James Gunn Announces First Slate of TV Shows and Movies for the DC Universe

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As a die-hard comic book fan with a soft spot for DC Universe, I must say that James Gunn and Peter Safran have truly shaken things up in the world of superheroes! With their latest announcement of the Chapter One slate for the DCU, it’s clear that they’ve got some exciting plans brewing.

Dwayne Johnson was correct that the power structure within the DC Universe would shift; however, he misjudged who would ultimately hold the highest position. Now, the authority lies with the newly appointed co-heads of DC, James Gunn and Peter Safran. Ever since they were brought on board, we’ve been curious about how this change might impact the superhero franchise. But we no longer have to guess because Gunn has officially revealed plans for “Chapter 1” of projects within a unified DC universe, also known as the DCU.

Gunn and Safran have outlined their strategy for the initial 8-10 years of their leadership over the new DC Universe, which will encompass room for projects not directly connected to the primary DC Universe. This includes films such as “The Batman Part 2,” “Teen Titans Go,” and “Joker: Folie à Deux” that will be categorized under the DC Elseworlds label, much like in the DC comics.

In-progress films such as “Shazam: Fury of the Gods,” “The Flash,” “Blue Beetle,” and “Aquaman 2” are paving the way for Gunn and Safran’s integrated DC Universe. It is worth mentioning that Gunn stated that “The Flash” will reboot the entire DC Universe. This comprehensive universe will span films, television shows, and video games. Gunn also mentioned that characters might transition between animated and live-action formats, with the same actors providing voices for the former.

However, the most exciting announcement from Gunn pertains to a fresh lineup of DC movies and series collectively titled as “Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.” Here’s a summary of the information available on these upcoming DC Universe projects.

DC UNIVERSE CHAPTER ONE MOVIES

Kick-off for the cinematic side of the fresh DC Universe will occur on July 11, 2025 with the film Superman: Legacy. Gunn is penning the script, describing it as “the genuine start” of this new unified phase.

As stated in the announcement, the upcoming “Superman” film is expected to center around Superman navigating and reconciling his Kryptonian background with his human upbringing.

You can check out everything we know about Superman: Legacy here:

James Gunn Says SUPERMAN Trailer Is ‘On My Hard Drive’

In this project, Gunn is crafting a large-scale film, introducing an unusual team of superheroes. These characters view the world as damaged and in need of rescue. However, they will also engage with the established major characters from the franchise.

This passage can be rephrased as follows: Further details are given regarding a DC Universe film. Notably, it mentions that WildStorm characters will become part of the DCU. Specifically, the group known as The Authority will take independent action, acting on their convictions to do what they deem appropriate.

In this scenario, the title “The Brave and the Bold” refers to an upcoming tale within the DC Universe (DCU). This story is inspired by Grant Morrison’s comic book series and brings Batman into the picture. Notably, Damian Wayne, who is genuinely Batman’s son, will take on the role of Robin in this narrative.

As stated by Gunn, “Damian Wayne is the son of Batman, who wasn’t aware of him during the initial eight to ten years of his life. Raised as a small killer and assassin, he’s my preferred Robin.

Last year’s comic book series, “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” penned by Tom King and illustrated by Bilquis Evely, is being adapted into a grand science fiction movie epic.

Gunn explains that in our narrative, we have Superman who was adopted by kindly parents on Earth after being sent there from his home planet. In contrast, Kara Zor-El lived for the initial fourteen years of her life on a fragment of Krypton that separated from the planet. There, she witnessed everyone around her perish, which has made her a more hardened and troubled Supergirl compared to previous portrayals.

It was recently reported that Ana Nogueira will write the DCU’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow movie.

The character “Swamp Thing” may have a tone that’s different from other parts of the DC Universe, but its origin tale will nonetheless contribute to the overall narrative of the DC Universe.

DCU CHAPTER ONE TELEVISION SHOWS

Project DCU’s First Animated Series: Kicking off our new universe is an animated show, inspired by characters debuted back in 1980, titled “Creature Commandos”.

The announcement reveals that this upcoming animated series consists of seven episodes, where Amanda Waller assembles a covert team from fearsome convicts. Gunn is responsible for writing every episode in the initial season. He also mentioned the members of the team: Rick Flag, Sr., who will appear elsewhere; Nina Mazursky; Doctor Phosphorus, a Batman antagonist; Eric Frankenstein (specifically); The Bride of Frankenstein, who takes the lead role; and lastly, G.I. Robot and Weasel.

In simpler terms, the second series produced by Gunn and Safran is titled “Waller“. This live-action spinoff of “Peacemaker” will center around Amanda Waller as she joins forces with members from the “Peacemaker” team.

Christal Henry (“Watchmen”) and Jeremy Carver (“Supernatural”) are responsible for penning this chapter within the DC Universe.

“Lanterns” – Gunn announces an upcoming HBO series featuring Hal Jordan and John Stewart, titled as the “earthbound” counterpart to True Detective. This series will delve into a deeply troubling mystery that links back to the entire franchise, with the duo playing key roles in its resolution.

“Paradise Lost” shifts its setting to Themyscira, the abode of Wonder Woman. As Gunn suggests, it bears resemblance to the epic saga “Game of Thrones“. This new addition to the DC Universe delves into the origins and power struggles within an island inhabited solely by women.

Booster Gold: Booster Gold could very well be the most renowned failure within the DC universe. This character is a hero who journeys through time, equipped with advanced technology from the future to become a superhero. The same technology that makes him a hero, is also securing him his own television series.

The DCU Has Some Secret Movies and TV Series Up Its Sleeve

Intriguingly for DC enthusiasts, Gunn hints that these stories are just the ones he’s allowed to share at this moment. Most recently, Gunn disclosed that there are a couple of other projects underway, some movies and TV shows that have been greenlit or are close to being so. Undeniably, this information has sparked our curiosity to learn more about these potential productions.

But this slate is enough to know the hierarchy in the DC universe really has changed.

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2024-11-21 23:03