DC Studios Brands Alt Films "DC Elseworlds"
While the newly formed DC Studios attempts to architect a coherent cinematic universe around DC Comics properties, there are several projects in the works that will remain outside of that universe.
The studio revealed today that those project would bear the label "DC Elseworlds."
This includes Joker: Folie a Deux, which is on track for October 2024 release, The Batman 2, which now has a release date of October 2, 2025, The Penguin for HBO Max and the Black Superman project, which is still in the works.
DC Studios Announces Chapter One of New Universe
DC Studios co-chairs James Gunn and Peter Safran unveiled their new slate of film and TV series based on DC Comics today.
From the Warner Bros. Discover lot in Burbank, CA, the pair discussed eight new projects and filled in details on previously-known projects, summing up what they are calling Chapter One, "Gods and Monsters."
The projects and details are summarized below.
While some characters from past features will continue in the same form, others will be recast.
Safran specifically stated that there's no reason to think we won't see Jason Momoa's Aquaman, Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman, Zachary Levi's Shazam or Ezra Miller's Flash in the new DCU.
They also said that, like Marvel Studios, actors will travel with their characters between film and TV projects.
Also, fans shouldn't look for an actor to play two characters. For example, Momoa would not be both Aquaman and Lobo.
Finally, there will still be some off-universe films, but those will be branded ad DC Elseworlds, and, "the bar will be set very high" for those projects.
Gunn recorded an announcement video that sums up all the projects:
And now, the specific projects...
The DCU Starts with Superman Legacy
The title of James Gunn's already-controversial man of steel reboot is Superman: Legacy, according to a report from Deadline.
"This is really the start of the DCU," says co-chief Peter Safran.
The movie will delve into Clark's need to balance his Kryptonian heritage with his learned humanity. "He’s the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way," Safran sad. "He’s kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old fashioned."
Gunn is writing the script, but no director is attached.
The film has a release date of July 11, 2025
Batman and Robin to Feature in DC Studios Pic
DC Studios will re-introduce Batman, again, with the new feature film The Brave and the Bold.
Deadline reports that this will not star Ben Affleck from the former DCEU. Neither will it star Robert Pattinson, whose movies are now designated DC Elseworlds.
This new movie will focus on Batman and his wayward son Damien Wayne, and is based on the Batman & Robin comics series by Grant Morrison.
Lanterns in Development for HBO Max
DC Studios has a new Green Lantern series in the works at HBO Max, simply called Lanterns.
Deadline reports that the show will feature Hal Jordan and John Stewart.
DC Studios chief Peter Safran says the show will be set on Earth and will hew closer to True Detective than a big space opera. "It plays a really big role in the main story we're telling across film and Television," Safran said.
According to an write-up from The Hollywood Reporter, this new series replaces the previously-in-development Green Lantern series from Greg Berlanti.
No talent or timeline is announced.
Supergirl Feature Film in the Works
DC Studios is looking to turn Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow into a feature film.
Deadline reports that the project is a direct adaptation of the comics series written by Tom King.
The story will server as a counterpoint to Superman, who is raised by two loving parents, while Supergirl spends her childhood on a dying chunk of planet Krypton as those around her suffer and die.
Swamp Thing Gets New Movie
DC Studios is dredging up a new take on Swamp Thing.
Plans are for the muck monster to topline a new feature film, according to Deadline.
The film will delve into the origins of the creature and be darker in tone than other DC Studios features.
The Authority to Get Film Treatment
An adaptation of The Authority is a priority for DC Studios.
Deadline reports that the studio will adapt the comic series as characters fully integrated in the DC Universe.
The comics were initially set in an alternate universe created by subsidiary publisher Wildstorm Comics, and presented the team as an edgy, alternate version of the Justice League.
No talent or timeline was announced.
Booster Gold Headed for HBO Max
Another one of DC Studios TV series projects for HBO Max is Booster Gold.
The character, introduced in the pages of Justice League of the 1980s, is a scammer from the future who time travels to present day to pose as a superhero.
In the books, he buddied up with Blue Beetle.
No talent or timeline is reported.
Wonder Woman Prequel Series at HBO Max
Deadline reports that DC Studios is gearing up a Wonder Woman-themed prequel series called Paradise Lost for HBO Max.
The series will be set before the birth of Diana.
DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran promises Game of Thrones style intrigue set on the mythical island of Themyscira.
Waller Confirmed for HBO Max
The previously-announced HBO Max Suicide Squad spin-off starring Viola Davis is now officially confirmed with the title Waller.
Deadlne reports that Christal Henry (Watchmen) and Jeremy Carver (Doom Patrol) are writing the show which will lead out of last year's Peacemaker series, and include some of the same cast members.
The bad news here is: the previously-announced second season of Peacemaker is on the backburner.
Creature Commands Animated Series Announced
DC Studios chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran announced Creature Commandos as an upcoming animated television series, according to a report from Deadline.
Gunn is writing the series which will team a werewolf, a vampire, Frankenstein's monster, a gorgon and the Weasel character from The Suicide Squad, with a human squad leader.
Gunn says the intention is to tell stories with massive scale but a modest budget.
The series may also interact with live-action versions of DC Studios characters.
No timeline is set for the series.
