In response to the mass phenomenon of the "Marvel Cinematic Universe" - which reached its peak of popularity with "Avengers: Endgame", the highest-grossing film in the history of cinema - Warner Bros , holder of the DC Comics film rights, also has tried to affirm his vision of a shared universe together with the most famous superheroes of the comic brand .
But in spite of its rival - due to fluctuating titles to say the least both for public appreciation and for intrinsic value - the "DC Universe" has not been able to prove itself as a truly convincing production operation. It is therefore recent news that the scepter of creative director of the DC universe - first in the hands of Zack Snyder - will pass to the capable hands of James Gunn , a director who has now become a cult figure who established himself with the two Marvel successes of the saga "The Guardians of the Galaxy" and more recently, almost in counterattack, with the reboot of the DC series "Suicide Squad".
And it is this last, abrupt change of course that is the real turning point. Because starting from it - after a series of talked about hiccups with Disney's employers - the director wanted to take charge of a complete makeover of the entire DC world . Its goal is to structure a system that is cohesive and coherent, avoiding confused and badly contextualised projects . This widening the new universe not only to cinema and television series, but also to video games.
So here are the plans that Gunn and producer Peter Safran have revealed for the near future: “Shazam! Fury of the Gods”, “The Flash”, “Blue Beetle” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” will be part of the last batch of films belonging to the current course, after which a project divided into chapters entitled “Gods and Monsters” will begin. "The Flash" will be the film that will kick off the reboot but with a soft approach, respecting the old plots, that is, without upsetting too much some past events and the actors who have already been involved. Among these Jason Momoa, Gal Gadot, Zachary Levi and - good manners permitting - Ezra Miller will probably return. Due to contractual problems and more or less unknown reasons, Dwayne Johnson in the role of Black Adam, Henry Cavill in that of Superman and Ben Affleck in that of Batman will be missing from the appeal, although the rumors according to which the actor/director will direct a film of the next course.
Beyond Cavill's departure, which has displeased many fans, Gunn already has two projects on the Man of Steel saga in the pipeline. Of these, “ Superman Legacy ” will be the first chapter, will not concern the character's origins and will rather focus on his double life as Clark Kent and costumed hero. The film, scheduled for 2025, will be directed by Gunn and an actor is still being sought for the lead role. The second film related to Superman, for now still untitled, will instead be written by Ta-Neshi Coate and produced by JJ Abrams. The latter will instead be part of the "Elsewords" category, i.e. a new course parallel and distinct from the first, but still pertaining to the DCU. For example, "The Batman: Part II", sequel to the film by Matt Reeves with Robert Pattinson, and "Joker: Follie A Deux", with the obvious reconfirmation of Joaquin Phoenix in the role of the famous villain and the new surprise entry by Lady Gaga.
After "Superman Legacy" it will be the turn of " The Authority ", a project that intends to be darker and more violent, inspired by the vigilante team created in 1999 by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch under the Wildstorm label. It will then be the turn of "The Brave and The Bold" - a film that, according to rumors, seems to want to be entrusted to the direction of Affleck - yet another revival of the Bat Man focused mainly on the relationship between Batman and his trusted companion Robin. This will be followed by “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” with an all-new version of Kara Zor-El, including the actress. The new Supergirl - Gunn's words - will play the opposite pole, from a character and behavioral point of view, of the one thought for Superman instead. It will be discovered over time if this will also possibly mean a clash between the two supers. Closing Chapter 1 will be “Swamp Thing”, inspired by the famous character of Alan Moore.
Alongside the movies on the big screen are a handful of television series that, like the MCU, will fill in the gaps between feature films. The first is an animated series that will introduce the " Creature Commandos ", famous above all in the 80s but re-proposed here in a completely revised and corrected version. Among other things, the series, already in production, was written by Gunn himself. “ Walter ” will instead be the live action series inspired by the protagonist of the same name and interpreted once again by Viola Davis. Three other television shows are planned, although the release dates are not yet foreseen: “ Paradise Lost ” will boast a style very similar to that of “Game of Thrones” and will be set on the island of Themyscira in an era before at the birth of Wonder Woman. “ Booster Gold ” will introduce the star-studded time traveler in a context closer to that of comedy. Finally, " Lanterns " will focus on the investigations conducted by Green Lanterns Hal Jordan and John Stewart, inspired - no less - by the atmosphere of the beloved "True Detective".
John Scanu
