After failing to match Marvel with its own beloved comic book cinematic universe, Warner Bros. Discovery opted to start over. The DCEU wrapped up with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and the new DC Universe kicked off in 2025 with James Gunn’s Superman. Meanwhile, DC Studios co-chairmen James Gunn and Peter Safran have already shared their plans for the first chapter of the DCU, including release dates for movies and shows.
DCU Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters release dates
Peacemaker season 2 | August 21, 2025
- Showrunner: James Gunn
- Cast: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, Robert Patrick, Frank Grillo, Sol Rodríguez, David Denman, Tim Meadows, Michael Rooker
While the first season of Peacemaker technically took place in the DCEU, the second season will reckon with the transition into James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DCU. After a cameo in Superman, John Cena will reprise his role as not just one Chris Smith (aka Peacemaker), but two, as revealed in the teaser trailer above.
Waller | 2025
- Director: TBA
- Cast: Viola Davis, Steve Agee, Danielle Brooks, Frank Grillo
Viola Davis reprises her role as Amanda Waller in a live-action series set between Peacemaker seasons 1 and 2. She looks to be one of the few DCEU characters who will transition seamlessly into the DCU after previously appearing in both Suicide Squad movies and Black Adam. She will team up with members of Team Peacemaker in her latest mission.
Supergirl | June 26, 2026
- Director: Craig Gillespie
- Cast: Milly Alcock
Inspired by on Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s Supergirl: World of Tomorrow comic, the movie will follow the titular cousin of Superman, who spent the first 14 years of her life on a broken piece of Krypton after the planet was destroyed. Gunn describes her as “a much harsher and more f***ed up Supergirl than you’ve been used to thus far.”
Clayface | September 11, 2026
- Director: James Watkins
- Cast: Tom Rhys Harries
It wasn’t part of the original plans for the first chapter, but barring any delays, Clayface will be the third DCU movie to hit theaters. James Watkins will direct a script from Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini about a struggling actor who injects himself with a mysterious substance to remain relevant, and turns into a walking piece of clay.
Lanterns | 2026
- Showrunner: Chris Mundy
- Cast: TBA
Two Green Lanterns are better than one. At least, that’s what the HBO series Lanterns posits, as Hal Jordan and John Stewart team up to solve a “True Detective-style mystery.” Gunn says that the ancient horror that the Lanterns discover on Earth will lead into the overarching plot of the DCU. It sounds like this show will be key to understanding the bigger story.
Here’s HBO’s official logline: “The series follows new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”
The Authority | TBD
This superhero team initially had no connection to the larger DC universe, but Gunn plans to integrate The Authority into the DCU right away. While they want to save the world just like their DC superhero counterparts, they don’t mind killing people, toppling governments, or even taking control themselves in order to reshape the world as they see fit.
Paradise Lost | TBD
Gunn and Safran describe Paradise Lost as “a Game of Thrones-type story about Themyscira,” which is the home of the Amazons and the birthplace of Wonder Woman. The Max show takes place before the birth of Diana Prince (aka Wonder Woman) and covers the origin of Paradise Island along with all of the political turmoil that shaped its society.
The Brave and the Bold | TBD
- Director: Andy Muschietti
- Cast: TBA
Along with a new Superman, the DCU will also get a new Batman. But The Brave and the Bold will center on Damian Wayne, Batman’s son, who eventually becomes Robin. The movie will be based on Grant Morrison’s 2010 run of Batman comics. Safran adds that other members of the Bat-Family will feature heavily as well.
Booster Gold | TBD
When it comes to lovable losers in comics, Booster Gold is near the top of the list. Mike Carter isn’t really a superhero at all, but rather a 25th-century former football star who comes back in time and uses future technology to convince everyone he’s a hero. Much like Peacemaker, this Max series should lean heavily into the comedy.
Swamp Thing | TBD
- Director: James Mangold
- Cast: TBA
Finally, closing out Chapter One of the DCU is Swamp Thing. This dark horror movie will unravel the origins of the monster known as Swamp Thing. Unfortunately, that’s all that DC Studios has shared about this mysterious project as of late 2023.
DC Elseworlds release dates
While the DC Extended Universe and its version of the Justice League are no more, DC Studios isn’t totally scrapping everything that came before the new DC Universe. Anything that doesn’t fit directly into the larger cinematic universe will be known as DC Elseworlds.
Here are all of the upcoming DC shows and movies that will exist outside of the DCU:
Teen Titans Go! season 9 | March 1, 2025
The long-running animated series Teen Titans Go! is currently airing its ninth season, and given all of the success it has seen since premiering in 2013, it’s no wonder DC is keeping it around. In addition to the eight seasons on Cartoon Network, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies hit theaters in 2018. Expect more seasons in the coming years.
The Batman Part II | October 1, 2027
- Director: Matt Reeves
- Cast: Robert Pattinson
The Batman (Robert Pattinson) saved many lives in the first movie, but Gotham City is in a sorry state after the flood caused by Riddler’s bombs. We have a sneaking suspicion Batman’s rogues gallery is going to try to take advantage of this situation in The Batman – Part II. It might not be a part of the DCU, but this is a universe worth building on.
Every DCU movie and show so far
Chapter 1 – Gods and Monsters
- Creature Commandos (2024)
- Superman (2025)
DC Elseworlds
- Teen Titans Go! (2013-Present)
- Joker (2019)
- Harley Quinn (2019-Present)
- Superman & Lois (2021–2024)
- My Adventures with Superman (2023-Present)
- Kite Man: Hell Yeah! (2024)
- The Penguin (2024)
- Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
We’ll continue to add to this list as more movies and shows come out.
