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  • The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘The Brave and The Bold’

    The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘The Brave and The Bold’

    James Gunn and Peter Safran have revealed the first half of the first chapter of the new DCU. In total, 10 projects are expected to be rolled out by the end of 2027, with 5 films and 5 streaming series adding to the interconnected Gods and Monsters story of the DCU. With so much to take in, it can be a bit overwhelming. To make it easier, here’s the skinny on The Brave and The Bold.

    While Robert Pattinson will continue to serve as Batman in the DC Elseworlds The Batman: Part II and its related projects, the DCU will have a Batman of its own and fans will meet him–and his son, Damian–in a theatrical release titled The Brave and The Bold. The film will be based on Grant Morrison’s Batman and Son arc from his epic run on Batman that began in 2006 which Gunn called one of his “favorite Batman runs.” Gunn called Morrison “exceptionally influential” on the DCU slate which could hint at some other possible arcs that could be explored in other projects.

    The Brave and The Bold is “a story of Damian Wayne, who’s Batman’s actual son that he didn’t know existed for the first eight to ten years of his life. He was raised as a little murderer and assassin,” explained Gunn, who also called Damian his “favorite Robin.” The film will mark the first time a Robin has appeared in a live-action film since 1997’s Batman and Robin and it sounds like Damian may not be the only one to appear. “This is going to feature other members of the extended Bat-Family.” said Safran, adding “just because we feel like they’ve been left out of the Batman stories in the theater for far too long.“

    The focus of the film, however, will be the relationship between Bruce and Damian. “It’s a very strange sort of father-son story about the two of them,” said Gunn of The Brave and The Bold, who added that fans should expect Damian to be “a little son of a bitch.” It sounds like Gunn’s got Damian pegged. No release date or creative team was announced for the project.

    Sources: DC, Collider, Variety

  • The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Paradise Lost’

    The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Paradise Lost’

    James Gunn and Peter Safran have revealed the first half of the first chapter of the new DCU. In total, 10 projects are expected to be rolled out by the end of 2027, with 5 films and 5 streaming series adding to the interconnected Gods and Monsters story of the DCU. With so much to take in, it can be a bit overwhelming. To make it easier, here’s the skinny on Paradise Lost.

    Set on the island nation of Themyscira before the birth of Wonder Woman, Paradise Lost is a “Game of Thrones’-ish story” that will explore “the political intrigue behind a society of all women,” according to Safran. Gunn expanded on Safran’s comments about the series, which he said will examine the “beautiful” and “ugly truths” behind Paradise Island.

    It’s an origin story of how this society of women came about. What does it mean? What are their politics like? What are their rules? Who’s in charge? What are the games that they play with each other to get to the top? I think it’s really exciting.

    James Gunn

    The series is being developed for HBO Max and will serve as an origin story for the Amazons, though it’s not clear what role they will have in the larger DCU narrative.

    Sources: DC, Collider, Variety

  • The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘The Authority

    The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘The Authority

    James Gunn and Peter Safran have revealed the first half of the first chapter of the new DCU. In total, 10 projects are expected to be rolled out by the end of 2027, with 5 films and 5 streaming series adding to the interconnected Gods and Monsters story of the DCU. With so much to take in, it can be a bit overwhelming. To make it easier, here’s the skinny on The Authority.

    The second film in the first half of the Gods and Monsters slate is The Authority, which Gunn calls a “very different kind of superhero story” and a “passion project.” The film is probably the most unlikely on the list given the history of the team of heroes it involves. The Authority was created as part of Jim Lee’s WildStorm universe which was eventually purchased by DC comics and, during the New 52 publishing initiative, integrated into the mainstream continuity. Fans may not be quite familiar with the team, which Safran compared to Jack Nicholson’s Colonel Jessup in A Few Good Men saying, “they know that you want them on the wall, or at least they believe that.” Gunn gave a little more detail of what to expect from this win-at-all-costs group.

    They are basically good-intentioned, but they think that the world is completely broken and the only way to fix it is to take things into their own hands, whether that means killing people, destroying heads of state, changing governments—basically, whatever they want to do to make the world better. We’ll see how that journey goes for them. There are morally gray characters (in our DCU), of which these are.

    James Gunn

    The film is currently being written, though Gunn did not reveal who was penning the project though he indicated he’s helped outline the story.

    I only have seven days in the week, all of which are used in the service of DC storytelling. I’m working all the time. I can only do what I can do. So we’re going to have to make a decision at some point. Whether or not, you know, is it better for me to, you know, I can write more. I already wrote all of that. I’ve written a lot of that. I’ve worked a lot on the outline for The Authority myself.

    James Gunn

    No release date has been slated for The Authority, though if DC Studios plans to put a second movie out in 2025, this project could potentially make that date.

    Sources: DC, Collider, Variety

  • The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Lanterns’

    The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Lanterns’

    James Gunn and Peter Safran have revealed the first half of the first chapter of the new DCU. In total, 10 projects are expected to be rolled out by the end of 2027, with 5 films and 5 streaming series adding to the interconnected Gods and Monsters story of the DCU. With so much to take in, it can be a bit overwhelming. To make it easier, here’s the skinny on Lanterns.

    A Green Lantern Corps streaming series had been in development at HBO for years but with the announcement of Lanterns, it is clear that series is dead and has been replaced by one that will feature iconic Corps members Hal Jordan and John Stewart. The previous series which was being developed by Greg Berlanti was described by Safran as a “space opera” while the new series will have a very different tone. “Our vision is much more True Detective,” explained Safran, who went on to describe it as a “terrestrial-based investigation story.“

    The mystery at the center of the HBO Max series will be part of a story that “is going to weave back and forth between the films and the television shows,” according to Safran, who adds that Lanterns “plays a really big role leading us into the main story” of Chapter One of the DCU. Gunn added that the series will see the Lanterns “find this ancient horror on Earth, and these guys are basically supercops on “Precinct Earth.”

    No information was provided on the creative team behind the project or when it’s expected to stream on HBO Max.

    Sources: DC, Collider, Variety

  • The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Superman: Legacy’

    The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Superman: Legacy’

    James Gunn and Peter Safran have revealed the first half of the first chapter of the new DCU. In total, 10 projects are expected to be rolled out by the end of 2027, with 5 films and 5 streaming series adding to the interconnected Gods and Monsters story of the DCU. With so much to take in, it can be a bit overwhelming. To make it easier, here’s the skinny on Superman: Legacy.

    Written and potentially directed by Gunn, Superman: Legacy will be the first theatrical release of DC Studios Gods and Monsters chapter and is expected to be in theaters on July 11, 2025. According to Safran, the film, which will be rated PG-13, “is really the launch of the DCU.” Given the audience’s familiarity with the character, Superman: Legacy won’t be an origin story. Safran explained that the new fill will focus “on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.” The co-chair added, “Superman represents truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old fashioned.”

    While Gunn didn’t give away the details of the script he’s working on, he reaffirmed Safran’s comments about the character saying “Superman is for everyone. That’s a four-quadrant film that should speak to everyone in the world.” And while Gunn’s Superman sounds like he’ll fit the bill of the Big Blue Boy Scout, don’t expect the villain to be outright evil but maybe a little more complex.

    With our stories, we want to take it away from good guy vs. bad guy. There are really good—almost saintly—people and Superman is among them. There are really terrible villains like Gorilla Grodd or the Joker. And then there’s everybody in between them, so there are all these shades of gray which allow us to tell complex stories.

    James Gunn

    With Gunn still working on a script and deciding whether or not he will direct it, Superman: Legacy likely won’t go into production until the mid-2024.

  • The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Waller’

    The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Waller’

    James Gunn and Peter Safran have revealed the first half of the first chapter of the new DCU. In total, 10 projects are expected to be rolled out by the end of 2027, with 5 films and 5 streaming series adding to the interconnected Gods and Monsters story of the DCU. With so much to take in, it can be a bit overwhelming. To make it easier, here’s the skinny on Waller.

    A streaming series that was green-lit well before Gunn and Safran took the big jobs,Waller will see the return on Viola Davis to the titular role that she first filled in 2016’s Suicide Squad. Waller was featured in 2022’s Peacemaker and, according to Safran, Waller will be set between Seasons 1 and 2 of that series and feature some of its cast.

    The series is already in the early stages with Christal Henry (Watchmen) and Jeremy Carver (Supernatural, Doom Patrol) putting together the story which Gunn said “is really fantastic and HBO loves it.” The series, which will stream on HBO Max, has no release date as of yet.

    Sources: DC and Collider

  • Peter Safran and James Gunn Detail Their New Slate’s Timeline

    Peter Safran and James Gunn Detail Their New Slate’s Timeline

    Peter Safran and James Gunn revealed the first half of the first chapter of the new DCU, titled DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, at a press event in Los Angeles. The new slate is comprised of five movies and five streaming series but as of release, only one project from the new slate, Superman: Legacy, was given a release date. Safran and Gunn took the time to explain just why that is.

    According to Variety, the DC Studios co-chairs are “adamant that films and series will not go into production until scripts are finished.” With Gunn working on the script for Superman: Legacy, he must feel comfortable enough with the progress he’s made to believe the film can go into production in the Summer of 2024.

    As for the rest of the projects revealed, Gunn and Safran hope to eventually roll out two films and two streaming series per year. The animated series Creature Commandoes and the live-action series Waller will stream before the theatrical release of Superman: Legacy and the plan, according to the co-chairs, is to have all 10 projects announced at the event to be released by the end of 2027. Where the DCU goes from there and what the interconnected storyline of it will remain to be seen.

    Source: Variety

  • ‘Batman’ Writer Tom King Is Part of DC Studio’s Creative Team

    ‘Batman’ Writer Tom King Is Part of DC Studio’s Creative Team

    As successful as comic book movies are, there has always been a divide between the writers that create comics and the movies that are based on their comics. Royalties, attribution, and just overall recognition for comic creators have been a sore topic as of late. It makes the reveal that writer Tom King is included in the DC Studios writer’s room somewhat surprising.

    The news comes with the announcement of a live-action film Supergirl: Girl of Tomorrow, based on the acclaimed comic by King and artist Bilquis Everly, among many others. When asked to elaborate on the project, DC Studios co-president James Gunn had this to say:

    “We’re pretty far away from ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, other than knowing that Tom King’s books are the basis of the story.” King is part of the writers room that Gunn and Safran have assembled.

    King has garnered both praise and controversy for his work on Batman and Mister Miracle. His involvement with the DCU bodes well for the cinematic universe’s future as he is one of the best comic writers working today.

    Source: The Wrap

  • DC Studios Pulls Back the Curtain on Its New Slate

    DC Studios Pulls Back the Curtain on Its New Slate

    The future of the DC Universe is starting to take shape. At January 30th press event in Los Angeles, DC Studios co-chairs James Gunn and Peter Safran shared the first details of the new slate of projects which includes 5 films and 5 streaming series. Among the projects introduced was Superman: Legacy, written by Gunn, The Brave and The Bold, which will feature the live-action debut of Damian Wayne, and a streaming series featuring Amanda Waller. The projects make up the first half of DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters and will release over the next several years. Here’s a full breakdown of what fans have to look forward to.

    Superman: Legacy

    Gunn’s Superman film is set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025. In late 2022, Gunn called the character a “huge priority” for the new DC Universe. Gunn has always been a fan of the character and his film, which will focus on a younger version of the character, will establish Superman as a major player in the plans for the DCU in what Gunn calls the true beginning of the DCU.

    “This is really the start of the DCU. It’s currently being written by James and I sincerely hope that he can be persuaded, perhaps, to direct it as well,” Safran said.

    Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

    Kara Zor-El will be featured in a film based on Tom King’s series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. It’s unknown if Sasha Calle will reprise the role from The Flash.

    The Brave and The Bold

    Not to be confused with Matt Reeves’ Batman projects which now fall under the Elseworlds category, The Brave and The Bold will introduce a new Batman who will share the screen with his son, Damian Wayne. The film will be based on Grant Morrison’s Batman run. Gunn calls this the beginning of the Bat Family in the DCU.

    Paradise Lost

    A streaming series set on Themiscyra before the birth of Wonder Woman, Paradise Lost will be “about the political intrigue behind a society of all women.” Gunn calls it Game of Thrones but on Paradise Island!

    Booster Gold

    Shortly after taking the job as co-chair, Gunn revealed that Booster Gold was the character most commonly requested by fans interacting with him on Mastodon. Those fans should be thrilled as a Booster Gold series is in the works at DC Studios and will stream on HBO Max.

    Creature Commandos

    An animated series based on a group of character who made their first appearance in Weird War Tales #93, Creature Commandos is already in production and will be the first projectfrom the new slate to debut. The seven episode series was written by Gunn.

    Waller

    Amanda Waller has played a part in Gunn’s two previous DC entires, The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, and now “The Wall” will be featured in her own streaming series. Viola Davis will be back in the role and the series will serve as a bridge between the Seasons 1 and 2 of Peacemaker.

    Lanterns

    Iconic Lanterns Hal Jordan and Jonathan Stewart will be the focus of a streaming series. The series takes the place of the “space opera” Green Lantern series that was originally in development. Gunn describes the HBO series as a terrestrial based TV show in the vein of True Detective. The two Lanterns will discover a terrifying mystery that ties into the DCU’s overarching narrative.

    Swamp Thing

    The DCU will introduce The Green in a Swamp Thing origin film.

    The Authority

    Based on Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch‘s Wildstorm imprint series which was picked up by some of comics’ most well-regarded creators over the years, The Authority will introduce audiences to a no-nonense group of heroes including Superman and Batman analogs Apollo and Midnighter.

    Source: THR

  • Dave Bautista Fancasts Himself in the New DCU

    Dave Bautista Fancasts Himself in the New DCU

    Dave Bautista may not be playing Bane in the new DC Universe, but there’s one character on his list that may make for an intriguing fit. In an interview with Comic Book, the former wrestler revealed that he’s up to portray one of DC’s most iconic villains.

    Comic Book’s Chris Killian recently pointed out a bit of a resemblance between Bautista and DC mega villain Lex Luthor.

    Bautista responded to Killian’s post by saying, “I never thoughy about that! And now I’m not going be able to stop thinking about it.” When asked about his response to the post, Bautista expanded on his original thought.

    I just never thought about playing that character. As soon as I saw that picture of myself next to Lex Luthor I was like, ‘Man, that’s really interesting.’ It’s interesting to me. I’d be totally up for that, James Gunn.

    Dave Bautista

    Though there’s been no official confirmation that Luthor will be part of DC’s new slate of projects, it’s hard to believe Gunn won’t work the character into the DCU somehow. As for the possibility of Bautista playing the character, Gunn has said that he hopes to work with Bautista and his fellow Guardians of the Galaxy stars on some DC projects meaning there’s some potential for it to happen.

    Source: Comic Book