The DC Extended Universe
is Still a Thing, Apparently
By Matthew Arcilla
When movies like Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War generate massive returns, they also produce the pop culture cache to ensure the success of films like Ant-Man & The Wasp and Thor: Ragnarok. With all that taken into account, it’s clear that the interest in superhero movies won’t be slowing down any time soon.
Maybe that’s unfortunate for fans of a more diverse theatrical line up, but that’s the reality we live in. It’s also the reality that Warner Bros. Pictures wants to capitalize on with what has come to be known as the “DC Extended Universe,” an unofficial term that has come to refer to all the movies set in the same universe established by 2013’s Man of Steel.
Unfortunately, DC hasn’t really been able to capture the same lightning in a bottle that Marvel has. And while the Internet can argue until its blue in the face as to why, the fact is that Warner Bros. Pictures refuses to give up, and has been lining up as many projects as possible in the hopes of one day landing a hit. Here are eight of the movies they hope will find success.
Aquaman – December 21, 2018
Directed by James Wan (Saw, Insidous) this film will follow the adventures of the Prince of Atlantis following the events of Justice League, as he is caught in a war between his own people and the people of the surface. Jason Momoa returns to the role, alongside Amber Heard as Mera, warrior princess; Patrick Wilson as the Ocean Master and half-brother to Aquaman.
Shazam! – April 5, 2019
Despite being around as long as Superman, the hero formerly known as Captain Marvel hasn’t been on a movie screen since 1941, when he had a 12-part movie serial. Chuck star Zachary Levi plays the hero, who is actually Billy Batson, a young boy given the power to turn into a superpowered adult. Levi described it as “Superman meets Big,” featuring a hero that’s actually excited to save the day.
Wonder Woman 1984 – November 1, 2019
The sequel to the highly successful Wonder Woman will be set in the 1980s, at the height of the Cold War. Gal Gadot reprises her iconic role as the Amazon princess, with Patty Jenkins returning to direct. Beloved comedian Kristen Wiig has joined the cast as Cheetah, one of Wonder Woman’s arch-foes. The biggest surprise by far though, is the return of Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, sixty years after the events of the first movie.
Joker Origin Movie – “2019/2020”
There’s been much buzz about a solo Joker film for some time. And just this week, Warner Bros. Pictures gave it the go signal. Supervising the project is Martin Scorsese, the famed director of hard-boiled gritty dramas like Taxi Driver. The movie will take place in 80s Gotham exploring the origins of the Clown Prince of Crime. Joaquin Phoenix has been cast in the lead role, in a move that reportedly upset Suicide Squad’s Jared Leto.
Cyborg – April 3, 2020
Following the casting of Ray Fisher as Cyborg in 2014 for Justice League, a solo feature for his character was announced. But while Fisher has been vocal about his expectations for the film, saying that he hopes the film will be a “slightly more intimate story,” no further production details have been declared. This seems more like a contractually offered carrot rather than a real project, if anything.
Green Lantern Corps – July 24, 2020
Announced in 2014, this one as described as DC’s response to Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. The plan is to pair up a wise cracking Hal Jordan with a no-nonsense John Stewart as a sort of buddy cop duo in space, but with Jordan as the mentor and Stewart as the rookie – reflecting Jordan’s seniority in the comics. Kyle Rayner and Guy Gardner are also set to appear, but really all we want is anything to wipe the 2011 Ryan Reynolds’ disaster from our memory.
Suicide Squad Sequel – 2020
A project I like to call, “2Squad 2Suicide,” this sequel was announced before the first film was even released. Suicide Squad writer-director David Ayer steps aside for Gavin O’Connor (The Accountant). Writers have shuffled on and off the project, though Margot Robbie, Jared Leto and Will Smith are contractually bound to return much to their chagrin.
Flashpoint – TBD
Based on the comic book storyline of the same name, Flashpoint will ostensibly see Barry Allen, the second fastest man alive, traveling back and forth in time and altering reality in the process. Ezra Miller will return as the Scarlet Speedster. Some fans see this movie as the Warner Bros. Pictures’ Hail Mary pass, giving them free reign to rewrite the DC Extended Universe should things turn for the worse.
What are you looking forward to the most? Tell us below!
