Warner Bros. Discovery finally revealed the DC Studios' DCU slate yesterday, and with a total of 10 upcoming projects in "Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters," we've been left with plenty to discuss.
Five movies and five TV shows are going to make up the first half of that opening chapter, but it's the former we're focusing on today. Kicking off with Superman: Legacy in 2025, these will be the real test for DC Studios as they look to establish a new shared world that can find as much critical and commercial success as the MCU.
That's no easy feat for this damaged brand, and should these titles fail, that could be it for the DCU. We're excited for all of them, but some more than others, hence why we've listed them from least to most anticipated (something we're sure you'll have your own thoughts about).
To take a look through this ranking, simply click on the "Next" button below!
5. The Authority
Logline: DC’s WildStorm characters will join the DCU as members of The Authority take matters into their own hands to do what they believe is right.
We're not remotely surprised that Gunn has decided to bring this relatively obscure team to the big screen, and wouldn't be shocked if he ends up at the helm of this one.
The concept of a team of superheroes who get the job done by any means necessary is fun. However, we're talking about real D-List characters here; The Authority may well put the likes of Jenny Sparks and Midnighter on the map, but until then, we're low on reasons to be excited about this project.
Heck, it could be DC's answer to The Boys, but DC Studios needs to find a good reason to make this a must-see movie.
4. Swamp Thing
Logline: The film will investigate the dark origins of Swamp Thing.
The Swamp Thing TV show that streamed on the short-lived DC Universe app was a lot of fun but also held back by its small screen budget. Bringing this character to theaters is a ballsy move, though it gives DC Studios the chance to really explore what makes Alec Holland great.
We're assuming it will be heavily horror inspired, while it's hard to imagine John Constantine not appearing at some point.
It's obviously too soon to say, but based on the other comic books that seem to be inspiring the DCU, Alan Moore and Scott Snyder's runs might be a good place to look for clues about what's planned. If they pull this off, it could be an instant classic.
3. Superman: Legacy
Logline: Written by Gunn, the film will hit theaters on July 11, 2025, and focus on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.
Yes, Superman: Legacy has failed to secure the top spot! For many of you, this will be sacrilege, but as excited as we are to have Gunn penning the screenplay - and possibly directing - it's getting difficult to be excited about another Superman story.
With this movie taking place early in the Man of Steel's career, it's hard not to think back to all the times we've already seen that on screen. Whether it's Clark Kent bumbling his way through The Daily Planet, romancing Lois Lane, or coming to terms with his place in the world, it all feels very familiar at this stage.
Still, it's a new big screen Superman adventure and that is cause for celebration. We just hope Gunn has a way of making it feel fresh.
2. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Logline: This science fiction adventure, which will be based on Tom King’s amazing, award-winning recent comics stories, presents a Supergirl viewers are not used to seeing.
Some of you will question why Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow ranks above Superman: Legacy, but if you've read the comic book series it's based on, we're sure you'll agree with this decision.
Following the hero on a cosmic adventure in which she's joined by a young girl looking to avenge her father, Tom King's eight-issue run put a completely different spin on the character that was unlike anything we've seen before. If that's the plan for this movie as well, how can you not be excited?
Violent, compelling, and heavily sci-fi inspired, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is an amazing read and will surely satisfy fans looking for a new type of superhero movie.
1. The Brave and the Bold
Logline: The DCU will introduce its Batman and Robin in this unusual father-son story inspired by Grant Morrison’s comic series.
We're thrilled that Matt Reeves will get to continue with his own plans for The Batman franchise, but it's hard not to think The Brave and the Bold will deliver the Caped Crusader movie we've all really been waiting for.
Set to introduce members of the Bat-Family, the main focus will be on Batman struggling to work with his new Robin, his son, Damian Wayne. If you've read the Batman and Robin comic books by Grant Morrison and Peter J. Tomasi, then you'll know that this concept is one with a massive amount of potential in the new DCU.
This is a team-up we've been waiting to see on screen for decades, and if Reeves is focusing on villains like The Joker and The Penguin, perhaps we'll finally see some members of Batman's rogues gallery who have yet to appear on screen?