The upcoming Arrowverse crossover was already scaling back, but due to COVID-19, it will be less ambitious, according to executive producer Greg Berlanti. Crisis on Infinite Earths was the biggest crossover in the entire franchise as The CW changed the DC TV universe forever. Not only did it allow The CW's DC TV shows to merge into one Earth, but it solidified DC's entire live-action catalog from TV shows on other channels to past and present film franchises into one connected Multiverse. From here on out, every live-action TV show and film on or outside The CW will be part of the Arrowverse in one way or another. It even got the DCEU involved as Ezra Miller's Flash got to share the screen with Grant Gustin's version of the Scarlet Speedster.
Prior to the global pandemic massively affecting TV productions, the creators behind the Arrowverse shows were already committing to a smaller crossover for next season. However, as the Coronavirus forced filming to be stopped, including The Flash, Supergirl, and Batwoman, plans had to be reshaped once more. Back in May, The CW announced that the 2021 crossover would only be between two shows with Batwoman and the latest DC TV entry, Superman & Lois. While little has been revealed thus far on the crossover, COVID-19 is certainly affecting the creators' approach to it.
During the Multiverse 101 panel at DC FanDome, Berlanti was one of the participants and talked about the ambition that was behind the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover. During the panel, the Arrowverse creator confirmed the pandemic would affect how they tackle this crossover. Given how past crossovers have brought multiple characters together from all the shows, that can definitely not be the case for the Superman & Lois/Batwoman event. Not only does it affect how many cast members can be part of the crossover, but also how much of the two show's production crews can be on set without violating the new safety guidelines.
Even with the limitations that COVID-19 is causing for the crossover, it might actually be a good thing for the overall plot. With Javicia Leslie set to become the new Batwoman, Ryan Wilder will need time to find herself in the Arrowverse as she eventually begins to work with the other heroes. As Ryan is an original character with no ties to any previous character, having a smaller crossover benefits Ryan as she takes part in the multi-show action. It still remains to be seen where in the season the crossover actually will be placed. While Superman has been in the last two crossovers, this will be the first time he is one of the leading characters of the event.
Superman & Lois will be The CW’s newest Arrowverse spinoff, and to already be driving a crossover is a big responsibility. Even though it’s happening under unfortunate circumstances, it still allows this 2-part event to be a bit more intimate. The Arrowverse entered a new chapter after Crisis on Infinite Earths, and with that, more attention will be naturally put on newer shows that arrive. More details on the Arrowverse 2021 crossover will hopefully emerge as Batwoman and Superman & Lois take part in DC FanDome "part 2" in September.
Source: DC FanDome/Warner Bros.