Thanks to the runaway success of “Superman” (2025) and the last month’s release of the first teaser trailer for “Supergirl,” the new DC cinematic universe has kicked off to an incredible start. But with a brand-new movie slate and a total recast of fan-favorite characters, it can be difficult to keep track of everything going on in James Gunn’s passion project.
For those who aren’t caught up in the world of superhero movie franchises, let me bring you up to speed. If you’ve seen “Suicide Squad,” “Aquaman,” or “Birds of Prey,” you’ve been watching the DC Extended Universe — also called the “Snyderverse” after director Zack Snyder.
Beginning in 2013 with “Man of Steel,” the DCEU was DC’s answer to the highly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the movies began to see a steady drop in quality over the years as Marvel continued to outpace DC, and change was needed.
Director James Gunn, best known for his work on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, took control of DC Studios (then called DC Films) in 2022, and announced that DC would be resetting the DCEU, now titled the DCU. He revealed his plan for part one of the DCU, titled “Gods and Monsters,” in 2023 on YouTube.
2025’s “Superman” was easily one of the biggest excitements of Gunn’s announcement. The boy in blue has been easily eclipsed by Batman’s runaway success after years of successful Batman films. It seems that, for now, Gunn is planning to avoid the dark knight in favor of bringing some lesser-known characters to light. And while the world knows Superman, he’s certainly no Batman.
If “Superman” is a sign of what’s to come, then fans of DC are in luck. While the movie wasn’t perfect, it featured the incredible casting of David Corenswet as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as the villainous billionaire Lex Luthor. Casting has always been a contentious issue with comic fans, as many characters have seen hundreds of interpretations from various authors throughout the years. But if Corenswet and Hoult are anything to go by, things are looking up, especially with Milly Alcock as Supergirl.
Releasing this June, “Supergirl” brings to light another hero that hasn’t seen much movie adaptation. Supergirl, also known as Kara Zor-El, has been due some time on the main stage. CW’s “Supergirl” show in 2015 saw plenty of success and many great reviews, but it was no “Stranger Things” or “Riverdale.”
Kara Zor-El is also simply a fascinating character. According to Gunn, “Supergirl” is inspired by 2021’s “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” a comic series written by Tom King and illustrated by Bilquis Evely. King and Evely’s series is highly regarded as one of the best Supergirl books by many fans, and if Gunn’s word is good, “Supergirl” should be a slam dunk for the DCU. The book features a party-girl-drunkard version of Kara with a tortured past and a short temper, and the teaser for “Supergirl” stays loyal to this idea.
After Supergirl Summer (as I will be calling it), the film “Clayface” is expected to drop this September. Clayface, a shape-shifting mud monster known for fighting Batman, is certainly an interesting choice for the DCU, especially since we’re only in chapter one.
Clayface is best known as a villain, but he’s typically depicted as revolted by his monstruous self, wishing he were human. Many comics depict him as a sympathetic villain, such as the recent “Batman and Robin: Year One” comic run, though some go so far as to make him a villain-turned-hero working alongside Batman.
The “Clayface” script was originally written by Mike Flannagan, best known for “The Haunting of Hill House.” However, screenwriter Hossein Amini, best known for the movie “Drive,” was later hired to rewrite some of Flannagan’s script. Gunn later confirmed on Threads that Flannagan’s script would remain mostly unchanged.
While highlighting a villain in the DCU can seem like a strange choice, having a script from Flannagan is certainly a good sign. Flannagan is primarily a horror writer, so pairing him with the villainous Clayface makes plenty of sense.
2027 will see the release of “Man of Tomorrow,” another Superman-focused film featuring a team-up between Superman and Lex Luthor against a greater threat. Not much is known about this movie, but as previously noted, Corenswet and Hoult are an excellent duo with incredible chemistry. I expect “Man of Tomorrow” to be another hit for the DCU.
Finally, one of the more controversial announcements was “The Brave and the Bold,” centered around Batman and Robin.
While Matt Reeves’ “The Batman,” starring Robert Pattinson, was a huge success, Gunn and Reeves have confirmed that Pattinson’s (nicknamed “Battinson” by fans) Batman will not be a part of Gunn’s DCU. Instead, Reeves’ Batman will exist alongside Gunn’s, and fans can expect the movies to be released in different years, likely with different tones.
This announcement is a little disappointing, although all is not lost. While it’s unfortunate that Battinson won’t be joining the DCU world, I adore 2022’s “The Batman” and I’m grateful that Reeves gets to keep creative control of it and future films.
“The Brave and the Bold” is set to be directed by Andy Muschietti (“The Flash,” “It”) and written by Christina Hudson (“The Flash,” “Birds of Prey”). Unfortunately, 2023’s “The Flash” was by no means a success, and many fans are skeptical of the team-up.
Additionally, “The Brave and the Bold” is set to include the fictional Damian Wayne as Robin, which is an interesting choice from Gunn. Many Batman movies have avoided including a Robin, and when there is one, Robin is typically Richard “Dick” Grayson, the original and most famous Robin.
Damian Wayne is also Batman’s current and most recent Robin. To include Damian might indicate the inclusion of other Batman-adjacent characters such as Dick Grayson (Nightwing), Jason Todd (Red Hood), Tim Drake (Red Robin), and the three Batgirls: Barbara Gordon, Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown.
As a major Batman fan, this extended cast of characters would be a welcome sight on the big screen. Even if “The Brave and the Bold” turns out to be a flop, it could introduce some of the most well-loved characters among comic fans to a wider audience. And while the Gunnverse’s take on Batman is up in the air, things are looking good for the rest of the DCU. Personally, I’m just glad that superheroes are back on the market.