While it's still not perfect, the DC Extended Universe is in a better place than it was after the disastrous launch of Justice League in 2017. Its slate of theatrical releases, including the long-awaited Black Adam and The Flash solo films, has the potential to be critical and commercial successes. Unfortunately, just as the universe is finding its footing on the big screen, the upcoming slate of films premiering on HBO Max is preparing to steal the thunder.
To understand why, it's best to look at the kinds of characters being given the spotlight on HBO Max, as opposed to on the big screen. The DCEU's upcoming theatrical releases include two sequels (Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and Shazam!: Fury of the Gods) and two films that have been in development for years (The Flash and Black Adam), as well as an out-of-continuity movie in the form of another Batman reboot. And while all these films may turn out to be enjoyable entries in the franchise, none of them feel particularly novel.
HBO Max's projects, on the other hand, feel like a breath of fresh air. Black Canary gives Jurnee Smollett the spotlight after her supporting role in Birds of Prey and reunites her with frequent collaborator Misha Green. Elsewhere, Leslie Grace's Batgirl will introduce a more comics-accurate version of the character than Alicia Silverstone's take in Batman & Robin and include an appearance by her father, J.K. Simmons' Commissioner Gordon. While being truer to the source material than her previous cinematic appearance, Batgirl's producer Kristin Burr has said that fans will "see a different side of Gotham" in the film.
Jaime Reyes, the third Blue Beetle, will make his return to live-action on HBO Max after appearing in the final season of Smallville in a solo film. Details about Blue Beetle are scarce at this point, but Cobra Kai's Xolo Maridueña is attached to star as the titular character and Charm City Kings' Angel Manuel Soto will direct. And if it adheres to the source material, Blue Beetle could be DC's answer to Spider-Man and Invincible.
Along with James Gunn's Peacemaker and the other television series in development, HBO Max's DCEU projects are looking to explore characters and settings that are underserved by their theatrical release counterparts. They're also offering a healthy amount of representation, something that is present in some but not all of the DCEU's theatrical slate.
However, as appealing as the HBO Max projects are, there is an elephant in the room that must be addressed. All three films star a BIPOC and/or female character and feature people of color behind the camera. That's commendable in a vacuum, but less so when the reason why they aren't being given theatrical runs is considered -- the films being produced for the service are considered "riskier" propositions financially than the uniformly male starring movies that will hit theaters in the next two years.
This makes HBO Max a double-edged sword on some level. As disappointing as it is that characters like Batgirl and Black Canary aren't being given full theatrical runs, it's better that they are at least being given a chance to exist in some form. Disney+'s Marvel shows have proven that streaming exclusives can be just as entertaining as their cinematic counterparts, and what's known about the DCEU streaming films and shows so far suggests they'll do the same.