The DCEU has always been the MCU's biggest competitor when it comes to superheroes, but has only rarely been able to prevail against Marvel's cinematic supremacy. Although many movies in this genre have had a hard time in recent years, hardly any other franchise has produced as many flops as the DCEU: be it "Aquaman 2", "The Flash" or "Black Adam", the movies failed to live up to their potential and left fans with hardly any positive reactions.

But things are about to change: Peter Safran and James Gunn have assumed control of the franchise, cut all ties to the previous movies and want to make a big new start with the so-called DCU. And there seems to be a proper master plan for this: Numerous movies and series have already been announced and have the chance to build on one another in a meaningful way - just like the MCU in its best days!

In this article, we give you a full overview of which projects are in development and which superheroes and antiheroes we can look forward to in the coming years: This is the future of the DCU!

Gods and Monsters: Movies

Like Marvel, the DC movies are now being divided into phases. The first phase is called "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters". It will comprise 5 movies and 5 series - this was already confirmed by James Gunn back in 2022.

Superman

James Gunn's "Superman" will kick off the DCU in cinemas. The film will be released on July 11, 2025. Although the movie will focus on Clark Kent's younger years, it is explicitly not meant to be an origin story. It is more about his beginnings as a journalist and how he views other superheroes from this perspective before getting involved in the action himself. Nevertheless, he is said to have already established a name for himself as a superhero, so the world is already aware of its Man of Steel.

Superman won't be played by fan favorite Henry Cavill anymore, but by David Corenswet instead. And at his side we will see Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. It seems as though numerous heroes will make an appearance in the film, including Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Mister Terrific and Hawkgirl. Superman's antagonist will be Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

Superman's cousin is also getting her own movie: In "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow", "House of the Dragon" star Milly Alcock takes on the leading role. Unlike Clark Kent, Kara did not grow up on Earth, but on her home planet Krypton, and had to watch as everyone around her gradually died. The movie will be released in theaters on June 26, 2026 and there will definitely be a clash with Clark Kent. Not only is the movie set on Earth, but it will also show the galaxy of the new DCU.

The Brave and the Bold

It's been a long time since we were able to enjoy Batman and Robin together on the big screen. In Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" series, Robin was teased - but that's about it. The film "The Brave and the Bold", however, will finally reunite the iconic duo. The plot is based on the comics by Grant Morrison. In this father-son story, Robin is Batman's son, even though he is unaware of this for the first 10 years.

The casting of Robin and especially Batman in the DCU is of course a huge topic. According to James Gunn, they are still on the lookout, but the web is of course full of ideal candidates. These range from the return of Christian Bale all the way to "Supernatural" and "The Boys" star Jensen Ackles. Meanwhile, "Reacher" actor Alan Ritchson has been busy promoting himself - despite many believing him to be less qualified for the role of Bruce Wayne. The search could go on a while longer, as we probably won't be able to see the film in cinemas any sooner than 2026 or 2027.

Swamp Thing

The creepy thing from the swamp is also coming to the movies: "Swamp Thing" is anything but a shining hero. Details regarding the movie are still very scarce, though. Nevertheless, one thing is already certain: in contrast to the other projects, the movie is set to be a lot darker. "Logan" director James Mangold is set to be in charge of the project. However, as the release is not expected to happen before 2028, further information is expected to be a long time coming.

The Authority

Phase 1 of the DCU concludes with "The Authority". In this film, characters from the so-called Wildstorm Universe will join the DCU. This is a former independent comic universe that was acquired by DC towards the end of the 90s and was integrated into its own canon as of 2011. It is already known that the movie will have a connection to "Superman" and the heroes we met in this movie.

The bunch of heroes known as "The Authority" tend to take matters into their own hands and do whatever they think is necessary to create a better world. James Gunn himself states about the group that this, Quote, "[...] means killing people, destroying heads of state, changing governments ...You know, whatever they want to do to make the world better." Unquote.

So we can presumably expect a big moral conflict between the heroes known from "Superman" and the new hero squad. As this is also the last movie from Phase 1, this battle is sure to have major consequences for the further development of the DCU. A release date for "The Authority" is currently unknown, as is the director.

Gods and Monsters: Series

Paradise Lost

With "Paradise Lost", we are getting a series that will remind us of the better days of the DCEU: It is a prequel series to "Wonder Woman". The story takes place in Themyscira, the home of the Amazons. The series is intended to give viewers a "Game of Thrones" vibe: Politics, scheming and violence are to be the focus. The plot is about how Themyscira became the land we saw in the films and how the Amazons were able to establish female rule. Unfortunately, an exact date for when the series will be released has not been announced yet.

Booster Gold

The next series will introduce a new hero that many of you may not yet be familiar with: his name is "Booster Gold". The series of the same name revolves around the time-traveling Michael Jon Carter from the 25th century. He takes essential technology from his time into the past in order to be recognized as a hero. It has not yet been revealed when exactly the series will be released.

Creature Commandos

Similar to the MCU, the DCU is now also adding animated series to its portfolio. In the series called "Creature Commandos", Amanda Waller assembles a secret black ops team of monstrous participants. This series marks the beginning of the new DCU and will premiere on Max in December 2024.

It features famous characters such as Rick Flag Sr., Frankenstein and his bride and Doctor Phosphorus, as well as the mutant scientist Dr. Nina Mazursky and the weasel known from "The Suicide Squad". The antagonist of the team will be the wicked sorceress Circe.

Waller

In addition, the success of the first season of "Peacemaker" will be continued: The series is getting a spin-off with "Waller". This is set to pick up after the end of the first season and puts Viola Davis in the spotlight as Amanda Waller. All the main characters from "Peacemaker" will likewise return.

The series' screenplay is being written by Christal Henry and Jeremy Carver. The two have already written the scripts for "Watchmen" and "Doom Patrol". But fans of "Peacemaker" can look forward to even more: James Gunn has already confirmed a second season, which he will take care of after finishing "Superman".

Lanterns

The final series of Phase 1 of the DCU has it all, as it will see the return of a heroic group long thought to be gone: the Green Lanterns. The series, called "Lanterns", is described as a mystery show that is like a superhero version of "True Detective". In it, we follow intergalactic police officers John Stewart and Hal Jordan. "Lanterns" was recently commissioned as a series by HBO. Chris Mundy, the author of "True Detective: Night Country", will be the showrunner. Damon Lindelof will co-write the script for the series with award-winning comic book writer Tom King.

DC Elseworlds

There are a few DC movies that those responsible didn't want to simply scrap despite the big reboot. So James Gunn and Peter Safran founded the so-called DC Elseworlds. This area covers all comic book adaptations that are not part of the new, coherent DCU.

Of course, this refers in particular to "Joker 2: Folie à Deux", which will be released in movie theaters on October 4, 2024, and "The Batman 2" with Robert Pattinson in the lead role: following a massive postponement, the planned theatrical release date is currently October 2, 2026. So it remains a curious fact that DC will probably continue to send two different Batman actors into action at the same time: Pattinson in "The Batman 2" and whoever will be cast for "The Brave and the Bold".