The DC Films Universe: All The Movies Coming Soon & In Development

“New Gods”
Starring: TBD
Directed by: Ava DuVernay
The Latest: Of all the films on this list, “New Gods” is the most unlikely title to be announced. The story features the titular characters that rule the cosmos. Think “Thor” but with even more crazy space stuff going on. “New Gods” comes from the genius mind of Jack Kirby and is one of the most psychedelic and interesting of the comic book legend’s creations. And while we don’t know much about the film, we do know that Ava DuVernay is attached to direct and that’s plenty to get us excited. Most recently, she shared that the film is still in “early development.”
Odds of Release: 50%. While there are plenty of films on this list that have directors or stars attached, “New Gods” still seems more likely than most of getting made. Unlike “Nightwing” or “Black Adam,” “New Gods” can be a completely standalone story and doesn’t require an extensive knowledge of DC lore to follow. And combined with DuVernay’s cache as a director, you better believe that WB/DC is going to do everything it can to get this film off the ground. However, the director has been burned already by big-budget filmmaking, with “A Wrinkle in Time” underwhelming, so we have to assume she’ll be very picky when it comes to her next blockbuster film. So, for DuVernay to stay around, “New Gods” will have to be something special.

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We’ll Believe It When We See It…

“Black Adam”
Starring: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Directed by: TBD
The Latest: Believe it or not, a “Black Adam” film has been in development for almost a decade over at WB. Back before “Man of Steel” was even a blip on the radar, the character that is closely tied to the “Shazam!” mythos was perhaps getting his own outing. Then when the WB CEO announced the 10-film slate in 2014, Black Adam was slated to appear in the “Shazam!” film, seeing as he’s the most famous of the hero’s villains, with Dwayne Johnson attached to star as the character. As the years went by, it was revealed that “Shazam!” wouldn’t feature Black Adam, and instead, Johnson would get his own film to further flesh out the villain/anti-hero. And since then, there’s really been no word, other than Johnson is still attached and hopes to get the film going soon. The actor’s frequent producing partner recently said the film is “definitely happening.” We shall see.
Odds of Release: 45% on its own. 95% if “Shazam!” is a box office smash. The future of “Black Adam” truly does hinge on the success of April’s “Shazam!” If that film is the hit that WB is hoping for, then “Black Adam” is a sure thing, and would obviously lead to an eventual collision of the two characters in a future film. However, the inverse is also true. If “Shazam!” is a flop, consider “Black Adam” to be almost impossible, despite The Rock’s star power.

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“Harley Quinn/Joker”
Starring: Margot Robbie and Jared Leto
Directed by: TBD
The Latest: After the box office success of “Suicide Squad” in 2016, the rumor mill exploded with news that WB was developing multiple projects surrounding the characters of Harley Quinn and the Joker, as they were the clear standouts (for better or worse) from the film. As we now know, Harley will next be seen in “Birds of Prey” and probably “Suicide Squad 2,” but Leto’s Joker has been conspicuously left out of most of the recent film discussion. The “Harley Quinn/Joker” film was originally said to be a sort of love story to help further flesh out the relationship that was hinted at in ‘Squad.’ But over time, as WB shifted gears, this project seemed doomed. But then recently, the writing duo of Glenn Ficarra and John Requa teased that their version of the film, which is hinted as still a possibility, was more of a “Bad Santa” meets “This is Us.”
Odds of Release: 35%. The truth is, any sort of Harley Quinn or Joker film (that stars Jared Leto) is going to be dependent on the success of “Birds of Prey,” and to an extent, “Suicide Squad 2.” If “Birds of Prey” is a bonafide hit (and considering the character’s cult status combined with Robbie’s ever-growing star, the film seems destined for box office gold), “Harley Quinn/Joker” could become a very real proposition. Of course, there’s the problematic/abusive nature of the duo’s relationship that could prevent the film from ever hitting the big screen.

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“Green Lantern Corps”
Starring: TBD
Directed by: TBD
The Latest: One of the most talked about films that will likely never see the light of day is “Green Lantern Corps.” The film, which is supposed to right all the wrongs that Ryan Reynolds gave the world in 2011’s “Green Lantern,” has been highly anticipated since the 2014 announcement. However, in the ensuing years, the Lanterns have been merely hinted at in films and all casting rumors have been completely shut down. Recently, filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie admitted that he was discussing the film with WB/DC, but talks broke down. We know that Tyrese Gibson really wants to star in the film. There have also been rumors that Tom Cruise has been approached. Though that can most likely be chalked up to McQuarrie being involved potentially, and the duo having “Mission: Impossible” history.
Odds of Release: 30%. “Green Lantern Corps” is a property that WB/DC clearly wants to bring to the big screen, but for one reason or another, the studio hasn’t been able to gain any traction. Plus, there’s the looming specter of Reynolds’ “Green Lantern” hovering over the project, leading many to wonder if it’s even worth it.

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Don’t Hold Your Super Breath…

“Nightwing”
Starring: TBD
Directed by: Chris McKay
The Latest: We are approaching two years since Batman spin-off film “Nightwing” was announced with writer-director Chris McKay, best known for “The LEGO Batman Movie,” attached. Since then, McKay has been the film’s biggest cheerleader providing almost-quarterly updates on the film’s progress. Earlier this year, the writer-director teased that a first draft was complete. Most recently, actors have been rumored for the lead, including “Deadpool 2” star Lewis Tan being the most vocal about meeting with WB/DC. However, just as recently as June, McKay cautioned the film is still a ways off, and back in February, he described the development of “Nightwing” as a “LONG process.”
Odds of Release: 25%. Much like many of the films on this list, having a director, star, writer, or other crew attached doesn’t guarantee a release date. And the biggest thing going against “Nightwing” at this point is the long development cycle for the film. How long will Chris McKay stay around? Will DC move ahead with a “Nightwing” film when they haven’t even introduced a live-action Robin (who then turns into Nightwing) on the big screen in over 20 decades? There are still a lot of questions surrounding this film.

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