DCMU (DC Multimedia Universe)

The DCMU, or the DC Multimedia Universe, is a media franchise and series of superhero films and television series, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and based on characters that appear in American comic books by DC Comics. The shared universe, much like the original DC Universe in comic books and the television programs, was established by crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters. The films are written and directed by a variety of individuals and feature large casts, many of which new to the Superhero industry, including: Robert Pattinson, David Corenswet, Jake Gyllenhaal, Vincent D'Onofrio, Alexandra Daddario and more. The first film in the DCMU was Son of Krypton (2021), followed by Batman: The Arkham Conspiracy (2021). The films take place a decade prior to official release, with the first film taking place in 2008. Since the first couple of movies, the lore has expanded into introducing many different characters never before seen in theaters, like the JSA and underrepresented Justice League members.

Development
In 2018, Mark Waid was set to direct a live action reboot of the Superman Franchise, (previously Man of Steel (2013)), launching a new Cinematic Universe for DC to work in. Much of the Man of Steel cast had been recast completely, leaving only Harry Lennix reprising his role. Jason Momoa returns from the previous franchise, however as Lobo instead. The same year, Matt Reeves had been hired to direct a reboot of the Batman films, starting with The Arkham Conspiracy. Development came to fruition in 2021, with Son of Krypton slated for a June 11th, 2021 release, and The Arkham Conspiracy releasing on October 29, 2021. During 2020, the DCMU released the entire first "slate" of films they had planned, which included the already announced Superman and Batman films, "Wonder Woman: The Spear of Destiny", "The Trinity: Warworld", a film starring Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, "The Flash: Rogue War", "Emerald Knights", a series focused on the Green Lantern Corps, and a "Justice League: Project AMAZO". After the release of The Trinity: Warworld, a 2nd slate was confirmed to be in development, with more information coming after the release of Project AMAZO. The 2nd slate, revealed after the release of The Flash: Rogue War, is highlighted by two new series (Teen Titans Unlimited and Gotham Noir), and sequels surrounding Wonder Woman, Flash and Superman, with two more seasons of Emerald Knights being greenlit. In addition, two series (Year One and World's Finest) will mark the franchise's first dive into animation. Lastly, an original Justice Society film and Justice League limited series is planned to release.

Son of Krypton (2021)
Kal-El of Krypton fights against an android powered by his only weakness, delivering a fresh take on the Superman mythos in his second year. The film introduces the live action debut of Martian Manhunter, and Supergirl's first return to the silver screen since 1984. The film was released on June 11th, 2021 in IMAX, 3D and 2D, and was made available for streaming on HBO Max after a month.

Development for the film first began in 2018, after the box office failure of Joss Whedon's Justice League. Mark Waid was approached by the studio to pitch his vision for the film, hired almost immediately to direct WallyGoat7's script. In March 2019, Richard Madden was attached to portray the Man of Steel, later being replaced for newcomer David Corenswet. Other cast members include Laura Fraser as Lois Lane, Dan Stevens as Metallo, Vincent D'Onofrio as Lex Luthor, Harry Lennix as the Martian Manhunter, Erin Moriarty as Supergirl/Kara Zor-El, Alec Baldwin as Johnathan Kent, and Gerard Butler as Jor-El. The film began a new cinematic universe for DC, the first of 8 announced films/series.

Batman: The Arkham Conspiracy
Early in their respective careers, Batman and Robin uncover a mystery that intertwines with the newly developed Arkham Asylum. They must solve the mystery while simultaneously dealing with a tech thief on the rise. After 24 years, Robin and Batgirl return to the big screen, along with the live action cinematic debut of Hugo Strange. The film was released on October 29th, 2021 in IMAX, 3D and 2D, along with being available to HBO Max subscribers a month after release.

Development for the film began in late 2018, originally landing Michael Fassbender to portray the Dark Knight. After concerns from the studio that Fassbender was too old to play a young Bruce Wayne, he was replaced by Robert Pattinson (who had originally been penned to play Batman in the since cancelled Matt Reeves film). Matt Reeves returned to direct and produce the film, given a second chance after his film The Batman fell through in mid development. Written by WallyGoat7, the film also features Nick Robinson as Robin/Dick Grayson, Sadie Sink as Batgirl/Barbara Gordon, Charles Dance as Alfred, JK Simmons as Commissioner Gordon, Bryan Cranston as Hugo Strange, and Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman/Selina Kyle.

The film is set only a couple of months after Son of Krypton, however only referencing the film in throwaway lines.

Wonder Woman: The Spear of Destiny
Dealing as an origin for Wonder Woman and an introduction for the Justice Society, Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor must invade a Nazi occupied territory controlled by Vandal Savage, in order to change the tide of the war.

After many different actresses had been tossed around for the role (including Elodie Yung, Irina Shayk, Jamie Alexander, and a returning Gal Gadot) Alexandra Daddario was hired for the role of Wonder Woman near the start of 2018, signing a multi-film contract, with potential for a couple cameos in series too. Soon after the announcement of Wonder Woman's casting, Bruce Greenwood was cast as Jay Garrick, Colin Firth as Alan Scott, Sylvester Stallone as Ted Grant, Clive Owen as the Spectre, Blake Lively as Dinah Drake, and Jason Bateman as Charles McNider, along with Chace Crawford as Steve Trevor. Kurt Russell is also going to appear as Zeus, with Michael Fassbender appearing as his son Ares. In 2019, Timothy Odmundson signed on to portray Vandal Savage as the main antagonist, acting along side Peter Dinklage as Dr. Psycho/Edgar Klause.

The film signs on a lot of staff from it's predecessor, Wonder Woman (2017). Patty Jenkins returns to direct the film, with music being handled by Rupert Gregson-Williams. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder sign on to produce the film for Warner Brothers, with WallyGoat7 writing the story and screenplay. The film was released on February 11th, 2022, while taking heavy inspiration from Wonder Woman (2017), Wonder Woman: Earth One, early JSA comics, and the animated Wonder Woman film (2009).

The Trinity: Warworld
As Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman are transported to an alien planet ruled by the malevolent dictator Mongul. In their first team-up, the trio builds chemistry as they must work together to escape.

Robert Pattinson, David Corenswet and Alexandra Daddario are all signed on to reprise their roles for the film. Given the film's darker tone, director Zack Snyder will be directing the film, and Bruce Willis has signed on to appear as Mongul, the main antagonist. John David Washington and Ron Perlman will both make appearances in the film as John Stewart and Killowog respectively, setting up the cinematic universe further. In accordance to franchise continuity, Erin Moriarty, Laura Fraser, Nick Robinson and Sadie Sink will all be reprising their roles as Supergirl, Lois Lane, Robin and Batgirl respectively, with Courtney Eaton set to debut as Donna Troy, aka the Wonder Girl.

Development of the film is said to take place after Wonder Woman: The Spear of Destiny's outline has wrapped up. In 2020, the film's script was announced to have been "near completion", citing an August 19th, 2022 release date.

The Flash: Rogue War
Having lost to the Flash alone before, Captain Cold, Heatwave and the Mirror Master recruit Captain Boomerang and newcomers Golden Glider and the Trickster to pull off one last heist in Central City. It's up to the Flash alone to try and stop the newly formed Rogue Gallery. Most of the Rogues make their live action cinematic debuts in this film, and so does Iris and Wally West.

Development on the story is said to take place as soon as The Arkham Conspiracy's script is finished. With director Edgar Wright attached, Lucas Till was hired to play the titular role of The Flash, aka Barry Allen. Other confirmed castings include Willa Holland as Iris West, Ty Simpkins as Wally West, Bruce Greenwood as Jay Garrick, Andrew Lincoln as Captain Cold, Luke Goss as Heatwave, Jamie Bell as the Mirror Master, Teresa Palmer as the Golden Glider, Evan Peters as the Trickster, along with Jai Courtney returning to reprise his role from Suicide Squad (2016) as Captain Boomerang. Interestingly enough, development on this film has gone the farthest (aside from Son of Krypton and The Arkham Conspiracy), despite being slated to release as the fifth movie in the franchise. WallyGoat7 cited this fact with an "increased interest" in the adventures of Barry Allen, with the outline of the script being finished before both the Spear of Destiny and the Trinity's had even started.

Project AMAZO
After initial reports of the planned Justice League film being turned into a series, it was brought back to the big screen during Comic-Con 2022. The film was dubbed "Project Amazo", and will still build off the backdoor pilot from the final few episodes of Emerald Knights season one. David Corenswet, Robert Pattinson, Alexandra Daddario, Chris Pine and Lucas Till are all slated to reprise their roles for the film, with newcomers Charlie Hunman as the Green Arrow, Donald Glover as the Atom, Oscar Isaac as Hawkman and Tessa Thompson signing on to portray Hawkgirl. The main antagonist will be Amazo, an android created by Professor Ivo, replicating the powers of the Justice League.

Despite this film no longer being a series, there are still long-term plans to pursue a Justice League series. DC Films have confirmed 1 season or movie centered on the Justice League will release per scheduled slate. The film will see the return of Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, returning as the cold-hearted Government agent. The film will also feature Vincent D'Onofrio as Lex Luthor, and will see the US Government creating issues for the newly created Justice League. After Shazam (2019), Liam Hemsworth will be playing the role of Captain Marvel, with Jacob Tremblay as Billy Batson.

Wonder Woman: Psycho
The first film confirmed at Comic-Con 2023 for the DCMU, Wonder Woman: Psycho will see Diana fighting crime with her protégé, Wonder Girl, in the modern age. The film will feature Peter Dinklage reprising his role as Dr. Psycho as the main antagonist, and will also feature Giganta as a secondary antagonist, Black Lightning, and a Dr. Barbara Minerva. Casting decisions are unclear for all three, but Alexandra and Courtney Eaton will be returning as Wonder Woman and Wonder Girl, respectively. As of 2023, the film is in early development, and has signed on Patty Jenkins to direct. The film is also rumored to feature the debut of Jono Kenyon's Aquaman in live action cinemas.

Superman: President Luthor
A direct sequel to Son of Krypton, President Luthor was the 2nd announced film from the DCMU at Comic-Con 2023. The film will take place 5 years after the events of Son of Krypton, and Superman will have already been an established hero, and engaged to a pregnant Lois Lane. Reprising their roles are David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, Erin Moriarty as Supergirl/Kara Jones, Laura Fraser as Lois Lane, Vincent D'Onofrio as Lex Luthor, and Harry Lennix as Martian Manhunter/J'onn J'onnz. Currently, Aaron Sorkin, Zack Snyder, and Mark Waid are all the names being thrown around to direct this movie. Superboy and Miss Martian are also set to debut in this film, with Lovie Simone being rumored to play Miss Martian. Also rumored to feature in the film is Robert Pattinson's Batman, who would encourage Superman to deal with Luthor.

The Flash: Gorilla City
The third film confirmed at Comic-Con 2023, The Flash: Gorilla City will take place three years after Rogue War, The Flash is now engaged to Iris West, making him the official uncle of his protégé, Kid Flash. Returning actors include Lucas Till as the Flash, Willa Holland as Iris West, Ty Simpkins as Kid Flash, Tyler Jackson William as Firestorm, and Bruce Greenwood as Jay Garrick. The main antagonist will be Gorilla Grodd, played by Mel Gibson, alongside Weather Wizard, a secondary antagonist who is currently uncasted. As of right now, Edgar Wright is likely to return and direct the sequel film. During a proposed wedding shower, Clark Kent, Hal Jordan, Oliver Queen, Ray Palmer, and Diana Prince are all rumored to make cameo appearances.

Justice Society
The final film confirmed at Comic-Con 2023, Justice Society will act as a spin-off film of Wonder Woman: The Spear of Destiny. Finished with the War, the Justice Society have to protect Earth from the mysterious Black Adam, a wizard on a revenge fueled collision course with the superhero community. Returning are Bruce Greenwood as Jay Garrick, Colin Firth as Alan Scott, Alexandra Daddario as Wonder Woman, Jason Bateman as Dr. Charles McNider (now Dr. Midnite), and Alexandar Skarsgard as Fel Andar. As a secondary antagonist, Dominic Cooper will return as T.O Morrow. New characters include Idris Elba as the Red Tornado, and an uncasted actor as Sandman. The film remains in very early development, as even the director of the film is unknown at this time.

Emerald Knights
Before Son of Krypton had been released, a Green Lantern Corps series was greenlit for HBO's streaming service, HBO Max. The first season would deal with Hal Jordan's rookie year as a Green Lantern, already casting John David Washington to play the seasoned veteran John Stewart. Mark Strong has signed on to portray Thaal Sinestro, reprising his role from Green Lantern (2011), and Chris Pine has signed on for the main character Hal Jordan. David Corenswet, Robert Pattinson, Alexandra Daddario, Lucas Till, and Harry Lennix are all slated to reprise their roles in the series, with a creation of the Justice League taking place during the last three episodes.

The season is said to be comprised of 9 episodes, each at an hour. Development for the first season begins after The Trinity: Warworld is completed, which will run simultaneously with the development of Aquaman: Triton's Fury, and a plot outline for the first season has been written out. On June 3rd, 2020, the series title was changed to Emerald Knights, avoiding confusion with the cancelled Green Lantern Corps series originally planned at HBO Max. The same day, Chris Pine was confirmed to play the main character Hal Jordan, with Ron Perlman being announced to play Kilowog. Later on, Doug Jones, Maya Hawke, Rory McCann and Taika Waititi were all tapped to play Tomar-Re, Arisia Rrab, Salaak, and Ch'p, respectively.

Greenlit not long after the series had been announced, the second season deals with the fallout from Season 1's Justice League buildup and Sinestro's fall from grace.

Teen Titans Unlimited
The first series announced at Comic-Con and the first project planned for Slate 2, Teen Titans Unlimited will see Robin, Kid Flash, Speedy, Aqualad and Wonder Girl form the Teen Titans after the aftermath of Project AMAZO. Returning are Nick Robinson as Robin, Ty Simpkins as Kid Flash, and Courtney Eaton as Wonder Girl. New castings include Tye Sheridan as Roy Harper, Asa Butterfield as Aqualad, Dante Brown as Cyborg, Yara Shahidi as Bumblebee, and Laura Harrier as Starfire.

Currently, the first season’s plot revolves around Deathstroke’s HIVE agency, and the second season remains unplanned.

Gotham Noir
Gotham Noir will revolve around the growing Batfamily and corruption in Gotham City. Returning are Robert Pattinson as Batman, Nick Robinson as Robin, Sadie Sink as Batgirl, Charles Dance as Alfred, Jake Gylenhaal as Joker, and as Jason Todd. New hires include Dacre Montgomery as Azrael.

The first season will deal with Joker’s emergence into the scene as a new terrorist criminal, and the second will be a portrayal of Batman: Knighfall, heavily featuring Bane.

Canceled Projects

 * Aquaman Triton's Fury: In 2019, Aquaman was set to receive a live action reboot. Jono Kenyon had been confirmed to portray the titular character in late 2021. However, studio president WallyGoat7 stated that this film was no longer in the cards for the DCMU, and denied to elaborate further. Regardless, an untitled series about Atlantis is rumored to remain in development, Jono Kenyon is signed on to portray Aquaman in Emerald Knights, and the studio is reportedly looking at Ryan Potter to portray the Garth version of Aqualad.