The DCU Has Already Changed In These 10 Major Ways Since Its First 2022 Announcement Despite Only Having Released 1 Show

The new DC Universe has only released one project so far with Creature Commandos, but the shape of the franchise has already changed significantly since its initial slate was revealed in 2022. With a recent update on the future of the DC Universe, it seems that the new cinematic universe has been finding its shape behind the scenes. While some projects continue to move forward as expected, others have been replaced or delayed, all due to various interesting and illuminating reasons.

Studio heads James Gunn and Peter Safran appear to be dynamic and committed co-CEOs who hope to deliver the best possible cinematic experience with the new franchise. Everything known about Superman suggests that the new film will provide a unique and refreshing look at what superhero movies can be in the current climate. It is clear that the shape and the future of the franchise will depend on that film’s success, although several other important changes have also occurred behind the scenes as production has moved forward.

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Response To Superman’s Marketing Suggests Growing Excitement For The New Universe

Anticipation Is High For The Upcoming Film

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Audiences seem to be excited about the upcoming DC Universe, and this is a good sign of its likely success. The first trailer for Superman broke all kinds of records, becoming the most-viewed trailer in DC and Warner Bros. history. Since then, the film has topped many Most Anticipated lists from various outlets. It seems that whatever DC Studios is doing with the character, people are interested.

David Corenswet's Superman closes his eye after getting beaten up in a fight

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This is an excellent sign. After the DCEU experienced several historic bombs at the end of its run, and with interest in most Marvel projects seemingly lower than even a few years ago, it is a relief to see audiences so excited about this new take on this classic character. Time will only tell if the film is a success, but it certainly seems that interest is there, which is absolutely essential for the DCU’s future.

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Superman

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Sci-Fi

Adventure

Release Date

July 11, 2025

Director

James Gunn

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  • Headshot Of David Corenswet In The 47th Toronto International Film Festival: `Pearl`

    David Corenswet

    Clark Kent / Superman / Kal-El

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    Rachel Brosnahan

    Lois Lane

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    Nicholas Hoult

    Lex Luthor

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    Michael Holt / Mister Terrific

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9

There Are Several New Confirmed Projects Being Created And Fast-Tracked

Some Unannounced DCU Projects Have Become High Priorities

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After the first DCU projects were confirmed, the initial slate seemed to find a new shape. Rather than moving immediately forward with some of the first confirmed projects, like Swamp Thing and The Authority, new projects have begun development. Some of these, such as Clayface, have been fast-tracked, and will be among the first films in the DCU.

Ian Ousley as Sokka on Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender with the cast of Teen Titans on his right

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Avatar: The Last Airbender Star Wants To Play A Major Teen Titans Character In DCU Movie

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With other projects, like an untitled Deathstroke and Bane movie, and a Teen Titans film in the works, initial plans for the DCU are subject to change. Gunn has spoken about the importance of moving forward when scripts are strong and ready, rather than being too invested in the connected-universe aspect of the DCU. This has caused some interesting changes in the shape of the universe’s slate.

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Clayface

Horror

Thriller

Release Date

September 11, 2026

Director

James Watkins

Writers

Mike Flanagan

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8

Krypto’s Live-Action Movie Debut Has Been Confirmed

The Good Boy Was Revealed In The Marketing For Superman

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While Krypto previously had a large role in the cast of DC League of Super-Pets many were surprised to see that he would also be a major part of Superman. Krypto was first revealed in a promotional image for the film, before playing a large part in the film’s first trailer. It seems that Superman’s dog will be an important part of this story, which was a surprising development for many.

David Corenswet As Superman Flying Through Icy Landscape In Superman Movie

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James Gunn’s Superman Is Healed In The Fortress Of Solitude In 2025 DC Movie Footage Details

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Krypto is an interesting choice to feature in the film, but it’s a refreshing and original one. The DCU is set to feature all kinds of compelling and unique characters, and including super-powered pets from Krypton is an exciting way to do this. The character is set to feature in Superman and seems likely to also play into the events of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

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The DCU’s Superman & Supergirl Have Been Cast

The First Faces Of The New Franchise Are Incredibly Important

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Robert Downey Jr. has been the anchor of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Henry Cavill was among the most important figures in the entire DCEU. The first stars cast within a new franchise have gone on to be important to that series moving forward, so it is incredibly important that the first two big heroes in DCU films were cast in the series. This helps to give an idea of the shape and feel of the series moving forward.

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Milly Alcock’s Supergirl Takes Flight In Full Costume In New DCU Movie Set Fight Video

A new Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow set video shows Milly Alcock’s Supergirl in full costume as Kara Zor-El fights a villain and takes flight.

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David Corenswet has been revealed as Superman, and the look of his version of the hero is fresh and exciting, but with appealing, classic elements. Milly Alcock will be playing Supergirl in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and, while her design has not yet been revealed, she is an exciting choice for the franchise. Alcock proved herself to be a rising star on House of the Dragon, and it is great to know that she will be an important part of the new DCU.

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Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

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June 26, 2026

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Craig Gillespie

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    Kara Zor-El / Supergirl

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    Krem of the Yellow Hills

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    Ruthye Mary Knolle

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    Lobo

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The First DCU Project Has Been Released And Given A First Look At The New World

The DCU Has Officially Begun

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The first DCU project has been released, setting up the world for the new franchise. Creature Commandos began airing in 2024, following up on several threads and details that Gunn had set up in The Suicide Squad. The animated series felt like a branching point between James Gunn’s former connections with the DCEU, and his setup for the new DCU.

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10 Best Creature Commandos Quotes

The DCU’s new Creature Commandos animated series has some really great quotes throughout its 7-episode run, so here’s some of our favorites.

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For many audiences, the new franchise will not truly begin until Superman. However, this animated series does give the first look at the world of the DCU. Glimpses of various heroes are shown throughout the series, which also sets up a number of interesting characters for the future. The new world appears to be a bright and colorful place that may also contain incredible tragedy and violence.

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December 5, 2024

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Max

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  • Headshot Of Indira Varma In The UK premiere of 'Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One’

    Indira Varma

    The Bride (voice)

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    GI Robot / Weasel (voice)

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5

The DCU Debuted Several Major DC Heroes By Showing Them Dead

A Glimpse At A Dark DCU Future Calls To Mind Details From The DCEU

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Similar to the Knightmare sequence from Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Creature Commandos provided the first look at many popular DC heroes in a vision of a possible future. This vision saw several familiar heroes dead, showing disturbing images of them impaled. These included Peacemaker, Vigilante, and Wonder Woman, among others.

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While this vision did not come to pass, it is compelling that the DCU gave their first look at some of their most popular heroes in this way. While the images are dark, and detail is hard to discern, these designs will likely remain an inspiration on the franchise’s eventual films and shows based on these popular characters, including Paradise Lost. Giving a fresh look here helped to show that the world is already big and established.

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Animated Releases Have Gotten A Bigger Focus In The DC Universe

The DC Universe Sees The Importance Of Animated Films And Shows

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Among the live-action DC TV shows, the franchise has clearly seen the importance of also using animation to tell superhero stories. This began with Creature Commandos, but will carry on in the series with other animated projects, some of which stand alone, and others that are connected to the larger universe. One of the most interesting future DC Studios projects is an animated film called Dynamic Duo.

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Everything known about Dynamic Duo suggests that the upcoming film will be one of the most unique superhero films yet. Working with a studio that combines animation, stop-motion, and puppetry, the Robin-centric film is already well into development. It seems that DC is putting a high priority on animated works in addition to live-action ones. This will help to make their new universe feel fresh and unique.

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Arthur Mintz

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Matthew Aldrich

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Matt Reeves, Michael Uslan, Peter Safran

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    Thomas Doherty

    Dick Grayson / Nightwing

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    Thomas Doherty

    Jason Todd / Red Hood

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Several Underappreciated DC Heroes Have Gotten New Live-Action Looks Revealed

Supporting DC Heroes Are Given A Prominent Push In Superman

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There are a lot of heroes in the DC Universe of the comics, and it seems that the films will also reflect this. While some have complained about the size of Superman‘s cast, the film is set to give audiences the first big-screen appearances of many popular comic book heroes. These include Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Guy Gardner, a fan-favorite Green Lantern who will be played by Nathan Fillion.

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It is so interesting to see how the new franchise is building a lived-in world of heroes and villains. Superman will begin in a universe that is already fully formed, and it is so exciting to see so many of these familiar characters being given the spotlight in the trailers for the new film. The franchise allowing characters like these to shine is such a great promise of what is to come in the new series.

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Jason Momoa Was Recast As The DC Universe’s Lobo

This Casting Sets An Interesting Precedent For DCEU Stars

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The end of the DCEU and how much it influences DCU canon has been confusing. Some details from The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker have been brought into the new continuity, while others have not. This makes the DCEU Aquaman star Jason Momoa being brought back as a new character such an important development. It is clear now that most of the DCEU is now done with, although some relationships with strong performers may see them appear in new roles.

Jason Momoa as Aquaman with Lobo from DC comics

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It would be incredible to see stars like Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck come to the DCU as new characters, and this precedent makes that possible. The DCEU had some excellent highs, but moving forward with a new, refreshed set of characters will help to make the franchise feel vital and different. Jason Momoa’s inclusion as Lobo is an excellent start to what the cast of the new DCU might look like down the line.

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Batman Has Already Been Revealed

DC’s Most Popular Character Appeared In The First DCU Project

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While Batman has seemingly not yet been cast in the DCU, the popular character has already been glimpsed in an episode of Creature Commandos. The Brave and the Bold is set to explore Batman’s place in the DCU, but seeing the hero in action, even briefly, has given audiences an idea of what to expect from Bruce Wayne. He has already been operating, and he is a beefier, tougher take on the character.

Ben Affleck's Batman and Jason Momoa's Aquaman

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I’m Convinced One Of The DCU’s Best Batman Castings Would Actually Be Better Returning To The Other DC Hero Role He Played 20 Years Ago

The most popular fan-casting choice for Batman played a different DC character already – and I think he’d should reprise that role instead.

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Some details about Batman in the universe were gleaned from the plot of The Brave and the Bold, but it is interesting that the character’s physique and general appearance have already been shown in the DC Universe. There have been many different kinds of Batmen in cinema and in comics over the years, and it is surprising and exciting that the new franchise has already revealed the general design behind their take on the character.

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