The new update on the future of the DC Universe, it seems that the new cinematic universe has been finding its shape behind the scenes. While some projects continue to move forward as expected, others have been replaced or delayed, all due to various interesting and illuminating reasons.

Studio heads James Gunn and Peter Safran appear to be dynamic and committed co-CEOs who hope to deliver the best possible cinematic experience with the new franchise. Superman suggests that the new film will provide a unique and refreshing look at what superhero movies can be in the current climate. It is clear that the shape and the future of the franchise will depend on that film's success, although several other important changes have also occurred behind the scenes as production has moved forward.

10 Response To Superman's Marketing Suggests Growing Excitement For The New Universe

Anticipation Is High For The Film

Audiences seem to be excited about the DC Universe, and this is a good sign of its likely success. The Superman broke all kinds of records, becoming the most-viewed trailer in DC and Warner Bros. history. Since then, the film has topped many Most Anticipated lists from various outlets. It seems that whatever DC Studios is doing with the character, people are interested.

Related
BTS Superman Movie Detail May Have Revealed Exactly How A DCU Hero Will Be Adapted To Live-Action

James Gunn's behind-the-scenes Superman trailer reveals an incredible practical effect that could be used to bring a DCU hero to live-action.

This is an excellent sign. After the DCEU experienced several historic bombs at the end of its run, and with interest in most Marvel projects seemingly lower than even a few years ago, it is a relief to see audiences so excited about this new take on this classic character. Time will only tell if the film is a success, but it certainly seems that interest is there, which is absolutely essential for the DCU's future.

Superman 2025 poster
Superman
Release Date
July 11, 2025
Director
James Gunn
  • Headshot Of David Corenswet In The 47th Toronto International Film Festival: `Pearl`
    Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El
  • Headshot Of Rachel Brosnahan
    Rachel Brosnahan
    Lois Lane
  • Headshot Of Nicholas Hoult
    Nicholas Hoult
    Lex Luthor
  • Headshot Of Edi Gathegi
    Edi Gathegi
    Michael Holt / Mister Terrific

9 There Are Several New Confirmed Projects Being Created And Fast-Tracked

Some Unannounced DCU Projects Have Become High Priorities

After the first DCU projects were confirmed, the initial slate seemed to find a new shape. Rather than moving immediately forward with some of the first confirmed projects, like Swamp Thing and The Authority, new projects have begun development. Some of these, such as Clayface, have been fast-tracked, and will be among the first films in the DCU.

Related
Avatar: The Last Airbender Star Wants To Play A Major Teen Titans Character In DCU Movie

EXCLUSIVE: Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender's Ian Ousley wants to play one of the major of the Teen Titans in the DC Universe film.

With other projects, like an untitled Deathstroke and Bane movie, and a Teen Titans film in the works, initial plans for the DCU are subject to change. Gunn has spoken about the importance of moving forward when scripts are strong and ready, rather than being too invested in the connected-universe aspect of the DCU. This has caused some interesting changes in the shape of the universe's slate.

Clayface Film Logo Placeholder
Clayface
Release Date
September 11, 2026
Director
James Watkins
Writers
Mike Flanagan

8 Krypto's Live-Action Movie Debut Has Been Confirmed

The Good Boy Was Revealed In The Marketing For Superman

While Krypto previously had a large role in the cast of DC League of Super-Pets many were surprised to see that he would also be a major part of Superman. Krypto was first revealed in a promotional image for the film, before playing a large part in the film's first trailer. It seems that Superman's dog will be an important part of this story, which was a surprising development for many.

Related
James Gunn's Superman Is Healed In The Fortress Of Solitude In 2025 DC Movie Footage Details

New Superman movie footage has been revealed at CinemaCon, showing more of the DC Universe's first film and David Corenswet's Man of Steel in action.

1

Krypto is an interesting choice to feature in the film, but it's a refreshing and original one. The DCU is set to feature all kinds of compelling and unique characters, and including super-powered pets from Krypton is an exciting way to do this. The character is set to feature in Superman and seems likely to also play into the events of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

7 The DCU's Superman & Supergirl Have Been Cast

The First Faces Of The New Franchise Are Incredibly Important

Robert Downey Jr. has been the anchor of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Henry Cavill was among the most important figures in the entire DCEU. The first stars cast within a new franchise have gone on to be important to that series moving forward, so it is incredibly important that the first two big heroes in DCU films were cast in the series. This helps to give an idea of the shape and feel of the series moving forward.

Related
Milly Alcock’s Supergirl Takes Flight In Full Costume In New DCU Movie Set Fight Video

A new Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow set video shows Milly Alcock's Supergirl in full costume as Kara Zor-El fights a villain and takes flight.

David Corenswet has been revealed as Superman, and the look of his version of the hero is fresh and exciting, but with appealing, classic elements. Milly Alcock will be playing Supergirl in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and, while her design has not yet been revealed, she is an exciting choice for the franchise. Alcock proved herself to be a rising star on House of the Dragon, and it is great to know that she will be an important part of the new DCU.

Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow Poster
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Not Yet Rated
Superhero
Release Date
June 26, 2026
Director
Craig Gillespie
  • Headshot Of Milly Alcock In The Premiere Of The Series House Of The Dragon
    Kara Zor-El / Supergirl
  • Heasdshot Of Matthias Schoenaerts
    Matthias Schoenaerts
    Krem of the Yellow Hills
  • Headshot Of Eve Ridley
    Eve Ridley
    Ruthye Mary Knolle
  • Headshot Of Jason Momoa In The Los Angeles special screening of 'Common Ground'

6 The First DCU Project Has Been Released And Given A First Look At The New World

The DCU Has Officially Begun

The first DCU project has been released, setting up the world for the new franchise. Creature Commandos began airing in 2024, following up on several threads and details that Gunn had set up in The Suicide Squad. The animated series felt like a branching point between James Gunn's former connections with the DCEU, and his setup for the new DCU.

Related
10 Best Creature Commandos Quotes

The DCU's new Creature Commandos animated series has some really great quotes throughout its 7-episode run, so here's some of our favorites.

For many audiences, the new franchise will not truly begin until Superman. However, this animated series does give the first look at the world of the DCU. Glimpses of various heroes are shown throughout the series, which also sets up a number of interesting characters for the future. The new world appears to be a bright and colorful place that may also contain incredible tragedy and violence.

03194204_poster_w780-1.jpg

Your Rating

Creature Commandos
Release Date
December 5, 2024
Network
Max

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
BUY

5 The DCU Debuted Several Major DC Heroes By Showing Them Dead

A Glimpse At A Dark DCU Future Calls To Mind Details From The DCEU

Similar to the Knightmare sequence from Zack Snyder's Justice League, Creature Commandos provided the first look at many popular DC heroes in a vision of a possible future. This vision saw several familiar heroes dead, showing disturbing images of them impaled. These included Peacemaker, Vigilante, and Wonder Woman, among others.

Related
8 Ways The DCU Has Already Made Its Version Of Wonder Woman So Much Different To The DCEU

Little is known about the DCU's version of Wonder Woman, but the franchise has already found some ways to differentiate her from Gal Gadot's version.

While this vision did not come to , it is compelling that the DCU gave their first look at some of their most popular heroes in this way. While the images are dark, and detail is hard to discern, these designs will likely remain an inspiration on the franchise's eventual films and shows based on these popular characters, including Paradise Lost. Giving a fresh look here helped to show that the world is already big and established.

​​​​​​​

4 Animated Releases Have Gotten A Bigger Focus In The DC Universe

The DC Universe Sees The Importance Of Animated Films And Shows

Among the live-action DC TV shows, the franchise has clearly seen the importance of also using animation to tell superhero stories. This began with Creature Commandos, but will carry on in the series with other animated projects, some of which stand alone, and others that are connected to the larger universe. One of the most interesting future DC Studios projects is an animated film called Dynamic Duo.

Related
10 Best Animated DC Fights That Make Live-Action Look Bad

The DC Universe has a strong track record in animation, with 10 fight exciting fight scenes from some of DC's finest adaptations.

​​​​​​​

Dynamic Duo suggests that the film will be one of the most unique superhero films yet. Working with a studio that combines animation, stop-motion, and puppetry, the Robin-centric film is already well into development. It seems that DC is putting a high priority on animated works in addition to live-action ones. This will help to make their new universe feel fresh and unique.

Dynamic Duo
Animation
Superhero
Director
Arthur Mintz
Writers
Matthew Aldrich
Producers
Matt Reeves, Michael Uslan, Peter Safran

Cast

  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Wolfgang Novogratz
    Dick Grayson / Nightwing
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Thomas Doherty
    Jason Todd / Red Hood

3 Several Underappreciated DC Heroes Have Gotten New Live-Action Looks Revealed

ing DC Heroes Are Given A Prominent Push In Superman

There are a lot of heroes in the DC Universe of the comics, and it seems that the films will also reflect this. While some have complained about the size of Superman's cast, the film is set to give audiences the first big-screen appearances of many popular comic book heroes. These include Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Guy Gardner, a fan-favorite Green Lantern who will be played by Nathan Fillion.

Related
DC's New Hawkgirl Hasn’t Seen Superman Yet, But Isabela Merced Had a Fun Time: "I'm Just As Clueless As You"

Esclusive: Isabela Merced has not seen Superman yet ahead of its release in July, but she revealed that she had fun while filming the movie.

​​​​​​​

It is so interesting to see how the new franchise is building a lived-in world of heroes and villains. Superman will begin in a universe that is already fully formed, and it is so exciting to see so many of these familiar characters being given the spotlight in the trailers for the new film. The franchise allowing characters like these to shine is such a great promise of what is to come in the new series.

2 Jason Momoa Was Recast As The DC Universe's Lobo

This Casting Sets An Interesting Precedent For DCEU Stars

The end of the DCEU and how much it influences DCU canon has been confusing. Some details from The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker have been brought into the new continuity, while others have not. This makes the DCEU Aquaman star Jason Momoa being brought back as a new character such an important development. It is clear now that most of the DCEU is now done with, although some relationships with strong performers may see them appear in new roles.

Related
If Jason Momoa’s Lobo Wants to Look Spot-On, He Needs This Iconic Costume

If Jason Momoa is serious about nailing his Lobo look in the Supergirl movie, there’s one iconic costume of the anti-villain’s he absolutely needs.

It would be incredible to see stars like Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck come to the DCU as new characters, and this precedent makes that possible. The DCEU had some excellent highs, but moving forward with a new, refreshed set of characters will help to make the franchise feel vital and different. Jason Momoa's inclusion as Lobo is an excellent start to what the cast of the new DCU might look like down the line.

1 Batman Has Already Been Revealed

While Batman has seemingly not yet been cast in the DCU, the popular character has already been glimpsed in an episode of Creature Commandos. The Brave and the Bold is set to explore Batman's place in the DCU, but seeing the hero in action, even briefly, has given audiences an idea of what to expect from Bruce Wayne. He has already been operating, and he is a beefier, tougher take on the character.

Related
I’m Convinced One Of The DCU’s Best Batman Castings Would Actually Be Better Returning To The Other DC Hero Role He Played 20 Years Ago

The most popular fan-casting choice for Batman played a different DC character already – and I think he’d should reprise that role instead.

6

​​​​​​​

Some details about Batman in the universe were gleaned from the plot of The Brave and the Bold, but it is interesting that the character's physique and general appearance have already been shown in the DC Universe. There have been many different kinds of Batmen in cinema and in comics over the years, and it is surprising and exciting that the new franchise has already revealed the general design behind their take on the character.

DC Movie Releases