Reports suggest that DC Extended Universe, the live-action franchise of DC Comics is coming to an unprecedented end. The news comes after directors James Gunn and Peter Safran had taken over the reins at DC Studios. So what happens to Man of Steel, Wonder Woman, and the others?
The new CEOs are planning to bring a conclusion to the current universe, its characters, and its storylines. If you’re a DC fan, prepare for some unfortunate news coming your way.
What the reports say
According to the reports from The Hollywood Reporter, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman 3 and Henry Cavill’s rumored but long-awaited Man of Steel 2 will be the first films to be scrapped.
- The new universe nicknamed DCU (a slight change from DCEU) will reportedly feature a completely new set of actors.
- The upcoming film titled and featuring The Flash is likely to be the last time the Justice League heroes will appear on screen together. The film is set to release in June 2023.
James Gunn’s response
James Gunn took to Twitter to vaguely clarify some of the rumors. However, he wasn’t of any help to the fans who needed some reassurance.
- He went on to admit some of the rumors were true without pointing out which ones. Gunn openly wrote that he and Safran know that they “can’t make every single person happy” along the way.
As for more answers about the future of the DCU, I will sadly have to ask you to wait. We are giving these characters & the stories the time & attention they deserve & we ourselves still have a lot more questions to ask & answer. pic.twitter.com/sxwKGRD3vc
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) December 8, 2022
- James Gunn has a foot in both Marvel and DC camps. He established himself as a Marvel director through the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.
- Later, he went on to direct The Suicide Squad reboot for DC and then its spinoff series, Peacemaker.
More from the reports
Other characters like Black Adam and Shazam may or may not be affected by this extensive reshuffling process. However, standalone films like Robert Pattinson’s The Batman and Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker will not be affected.
- A proper official statement about the legitimacy of these reports is due next week when James Gunn and Peter Safran will meet the CEO of Warner Bros.
No three-quel for Wonder Woman
Fans of Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman seem stunned by this sudden news. Earlier this week, Gal Gadot shared an image of herself as Wonder Woman from the previous films.
A few years ago it was announced that I was going to play Wonder Woman.I’ve been so grateful for the opportunity to play such an incredible, iconic character and more than anything I’m grateful for YOU.The fans.Can’t wait to share her next chapter with you🙅🏻♀️🙌🏼💃🏻♥️ pic.twitter.com/XlzhrMx4xe
— Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) December 6, 2022
- She tweeted about the character’s next chapter and fans were immediately excited. But the excitement quickly died down and turned into an anxious wait for an official statement.
Jason Momoa’s departure as Aquaman
We may have to bring more bad news, including the Aquaman fans too. Jason Momoa will most likely bid goodbye to the Atlantean character after the upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
- He might be recast in the new universe as Lobo, the bounty hunter. Lobo fits a character profile that James Gunn’s directorial style would benefit from.
Henry Cavill’s future as Superman
Superman fans are fuming over the reports. Henry Cavill’s recent cameo as Superman in Dwayne Johnson’s first DC outing Black Adam was the talk of the town.
- Henry Cavill had even taken to social media to announce his return as Superman in the DCEU. His promise of more upcoming projects now hangs in the balance.
Reason for reshuffle
DC Comics arguably has more heritage than Marvel Comics. But it’s undeniable that the DC Entertainment Universe has been living in the shadow of the vastly superior Marvel Cinematic Universe.
I love how DC announces their cancelations and insane rearrangements the same way marvel announces a new phase of the mcu
— Alice (@AerithsSeat) December 8, 2022
- The MCU has grown to overshadow franchises like Star Wars and the old Disney, in terms of popularity and box office numbers. And this is in stark contrast to DCEU whose struggle to win has been quite evident since Man of Steel (2012).
Does new management mean better things are coming DC’s way? Or do you think James Gunn is making a big mistake by destroying the Snyderverse?
RELATED NEWS: James Gunn to lead DC Studios: What to expect?
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