On January 30, James Gunn and Peter Safran, the brand new architects of the DC Universe in movie and tv, announced the first ten projects for the brand-new DC Studios. There had been numerous hypothesis main as much as this announcement, given DC’s deep catalog of characters and their constant failure to, um, make great things with them.
Some of the bulletins are unsurprising; some are thrilling; some are baffling. So I’m right here to interrupt down “Gods and Monsters,” a.ok.a. “the first part of Chapter 1 of the DCU” into three classes: the Good, the Bad, and the Bizarre. (Actually, “the first part of Chapter 1 of the DCU” goes into “bizarre.” This is ten films and TV reveals! How lengthy are these chapters??)
Two issues to notice earlier than we get began:
1. This doesn’t have an effect on initiatives exterior of the core DCU, similar to this yr’s Shazam!, Flash, and Aquaman films; the sequels to The Batman and Joker; or the Ta-Nehisi Coates-penned/J.J. Abrams-produced Superman film that’s nonetheless in improvement.
2. I’d, uh, take all of this with a grain of salt, contemplating this is the third major overhaul of DC’s strategy since 2014, and numerous these characters have had initiatives introduced and canceled already, some a number of occasions.
The Good
Superman: Legacy:
Slated for July 11, 2025, this movie will kick off the DCU, however it’s going to not be an origin story. Honestly, I’m simply glad they’re making one other try at Superman, given how badly they’ve flubbed him previously and the way little Hollywood appears to love or perceive the character. And I like that Safran known as Superman “kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned.” I’m unsure Gunn’s cynical strategy to screenwriting will seize Clark Kent’s earnestness, however I’m selecting to be cautiously optimistic right here.
The Authority:
I’m not tremendous accustomed to the Authority, however their edgy, “not your grandma’s superheroes” vibe ought to translate very properly to what we often find yourself getting out of WB. It’s a sensible alternative to select heroes that match their most well-liked tone to start with, fairly than their ordinary strategy of destroying my beloved heroes earlier than my eyes. Also, Apollo and Midnighter are among the most groundbreaking queer characters in comics, and it could be nice to see them headline a film. Come on, WB! You can lastly beat Marvel to the punch on one thing!
The Brave and the Bold:
A Batman and Robin film! Robin is lastly returning to the large display! And it’s Damian Wayne, Batman’s spoiled, murderous little nugget of a son! I really like Damian to items and can’t wait to see this nightmare child terrorizing Gotham with a sword. *blows him a kiss*
Waller:
Sorry, Peacemaker followers, however Season 2 has been placed on maintain whereas Gunn writes Superman: Legacy. In the meantime, we’re getting this spinoff, with Viola Davis reprising her function from varied Suicide Squad-related initiatives because the cruel shadow authorities agent Amanda Waller. I don’t love the DCEU’s tackle Waller — I choose the old-fashioned comics model of her as ruthless however not actively evil — however Davis is after all a powerhouse so this could nonetheless be a enjoyable watch.
Booster Gold:
This is the film I’d be most excited for if I had any religion it could really get made. Time-traveling showboater Booster Gold is one in all my all-time favourite characters, and his grandstanding narcissism is ideal for Gunn’s model of humor. My solely hesitation is that WB has been promising us some form of Booster Gold project since 2011, and none have materialized. Still, miracles can occur! We are lastly getting a Blue Beetle film, in spite of everything.
The Bad
Supergirl: The Woman of Tomorrow:
The latest miniseries this shall be primarily based on is an train in bleakness, ignoring sixty years of canon in favor of a Supergirl who’s a depressing, indignant drunk. Gunn excitedly described this tackle Supergirl as “hardcore,” “harsh,” and “fucked up.” You know, the character created particularly to enchantment to little women. Who most likely received’t be capable to see this film, because it’ll have too excessive of a score, however who cares? Some grown males will lastly discover Supergirl worthwhile!
Supergirl is my absolute favourite superhero, and but I discover myself praying that this film by no means will get made and ruins the general public notion of her for many years. DC actually canceled a Supergirl film lower than a yr in the past, so there’s hope!
Paradise Lost:
This prequel TV present shall be set on Themyscira earlier than Wonder Woman is born. Safran describes it as “Game of Thrones-ish,” and Gunn says it’s going to expose the “ugly truths” behind the island. You know, simply in case I wanted extra of a purpose to not need to see two dudes’ tackle a utopian feminist fantasy. I imply, there’s lacking the purpose, after which there’s no matter that is.
The Bizarre
Swamp Thing:
He’s a man! He’s a swamp! He’s each! Honestly, Swamp Thing is an excellent fascinating character and a horror tackle him makes complete sense, however this movie has to go within the weird part as a result of…he’s Swamp Thing. Fun truth! DC canceled the 2019 Swamp Thing present lower than two months after it premiered, so lord solely is aware of how far this film will get.
Lanterns:
The Green Lantern franchise is difficult — so tough that WB canceled a deliberate present simply final yr! First of all, there are ten, rely ‘em, ten Earth-based Lanterns to choose from when picking a protagonist, and Lantern fans have historically been extremely not normal about their faves. Second, do you tell a regular superhero movie, or a space opera? The 2011 film starring Ryan Reynolds tried to have it both ways, and failed miserably. Gunn and Safran have decided to eschew both approaches, and instead are going for something closer to…True Detective? Uh, okay. Pairing up Hal Jordan and John Stewart as buddy cops is a smart move that will likely quiet most of the arguments over Which Green Lantern Deserves A Movie, but this premise seems to imply that Hal Jordan has a brain, and I’ve been laughing about that since I first learn the announcement.
Creature Commandos:
And for the last word in bonkers, we’ve got this crew, that includes Universal movie-style monsters — a Frankenstein! a vampire! a werewolf! a gorgon! — becoming a member of the army and occurring secret missions. It’s the sort of gleefully foolish idea comics do greatest, and translating it to animation is impressed. Way to suppose exterior the field on this one, Gunn and Safran.
Which of those are you most enthusiastic about? Or will DC quietly cancel 80% of them, then wipe the slate clear once more three years from now with one other grand plan? Let us know your ideas on social media!