James Gunn’s Superman recently premiered in theaters, dominating at the box office and stirring excitement for the new DC Universe. While many viewers have hailed Superman as the beginning of a new cinematic universe following the DC Extended Universe’s closure, Gunn’s DCU has already begun via the small screen and the DC Elseworlds brand.
What Is James Gunn’s DC Universe?
Gunn’s DCU is the current DC Cinematic Universe. Similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s a shared universe of films and TV shows featuring characters and stories inspired by DC Comics. Almost every movie and TV show under the DCU takes place in the same universe, except for those that fall under DC Elseworlds. DC Elseworlds is a part of the DCU but consists of shows and films that occur outside of the central timeline/universe. These could be standalone films or animated DC projects that boast their own continuity.
What Shows And Movies Currently Exist In The DCU?
When Gunn took over the DCU in 2023, several DC projects, both within and outside the DCEU, were already in development and were quickly brought under the DCU umbrella. Hence, the first DCU installment is technically Peacemaker. The series, created by Gunn, serves as a spin-off of The Suicide Squad, centering on Peacemaker (Josh Cena) in the aftermath of the film, as he decides to take on a new mission for A.R.G.U.S. to avoid returning to prison.
Gunn was developing Peacemaker Season 2 when he was installed as DCU head. Although initially conceived as part of the DCEU, Peacemaker is now considered part of the new DCU, with Season 2 set to premiere on August 21, 2025.
In 2022, Matt Reeves’ The Batman premiered on the big screen. The series introduces Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne (aka Batman) and serves as a standalone Batman movie. Following its success, plans to expand The Batman with spin-offs and sequels quickly arose from Reeves. So, The Batman also came under DCU as part of DC Elseworlds. In addition to The Batman, its spin-off series, The Penguin, is a part of DC Elseworlds.
Several other projects in progress or released since Gunn took over DC Studios are also considered DC Elseworlds, including:
By 2024, Gunn’s Creature Commandos premiered on HBO Max. The animated TV series is set within the DCU and centers on a ragtag team of monsters assembled by Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) to aid the nation of Pokolistan.
Most recently, the main DCU continuity received its first official film: Superman. The film introduces David Corenswet as the DCU’s Superman and follows him as he attempts to stop Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) while navigating precarious global tensions.
Where Is The DCU Headed?
Like the MCU, Gunn’s DCU will operate in phases, which are groups of distinct, interconnected movies. Currently, it is in Phase 1: Gods and Monsters, which began with Creature Commandos and Superman. Peacemaker Season 2 marks the next Gods and Monsters project. The interconnectivity is already rearing its head as Peacemaker Season 2 will feature Superman’s Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn). Meanwhile, the star of the next DCU movie also boasted a cameo in Superman: Supergirl (Milly Alcock).
After Supergirl, Clayface, featuring Tom Rhys Harries as the titular character, will premiere on September 11, 2026. On the small screen, the next DCU project after Peacemaker is Lanterns, featuring two Green Lanterns (Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler) in a detective role. Afterward, the Peacemaker spin-off series, Waller, is set to arrive at an undetermined date.
DC Elseworlds will continue to expand through Reeves’ Batverse, with The Batman Part II slated for release in 2027. However, the DCU continuity will also receive its own, separate Batman, set to star in The Brave and the Bold, which currently lacks a confirmed release date or lead actor.
As the DCU continues, the movies and shows in the main continuity are expected to tie into the theme of the phase, Gods and Monsters. Creature Commandos and Superman already featured some fantastic monsters, as well as figures both good and bad, such as Superman and Waller, who have god-like abilities or have a propensity for playing god. Only time will tell, though, where the DCU’s exploration of the duality of gods and monsters will lead.
Where To Watch DCU Shows And Movies Online
To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in the US, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!
