Exploring DCU Chapter One: All Upcoming Movies and Shows in the New DC Cinematic Universe
The DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters is off to an exciting start. With two films and a TV series already launched, James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new universe is making waves.
Superman has taken center stage, showcasing the importance of kindness, while Peacemaker season 2 has brought some major twists for the anti-hero. Next up is Supergirl, followed by Man of Tomorrow, which will feature an unexpected partnership between Lex Luthor and Superman.
With so many upcoming DC movies and shows, it can be tough to keep track. Here’s a comprehensive rundown of what’s happening in DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, including details on released projects and what’s on the horizon. Note that this overview excludes The Batman 2 and other Elseworlds projects, as they exist outside the DCU.
**Release date: July 11, 2025**
Superman has officially launched the new slate. Directed and written by James Gunn, it follows a younger Clark Kent navigating his dual identity as a reporter at The Daily Planet while balancing his Kryptonian and human roots. “This is really the start of the DCU,” Safran stated before the film’s release. “It’s not an origins story; it focuses on Superman’s balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He’s the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way, he’s kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.”
David Corenswet stars as Kal-El, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Nicholas Hoult takes on the role of Lex Luthor, the film’s main antagonist, while Nathan Fillion portrays Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi is Mister Terrific, Isabel Merced plays Hawkgirl, and Anthony Carrigan is Metamorpho. For more insights, check out our Superman review or our Superman ending explained guide to see where the DCU might be headed next.
**Release date: June 26, 2026**
Supergirl, based on Tom King’s comic series, promises to present a version of the character that viewers may not expect. Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, will be portrayed by Milly Alcock from House of the Dragon, with Craig Gillespie directing.
“We see the difference between Superman, who was sent to Earth and raised by loving parents from the time he’s an infant, versus Supergirl, who was raised on a rock chip off of Krypton and watched everyone around her die in terrible ways for the first 14 years of her life,” Gunn explained. Fans won’t have to wait long to see Alcock’s Supergirl, as she makes a brief appearance in the new Superman film.
**Release date: September 11, 2026**
The third installment in the DCU shifts gears with a new Clayface film, which is expected to delve into body horror, drawing comparisons to David Cronenberg’s The Fly. Directed by James Watkins and co-written by Mike Flanagan, Tom Rhys Harries will play the shapeshifting actor, while Naomi Ackie portrays the rogue scientist who transforms his body into clay.
Filming is currently in progress, with new set photos hinting at connections to Batman and intriguing world-building within the DCU. The movie is also expected to tie into Creature Commandos, as the animated version of Clayface from that show aligns with reports about the live-action film’s plot.
**Release date: July 9, 2027**
The sequel to Superman isn’t a direct follow-up, according to James Gunn. David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult will reprise their roles as Superman and Lex Luthor, respectively. New concept art suggests a potential alliance between the two, though conflict is still likely.
This project has just been announced, so details are scarce, but it may draw inspiration from a comic story by Alan Moore that explores Superman’s final days on Earth. We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.
**Release date: TBC**
DC is set to introduce its live-action Batman and Robin in The Brave and the Bold, directed by Andy Muschietti. Gunn described Damien Wayne, aka Robin, as “a little son of a bitch” and an “assassin, murderer who Batman takes on, who is Batman’s actual son that he doesn’t know exists for the first 8-10 years of his life… It’s a strange father and son story about the two of them,” based on Grant Morrison’s Batman run.
The film will be penned by Christina Hodson, reuniting her with Muschietti. Gunn has also indicated that we won’t see two Batman films in the same year, meaning The Brave and the Bold won’t arrive until at least 2028 due to The Batman 2.
**Release date: TBC**
Details on the new Swamp Thing movie remain limited, but it will explore the origins of this enigmatic DC character. Expected to have a darker tone than other DC projects, the film is directed by James Mangold, who described it as a “simple, clean Gothic horror” and a standalone film. “I’m not that interested in being handcuffed by so much lore at this point that it’s almost immovable and you can’t please anybody,” he stated.
Like The Brave and the Bold, this project is currently on hold, with Gunn mentioning that he and Mangold “talk about it occasionally.” For those looking to dive deeper into this iconic character, check out our list of the 10 best Swamp Thing stories.
**Release date: TBC**
Another upcoming project is The Authority, which will bring WildStorm characters into the DCU. While details on the group’s portrayal are still under wraps, it will connect to Superman and depict The Authority taking “matters into their own hands to do what they believe is right,” according to the official synopsis.
“Whether that means killing people, destroying heads of state, changing governments, you know, whatever they want to do to make the world better,” Gunn explained. This film is also on the back burner, with Gunn noting it “hasn’t been much of a priority.”
**Release date: TBC**
James Gunn has recently announced that a new Woman movie is in the works, separate from Paradise Lost, a Wonder Woman TV series that was previously revealed. Paradise Lost will focus on the Amazon island of Themyscira. Gunn confirmed that no casting for Wonder Woman has taken place yet, meaning Gal Gadot, like other previous DCEU actors, will not be returning.
**Release date: December 5, 2024**
Creature Commandos is an animated series featuring a black ops team of monstrous prisoners assembled by Amanda Waller. Season 1 was the inaugural project of the new DCU, premiering on Max in December 2024, with a second season already in the pipeline.
Frank Grillo voices Rick Flag Sr., Maria Bakalova is Princess Ilana, David Harbour plays Eric Frankenstein, Indira Varma is the Bride of Frankenstein, Alan Tudyk voices Doctor Phosphorus, Steve Agee is John Economos, and Zoe Chao voices team scientist and mermaid Dr. Nina Mazursky. Sean Gunn reprises his roles as Weasel and G.I. Robot, while Anya Chalotra plays villain Circe, and Viola Davis returns as Amanda Waller.
**Release date: August 21, 2025**
Peacemaker season 2 has recently concluded, focusing on Rick Flag Sr.’s quest for revenge against Peacemaker after the latter killed his son in The Suicide Squad. This season is canon within the DCU and introduced Salvation, a prison for metahumans, which will likely appear in future films like Man of Tomorrow.
James Gunn has hinted that Peacemaker will continue to play a significant role in the new DCU. However, a third season has not yet been confirmed. Given the season 2 finale, it’s likely that Peacemaker will cross paths with Superman again soon, possibly even appearing in Supergirl.
**Release date: 2026**
Described as an “enormous TV event series,” Lanterns will follow intergalactic cops John Stewart and Hal Jordan, played by Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler. This mystery series is being pitched as a superhero take on True Detective. According to DC Studios, it will play a crucial role in leading into the overarching narrative across both film and television.
Chris Mundy, known for True Detective: Night Country, is the showrunner, while Damon Lindelof, famous for Lost and HBO’s Watchmen, will contribute to the writing alongside acclaimed comic writer Tom King. “Talking tone, it looks and feels rooted. You meet two guys, but there is wit and comedy to it that you would not expect in True Detective,” director James Hawes noted.
**Release date: TBC**
Waller has been confirmed as a new spin-off series featuring Amanda Waller in the lead role. The show will pick up after the events of Peacemaker season 2, with the main cast returning. Christal Henry from Watchmen and Jeremy Carver from Doom Patrol are writing the series, but as of February 2025, scripts have yet to be finalized.
**Release date: TBC**
Paradise Lost is a prequel series centered on Wonder Woman, set in Themyscira, the home of the Amazons.
“It’s going to be a Game of Thrones-ish story about Themyscira, the home of the Amazons and the birthplace of Wonder Woman. This drama is really about the political intrigue behind the society of all women. How did that come about?” Safran explained. “What’s the beautiful truths and the ugly truths behind all of that and what’s the scheming like between all the power players in that society?” Gunn added.
**Release date: TBC**
Booster Gold is a series focused on the time-traveling hero of the same name. According to the synopsis, he will use “basic technology from the future to pretend to be a superhero in the present day.”
In the comics, Booster Gold is Michael Jon Carter, a football star from the 25th Century who travels back in time, using his knowledge of events and advanced technology to gain an edge. Details about this show are still sparse, with Safran mentioning that an unnamed showrunner has not been available, prompting the studio to “pivot.”
If you’re looking to catch up, there are plenty of resources available to help you navigate the DC movies in order and check out rankings of the best Superman films, along with a comprehensive list of new superhero movies on the way.
