While “Black Adam” is on the horizon, “Joker 2” is putting a cast together, and a sequel to “The Batman” is in the early development stages, there is still some mystery about where things will be going next for DC Films. A rather large update has been dropped today, giving us a small idea of what else could be coming, such as a mystery film from James Gunn (“The Suicide Squad,” “Peacemaker”) and a sequel to “Man of Steel,” with Henry Cavill reprising the Superman role.
THR has dropped even more news tidbits about the state of the DCEU and beyond. Despite the studio’s reported uneasy future working relationship with Ezra Miller, a script for “Flash 2” has already been written by screenwriter David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick (“Aquaman,” “Aquaman & The Lost Kingdom”). This is a clear sign that the studio wants to get a sequel up and running, even if they might have to recast the titular role.
Also, in the report, the trade reports that director Matt Reeves is making moves to continue to expand “The Batman” universe beyond his sequel and streaming series, like “Penguin” starring Colin Farrell. Reeves is said to be meeting with writers and directors to build out multiple films that will be focused on Batman’s extensive lineup of villains. That could be a mix of established as they mention the likes of fan-favorites like Scarecrow and the shapeshifting crook Clayface with more obscure baddies like Professor Pyg discussed too. However, those projects are in the very early stages of gestation, and the report doesn’t mention who the creatives are. This is the first time we’ve heard that Reeves hopes to tackle more movies beyond sequels.
Also in the report, Bad Robot’s “Zatanna” project is sadly dead in the water, joining other recently canceled DC films such as “Batgirl” and “Wonder Twins.”
Meanwhile, chugging along is Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman 3.” The script is still being penned and is expected to arrive soon. J.J. Abrams and his aforementioned Bad Robot productions are said to be still potentially doing things within the DC universe, but those projects weren’t named. Abrams was also working on another Superman film with screenwriter Tehasi Coates.
Getting a status update on the health of the DC cinematic universe comes as “Black Adam” flies into theaters this month and “The Batman” managed to impress audiences earlier in the year with Robert Pattinson under the cowl.