DC is taking a page from the Marvel handbook by creating its own phases to break down their tv shows and movies — but in chapters. Behold, DC Studios “Chapter 1,” the start of the unified DC Universe or what is also known as the DCU.
Co-CEOs of DC Studios James Gunn and Peter Safran revealed the slate for the first 8 to 10 years. This would also include DC projects outside the DC Universe. That would be projects such as the sequel to Matt Reeve’s The Batman, Teen Titans Go, Joker: Folie à Deux which all fall under the DC Elseworlds umbrella, as with DC Comics.
DC Studios will continue the films already in the works including Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman 2 and will all lead to the new unified DCU. Gunn shared that The Flash will reset the entire DC Universe and will result in a singular universe that will encompass film, television, and gaming. He also shared that the characters will even move between live-action and animation, with the same actors voicing their animated versions.
The bigger news comes from the revelation of DC’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters — a slate of upcoming tv shows and films. James Gunn shared some quick details regarding the upcoming first chapter.
DC Studios Chapter 1 Movies
Superman: Legacy
DC Studios Chapter 1 will kick off its films side with Superman: Legacy. Gunn will write the film and shared that this will be “the true beginning” of the new unified universe. The film is set to premiere July 11, 2025.
The Authority
This more of Gunn’s “passion project.” It will introduce a very different group of superheroes that will also interact with other big DC characters. The superheroes believe the world is broken and needs saving.
The Brave and the Bold
Batman joins the DCU in a story based on Grant Morrison’s comic series. The film will feature Batman’s actual son, Damian Wayne, as Robin.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
This will be “a big science fiction epic film” based on Tom King’s comic book series from last year.
Swamp Thing
“Tonally outside the rest of the DCU,” this Swamp Thing origin story will still feed into the rest of the unified DCU stories.
DC Studios Chapter 1 Television Shows
Creature Commandos
The first TV project for the new DCU will be an animated series based on characters first introduced in 1980.
Waller
The seconds series from Gunn and Safran will see a live-action spinoff from Peacemaker. The Waller series will feature Amanda Waller teaming up with the members from the Peacemaker team. Viola Davis will star as the titular character.
Lanterns
Gunn shared that Lanterns will be a big HBO series featuring Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart. The “terrestrial based” show will be similar to True Detective. The two Lanterns will investigate a “terrifying mystery” that has huge ties to the DCU.
Paradise Lost
This show will take place on Themyscira, home of Wonder Woman. Gunn says Paradise Lost has a lot in common with Game of Thrones.
Booster Gold
Booster Gold will feature one of DC Comic’s popular cult heroes. Considered a loser, he travels back in time with technology from the future that lets him become a superhero.
Gunn also said that these are just a few stories he can share right now, but this slate of DC Studios Chapter 1 projects are enough to know that the DCU is shaping up to be something audiences can be excited about. You can watch Gunn’s announcement video below.
