Some big things were announced by James Gunn regarding how the DCU will start off! There is a lot to talk about. But I’ll try and keep my thoughts on each announced project short and to the point. And it’s probably best to divide this into two sections. Now let’s begin…
TV SHOWS
Creature Commandos - Seems like a fun show. Don’t really have any thoughts because it is definitely the one true wild card of announced projects.
Waller - It’s strange that Amanda Waller is one of the few things that has managed to stick around in DC movies since 2016. Having her team up with some of the characters from “Peacemaker” show after revealing the existence of Task Force X presents a lot of intriguing storytelling potential.
Lanterns - It’s admittedly unclear if this is the same show that Greg Berlanti has been working on. (My thinking is it is, but I don’t have hard proof.) But seeing both Jordan and Stewart in a detective story together is really cool!
Paradise Lost - A show focused on Themyscira before Diana’s existence in the same vein as “Game of Thrones”? I never would have thought about it but it actually makes sense. The Greek Gods from DC Comics are huge @$$holes so I’m looking forward to what unfolds.
Booster Gold - Admittedly, I haven’t had a lot of exposure to this character. But I’m familiar a lot of people are - even winning an online poll from Gunn looking to see which character fans want to see the most. So congrats to all you fans! And I’m interested to see how he works on the small screen.
MOVIES
But before we get to the new movies, let’s look at this year’s movies. Gunn mentioned how Shazam’s movies are in their own corner of DC movies, which seems like he’ll be carried over which I’m happy about. Regarding “The Flash”, Gunn confirmed it will reset the DCU which is what a lot of people already assumed. Ezra Miller’s status beyond this is TBD. I’m OK with Blue Beetle being a part of the DCU since it seems like this universe will start off with already pre-established heroes. But having “Aquaman 2” most likely be a part of it? That seems iffy, but I’ll hold judgment later. Anyway, on to the new ones…
Superman: Legacy - It’s good to see this movie learn from Matt Reeves and skip re-telling the origin. And seeing it actually look at what makes Superman who he is especially in the modern age sounds to be a more reflective approach than other past Superman movies.
The Authority - Wasn’t expecting this to be announced. But looking at this next to the info for the new Superman movie, it’s clear that they want to adapt themes from the comic “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & The American Way?” (Ironically, I watched the animated movie adaptation the night before the announcement.) So it actually does make sense to have a team like this be in the universe if they want to add weight to their movies.
The Brave & The Bold - Also known as the new Batman & Robin. That’s right, this is a new Batman movie separate from Robert Pattinson that sees the Dark Knight meet his son, Damian Wayne. (No joke, the past few days I’ve been playing with the thought of a Batman & Robin movie also called TB&TB but featuring Dick Grayson. It’s bizarre this movie is this similar!) Seems like this movie will feature other members of the Bat Family - who they are remains to be seen. But I’m happy the Bat Family is getting the attention they deserve.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow - It remains unclear if Sasha Calle will star in this movie considering “The Flash” will serve as a universe reset. And I haven’t read the Tom King comic this is adapting. But it doesn’t need to clear a high bar to be better than the 80s movie.
Swamp Thing - In case you couldn’t tell from my profile pic, Swamp Thing is my favorite character ever. I thought the Wes Craven movie was great and I’m pissed that the TV show (which was great) was so quickly canceled. I was honestly a bit emotional to hear he was getting a movie. This is the one I’m looking forward to the most!