The future of the DC Universe (DCU) just became a little clearer as James Gunn and Peter Safran hosted a press event in Hollywood, updating journalists on what’s ahead. From new animated and live-action projects to surprising cancellations and delays, the roadmap for DC’s cinematic universe is constantly shifting.
Gunn reassured fans that despite the changes, DC Studios is still working toward a six-year plan that will culminate in a massive crossover event—potentially the DCU’s version of Avengers: Endgame. But with so many projects getting delayed or scrapped, fans are wondering if this vision will actually come to life.
Here’s a breakdown of everything announced, postponed, and left uncertain in DC’s upcoming slate.
DCU’s New Release Plan: A Packed Schedule
James Gunn confirmed that DC Studios plans to release the following each year:
- Two live-action movies
- One animated movie
- Two live-action TV shows
- Two animated TV shows
While this sounds ambitious, the past two years have shown that plans can change quickly. Some projects announced in 2022 have already been reshuffled or put on hold.
Upcoming Animated Projects: New Faces & Returning Favorites
DC Studios is bringing several animated shows into the mix. While it’s unclear if they will all be connected to the larger DCU, these projects are officially in development:
1. My Adventures with Green Lantern
This show will follow Jessica Cruz, a high school student who unexpectedly becomes a Green Lantern after a power ring falls from the sky and chooses her.
2. Starfire
A new animated series focusing on Starfire’s origin story. The show follows her as she escapes her home planet of Tamaran and explores the stars, setting up the beginnings of the Teen Titans.
3. Superpowers
This series will focus on a superhero school called The Alliance School for Heroes, where young heroes like Lightning, Flash, Plastic Man, Aqua Girl, Green Lantern, and Terra train under the supervision of Martian Manhunter. It’s being compared to DC’s version of Sky High.
4. Blue Beetle Animated Series (Not Yet Officially Greenlit)
A Blue Beetle anime-style series is reportedly close to getting the green light. It will follow the events of the Blue Beetle movie, confirming that the film remains canon in Gunn’s DCU.
5. Dynamic Duo (Animated Movie)
Originally announced as an animated feature about the early days of Dick Grayson and Jason Todd as Robin, Dynamic Duo is still in limbo. Gunn is undecided about whether it should be part of the official DCU or exist as a standalone film.
Live-Action TV Shows: What’s Coming and What’s Delayed?
Confirmed & In Production
✅ Peacemaker Season 2 – Still on track, set for release in August 2024.
✅ Lanterns (Green Lantern Show) – Described as “very adult and very weird,” the show is in early production and will premiere in 2026.
✅ Krypto Short Films – Live-action short films featuring Superman’s loyal pet, set to release seasonally. They may serve as promotional content leading up to Superman: Legacy.
On Hold or Facing Delays
🚫 Waller (Amanda Waller Series) – The creative team is struggling to finalize a story, leading to delays.
🚫 Booster Gold – Originally announced as a time-travel series, the project has lost momentum. It’s unclear whether it will return as a show, movie, or something else entirely.
🚫 Paradise Lost – The Game of Thrones-style Themyscira series remains in development but has not made any progress.
Major Movie Updates: Surprises & Cancellations
Fast-Tracked Projects
🔥 Clayface (Live-Action Movie) – James Gunn confirmed that a Clayface movie, written by Mike Flanagan, is now moving forward after receiving high praise for its script.
🔥 Sergeant Rock (Directed by Luca Guadagnino) – Another surprise addition, this war-based DCU film is in active development.
🔥 Teen Titans (Live-Action Movie) – A Teen Titans film is in the works, with a completed script currently being revised. This is one of the most promising announcements for DC fans.
🔥 Deathstroke & Bane Movie – A mystery project featuring Deathstroke and Bane is in development, written by Moon Knight writer Matthew Orton. The nature of the story remains unclear.
Projects Facing Uncertainty or Delays
❌ The Authority – Gunn admitted that The Authority is one of the hardest movies to develop, especially in a world where The Boys already exists. There are even rumors it could be turned into an animated movie instead.
❌ Swamp Thing – James Mangold still wants to direct Swamp Thing, but there’s no script yet, meaning the project is stalled.
The Batman Franchise: Updates on Reeves’ Universe & The DCU Batman
Matt Reeves’ The Batman Part II
- Status: Still happening, but the script isn’t finished yet. Filming is expected to start by the end of 2024.
DCU’s Batman – The Brave and the Bold
- Director Uncertainty: Andy Muschietti (The Flash) was previously rumored to direct, but now it seems he is no longer involved in the early development process.
- Secret Writer: Gunn revealed that someone is already working on the script, but the writer’s identity is being kept secret.
- Speculation: Some fans believe Gunn himself may be writing the film, given his love for Batman.
Superman: The Center of the New DCU
- Superman: Legacy is still on track, and Gunn confirmed that a new trailer is being edited and will be released soon.
- Gunn is Writing a New DCU Project, but it’s NOT Superman: Legacy 2. However, it might be Superman-related, possibly a World’s Finest film featuring Batman and Superman together.
Final Thoughts: Is the DCU Moving in the Right Direction?
James Gunn and Peter Safran have a massive task ahead in rebuilding the DCU, and while their six-year plan is still intact, constant changes have left fans feeling unsure. Some exciting projects like Teen Titans and Clayface have moved forward, while others like The Authority and Booster Gold have stalled.
With Superman: Legacy leading the charge, its success will likely determine how smoothly the rest of Gunn’s plan unfolds.
Are these changes exciting or frustrating? Do you think Gunn’s vision for the DCU will succeed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Must Read: Why Warner Bros. Canceled the Wonder Woman Game – What Went Wrong After $100M Spent?