Superheroes continue to dominate the big and small screens, and DC Studios is making sure their legacy expands with fresh stories and bold reimaginings. After years of creative setbacks, the studio is embarking on a new era led by James Gunn and Peter Safran. Their ambitious roadmap, known as Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, includes blockbuster films, HBO Max series, and Elseworlds projects that exist beyond the shared DC Universe continuity.
With Superman already soaring in 2025 and Peacemaker Season 2 winning fans, the journey has only just begun. Here’s a complete rundown of every confirmed upcoming DC project.
Lanterns (2026, TBC)
The Green Lantern franchise is taking a gritty new turn with Lanterns. Unlike the cosmic adventures fans expect, the HBO Max series will focus on Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate a dark mystery on Earth, promising a noir-inspired detective thriller in the vein of True Detective.
The creative team is impressive, with Chris Mundy (Ozark), Damon Lindelof (Watchmen), and acclaimed comics writer Tom King on board. James Gunn has confirmed the series is an essential part of Chapter One, with a cast including Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, and Kelly Macdonald.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (June 26, 2026)
Kara Zor-El takes the spotlight in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, a cinematic adaptation of Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s celebrated comic. Unlike her cousin, this version of Supergirl is shaped by grief and hardship, making her a hardened warrior.
Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon) stars as Kara, with Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) directing and Ana Nogueira handling the screenplay. With Gunn’s high praise for the script, this could be one of the boldest entries in the DCU.
Clayface (September 11, 2026)
Horror takes its place in the DC slate with Clayface, a reimagining of the tragic Batman villain Matt Hegen. Pitched by Mike Flanagan and directed by James Watkins, the film blends psychological horror with twisted tragedy, drawing comparisons to The Fly and Joker.
Part of the DC Elseworlds label, the film will explore transformation, obsession, and the tragedy of becoming a monster.
The Batman: Part II (October 1, 2027)
Matt Reeves continues his Elseworlds saga with The Batman: Part II, bringing Robert Pattinson back as Gotham’s Caped Crusader. While plot details remain secret, Barry Keoghan’s Joker—teased in the first film—may emerge as a key antagonist in this darker sequel.
Despite multiple delays, anticipation remains sky-high as fans eagerly await Reeves’ next chapter in his grounded Gotham universe.
Dynamic Duo (June 30, 2028)
Batman steps aside for the Robins in Dynamic Duo, an animated feature highlighting Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. Exploring their evolving bond and diverging paths—Nightwing for Dick and Red Hood for Jason—the film promises rich storytelling outside of the usual Batman lens.
Written by Matthew Aldrich (Coco) and directed by Arthur Mintz, with animation by Swaybox, this project is eyeing a theatrical release in 2028.
Waller (TBA)
Amanda Waller finally takes center stage in her own HBO Max series. Still reeling from the fallout of Peacemaker, Waller must grapple with betrayal, political scrutiny, and her reputation as a ruthless manipulator.
With Viola Davis reprising her role and Christal Henry (Watchmen) alongside Jeremy Carver (Doom Patrol) serving as showrunners, this project remains one of DC’s most anticipated spin-offs.
The Authority (TBA)
Based on Warren Ellis’ groundbreaking WildStorm series, The Authority introduces a morally gray superhero team determined to “fix” the world by any means. With characters like Apollo, Midnighter, and The Engineer (already introduced in Superman), this ambitious project pushes DC into edgier, mature territory.
James Gunn has admitted it’s one of the trickiest DCU adaptations, so fans may have to wait a while longer before this unconventional team hits the screen.
Paradise Lost (TBA)
Set long before Diana Prince’s arrival, Paradise Lost explores Themyscira’s political intrigues, rivalries, and darker history. Promising Amazonian civil wars and forbidden rituals, the project has been described as “Game of Thrones in Themyscira.”
Inspired by the Paradise Island Lost comics, this show will act as a precursor to a new Wonder Woman movie.
Wonder Woman (TBA)
A rebooted Wonder Woman is officially in development, with Ana Nogueira attached as screenwriter. This film will redefine Diana for the new DC Universe, separate from Gal Gadot’s DCEU portrayal.
James Gunn has emphasized Wonder Woman as a cornerstone of the DCU, alongside Superman, Batman, and Supergirl. Casting speculation is already buzzing, though no actor has been confirmed yet.
The Brave and the Bold (TBA)
DC Studios is shining a bigger light on the Batfamily through The Brave and the Bold, a new Batman movie that introduces Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s son, as Robin. Unlike past versions of the character, Batman here isn’t just the dark, brooding vigilante fans know. Instead, we see him juggling life as a crimefighter in Gotham while also trying to raise a child who was trained to be an assassin.
Director James Gunn has described it as a “strange father-and-son story,” something never before explored in a live-action film. The project will be directed by Andy Muschietti (The Flash) and is still in the scriptwriting stage. Gunn confirmed in August 2025 that casting won’t begin until the script is finished, and Muschietti plans to time the release so it doesn’t overlap with The Batman: Part II, scheduled for 2027.
Booster Gold (TBA)
Although Booster Gold has appeared in Smallville and Legends of Tomorrow, he’s still considered a relatively unknown DC character. HBO Max is developing a new series about him, focusing on Michael Jon Carter—a failed athlete from the 25th century who steals futuristic technology and travels back to the present, hoping to build fame as a superhero.
James Gunn has described Booster Gold as one of DC’s most unusual character studies and suggested the series will explore themes of “impostor syndrome.” The pilot is being written by David Jenkins (Our Flag Means Death), who is also expected to act as showrunner. Casting has not yet been announced, but the project is already being positioned as DC’s first true superhero comedy.
Swamp Thing (TBA)
The darker corners of the DC universe are set to take on a gothic twist with Swamp Thing, a standalone horror film that will delve into the origins of Alec Holland—a scientist whose life is upended after a lab accident in the Louisiana swamps leaves him transformed into a monstrous protector of nature. The project aims for a brooding, atmospheric tone that blends classic horror elements with deeper themes of loss and identity.
Directed by James Mangold (Logan, Walk the Line), Swamp Thing is still in its early stages. Mangold has described his vision as a “straightforward, Gothic horror story about a man caught between human and monster,” comparing it to the tradition of Frankenstein. With its distinctive style and horror roots, the film could mark a unique experiment for DC’s expanding slate of projects.
Final Thoughts
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s bold new roadmap is shaping the future of DC Studios with a mix of grounded stories, supernatural horror, and mythological epics. From Lanterns to The Batman: Part II, the upcoming DCU slate promises a rich tapestry of genres that could redefine superhero storytelling for years to come.
