After the resounding success of James Gunn's Peacemaker, it's not surprising that DC has a slate of films in various stages of production. After a rocky start, the DCEU finally seems to be catching up conceptually to its Marvel counterpart, the MCU. The DCEU so far has been marred with behind-the-scenes controversy and an apparent revolving door of directors on a number of its films, but it finally seems to be moving past this toward an exciting future.
In upcoming movies, DC fans will see the appearances of a number of new characters adapted to the big screen, including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Black Adam and Xolo Maridueña's Blue Beetle. The DCEU will also see the return of many of its existing heroes, with The Flash bringing back Ezra Miller's speedster and Jason Momoa returning as Aquaman. The DC 2022 Super Bowl trailer revealed glimpses at a number of the films that make up the DCEU's immediate future, but that's not all that DC fans have to look forward to.
Outside of the DCEU, there are still a handful of exciting DC movies scheduled for release or currently in production, and a few more that appear to be in the early stages. This promises a slightly different approach to that taken by Marvel, who are in the process of uniting their many characters in one cinematic continuity, indicating that DC is looking to distance their upcoming projects from further comparisons between the two rival studios. Whether they're in the DCEU, standalone films in separate continuities, or a blend of the two (like The Flash, which sees Michael Keaton's Batman return), here are all 21 DC movies currently slated for release after Peacemaker.
The Batman - March 4, 2022
Originally conceived as a solo film for Ben Affleck's Batman within the DCEU, The Batman has undergone a number of changes since its conception. The biggest of these was the film's transition to a non-DCEU canon and the casting of Robert Pattinson as the Dark Knight - something which prompted a massive tonal shift in the project. Directed by Matt Reeves, The Batman is set to be a brutal and dark take on the Caped Crusader which will see Batman go up against both Paul Dano's Riddler and Colin Farrell's Penguin.
With Robert Pattison's Batman set to be more brutal than previous iterations of the character, many DC fans are as excited for The Batman as they are for any upcoming DCEU project. As it seems that Matt Reeves' film will explore the darker aspects of Gotham free from the constraints of any wider continuity, The Batman is an exciting prospect for DC fans regardless of their thoughts on the DCEU. The Batman is scheduled for release on March 4, 2022.
DC League Of Super Pets - May 20, 2022
Another upcoming film that exists outside of the DCEU's continuity is DC League of Super Pets, an animated film featuring the voice talents of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, and John Krasinski. While DC's animated films are often released straight-to-DVD or streaming, DC League of Super Pets will be released theatrically, although it'll be The Office's John Krasinski, not Henry Cavill, that's voicing Superman. As a more family-friendly film, DC League of Super Pets isn't being met with the same level of enthusiasm as other upcoming DC movies, but it does offer a less gritty release for younger DC fans.
With Johnson starring as Krypto and Hart as Ace the Bat-Hound, DC League of Super Pets promises to capitalize on the pair's friendship to translate into chemistry. Lex Luthor is also set to appear in the film voiced by Marc Maron, and Kate McKinnon, Keanu Reeves, Ben Schwartz and Jameela Jamil will all appear in undisclosed roles. DC League of Super Pets is set for release on May 20, 2022.
Black Adam - July 29, 2022
The next entry into the DCEU to be released is Black Adam, also starring Dwayne Johnson in the title role. Perhaps the perfect superhero role for The Rock, Black Adam is primarily an antagonist for superhero Shazam, but early teasers for the film hint that Black Adam will potentially see Johnson's character play a more heroic role than his comic book counterpart. It's also been hinted that Black Adam's titular hero will be one of the DCEU's most powerful figures, so his induction into the franchise will be an interesting one.
Alongside Johnson's Black Adam, a number of other DC heroes are set to appear in the film - most notably, those of the Justice Society of America. Noah Centineo will appear as Atom-Smasher, Aldis Hodge as Hawkman, Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone, and Pierce Brosnan will also be the DCEU's Doctor Fate, who can be heard entreating Black Adam to join the JSA in the film's teaser trailer. Whether or not The Rock's Black Adam will join the Justice League remains to be seen, but Black Adam is scheduled for release on July 19, 2022.
The Flash - November 4, 2022
Another upcoming DCEU project that's been the cause of much speculation among fans is The Flash. The film will see Ezra Miller reprise their Justice League role in a continuity-bending narrative that is set to re-introduce Michael Keaton's Batman alongside Ben Affleck's. The Flash is influenced by the Flashpoint storyline and will see Miller's Barry Allen travel back in time in order to prevent his mother's death, bringing unintended consequences.
Despite relatively sparse information on The Flash's plot and its trailers being less illuminating than fans would have hoped, anticipation for the film is high. This is partly due to Michael Keaton's upcoming Batman return, which hints at far-reaching ramifications in the DCEU (not unlike Doctor Strange 2's Multiverse narrative). Regardless of the apparent ramification that Miller's Flash might be outnumbered by multiple Batmen (or perhaps because of it), The Flash is an exciting prospect for DC movie fans. It is currently set to release on November 4, 2022.
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom - December 16, 2022
Another upcoming DCEU return is that of Jason Momoa, who is set to reprise his role as Aquaman for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Details about the film's plot are mostly being kept under wraps, although its story will follow on from that of Aquaman. With the DCEU's canon after Zack Snyder's Justice League looking a little murky, the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom should help clear up more than few burning questions.
Alongside Jason Momoa, a number of Aquaman's actors are set to return, including Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Willem Dafoe, Dolph Lundgren, Nicole Kidman, and Temuera Morrison. Details about the film's plot might be scarce, but its talented cast should prove enough to draw in the crowds. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is currently scheduled for release on December 16, 2022.
Batgirl - 2022
Although it doesn't yet have an official release date, Batgirl is set to introduce the titular character into the DCEU. Played by Leslie Grace, Barbara Gordon/Batgirl will be a version of the character that exists within the DCEU as the daughter of J.K. Simmons' James Gordon. Batgirl's villain, Firefly, will be played by Brendan Fraser, and Grace's young vigilante can also be expected to interact with Michael Keaton's Batman (as opposed to the DCEU's own Ben Affleck).
Exactly what the Batman switcheroo means for the DCEU remains to be seen, but it paints an interesting picture for Batgirl. Specific details about the film's plot are yet to be announced. Batgirl is being directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, and is expected to release via HBO Max sometime in 2022.
Shazam! Fury Of The Gods - June 2, 2023
The sequel to Shazam!, titled Shazam! Fury of the Gods, is currently set to be the DCEU's first film of 2023. As the release of Black Adam could change the DCEU in a major way, it's currently unclear exactly how the two films will connect (if at all). As Shazam's archnemesis will by then be established in the DCEU, Fury of the Gods will mark an interesting development in how the DCEU will handle its new characters.
Fury of the Gods is also set to introduce a number of new characters of its own, including three played by Helen Mirren, Rachel Zegler, and Lucy Liu. The three are thought to be playing the three daughters of Atlas, with only Zegler's role as yet unconfirmed. Shazam! Fury of the Gods is currently slated for release on June 2, 2023.
Blue Beetle - August 18, 2023
The last upcoming DC film to currently have a scheduled release date is Blue Beetle, which will introduce the hero of the same name to the DCEU. Concept art of DC's live-action Blue Beetle design is impressively close to that of the comics, which has already served to build anticipation for the upcoming film. Xolo Maridueña has been cast as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle, and while the film was initially touted as another HBO Max release, it's now set to hit theaters on August 18, 2023.
Supergirl - 2022/2023
Not much is currently known about the upcoming Supergirl movie, other than Sasha Calle has been officially cast as Kara Zor-El. With the film initially announced back in August 2018, details of its production have been kept quiet. There are reports that Warner Bros. is seeking a female director for Supergirl, and that Sasha Calle will make her first appearance as the character in The Flash, wearing a suit that makes Cavill's Krypton design canon for Supergirl. Supergirl is currently tipped for release in either 2022 or 2023, although the latter seems far more likely.
Green Lantern Corps - 2022/2023
Announced way back in 2014, Green Lantern Corps was almost believed to have passed into development hell, but the latest indications are that Warner Bros. has plans for the film yet. At one point, Green Lantern Corps even had a scheduled release date of July 2020, but was delayed. While Green Lantern Corps is currently being tipped for release sometime in 2022 or 2023, the best indication that the film is indeed going ahead is the character of John Stewart being removed from Zack Snyder's Justice League due to the studio having other plans for the character. How soon Green Lantern Corps will actually release remains to be seen, but it would prove an exciting entry into the DCEU.
Zatanna - 2022/2023
Reports that J.J. Abrams is working on a number of Justice League Dark shows and movies have seen a lot of planned DC projects announced. One such project is Zatanna, set to adapt the character to the big screen. So far, Emerald Fennell has been announced to be writing the film with Abrams producing, although there's currently no indication who might star as the titular magician.
Static Shock - 2022/2023
Another DC movie currently in development is Static Shock, centered around Static. The film was originally announced at DC FanDome in 2020, with Michael B. Jordan attached as a producer. It is believed that it may be released on HBO Max, and is currently scheduled for release some time in 2022 or 2023.
Wonder Woman 3
Immediately after the release of Wonder Woman 1984, another sequel was greenlit starring Gal Gadot as the titular heroine. The film's story has been kept under wraps, but it's possible that Wonder Woman 3 may change the DCEU's Amazons to demonstrate their true power. Filming on Wonder Woman 3 is currently expected to begin sometime in 2023.
Gotham City Sirens
Another DC film with a long development history, Gotham City Sirens was first announced back in 2016. Postponed numerous times, most notably for Birds of Prey, Gotham City Sirens seems like it may yet be a long way off. However, Margot Robbie has stated that she's pushing forward with the film, and hopes it can better explore Harley Quinn's relationships with Poison Ivy and Catwoman, so chances are Gotham City Sirens is still on its way.
Wonder Twins
Recently announced to be in development, Wonder Twins will bring the super-powered siblings to the big screen. Previous attempts to adapt DC's Wonder Twins' on Smallville and Legends of Tomorrow left a lot to be desired, but the characters are now officially being given the big-screen treatment. Wonder Twins is intended to release via HBO Max.
The Amazons
Announced in 2019, The Amazons is a Wonder Woman spin-off focused on the Amazons of Themyscira. Patty Jenkins is attached to the film as a producer and writer, but has expressed that she will not be directing. The Amazons' story is reported to take place between the events of the first two Wonder Woman films and Wonder Woman 3.
Black Canary
Another DC movie being produced as an HBO exclusive, Black Canary will follow the character of the same name. Jurnee Smollett will reprise her role from Birds of Prey, with Misha Green penning the script and Sue Kroll producing. Little is currently known about the film, but it's been speculated that Black Canary may pay off a villain theory from The Suicide Squad.
Blackhawks
Initially announced in 2018, the development of the Blackhawk comic book adaptation is still underway. Blackhawks was delayed while Steven Spielberg worked on West Side Story, and most recently it was announced that it's undergoing some additional rewrites. Steven Spielberg is believed to still be attached to produce and direct the film.
Hourman
First announced in March of 2021, an Hourman movie is in development from writers Gavin James and Neil Widener. Chernin Entertainment was announced to be producing Hourman along with Warner Bros. and DC Films. It's not been clarified exactly which version of the character will appear in the movie, and other details are as yet unknown.
Plastic Man
The DCEU's perfect answer to Deadpool is Plastic Man - and despite the film having reportedly been in production for years, it's still believed to be on its way. Originally announced back in 2018, the Plastic Man film is reportedly being reworked into a female-centered movie. Continued development of Plastic Man is currently being kept quiet, but it's still believed to underway.
Joker 2
Another planned DC sequel to exist separately from the DCEU is Joker 2, with Todd Phillips returning to write the film. Specific details on the sequel are currently unknown, although it's expected that Joaquin Phoenix would reprise his role as Arthur Fleck. With Phoenix having won an Oscar for his turn in Joker, it's unsurprising that Phillips has been asked to return to write a sequel.
