DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn clarifies what The Flash resetting the DC Universe means and how it impacts which actors stay. The official announcement for Chapter 1 of the DCU came this week after Gunn and Peter Safran spent months mapping out their overall vision. The DCU slate included 10 new movies and TV shows that will all be connected in a single universe. However, the co-CEOs also addressed the 2023 DC movies that are already coming and how they connect to the new shared universe plans. This included Gunn confirming that The Flash resets the DC Universe.
The statement created some confusion about what the DCU canon will be after The Flash, especially since other movies are coming out before Superman: Legacy in 2025. Now, James Gunn has clarified the statement and revealed how The Flash's reset will not result in a complete reboot that allows some actors to stick around.
Gunn made the clarification while responding to a comment on his Instagram post sharing his excitement for Creature Commandos. According to Gunn, The Flash resetting the DCU will allow some actors to return to their previously established roles, while others will be recast.
Which DCU Actors Are Staying After The Flash's Reset?
There is currently limited information available about which DCU actors will stick around after The Flash's reset. James Gunn confirmed that Viola Davis is returning as Amanda Waller for the Waller HBO series. She is the only DC actor confirmed to be part of Gunn and Safran's plans who also appeared in previous projects. However, they did tease that Waller will include other characters from Peacemaker, so John Cena's Peacemaker, Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt, and Danielle Brooks' Leota Adebayo could be among the DCU actors to remain after The Flash.
Instead of confirming who will stay after The Flash resets the DCU, Gunn has been more open about revealing who will not come back. Henry Cavill is no longer Superman, as Superman: Legacy will recast the role. Ben Affleck is also done playing Batman, so The Brave and the Bold will cast a new Bruce Wayne once again. It is also known that Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam does not factor into any immediate plans.
It might not be cut and dry, but The Flash's reset means Gunn and Safran can pick and choose who sticks around for the new DCU. Ezra Miller's Flash, Jason Momoa's Aquaman, and Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman are confirmed to be in consideration to return. It is also possible that Zachary Levi's Shazam and Xolo Maridueña's Blue Beetle will remain if their upcoming DC movies perform well. Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn future has not been discussed, but Gunn has an affinity for the character. Even if more DCU actors stay after The Flash, their history could change as part of the reset.
Source: James Gunn
