Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: DC TV

  • ‘The Batman’s Gotham PD Spinoff May Be in Development After All

    ‘The Batman’s Gotham PD Spinoff May Be in Development After All

    The DC Cinematic Universe is about to unwind in a new direction, but that doesn’t mean that Matt Reeves‘ corner of the DC Multiverse is going away anytime soon. Luckily, the new Elseworld branding gives them the opportunity to expand The Batman franchise. Just recently we are finally seeing some movement on the Penguin-focused spinoff with Rhenzy Feliz joining the project. Yet, there’s an interesting detail tucked away.

    For a while, there was a Gotham PD-focused series in development for HBO Max. Yet, that project eventually ended up becoming something entirely different with the focus now set on Arkham Asylum. While we only know that the project is being spearheaded by Antonio Campos, it seems that a Gotham PD series is in development. Variety points out that it’s one of the three The Batman spinoffs Matt Reeves is using to expand his unique corner of the franchise.

    It’ll be interesting to see how Matt Reeves maps out these projects, as we won’t have the sequel to The Batman until 2025. So, we might have these series to bridge us until then. Gotham PD was originally going to be Batman’s Year One but that may have changed. If Arkham Asylum took over that timeline, this may be something that’ll be used to explore the aftermath of the events from the first film.

    We can only speculate and there’s no word about who might be involved with the project. There’s a good chance that it simply is still on the table while the main focus relies on the Arkham Asylum series, which still has no title. Actually, even the Penguin-focused spinoff doesn’t have a title quite yet. So, we’ll have to see what’s heading our way once Matt Reeves gets a chance to share what his universe plans are.

    Source: Variety

  • HBO Max Cancels Batman Prequel Series ‘Pennyworth’

    HBO Max Cancels Batman Prequel Series ‘Pennyworth’

    The most shocking news of all time has arrived, as HBO Max has axed another series, especially a DC-related one. As Titans and Doom Patrol are coming to an end, it seems that the third season of Pennyworth will also be it’s last. The series originally premiered on Epix back in 2019 only to find its third season as an HBO Max original last year.

    Though it received a new title, as it was now titled Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler to ensure we knew its DC ties. Yet, outside of the absurdity in its name, there wasn’t much buzz surrounding a Batman prequel about Alfred Pennyworth. Still, it did manage to go on for multiple seasons, a rarity in the streaming age. HBO Max has shared the following statement on its cancelation:

    While HBO Max is not moving forward with another season of ‘Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler,’ we are very thankful to creator Bruno Heller and executive producers Matthew Patnick, Danny Cannon and John Stephens, along with Warner Bros. Television, for their brilliant, unique, gripping depiction of the origin of Alfred Pennyworth, one of the most iconic characters in the Batman world. An incredible blend of action, drama and humor, for three seasons, ‘Pennyworth: The Origin of Batman’s Butler’ has taken fans on a mind-bending ride into Alfred’s eccentric world and the beginnings of cutting-edge super heroes and super villains

    It’s definitely interesting to see what projects end up scrapped and others will continue. Superman and Lois is still set to have at least one more season as James Gunn and Peter Safran prepare their plans for their take on a connected DC Cinematic Universe. Pennyworth b being scrapped was probably the one project most expected wouldn’t survive after it moved to HBO Max, but it still left its own impact with three seasons.

    Source: Variety

  • The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Booster Gold’

    The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Booster Gold’

    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 Booster Gold.

    Described by Safran as “a loser from the future who uses his basic future technology to come back to today to pretend to be a superhero“, Michael Jon Carter will make his DCU debut in the HBO Max streaming series Booster Gold. The series was described as an “outright comedy” by Variety and Gunn described the story of the time-displaced 25th Century hero as “imposter syndrome as a superhero.”

    “How do you deal with that?”, asked Gunn, who added that the series will focus on how Carter “tries to use this future technology to be loved by the people of today and what is really at the base of that.” Gunn also mentioned that DC Studios is already in talks with an actor for the role and given his stated desire to continue to work with the cast of Guardians of the Galaxy films, it wouldn’t be surprising if Chris Pratt were that actor.

    Sources: DC, Collider, Variety

  • ‘Superman and Lois’ Won’t Get Canceled According to New DC Studios Heads

    ‘Superman and Lois’ Won’t Get Canceled According to New DC Studios Heads

    Everything was on the chopping block until a few hours ago when the official line-up for DC Studios’ new take on the DC Cinematic Universe was unveiled. No longer where the TV shows and movies compete with each other but rather establish a more coherent experience moving forward. Yet, it seems that they aren’t completely dropping every project after all.

    In an interview with Variety, they have seemingly hinted that Superman and Lois will still go on for “one to two more seasons.” It would also match that they wrap up production on the series just as Superman: Legacy would be making its way to theaters. As such, they can keep the series running until they finish work on their new take that’ll truly kick off the DCU.

    Funny enough, it seems they have no comment in regards to Gotham Knights, the latest CW series whose first season is set to premiere on March 14th. Given that this series seemingly has little to do with its titular inspiration, the series has been dead on arrival. Still, who knows if it’ll find an audience after all as it is the most removed from the usual superhero fare.

    In an era where Doom Patrol and Titans got canceled, it is great to see some series survive to carry on the legacy. The long-running Arrowverse series The Flash is also coming to an end and likely the entire TV spinoff series with it. What that might mean for the future still remains to be seen as some series will remain canon while others aren’t. So, we’ll have to see if the DC Studios logo will be that signifier moving forward.

    Source: 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 ‘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 ‘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

  • The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Creature Commandos’

    The Skinny on The DCU’s ‘Creature Commandos’

    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 Creature Commandos.

    Creature Commandos is a seven-episode animated series slated to be released on HBO Max. The first project to be given the green light by co-chairs Safran and Gunn, Creature Commandos is already in production working off scripts by Gunn. Safran stated that he was “staggered at the caliber of the scripts” adding “we’ll see how everything else comes, but the screenplays are amazing.“

    The series is based on a comic book team that included a gorgon, a werewolf and Frankenstein’s monster going to battle in World War II. Gunn’s version, which he revealed during a press event in Los Angeles, will have a little different makeup than the team from the comics and will be brought together by Viola Davis‘ Amanda Waller.

    The Team

    The Bride of Frankenstein

    According to Gunn, the main character of Creature Commandos will be the Bride of Frankenstein. In the comics, The Bride worked for a top-secret U.S. Government institution known as S.H.A.D.E. who work to take on metahuman threats.

    Weasel

    A familiar face on the team will be Weasel, voiced by Sean Gunn. Weasel appeared in The Suicide Squad and his return here reinforces James Gunn’s comment that actors from films will voice their animated counterparts.

    Rick Flag, Sr.

    The father of Suicide Squad now deceased leader Rick Flag, Rick Flag Sr. was a WWII veteran who led the Suicide Squad of his time. According to Gunn, he’ll show up in other projects as well.

    Nina Mazursky

    A doctor who turned herself into an amphibious human-fish hybrid, Nina Mazursky was responsible for creating the first members of the Creature Commandos.

    Doctor Phosphorous

    A supervillain more well-known for working with the Secret Society of Supervillains, Doctor Phosphorous may be a good bet to betray the team as he did in the post-Flashpoint comics.

    Eric Frankenstein

    DC’s take on Frankenstein’s monster, Eric is a one-man army with ties to S.H.A.D.E. and, as you might imagine, the Bride.

    G.I. Robot

    G.I. Robot is just what it sounds like. Developed during WWII, a series of robots, some going by the designation J.A.K.E. (Jungle Automatic Killer – Experimental and then a number).

    Gunn and Safran indicated that casting is ongoing for the project. Though it has no release date, it is expected to be the first release of the Gods and Monsters slate.

    Source: DC

  • 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

  • James Gunn Gives Details on Cancelled HBO Max DC Series

    James Gunn Gives Details on Cancelled HBO Max DC Series

    As word came that Titans and Doom Patrol were coming to the end of their run on HBO Max, fans of the two DC streaming series voiced their displeasure online. One such fan took to Twitter to blame newly christened co-chairs of DC Studios, James Gunn and Peter Safran, for the cancellations. As usual, however, Gunn used social media to set the record straight.

    “The decision to end the series precedes us,” said Gunn. He added, “But I certainly wish the best for the talented group of creators, actors and the rest of the crew that produced both shows.“

    The two series have grown devoted followings over the years with Doom Patrol routinely being among the most well-received DC projects. Gunn is expected to make news soon by revealing some of the projects on the new DC Studios’ slate.