James Gunn released a video that detailed his and Peter Safran's plan for the future of the rebooted DCU. While Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters is set to feature a lot of familiar faces, several new characters and teams were announced. They will undoubtedly shape the future of the cinematic universe for years to come.
Gunn is looking to make a more cohesive DCU. Gunn finished the video by stating, "storytelling is always king, that's all that matters to [Gunn and Safran]," which is a clear message about his dedication to the overall quality of future projects. Luckily, fans have plenty of information regarding the first chapter of the DCU.
10 Creature Commandos Will Be One Of The First DCU Animated Series
One of the first properties James Gunn will release in Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters is an HBO animated series he wrote called Creature Commandos. It will be based upon a comic from the '80s that follows a group of monsters. The team consists of a werewolf, a vampire, a gorgon, Frankenstein, and a robot, all of whom fought against the Nazis in WWII.
Gunn also confirmed a different aspect of the universe. He stated, "something [Gunn and Safran] are going to do that's a little bit different at DC is [they're] gonna have characters move into animation, out of animation, and usually having the same actor play their voice as who plays them in live action." Gunn has written all of the episodes of the animated series, but fans don't have a release date yet.
9 Amanda Waller Will Lead Her Own Spin-Off Show
With Viola Davis reprising her role, Waller follows the defunct leader of the Suicide Squad. The series is set to release in 2024 and could include cameos from members of the Suicide Squad or the Creature Commandos for the first time in live-action.
While limited details have been released about Waller, Viola Davis returning as Amanda Waller shows that Gunn is committing to having actors reprise their roles. After the announcement that DC would be looking to cast a new Superman, many people thought Gunn would perform a full reboot, but after this announcement, it's obvious that continuity and consistency will no longer be a problem for DC.
8 Superman Legacy Will Properly Kick Off The DCU
Touted as "the true beginning of the DCU," Superman: Legacy is a feature-length film that's set to be written and directed by James Gunn and released on July 11th, 2025. Some fans have noted that the summer 2025 release date is a lofty goal because no one has been cast in any of the roles yet, so Superman: Legacy will likely face delays.
Gunn assures fans that Superman: Legacy is not an origin story, but it will still tell the story of a younger Superman. Gunn has kept details about Superman: Legacy's plot under wraps. Nevertheless, as the true beginning of Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, fans can expect an epic Superman tale.
7 The Live-Action Lanterns Series Will Be Like True Detective
One of the most anticipated projects of Gunn's announcement, Lanterns is set to feature Hal Jordan and John Stewart as a cosmic cop duo who protect Earth. They will uncover the secrets to a larger plot that will eventually tie into the entire universe. The live-action HBO Max series is set to do major world-building and will likely lead to an Avengers-level title.
Gunn describes Lanterns as, "almost like True Detective with a couple of Green Lanterns who are space cops watching over precinct Earth." He continues about the mystery thriller by saying, "In it, they discover a terrifying mystery that ties into our larger story of the DCU," promising fans a more continuity-focused DCU.
6 The Authority Is Gunn's Passion Project
The Authority is another exciting project about a lesser-known DC Comics team who are perfect for an adaptation. The Authority is a feature-length film written by Gunn, who has described it as a "passion project." The Authority will contain a group of antiheroes who think the world is broken and will do anything to fix it.
According to Gunn, The Authority "will interact with all of [the] primary DCU characters," which opens the door for ideological conflicts against the members of The Justice League. While Gunn describes the team as superheroes, he also says they will get the job done by "any means necessary," so fans can expect them to fight dirty.
5 Paradise Lost Is Described As "Almost Like Game Of Thrones"
Paradise Lost will be a live-action HBO Max series featuring Wonder Woman. The show will be set on the Amazonian's home island - Themyscira. Gunn describes Paradise Lost as, "almost like Game of Thrones with Westeros, but with all of the inhabitants Paradise Island." This means the show will likely be a political action drama that's focused on Diana and the intricacies of her people's government.
While not much about the Paradise Lost project is known, it seems more of an action drama than anything else. The project will focus on the history of Themyscira and the different Amazonian characters, including Diana's mother, Hippolyta.
4 The Brave And The Bold Will Bring Damian Wayne To The Silver Screen
One of the most anticipated projects from the Gunn's announcement, The Brave and the Bold will feature the first-ever live-action Robin in a Batman film. Not only will this be the first DCU appearance of the Caped Crusader, but it will also be the first appearance of Batman's son, Damian Wayne, and the full introduction of the Bat Family in DC films.
Gunn discussed the film in his announcement and said, "[The Brave and the Bold] is based on Grant Morrison's great comic book run. Damian Wayne is [Gunn's] favorite Robin." Gunn continued with, "this is the story of the two of them and the beginning of sort of the 'Bat Family' in the DCU." This is arguably the most anticipated project in Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.
3 Booster Gold Will Get A HBO Max Series
Booster Gold is set to be an HBO Max live-action series featuring the man of the future. Gunn describes Booster as "a loser from the future who uses future technology to come back to present day and become a superhero so that people will love him." Fans can't wait to see a cult hero with a fun and different backstory on the small screen.
Gunn finishes the announcement for Booster Gold by stating, "It is basically the superhero story of imposter syndrome on an HBO Max series," which opens the door for interesting character development opportunities. Booster Gold is also Blue Beetle's friend, so fans might be treated to a Jaime Reyes cameo in the upcoming series.
2 Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow Will Be A Sci-Fi Epic
Another live-action film Gunn announced is Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, based on Tom King's comics of the same title. Gunn stated that Woman of Tomorrow will be "a big science fiction epic film." This is exciting for many reasons, but mainly because fans can't wait to see a hero with her skillset in an epic story.
When talking about Kara Zor-El in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Gunn says, "Supergirl in this story is a character who was raised on a chunk of Krypton." He continues by saying she is more "jaded" than her cousin because of her tough upbringing, as she watched everyone around her die.
1 Swamp Thing Will Be A Horror Movie
One of the most interesting announcements, Swamp Thing is set to be a horror film that explores the darker and scarier elements of the DCU. Gunn mentions the film will act as, "a very dark horror story and the origins of the monster who is Swamp Thing."
Gunn goes on to describe that the Swamp Thing project will be different from the rest of the DCU. Still, he assures fans by saying, "and although it's tonally outside of the DCU, it will still feed into the rest of the stories." Swamp Thing could be featured in other DC projects, but it seems he may only be alluded to in Easter eggs or brief mentions.