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story & best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years.”

“Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts & integrity & always with the story in mind.”

“No one loves to be harassed or called names – but, to be frank, we’ve been through significantly worse. Disrespectful outcry will never, ever affect our actions.”

“We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig, & we knew we would sometimes have to make difficult & not-so-obvious choices, especially in the wake of the fractious nature of what came before us.”

“But this means little to us in comparison to our jobs as artists & custodians in helping to create a wide & wonderful future for DC.”

What’s next for Wonder Woman?

The third Wonder Woman film by director Patty Jenkins has already been shelved, among other changes at DC Studios.

Despite the sequel’s inevitable termination, Gal Gadot might return to the role of Princess Diana.

Recently, Gunn addressed allegations that Gal Gadot and Henry Cavill were snubbed.

“I’m not sure where you’re getting that we ‘booted’ Gal,” he wrote.

In a statement she published a few days previously, the actress emphasized her excitement for the third installment of the Themysciran princess’s saga.

Despite the fact that the eagerly anticipated sequel won’t happen, there is still a chance that the first superheroine to appear on the big screen will continue her journey.

References:

Shazam actor Zachary Levi responds to claims he’s being kicked out of DC universe

James Gunn denies rumors that Gal Gadot won’t be returning as Wonder Woman

James Gunn slams fans who are angry with his recent decisions for the DC Extended Universe

Henry Cavill is still Superman, confirms return on Instagram

Edward Anderson on October 31, 2022

Henry Cavill’s Superman has been gone for a few years, but the actor revealed he will remain as Superman for the DCEU.

Warning: the following contains spoilers

Henry Cavill’s announcement

Henry Cavill took to social media to talk to fans about his appearance in the Black Adam mid-credits scene.

He also assured them that this was not the end.

Cavill also confirmed that he is returning as Superman for more DC films.

“I wanted to wait until the weekend was over before posting this because I wanted to give you all the chance to watch Black Adam,” said Cavill.

Henry Cavill is known for making sure fans don’t get spoilers about the projects he’s involved in.

“Now that plenty of you have, I wanted to make it official: I am back as Superman.”

“What you see in this image and in Black Adam is just a very small taste of things to come.”

“There’s a lot to be thankful for, and I’ll get to that in time, but I wanted to thank you most of all,” said Cavill, referring to his supporters.

“Thank you for your support and for your patience. I promise it will be rewarded.”

Warner Bros.

Since his debut in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, Henry Cavill’s Superman has been the subject of debate.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was unfairly bombarded by critics, paving the way for Cavill and the Justice League movie to get backlash.

After Snyder’s departure, Joss Whedon’s directorial takeover only put the DCEU in an even more challenging position.

Warner Bros. moved between companies like AT&T and Discovery, but Snyder’s impact can still be felt on DC projects following his release.

Wonder Woman and Aquaman won over fans and received sequels.

The Flash movie will be released next year.

Ben Affleck’s Batman, first criticized and then deservedly praised, will also return.

Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Snyder Cut later dubbed Zack Snyder’s Justice League, found success in HBO Max.

A Man of Steel sequel had been put on hold and was rumored never to appear.

Instead, there were rumors of a new Superman movie.

The rumors felt solidified until Dwayne Johnson stepped in.

Black Adam gives Superman a boost

Dwayne Johnson revealed that the Black Adam team was frustrated that Walter Hamada turned down a Superman cameo in the film.

Johnson, however, is full of praise for Henry Cavill, describing him as a “great” and “beloved” Superman.

The Black Adam actor also highlights how Cavill loves the Superman mythology and knows the character from the heart.

“And then on top of that, the most important thing is, fans love him as Superman,” said Johnson.

“He’s been on the sideline for five years, and no one’s talking about it!”

The Man of Steel’s return

His cameo in Black Adam inspired the executives of Warner Bros. to bring Henry Cavill back to DC projects.

A sequel to Man of Steel is reportedly in the works, and producer Charles Roven is also said to be back.

In the Black Adam mid-credit scene, Superman steps out of the shadows in Black Adam to confront the champion of Khandaq.

The scene also used John Williams’ original theme from the 1978 film Superman.

The decision to pick Williams’ theme gave fans renewed hopes for Henry Cavill’s return as the Man of Steel.

Reference:

Henry Cavill promises more Superman after Black Adam post-credits scene

DC Studios finds not one but two Co-Chairs and CEOs in James Gunn and Peter Safran

Jason Robinson on October 26, 2022

DC Studios officially names James Gunn and Peter Safran as new CEOs and Co-Chairmen after looking for Walter Hamada’s replacement.

DC Studios

The announcement means Gunn and Safran are the new leaders overseeing all future DC production.

Their additional responsibilities include creating a 10-year roadmap for DC projects across film, television, and animation.

Gunn and Safran will ensure that every upcoming project falls under the same banner.

DC Extended Universe

The Batgirl movie was canceled in August while it was in post-production.

The decision came from the renewal of Warner Bros. Discovery for their essential IPs following the company merging.

The merger was the reason Walter Hamada stepped down as DC Films president.

James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new roles fill the void Hamada left.

James Gunn

Gunn moved from Marvel to DC and handled The Suicide Squad, earning critical acclaim and praise.

The film’s success led to the equally successful Peacemaker series on HBO Max.

Both projects achieved milestones that gave Peacemaker approval for a second season.

A spin-off series is also in development.

It revolves around Amanda Waller, with Viola Davis returning for the role.

James Gunn’s new role at DC Studios means he will oversee DC Films and pave the way for a more cohesive cinematic universe.

Peter Safran

Safran has been producing DC projects for several years now.

Two of his most significant contributions are Aquaman and Shazam!

Their success came at the box office as DC sought to distance itself from the Snyderverse.

Peter Safran produced The Suicide Squad and served as executive producer on Gunn’s Peacemaker series.

He is currently producing new projects like Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

Gunn and Safran’s roles in DC Studios

Gunn and Safran will report directly to the president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, David Zaslav.

The two will also work closely with Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, co-presidents and CEOs of Warner Bros. MovieGroup.

Zaslav looks forward to working with the duo and says:

“DC has among the most entertaining, powerful, and iconic characters in the world.”

“I am thrilled to have the singular and complementary talents of James and Peter joining our world-class team and overseeing the creative direction of the storied DC Universe.”

Zaslav praised their experience, deep ties to creative communities, and track record with fans.

He says their achievements helped them get their new positions.

Reference:

James Gunn & Peter Safran named heads of DC Studios