Upcoming DC Movies and TV Shows Set for 2026 and Beyond

Since taking the reins of the DC cinematic universe in 2022, the co-chairs and CEOs have revamped Warner Bros.’ approach to adapting comic book stories for the screen. The new DCU officially kicked off in 2024 with the animated series *Creature Commandos*, and since then, a fresh universe has been crafted for iconic characters like Superman, Green Lantern, and Batman. While there have been some highs and lows along the way, significant changes have also occurred in the original vision for the DCU, which aimed to create a 10-year plan that spans films, television, and video games.

Some projects from the pre-Gunn era still linger, including a new Batman film directed by Matt Reeves and the unresolved fate of *Peacemaker*, the series featuring John Cena that left fans hanging with a major cliffhanger.

So, what’s on the horizon for the DCU? Here’s a rundown of what’s currently in the works for theaters and TV screens, both this year and beyond.

Release date: Aug. 23, on HBO Max

The 2011 live-action *Green Lantern* film, featuring Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, was such a notorious flop that it derailed DC’s plans for a cohesive superhero universe. Now, a new series titled *Lanterns* aims to breathe new life into the Green Lantern mythos. This intergalactic cop show for HBO Max will see Kyle Chandler stepping into the role of Hal Jordan, alongside Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, a Green Lantern-in-training.

Created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, *Lanterns* will delve into both the street-level and cosmic elements of the DCU, drawing inspiration from slow-burn mystery series like *True Detective* and *Slow Horses*. The eight-episode series is currently airing on HBO Max.

Pierre’s Green Lantern will also make an appearance in next year’s Superman sequel, *Man of Tomorrow*.

Release date: Oct. 23, in movie theaters

*Clayface*, a solo film centered on the iconic Batman villain, wasn’t initially part of the plans from Gunn and Safran. However, writer and filmmaker Mike Flanagan impressed the DCU leadership with his unique “horror-thriller-tragedy” concept, leading to the development of this film.

This body horror movie will reimagine Clayface’s origin story, featuring Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, a rising star who undergoes a horrific transformation after an experimental treatment to restore his looks.

Directed by James Watkins, *Clayface* also stars Naomi Ackie and Max Minghella.

Release date: July 9, in movie theaters

The *Superman* sequel, *Man of Tomorrow*, will focus on an unlikely alliance between Lex Luthor and Superman as they confront a much larger threat, which appears to be the alien Brainiac, portrayed by Lars Eidinger.

*Man of Tomorrow* will see David Corenswet reprising his role as Clark Kent/Superman, with Nicholas Hoult returning as Lex Luthor. Other returning cast members include Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., María Gabriela de Faría as the Engineer, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, and Milly Alcock as Supergirl. New additions to the cast include Aaron Pierre as John Stewart/Green Lantern and Adria Arjona as the alien Maxima, with Andre Royo, Matthew Lillard, and Sinqua Walls in unspecified roles.

Release date: TBD

*The People v. Gorilla Grodd* is a mockumentary-style series that follows Jimmy Olsen from the Daily Planet as he investigates a murder case involving a psychic gorilla accused of patricide. HBO has ordered an eight-episode run for this half-hour comedy, which is expected to draw comparisons to shows like *The Office*, *Parks and Recreation*, and *American Vandal*.

Skyler Gisondo will reprise his role as Jimmy Olsen, co-starring with Jimmy Tatro as Gorilla Grodd. Several actors from the Superman franchise will return for this series, including Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant, and Wendell Pierce as Perry White. The series will also feature Mary Holland, Eduardo Franco, Arian Moayed, Dan Perrault, Andrew Leeds, and Tim Baltz. Tony Yacenda and Dan Perrault, creators of *American Vandal*, will serve as showrunners, writers, and executive producers.

Release date: Feb. 18, in movie theaters

The tumultuous journey of 2022’s *The Batman* didn’t inspire much optimism, as the film changed hands multiple times over the years. However, director and co-writer Matt Reeves ultimately delivered a version of The Dark Knight that resonated with audiences and performed well at the box office, leading to a sequel being greenlit with Robert Pattinson returning as Batman.

Originally set for a 2025 release, *The Batman Part 2* has faced several delays and is now scheduled for early 2028.

The sequel will feature Pattinson as Bruce Wayne/Batman, with Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon, Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth, and Colin Farrell as Oz Cobb/The Penguin. New cast members include Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson, and Charles Dance.

Release date: June 30

*Dynamic Duo* is an animated film exploring the origins of the original Robin, Dick Grayson, and the second to take on the mantle, Jason Todd. This project, a collaboration between DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, is written by Matthew Aldrich.

Taking its name from a Silver Age DC comic known for team-up stories, *The Brave and the Bold* will introduce Batman’s biological son, Damian, to the DCU. This marks Damian’s first appearance in a live-action film, although he has been featured in animated formats before. This film will establish a new continuity for Batman and Robin, separate from Matt Reeves’ *The Batman* series.

Details about the planned *Booster Gold* series remain sparse, but it’s intended to bring the beloved comic-relief character to life for his own comedic escapades. Although show writer David Jenkins has stepped away from the project, *Booster Gold* is still in the works.

*Swamp Thing*, a plant-elemental hero with a complex backstory, is also on the horizon. While Gunn has referred to it as a “passion project” for James Mangold, the director has other commitments to fulfill first.

An animated adaptation of Tom King and Mitch Gerads’ acclaimed 2017 limited series *Mister Miracle* is in development. This series will follow Scott Free, the greatest escape artist, as he attempts to pull off the ultimate trick: escaping death itself.

*Mister Miracle* is currently undated but will begin with a significant disruption in the perfect life that Scott and his warrior wife, Big Barda, have built on Earth.

In 2024, it was reported that an animated *Blue Beetle* series is in development, focusing on the Jaime Reyes version of the character, as seen in the 2023 film. Miguel Puga, co-creator of the Nickelodeon series *The Casagrandes*, will serve as showrunner.

Completing the DCU’s Big Three is a new *Wonder Woman* movie. Gunn confirmed that the script is currently being written, but details remain scarce. Like the Superman and Batman projects, this film will not carry over from the Gal Gadot-led *Wonder Woman* films.

A live-action *Teen Titans* movie is in the very early stages, with *Supergirl* screenwriter Ana Nogueira having submitted a draft. Gunn has expressed enthusiasm for the script, noting Nogueira’s passion for the project, although it’s still a work in progress.

The Teen Titans, who first appeared in 1964, have a rich history and a popular animated adaptation in *Teen Titans Go!*, a comedic series on Cartoon Network.

Additionally, a live-action film featuring Batman and Robin/Nightwing adversaries Bane and Deathstroke may be in the works. Safran confirmed that screenwriter Matthew Orton is crafting a script for this project, which Gunn described as a story involving both characters.

What does all this mean? It’s hard to say, given the extensive list of projects on DC Studios’ agenda, but it’s clear that the team is exploring a variety of options for the new DCU.

As the DCU begins its journey in theaters, there’s still a significant gap in the release calendar.