The DC Universe is officially embarking on a bold new era, and there is much for fans to look forward to. At the helm of James Gunn and Peter Safran, DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters signals the beginning of a new era—one founded on interwoven stories, complex characters, and daring creative decisions. Whether you’re a die-hard DC fan or just love a good superhero epic, these 10 new movies and shows will redefine what the DCU can do.
1. Superman
DC’s new era begins with a familiar face—Superman. Written and directed by James Gunn, this version stars David Corenswet as a younger Clark Kent, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. This isn’t another origin story, but instead a new story of Superman learning to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing in a world already full of heroes. As Peter Safran outlined, “He’s kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.” The movie also stars Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, grounding it as the jumping-off point for the combined DC Universe.
2. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Adapted from the top-rated comic by Tom King, this darker, more realistic take on Supergirl sees House of the Dragon’s Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film delves into Supergirl’s troubled childhood, surviving Krypton’s explosion in much more brutal circumstances than her cousin, Clark. Gunn says Superman was brought up with love and stability, while Kara witnessed her world crumbling around her, making for a much edgier take on the character than fans are familiar with.
3. The Brave and the Bold
Batman is back—but with his son this time. The Brave and the Bold brings Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s assassin-trained offspring, into the fold in a story that takes its cue from Grant Morrison’s legendary comic run. Andy Muschietti, director of The Flash, will helm the movie and delve into the complicated father-son relationship while broadening the Bat-family in ways the big screen has yet to do. The script is finished, and production news is imminent.
4. Swamp Thing
James Mangold (Logan) will direct this dark, standalone origin story horror reimagining of one of DC’s most enigmatic characters. Swamp Thing will delve into the supernatural deeply, promising a darker take on one of DC’s most iconic characters. Mangold has spoken about the project as being a “simple, clean Gothic horror,” focusing more on atmosphere and character than dense mythology.
5. The Authority
A morally ambiguous team of heroes from the WildStorm universe is set to debut in the DCU. The Authority observes a group willing to do whatever it takes—even what’s wrong—to improve the world. Gunn compares their methods to the ideals of Jack Nicholson’s character in A Few Good Men. Although still in the early stages of development, this project has the potential to shake up traditional superhero morality in a big way.
6. Wonder Woman
There is a new Wonder Woman movie in the works, although this one will not include Gal Gadot. James Gunn has explained that the venture is completely unrelated to the upcoming Paradise Lost series, with a new approach to the character now in production. There has yet to be any casting announced.
7. Creature Commandos
This animated series launched the new DCU in 2024 with a crazy combination of monsters, clandestine missions, and anarchic black-ops action. An all-star voice cast—Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, joined by Frank Grillo, David Harbour, Maria Bakalova, and Alan Tudyk—stars in this series about an elite team of monstrous operatives who hope to execute high-risk government missions. Already greenlit for a second season, Creature Commandos launches the DCU’s animated slate with a strong and promising beginning.
8. Peacemaker Season 2
John Cena once again plays the crazy-but-lovable Peacemaker in the second season of the series, reprising the humor, heart, and explosive action that made Season 1 a ratings sensation. This time, Peacemaker has the additional personal stakes and emotional intensity as he is on the run from Rick Flag Sr. Fans can also look forward to crossovers from prominent DCU characters such as Hawkgirl and Green Lantern Guy Gardner, and implications of the growing multiverse—laying the ground for even greater developments throughout the DCU.
9. Lanterns
Envision True Detective, but in space. Lanterns tracks Green Lanterns John Stewart and Hal Jordan—Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler—tackling a mystery that has huge ramifications for the DCU. With a staff that includes Damon Lindelof, Tom King, and showrunner Chris Mundy, this earthy, character-centric series is poised to be a flagship of the new TV lineup.
10. Waller
Viola Davis returns as Amanda Waller in a spinoff following Peacemaker Season 2. With a lot of the Peacemaker cast, the series will explore deeper into Waller’s morally ambiguous leadership. Christal Henry (Watchmen) and Jeremy Carver (Doom Patrol) are developing the series, with writing still in progress.