The DC Extended Universe is currently developing several movies; here's every upcoming DCEU project in development. The DCEU preparing to return to theatrical exclusives in 2022, with five films announced for the coming years and several more in the works. The upcoming DC slate will include sequels to hits Aquaman and Shazam along with the introduction of new heroes to the big screen.
DC's attempt at a cinematic shared universe has gone through a lot of changes since its launch in 2013 with Man of Steel. After backlash to Zack Snyder's grim central storyline, Warner Brothers changed directions, canceling a planned pair of Justice League sequels as well as projects like a Cyborg solo movie and a New Gods movie with Ava DuVernay attached. Other projects, like The Flash and Batgirl, have been drastically retooled. While still existing in the same universe, recent DC Extended Universe movies have been less closely linked and featured lighter tones.
But with so many changes and new projects announced, it's not easy to keep track of what the DCEU's release slate looks like. To make matters worse, there are also films on WB's release schedule like The Batman and DC's League of Super-Pets that feature DC characters but aren't part of the DCEU proper. Here's a handy guide to what's (currently) in the works.
Black Adam - July 29, 2022
Originally appearing in DC Comics as Shazam's arch-nemesis, Black Adam is getting a solo film of his own. Dwayne Johnson stars in the film, which depicts Black Adam as an anti-hero. The movie will see Black Adam taking on the Justice Society of America, featuring co-stars Noah Centineno, Aldis Hodge, Sarah Shahi, Quintessa Swindell, and Pierce Brosnan. Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam is an extremely powerful figure in the DC Universe, and "The Rock" always brings attention, so expect to receive lots of Black Adam news over the next few months.
The Flash - November 4, 2022
The Flash has beenone of the DCEU's most troubled productions. First, screenwriter and author Seth Grahame-Smith was set to make his directorial debut with DC's most famous speedster, but he dropped out in April 2016. Then, director Rick Famuyiwa signed on to replace Grahame-Smith, and oversaw the pre-production process. He even oversaw the casting of principal actors Billy Crudup as Henry Allen, and Kiersey Clemons as Iris West. Unfortunately, "creative differences" led to Famuyiwa quitting The Flash production in October 2016.
Ezra Miller's Flash will finally get his solo movie in fall 2022. The movie is directed in Andy Muschietti and will be influenced by comics' Flashpoint crossover. Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton will appear as two different versions of Batman. The movie is designed to introduce the concept of a broader DC Multiverse.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom - December 16, 2022
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will bring back Jason Momoa as Aquaman along with director James Wan and co-stars Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen. Additions to the cast include Vincent Regan taking over from Grahm McTavish as Atlan, Jani Zhao as Stingray, Indya Moore as Karshon, and Pilou Asbaek.
Batgirl - 2022
Batgirl is another long-gestating DC Extended Universe project. Joss Whedon was announced as writer and director in 2017, but stepped down a year later. Christina Hodson of Birds of Prey later came on board as a writer, with Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah serving as co-directors. Leslie Grace will play Batgirl, with J. K. Simmons as her father Commissioner James Gordon and Brendan Fraser as the villain Firefly. The movie is set to be a HBO Max exclusive released in 2022.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods - June 2, 2023
The sequel to Shazam will bring back star Zachary Levi as well as director David F. Sandberg and Peter Safran. Shazam will be squaring off as Hespera, played by Helen Mirren, with Lucy Liu also appearing as Kalisto and Rachel Zegler in a yet-to-be-revealed role. The movie could feature the other members of Billy's adopted family more prominently, with the "Shazammed" versions of Freddy, Daria, Eugene, and Pedro confirmed to return.
Blue Beetle - 2022-23
One of the in-development DCEU films that seems close to becoming a reality is Blue Beetle, starring the Jaime Reyes version of the fan-favorite superhero. Warner Bros has released Blue Beetle concept art and announced Xolo Mariduena as the lead role and Angel Manuel Soto as a director. The Blue Beetle movie is being developed as an HBO Max exclusive.
Green Lantern Corps - 2022-23
A Green Lantern Corps movie has long been in development, being first announced in 2014. Changes in the DCEU caused it to be shelved; however, it was recently listed as part of the 2022-23 Warner Brothers slate. The project has been described as taking inspiration from the New 52 Green Lantern run and buddy cop movies.
Static Shock - 2022-23
Another DCEU project in development is Static Shock, based on the Milestone Comics character who became a part of the DC comics universe as well as an animated series in the 2000s. Randy McKinnon has been hired as a screenwriter, with Michael B. Jordan and Reginald Hudlin. Static Shock could also be an HBO Max DCEU exclusive.
Supergirl - 2022-23
Another movie is set to bring Supergirl to the DC Extended Universe, with Sasha Calle playing the lead character. Calle is expected to debut in The Flash before appearing in her own solo film sometime in the next two years. Oren Uziel is writing a script for the solo movie, with Warner Brothers reportedly looking for a female director.
Black Canary
Warner Brothers recently announced that Jurnee Smollet's depiction of Black Canary from Birds of Prey will receive her own spin-off movie. The movie is currently in development and will be scripted by Misha Green. Black Canary is expected to be an HBO Max exclusive movie, with no release date yet attached.
Wonder Woman 3
Despite the mixed success of Wonder Woman 1984, Warner Bros. immediately greenlit a third Wonder Woman film, with Gal Gadot returning to star and Patty Jenkins staying in the director's chair. Original Wonder Woman Lynda Carter will also return as Asteria. The movie will take place in the present and conclude Diana's arc from the first two movies. Both Gadot and Jenkins are currently working on other projects, so it could be a while before Wonder Woman 3 makes it to the screen. Jenkins has also suggested that there could be a movie based on the Amazons released in between the second and third movies.
Zatanna
Warner Brothers have also revealed that a film based on the mystical heroine Zatanna is in development, with J. J. Abrams on board as a producer. Promising Young Woman creator Emerald Fennell was hired as a screenwriter for the movie.
In addition to these projects, there are a number of DCEU movies that have been previously announced as in development but seem to have stalled. These include movies starring fan-favorite heroes like Booster Gold, Nightwing, Lobo, and Plastic Man, as well as movies developed by major directors like Stephen Spielberg and Barry Sonnenfeld. The DCEU will also expand into streaming television with the Peacemaker series starring John Cena premiering in January 2022 on HBOMax, with several other TV projects in development. DC fans have learned how much plans can change over the past decade, but the coming years promise to have plenty of stories involving their favorite superheroes on the big screen.
