With films like Aquaman, Shazam, and sequels for Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman on the horizon, the DC Extended Universe continues to expand. This expansion brings with it innumerable questions waiting to receive answers. However, no one expects all of the myriad curiosities to garner equal address. That is doubly true with regards to fan theories, of which there are countless. Such theories spread far and wide, covering DCEU topics that are both grand and granular. Inevitably, it is impossible to acknowledge, let alone examine and interpret all of them. Hence the following list, where only a choice few fan theories will receive mention and a cursory analysis.
The fan theories in question constitute those that are most plausible. Could the super sleuthing and extensive speculation of fans be someday proven on the big screen? Such a belief is not necessarily without merit. After all, a fan’s hypothesis, where superhero media is concerned at least, is born from deep seeded knowledge of the subject matter. Consequently, there typically exists evidence to support even the wildest of suggestions. Below, we will look at 15 fan theories that are the most plausible to come to fruition in the DC Extended Universe. Some of them may surprise you.
15 BLACK MANTA WILL JOIN LEX LUTHOR'S TEAM
Justice League concluded with a mid-credits scene and a post-credits scene. The earlier of the two featured the start of a race between the Man of Steel and the Scarlet Speedster. This clever nod to the two heroes racing in the comics is deserving of several accolades. However, few were prepared for Deathstroke to appear in the post-credits scene, plotting the assembly of a villainous team with Lex Luthor. Fans are torn between whether the DCEU will deem the group a Legion of Doom or the Injustice League. But most seem to agree on its future expansion, which could include Aquaman’s Black Manta.
In the comics, Black Manta has appeared as a member of both the Legion of Doom and the Injustice League.
Thus, it would not be too shocking to see the theme continue to the villain’s first live-action appearance. If such a move does take shape, fans hypothesize Lex Luthor will greet Black Manta in an Aquaman post-credits scene similar to the one at the end of Justice League. So far, these small teases in the DCEU have been inconsistent, featuring in Suicide Squad and Justice League only. Should Aquaman follow their example, another supervillain team-up tease seems the perfect choice.
14 FLASHPOINT FILM COULD REBOOT THE DCEU
Rumors abound that Flashpoint as a standalone Flash film is no longer in the works. Warner Bros. and those involved in the creative process have yet to confirm the validity of these claims. This list, however, operates under the assumption that the Flash’s solo will still see him run back in time to prevent his mother’s murder. Considering all that Flashpoint represents in DC continuity, fans and critics alike believe the film adaptation may act as a reset button for the DCEU. Essentially, the DCEU as it presently stands will have changed upon Barry’s return from a reality wherein his mother survives.
Alterations may include a personality change for Superman and tweaks to the history concerning Wonder Woman’s time away from humanity. The most significant change, of course, could give Ben Affleck an out. A post-Flashpoint DCEU might be the easiest way in which to recast the role of Batman. With new reports suggesting Affleck is now in it for the long haul, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether WB is still in search of a new Dark Knight. At any rate, this particular storyline presents a world of possibilities. Few would be surprised if WB decided to effectively take advantage of them.
13 BILLY BATSON IS IN JUSTICE LEAGUE
Justice League, despite the controversy surrounding Henry Cavill’s mustache, opens on a hopeful note. After presumably saving lives, the Man of Steel is pulled aside by children hoping to get a quick word with their hero. They ask him a series of innocuous questions, showing great interests in his exploits as Superman. The children do not appear on-screen, but they sound like two young boys. Many fans are under the impression that the oldest sounding of the two, the boy who tries silencing the other, is Billy Batson, aka Shazam.
It makes sense -- Shazam’s greatest quality manifests in his sheer enjoyment of being a superhero.
He feels it his duty to protect and fight for humanity, sure, but the thrill also keeps him going. The boy interested in Superman’s sigil and how much the Man of Steel loves Earth could not sound anymore like Billy Batson. In truth, injecting this scene into the forthcoming Shazam! film starring Zachary Levi doesn’t seem like too much of a task. The scene would require reshooting with Billy Batson’s actor, Asher Angel, working opposite Henry Cavill’s Superman. Were this to occur, a much derided scene receives another chance to shine and could help establish the origins of Billy’s love for heroism.
12 NIGHTWING REPLACES AFFLECK'S BATMAN
Though he only wore the cowl for a short while, following the events of "Batman R.I.P.", Dick Grayson as Batman left an indelible mark on comics. His Batman bears a lightheartedness that Bruce Wayne’s could never offer. Classic relationships between the Bat and other members of the Bat-family took on a different, more personable meaning. Dick’s run with the mantle remains one of the more exciting facets of his long history. It’s no surprise, then, that many are eager to see the story revisited. The DC Extended Universe could provide such an opportunity.
Should Matt Reeves’ Batman film star Ben Affleck, theories suggest it could end with Bruce Wayne either dying or retiring. Who better to accept the mantle than Dick Grayson? Without a doubt, this theory is a tricky one. Nightwing has yet to be cast and still has a movie that’s in the earliest stages of development. His film would have to be fast tracked were he to don the cape and cowl. However, who’s to say that Nightwing cannot adopt the Dark Knight’s mantle at the end of his own solo venture? Even with Flashpoint theories circulating, this seems the optimal way of replacing Affleck if he opts out of the DCEU.
11 "MARTHA" HAS A GREATER PURPOSE
Batman v. Superman’s notorious “Martha” scene has become the butt of so many jokes that it’s long lost its luster. There are those who get a good laugh out of the scene, and there are others who find it somewhat endearing. Everyone else could not care less either way. That said, the moment is now a popular culture staple and will undoubtedly continue to receive reference and chiding. But a silver lining amongst internet fan theorists posits something grander. What if the Dark Knight isn’t resonating with Superman because of their mother’s shared names?
What if Batman, Mr. Contingency Plan himself, knows of a possible future and in that moment plants a seed?
In the middle portion of the film, Bruce falls asleep in the Batcave. He’s jolted awake from the Knightmare sequence by the Flash, who visits him from the future. The Speedster tells the vigilante that “Lois Lane is the key.” This intimates that Superman undergoes a change that only Lois can fix. Some fans believe the Speedster has it wrong and the actual key rests in Martha Kent. Batman becomes aware of this prior to his battle with Superman and the utterance of her name steers him from a poor decision. Yes, this is a massive leap in logic, but could offer an intriguing, albeit convoluted, way of salvaging the scene.
10 THE DCEU MAY ADAPT INJUSTICE'S STORYLINE
Zack Snyder has recently stated that he never intended to adapt Injustice. Rather, the alternate dystopian continuity acted as a heavy influence in his design choices. That much is at least evident in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Still, the beloved game series and comic tie-in continues to intrigue fans with regards to the DCEU. What would Henry Cavill’s Superman look like as a despot? What role would Batman play and how much of that is teased in BvS’ Knightmare sequence? The questions and possibilities are vast, endless even. Truthfully, Warner Bros. could probably pull off such a feat.
However, there are doubts as to whether Injustice could work as a big budget, live-action film. More Knightmare sequences are bound to do the trick, though, were Warner Bros. to pursue this particular route. Essentially, this may offer fans little more than a taste of a future that would never receive extensive depiction on film. As evidenced by the studio’s past decisions, however, anything is possible. Joker’s to receive an origin film beyond the trappings of the DCEU. Maybe there’s room for an Injustice project in a similar vein. Regardless, this is one fan theory we are choosing to file in the plausible pile.
9 BATMAN V SUPERMAN TEASES VANDAL SAVAGE
The DC Universe is filled with immortal characters who are likely to choose courses of action that most consider evil. Two men in particular come to mind -- Ra’s al Ghul and Vandal Savage. The former of the two immortals is a well known Batman rogue who continues to rise in popularity. Ra’s has had his time to shine in animated projects, Batman Begins, the Arkham series, Arrow, and Gotham. Vandal Savage, however, is much less of a household name. Sure, he’s featured in a slew of animated television series and films. And Legends of Tomorrow brings him to the fore by making him the villain of its pilot season.
Getting Vandal Savage on the big screen would offer him the mainstream attention he deserves, though.
According to one fan theory, this idea is already in motion thanks to Batman v. Superman. During Bruce’s and Diana’s museum scene, they make note of a sword that’s on display. Both are aware of its inauthenticity, as the real one “hangs over the bed of the Sultan of Hajar.” This Sultan, fans hypothesize, is none other than Vandal Savage himself. Nothing aside from an impassioned guess provides evidence to this claim. Yet, that doesn’t make the theory any less plausible. Savage is more than formidable enough to hold his own as a DCEU villain.
8 JUSTICE LEAGUE'S RUSSIAN GIRL IS A FUTURE HERO
To make sense of the seemingly senseless, fans project theories onto a film’s weaker moments. Perhaps events X and Y transpire, because the sequel will result in action Z. This is true of most mediums of entertainment, including film, television, and gaming. Few films in recent memory have been hit harder by such rampant theorizing as Justice League. The explanation in question revolves around a subplot wherein a Russian family are in hiding from Parademons. Several scenes showcase their attempts to remain unseen, many of which disjoint the film’s pacing.
These scenes were added when Joss Whedon took over directing duties for Zack Snyder. According to Whedon, they were intended to steer focus from the heroes and show how civilians are managing against the fourth world threat. Fans, though, have a theory that gives these family scenes in Russia a little more depth. The young girl in the family, who receives the most screen time of the bunch, may grow up be a hero in her own right. For some fans, her identity is likely ambiguous. Others, however, are suggesting that she may be Terra, a character whose most known for her role as a Teen Titan. Though the circumstances of the Justice League character’s upbringing differ from Terra’s, her potentially being revealed to have the power of Earth manipulation doesn’t sound too far fetched.
7 THE ARROWVERSE WILL CROSS OVER
That this theory has remained prevalent should surprise no one. Since Warner Bros. announced its plans to develop a DC-centric cinematic universe, many have speculated the possibilities of at least Stephen Amell’s Green Arrow hitting the big screen. Several times over bosses from both The CW and WB have said such a merger is unlikely to happen. However, the existence of the Arrowverse’s multiverse seems to open more doors than could ever be closed. The multiverse provides a way in which all of the characters can co-exist. For instance, it explains there being two of one character, such as Superman and Flash.
Despite the multiverse’s having yet to receive a confirmation in the DCEU, some fan theories double down on the potential Arrowverse connection.
This doubling proposes that were the Arrowverse to cross over, it would do so on the back of an "Infinite Crisis"-like story. The massive comic book event is most notably significant because of its returning the multiverse to the DC Universe. A similar effort on the big screen to combine the television and movie universes certainly seems an ambitious move. Would Warner Bros. be willing to take such a gamble? It’s tough to say, but the studio has taken plenty of risks. This one may not be too over the line.
6 DCEU MOVIE INTRO INCLUDES ALL FUTURE CHARACTERS
Of all the theories featured on this list, this one seems the most plausible. When Wonder Woman opened in the summer of 2017, the film debuted an official DCEU introduction clip. The usual suspects, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, etc., were front and center. It’s a clip that appears to homage the title sequences of Justice League and Justice League: Unlimited animated series. Thus, surely each character featured in the intro must bear some significance to the DCEU. Other known factors like Billy Batson/Shazam, Joker, Black Adam, and Nightwing are easily discernible in the bunch. But what of characters such as Supergirl, Hawkgirl, and Martian Manhunter? Does this tease the forthcoming arrival of these heroes?
Because so little is known about WB’s future plans with regards to the DCEU, this theory proves difficult to measure. This is especially true when considering the confusion that surrounds the Arrowverse and character usage. However, the DCEU may span an untold number of years. Perhaps Martian Manhunter leads a film about the Justice League Task Force that hits theaters in 2025. Whatever the case may be, the characters featured in the intro seem deliberate, purposeful. Unfortunately, as fans, we’re just left to wait for the purpose’s unveiling.
5 BANE'S VENOM IS DOCTOR POISON'S FORMULA
Despite his present absence in the DC Extended Universe, speculation regarding Bane has already begun to circulate. The beloved Batman foe is bound to appear at some point, even if simply for cameo purposes. As such, Venom, the drug that acts as a steroid to power his super-strength, must also factor into future DCEU plans. Some fan theories posit that the drug has played a massive role in the cinematic universe’s past. Might Doctor Poison’s mysterious gas, which gives superpowers to General Ludendorff, be a precursor to Bane’s Venom? The gas’ green hue and the abilities it provides Ludendorff suggests as much.
Since Wonder Woman’s 2017 release, this theory has been prevalent amongst fans.
And it’s easy to see why, as it offers a way in which to incorporate the DCEU’s older stories into the more modern day narratives. Furthermore, it could team Wonder Woman and Batman in an intriguing fashion. Of course, were Doctor Poison’s gas and Venom shown to have a connection, a number of questions would need answering. Chief among them would be how the formula was passed down and how Bane came to possess it. That’s the fun of the theory, though; a myriad of stories could spawn from such an idea.
4 FLASH'S POWERS ARE FROM THE WORLD ENGINE
The DCEU’s first film does not hold back on exploring Kryptonian lore. The fascinating bits and pieces that audiences are treated to briefly touch upon Krypton before its destruction and sees Kal-El garner information from a hologram of his deceased father, Jor-El. Man of Steel takes it a step further and give Superman evil Kryptonians to fight, which are led by General Zod. Many may recall that Zod’s mission centers on terraforming the Earth in an effort to establish a New Krypton. His plan’s success is contingent on an ancient artifact from their home planet -- the World Engine.
The World Engine’s power is so great that upon activation, a pulsating beam formed with effects that may have triggered an interesting event. Barry Allen’s Speedster abilities may be a result of a lightning storm sparked by the World Engine. This theory only stands as a possibility because the DCEU has yet to officially reveal from where the Flash’s powers were derived. A storm from the Kryptonian device may also explain Victor Stone’s accident. Like the Scarlet Speedster, full details for Cyborg’s origin story have yet to receive exploration. As far as we know, metahumans in the traditional sense (Wonder Woman and Aquaman don’t count), didn’t exist prior to Superman’s going public. The World Engine provides the perfect explanation for why this is the case.
3 FLASHPOINT CAUSES THE DCEU'S DARK TONE
While Doctor Manhattan may or may not have been wreaking silent havoc across the DC Universe in the comics, another event may be responsible for the DCEU’s being turned upside down. It is no secret that not everyone is a fan of the film universe’s darker tone. This has led to many narrative-driven theories that hope to explain the DCEU’s tone. One popular bit of speculation has Flashpoint in the center of it all. According to this particular theory, Ezra Miller’s Flash has already run back in time to save his mother.
Thus, the timeline audiences have witnessed, so far, is one wherein the Speedster has visited a Flashpoint timeline and returned.
On paper, this may potentially answer several questions. However, trouble arises when logistics, such as The Flash’s forthcoming solo film, are taken into consideration. Yet, that still does not work to discount this theory’s plausibility. Yes, this would mean the DCEU, should Flash’s solo revolve around Flashpoint, is double-dipping on that story arc. But, as seen on The CW’s Flash series, Barry repeatedly altering the timeline for his own benefit is not necessarily beyond the realm of possibility. In fact, at this point, such drastic changes are pretty much expected.
2 HAL JORDAN IS PARALLAX
The advent of Justice League last fall offered audiences their first glimpse at the Green Lanterns of the DCEU. However, the tease solely acted as a flashback to a time where the universe’s fiercest warriors teamed to fight Steppenwolf. As things presently stand in the cinematic universe, the Lanterns whereabouts are unknown. During the film, the Apokoliptan General makes note of Earth’s absence of protectors, as there are no Kryptonians or Lanterns to offer aid. This has led many to ponder if the Green Lantern Corps has either disbanded or abandoned their duties.
One popular fan theory suggests something far more grim than either of the aforementioned possibilities. The DCEU’s Hal Jordan is Parallax and has, thus, destroyed the Corps. Parallax is an entity whose demonic nature is said to be fear incarnate. Thanks to the prodding of Sinestro, Parallax uses Hal Jordan as a means to garner freedom from imprisonment. With Parallax in control, Jordan embarks on a murderous rampage. Might this explain the Lanterns’ absence in the DCEU? If they were available, surely the Guardians would have sent a team of Green Lanterns to fight alongside the Justice League in the battle against Steppenwolf. Additionally, Parallax could be an incredible villain for the still planned Green Lantern Corps film.
1 GORDON PROTECTS GOTHAM WHEN BATMAN'S OFF-DUTY
At this point, Batman without Jim Gordon is not an option. Therefore, the casting for the beloved character is just as significant as the casting of the Bat himself. No one will argue that J.K. Simmons as the Commissioner isn’t an inspired choice. His being a perfect fit for the role is inarguable. Interestingly, the “fit” aspect is what has some fans reeling and in want of more Gordon. Many will recall that in the months leading up to Justice League’s launch, images surfaced of Simmons in the gym. His surprisingly muscular frame lead to many “Gym Gordon” memes and left fans wondering if the DCEU may put Simmons’ physique to use.
According to one optimistic fan suggestion, the best course of action is in the DCEU’s Jim Gordon acting as protector of Gotham when Batman isn’t available.
There is precedent for this in the comics, as Gordon took over the mantle of the Bat following the events of New 52’s Endgame. This would be a first for film, though. Yet, the theory doesn’t posit that Gordon becomes the Batman. It merely proposes that he takes on a vigilante-like role to fight crime in a way his job won’t allow. If nothing else, such a story would certainly mark a grand departure from what film audiences are used to seeing of the Commissioner.