* [[Barbara Muschietti]] (''[[The Brave and the Bold (film)|{{Abbr|TB&TB|The Brave and the Bold}}]]'')
}}
}}
| based_on = [[Lists of DC Comics characters|Characters]] from [[DC Comics|DC]]
| based_on = [[Lists of DC Comics characters|Characters]] from [[DC Comics|DC]]<br>[[Lists of Marvel Comics characters|Characters]] from [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]]
| starring = ''[[#Recurring cast and characters|See below]]''
| starring = ''[[#Recurring cast and characters|See below]]''
| studio = {{Indented plainlist|
| studio = {{Indented plainlist|
* DC Studios
* SOI Studios
* 6th & Idaho Productions (''Clayface'')
* Double Dream (''TB&TB'')
* [[Warner Bros. Television Studios]] (live-action series)
{{Further|Development of the DC Extended Universe}}
In April 2022, [[Discovery, Inc.]] and [[Warner Bros. Pictures]]' parent company [[WarnerMedia]] merged to become [[Warner Bros. Discovery]] (WBD), led by president and CEO [[David Zaslav]]. The new company was expected to restructure [[DC Entertainment]] so the film, television, and video game divisions of the company could be aligned. Even before the merger was complete, Zaslav began meeting with candidates to take over [[DC Films]]—including film executive Emma Watts—with the hope of finding an equivalent to [[Marvel Studios]] president [[Kevin Feige]]. Despite some recent successes with DC films and series, Zaslav and WBD felt DC lacked a "coherent creative and brand strategy" and were underusing key characters such as [[Superman]].<ref name="ZaslavApr2022" /> DC Films president [[Walter Hamada]] was still contracted until 2023, and his supporters felt Zaslav was not giving him enough credit for his DC plans and successes.<ref name="HamadaCredit" /> In June, Zaslav announced that DC Films would be separated from Warner Bros. within the WBD structure but would be overseen by Warner Bros. film chairs [[Michael De Luca]] and [[Pamela Abdy]] until a new DC head was appointed.<ref name="ZaslavJun2022" />
At the start of August, WBD decided not to release the [[DC Extended Universe]] (DCEU) film ''[[Batgirl (film)|Batgirl]]'' on [[HBO Max]] or theatrically, stating that it "simply did not work" and went against Zaslav's mandate to make DC films "big theatrical event films".<ref name="BatgirlNoRelease" /> Soon after, Zaslav said he wanted a new 10-year plan for DC films,<ref name="ZaslavAug2022" /> and he had enlisted the help of [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] executive [[Alan F. Horn]] in finding a new leader for DC. Hamada was reportedly upset by the cancellation of ''Batgirl'' and tried to leave DC Films, but was convinced by De Luca and Abdy to stay through the release of ''[[Black Adam (film)|Black Adam]]'' in October 2022.<ref name="DeadlineAug2022" /><ref name="THRAug2022" /> Around that time, [[Henry Cavill]] reprised his role as [[Clark Kent (DC Extended Universe)|Superman]] from ''[[Man of Steel (film)|Man of Steel]]'' (2013) for a cameo appearance in ''Black Adam''. This was against Hamada's wishes and was approved by De Luca and Abdy when they were approached directly by ''Black Adam'' star [[Dwayne Johnson]]. Johnson began promoting the idea of a [[Black Adam]] vs. Superman film co-starring Cavill in the future, and Warner Bros. began pursuing a sequel to ''Man of Steel'' starring Cavill.<ref name="THRCavillHamada" /> At the end of August, producer [[Dan Lin]] emerged as a potential candidate for taking over DC,<ref name="LinAug2022" /> but exited talks weeks later.<ref name="LinSep2022" /> [[Todd Phillips]], director of the standalone DC film ''[[Joker (2019 film)|Joker]]'' (2019), was also considered for the role but remained focused on directing the sequel ''[[Joker: Folie à Deux]]'' (2024).<ref name="LinAug2022" />
=== Early work (2019) ===
In 2019, a script for a film based on Superman had been given to [[Mob Productions]] to go through and develop. However, the script was rejected due to poor writing. SOI Studios joined as producers and said they will ensure the quality is as good as can be.
== Development ==
== Development ==
Writer/director [[James Gunn]] and producer [[Peter Safran]] were announced as the co-chairs and co-CEOs of the newly formed [[DC Studios]] at the end of October 2022 and were set to take over from Hamada on November 1. It was considered a shocking and unprecedented decision to have a high-profile director like Gunn move into a top executive position at a film studio. Gunn was expected to focus on the creative side of the company while Safran focused on the business and production side, and their deal was reportedly for four years. In addition to their new roles, Gunn and Safran were expected to continue directing and producing projects, respectively, though these would be exclusively for WBD. They would report directly to Zaslav and work closely with De Luca and Abdy.<ref name="GunnSafran" /> A week after starting their new roles, the pair said they had begun working with a group of writers to develop an eight-to-ten-year plan for the new [[DC Universe (franchise)|DC Universe]] (DCU).<ref name="GunnSafranTownHall" /><ref name="DCU" /> Zaslav said they had begun work on a [[Bible (screenwriting)|bible]] for future DC projects that would be finished soon. He also said the new plan would emulate Marvel's model of having a single, unified approach to each character, specifically highlighting new approaches to [[Batman]] and Superman. By mid-November, Gunn had already begun writing the script for a new DC film while Safran had been "fixing" the DCEU film ''[[Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom]]'' (2023).<ref name="ZaslavNov2022" />
Writer/director [[Freddie Goodwin]] announced in March 2022 that they were building their own universe with films and "even shorter films called 'Fragments', which will reveal more about the lore of the GWU". Goodwin announced that he has worked with a dozen other people on making each installment. By June 2022, [[Robert Downey Jr.]] revealed he had been approached by Goodwin about starring in multiple films in his universe, which he agreed to do so as long as he portrays a "cool" character. By August of that year, Goodwin began work on a shortfilm based on two characters. He decided to choose a character from both [[DC Comics]] (Luthor) and [[Marvel Comics]] (Stark). Before starting work on the film, Goodwin was joined by [[Alex Brow]], who joined him in writing the screenplay. Brow described the film as a "great way to kick things off", and stated Chapter One will be one of the "biggest things in the film industry". Filming began in March 2024 and concluded in May of that year. Reshoots occured throughout the remainder of 2024 with everything being finished by November 2024. With production finished for ''Clash of Minds'', Goodwin announced that they have thought of everything and hoped that people would be excited for the first film. Concurrently, Brow had already begun writing a new film based on [[Spider-Man]], called ''Web of Shadows'' and was announced to be set in the same universe as ''Clash of Minds''.
In early December, Gunn and Safran were finalizing their plans ahead of a meeting with Zaslav. [[Patty Jenkins]] was no longer developing a sequel to her DCEU films ''[[Wonder Woman (2017 film)|Wonder Woman]]'' (2017) and ''[[Wonder Woman 1984]]'' (2020) after being told by Gunn and Safran that such a film did not fit within their new plans. Various rumors about the plans were circulating, including that the DCU would be a complete [[reboot]] of the DCEU that moved away from the actors cast by filmmaker [[Zack Snyder]],<ref name="NoWW3" /> that [[Matt Reeves]]'s ''[[The Batman (franchise)|The Batman]]'' films would be integrated with the DCU,<ref name="VarietyDec2022" /> and that [[Arthur Curry (DC Extended Universe)|Aquaman]] actor [[Jason Momoa]] would be recast as the character [[Lobo (DC Comics)|Lobo]].<ref name="NoWW3" /> These reveals and rumors led to concerns within the industry and among DC fans about the direction Gunn and Safran were taking the franchise, and Gunn put out a statement saying they "were coming into a fractious environment" and there would be an "unavoidable transitional period as we moved into telling a cohesive story across film, TV, animation and gaming".<ref name="VarietyDec2022" /><ref name="DeadlineDec2022" /> A week later, Gunn announced that they had a slate of projects "ready to go" and would provide more details in 2023. He was writing a new Superman film that would not star Cavill, and [[Ben Affleck]] was confirmed to not be reprising his DCEU [[Bruce Wayne (DC Extended Universe)|Batman]] role moving forward. Gunn and Safran had discussions with Cavill and Affleck about returning to the DCU to respectively portray a new character and direct a project;<ref name="SupermanDec2022Deadline" /> Affleck later said he was not interested in directing a DCU project.<ref name="NoAffleckDirect" />
Brow had discussed on multiple occasions that he had worked on making sure ''Web of Shadows'' didn't "ruin the experience" for those who didn't see ''Clash of Minds''; but stated he is commited to make sure ''Web of Shadows'' makes it clear that the events of ''Clash of Minds'' isn't ignored. By March 2023, Goodwin announced that he has plans to introduce the characters [[The Flash]], [[Superman]], and [[Captain America]] into the GWU. Goodwin stated he had looked through all the storylines the team had already planned for the GWU and said these characters are a must in order to have it be a "success". Discussing the potential of the storyline falling apart and becoming a "mess", Goodwin stated he has multiple backup plans to ensure the GWU is a quality he wishes it to be and never less of that said quality.
In January 2023, the DCU was reported to be a "broad but not blanket reset" of the DCEU.<ref name="VarietyJan2023" /> On January 31, Gunn and Safran unveiled the first projects from the DCU slate.<ref name="DCUSlateDeadline" /> They revealed the writers who had been working with them on the overall story for the DCU: [[Drew Goddard]], [[Jeremy Slater]], ''[[The Flash (film)|The Flash]]'' (2023) writer [[Christina Hodson]], Christal Henry, and comic book writer [[Tom King (writer)|Tom King]].<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" /> The writers took inspiration from the ''[[Star Wars]]'' franchise, which has "different times, different places, different things", as well as from the series ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' (2011–2019) and its morally complex characters.<ref name="DCUSlateGizmodo" /> The group had planned two "chapters" of story for the eight-to-ten-year plan, with the potential for more chapters after that.<ref name="TwoChapters" /> The first chapter was titled "Gods and Monsters" and its first five films were ''Superman: Legacy'' (later retitled ''[[Superman (2025 film)|Superman]]''), ''The Authority'', ''The Brave and the Bold'', ''Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow'', and ''Swamp Thing''.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" /><ref name="SupermanTitleFilmingStart" /> Its first five television series were ''[[Creature Commandos (TV series)|Creature Commandos]]'', ''Waller'', ''Lanterns'', ''Paradise Lost'', and ''Booster Gold''.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" /> Any DC projects that did not fit within the shared universe would be labeled "[[DC Elseworlds]]". Gunn said the slate combined DC's "diamond characters", such as Batman, Superman, and [[Wonder Woman]], with lesser-known characters who they hoped would become just as popular.<ref name="DCUSlateDeadline" /> He chose not to retell the [[origin stories]] of Batman and Superman because "everyone knows them" already, and pushed back against a suggestion that the DCU was focusing on "niche" characters that only interested comic book fans.<ref name="NoBMSMOrigins" />
Gunn said ''The Flash'' would "reset" the DCEU continuity,<ref name="DCUSlateGizmodo" /> making the DCU a "[[Reboot (fiction)#Soft reboot|soft reboot]]" that retains certain cast members and elements of the DCEU while replacing others.<ref name="DCUSlateTHR6Qs" /> Gunn and Safran primarily selected the elements that are carried over based on actors.<ref name="MercedGathegiFillionSL" /> The pair expected characters to be portrayed by the same actors across mediums, including animation.<ref name="DCUSlateGizmodo" /> They said [[Viola Davis]] ([[Amanda Waller (DC Extended Universe)|Amanda Waller]]) and [[John Cena]] ([[Peacemaker (DC Extended Universe)|Peacemaker]]) would reprise their ''The Suicide Squad'' and ''Peacemaker'' roles in the DCU, and a "rough memory" of those projects would remain.<ref name="DCUSlateGizmodo" /> Specific moments from the DCEU are deemed to be canon to the DCU if they are directly referenced in a DCU project.<ref name="DCEUMomentsCanon" /> In addition to Davis and Cena, there was potential for DCEU actors Jason Momoa, [[Gal Gadot]] ([[Diana Prince (DC Extended Universe)|Wonder Woman]]), [[Ezra Miller]] ([[Barry Allen (DC Extended Universe)|the Flash]]), and [[Zachary Levi]] ([[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Shazam]]) to also reprise their roles in the DCU, but decisions on those characters had not been made by January 2023. No actor would be playing multiple characters, so if Momoa was cast as Lobo he would not portray Aquaman in the DCU as well.<ref name="DCUSlateGizmodo" /> ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reported in October 2023 that none of the DCEU's Justice League cast would reprise their roles in the DCU.<ref name="Aquaman2Drama" />
Safran said they were being flexible with the DCU's release order, though some projects key to the overall story would need to be released in a specific order. He added that they were aiming to release two films and two series a year.<ref name="DCUSlateGizmodo" /> Gunn felt studios being "beholden to dates" was an industry-wide issue and wanted to focus on getting the screenplays right for each project before putting them into production. He said this happened with ''The Suicide Squad'' and that film did not require any [[reshoots]] unlike other DCEU projects.<ref name="DCUSlateDeadline" /> Contrasting the DCU with the MCU, Gunn said the former was set in a "fictional universe" with an [[alternate history]] and locations such as [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]], [[Gotham City]], [[Themyscira (DC Comics)|Themyscira]], and [[Atlantis (DC Comics)|Atlantis]], while the MCU is set in a version of the real world;<ref name="DCUSlateGizmodo" /><ref name="GunnMCUDifferences" /> he expected the DCU to be more planned out from the beginning than the MCU due to the group of writers working on the DCU's overall story;<ref name="DCUSlateGizmodo" /> the DCU focuses on traditional superheroes with [[secret identities]];<ref name="GunnMCUDifferences" /> and DCU projects were announced to be based on specific comic book runs and story arcs compared to the MCU approach of taking different elements from throughout [[Marvel Comics]] history.<ref name="DCUSlatePolygon" /> The day after the slate announcement, several of the comics that Gunn had named as influences on in-development projects appeared on best-selling lists and some had sold out.<ref name="BestSellingComics" /><ref name="ComicsSoldOut" />
When Gunn and Safran unveiled the first projects from their DCU slate, they said a [[Peacemaker season 2|second season of ''Peacemaker'']] was delayed while Gunn was busy writing ''Superman''.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" /> In February 2023, Gunn confirmed that ''Peacemaker'' was not canceled,<ref name="GunnPeacemakerNotCancelled" /> and he clarified in October that the second season would be set in the DCU continuity.<ref name="GunnPeacemakerS2Continuity" /> Gunn further stated in December that the season would be part of the Chapter One slate.<ref name="PeacemakerS2ChapterOne" /> DCU television series were initially all intended for the streaming service [[Max (streaming service)|Max]],<ref name="DCUSlateDeadline" /> but in June 2024, WBD shifted many of its planned big-budget Max series to be [[HBO]] originals beginning in 2025, including upcoming DCU series.<ref name="HBOOriginalsJun2024" />
== Films{{Table alignment}}{{Table alignment}} ==
== Films{{Table alignment}}{{Table alignment}} ==
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[[Lex Luthor]] and [[Tony Stark]] are both invited to a secretive tech summit hosted by a mysterious benefactor. The two egos clash in a battle of intellect, culminating in a high-tech duel after discovering that the summit was a trap orchestrated by [[Doctor Doom|Victor Von Doom]] to pit them against each other.
[[Lex Luthor]] and [[Tony Stark]] are both invited to a secretive tech summit hosted by a mysterious benefactor. The two egos clash in a battle of intellect, culminating in a high-tech duel after discovering that the summit was a trap orchestrated by [[Doctor Doom|Victor Von Doom]] to pit them against each other.
In 2021, Goodwin began work on a shortfilm based on two characters. He decided to choose a character from both [[DC Comics]] (Luthor) and [[Marvel Comics]] (Stark). Before starting work on the film, Goodwin was joined by [[Alex Brow]], who joined him in writing the screenplay. Brow described the film as a "great way to kick things off", and stated Chapter One will be one of the "biggest things in the film industry". Filming began in March 2024 and concluded in May of that year. Reshoots occured throughout the remainder of 2024 with everything being finished by November 2024. The film stars [[Robert Downey Jr.]] as [[Tony Stark]] and [[Nicholas Hoult]] as [[Lex Luthor]], respectively. It was announced that [[Superman]] would appear in the film in a cameo.
In October 2022, Goodwin began work on a shortfilm based on two characters. He decided to choose a character from both [[DC Comics]] (Luthor) and [[Marvel Comics]] (Stark). Before starting work on the film, Goodwin was joined by [[Alex Brow]], who joined him in writing the screenplay. Brow described the film as a "great way to kick things off", and stated Chapter One will be one of the "biggest things in the film industry". Filming began in March 2024 and concluded in May of that year. Reshoots occured throughout the remainder of 2024 with everything being finished by November 2024. The film stars [[Robert Downey Jr.]] as [[Tony Stark]] and [[Nicholas Hoult]] as [[Lex Luthor]], respectively. It was announced that [[Superman]] would appear in the film in a cameo.
''Clash of Minds'' will be released in the United States on January 17, 2025, as the first film of [[Goodwin's Universe: Chapter One|Chapter One]] of the GWU.
''Clash of Minds'' will be released in the United States on January 17, 2025, as the first film of Chapter One of the GWU.
=== ''Web of Shadows'' (2025) ===
=== ''Web of Shadows'' (2025) ===
{{Main|Web of Shadows}}
{{Main|Web of Shadows}}
While investigating a string of robberies in [[Blüdhaven]], [[Nightwing]] encounters [[Spider-Man]] chasing the same criminal. Initially mistaken as rivals, the two team up to stop a deadly alliance between [[Black Cat]] and [[Catwoman]].
While investigating a string of robberies in [[Blüdhaven]], [[Nightwing]] encounters [[Spider-Man]] chasing the same criminal. Initially mistaken as rivals, the two team up to stop a deadly alliance between [[Black Cat]] and [[Catwoman]].
''Web of Shadows'' will be released in the United States on February 15, 2025, as the second film of Chapter One of the GWU.
=== ''Gods Among Mortals'' (2025) ===
=== ''Gods Among Mortals'' (2025) ===
{{Main|Gods Among Mortals}}
{{Main|Gods Among Mortals}}
When a portal between [[Asgard]] and [[Themyscira]] opens unexpectedly, [[Thor]] and [[Wonder Woman]] face off due to misunderstandings. However, they must join forces to prevent [[Ares]] and [[Loki]] from unleashing chaos in both realms.
When a portal between [[Asgard]] and [[Themyscira]] opens unexpectedly, [[Thor]] and [[Wonder Woman]] face off due to misunderstandings. However, they must join forces to prevent [[Ares]] and [[Loki]] from unleashing chaos in both realms.
''Gods Among Mortals'' will be released in the United States on March 13, 2025, as the third film of Chapter One of the GWU.
=== ''Shadows of Gotham'' (2025) ===
=== ''Shadows of Gotham'' (2025) ===
[[Batman]] and [[Daredevil]] independently investigate a series of brutal murders in [[Gotham]]. Their paths cross when they realize the killings are orchestrated by [[Wilson Fisk]] working alongside [[Carmine Falcone]]. Together, they fight through the criminal underworld to bring both kingpins down.
[[Batman]] and [[Daredevil]] independently investigate a series of brutal murders in [[Gotham]]. Their paths cross when they realize the killings are orchestrated by [[Wilson Fisk]] working alongside [[Carmine Falcone]]. Together, they fight through the criminal underworld to bring both kingpins down.
''Shadows of Gotham'' will be released in the United States on April 24, 2025, as the fourth film of Chapter One of the GWU.
=== ''Broken Alliances'' (2025) ===
=== ''Broken Alliances'' (2025) ===
[[Superman]] and [[Captain America]] are transported to a dystopian alternate [[Earth]] where heroes are enslaved by an oppressive regime led by [[Red Skull]] and [[General Zod]]. The two form an inspiring alliance to liberate the heroes and restore hope to this shattered world.
[[Superman]] and [[Captain America]] are transported to a dystopian alternate [[Earth]] where heroes are enslaved by an oppressive regime led by [[Red Skull]] and [[General Zod]]. The two form an inspiring alliance to liberate the heroes and restore hope to this shattered world.
== Television series ==
''Broken Alliances'' will be released in the United States on May 19, 2025, as the fifth film of Chapter One of the GWU.
{{Series overview
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{{Series overview
| series = ''[[Creature Commandos (TV series)|Creature Commandos]]''
Following the events of the [[Peacemaker season 1|first season of ''Peacemaker'']], Amanda Waller is no longer able to put human lives in jeopardy for her clandestine operations as she did with the [[Suicide Squad#Film|Suicide Squad]] and Team Peacemaker. Instead, she assembles a black ops team of monsters consisting of [[Nina Mazursky]], [[Doctor Phosphorus]], [[Frankenstein (DC Comics)|Eric Frankenstein]], [[Bride of Frankenstein (comics)|the Bride]], [[G.I. Robot]], and [[Weasel (DC Extended Universe)|Weasel]], who are led by [[Rick Flag Sr.]]<ref name="CCAnnouncementCollider" /><ref name="GunnAnnecy" />
Gunn discussed making an animated series for Max after the success of ''Peacemaker''. He wrote the seven-episode series without a deal, based on the [[Creature Commandos]] team of monsters. After he was hired to lead DC Studios, Gunn greenlighted the project.<ref name="CCAnnouncementCollider" /><ref name="NYCC2024THR" /> When Gunn and Safran unveiled their initial DCU slate in January 2023, the first project was ''Creature Commandos''.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" /><ref name="CCAnnouncementCollider" /> [[Warner Bros. Animation]] co-produced the series,<ref name="CCWBAnimation" /> with [[Dean Lorey]] as showrunner and [[Yves Bigerel|Yves "Balak" Bigerel]] as [[supervising director]].<ref name="CCShowrunner" /><ref name="CC/FilmAnnecy" /> The main cast was confirmed in April,<ref name="CCCastCollider" /><ref name="CCCastVariety" /> including [[Frank Grillo]] as Rick Flag Sr. and [[Indira Varma]] as the Bride, who Gunn said was the main protagonist.<ref name="CCCastCollider" /><ref name="CCCastVariety" /><ref name="GrilloCC" /> Voice recording began by May 2023 and was completed by that August.<ref name="CCRecording" /><ref name="CCRecordingWrap" /> The series is being released from December 5, 2024, to January 9, 2025,<ref name="CCReleaseSchedule" /> as an "aperitif" for the DCU before ''Superman''.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" /><ref name="CCAnnouncementCollider" />
[[Sean Gunn]] reprises his role as Weasel from ''The Suicide Squad'', while Viola Davis and [[Steve Agee]] reprise their respective roles as Waller and [[John Economos]] from both the film and ''Peacemaker''.<ref name="CCCastCollider" /><ref name="CCCastVariety" /><ref name="CCAnnouncementCollider" /> The series acknowledges the overall events in ''The Suicide Squad'', such as the death of Flag's son [[Rick Flag (DC Extended Universe)|Rick Flag Jr.]] ([[Joel Kinnaman]]) at the hands of Peacemaker during [[Starro|Project Starfish]] at [[Corto Maltese (DC Comics)|Corto Maltese]].<ref name="DCEUMomentsCanon" /> Members of G.I. Robot's [[Easy Company (comics)|Easy Company]] are featured, including [[Maury Sterling]] as Sgt. [[Sgt. Rock|Franklin Rock]], [[Robbie Daymond]] as [[Easy Company (comics)#"The Combat-Happy Joes"|Little Sure Shot]], and [[Paul Ben-Victor]] as [[Easy Company (comics)#"The Combat-Happy Joes"|Bulldozer]].<ref name="Ep3EasterEggs" />
=== ''Peacemaker'' season 2 ===
{{Main|Peacemaker season 2{{!}}''Peacemaker'' season 2}}
HBO Max announced a second season of ''Peacemaker'' in February 2022, with Gunn set to write and direct all eight episodes.<ref name="PeacemakerS2Renewal" /><ref name="PeacemakerS2Eps" /> In February 2023, Gunn said work on the season would continue after ''Waller'' had been made,<ref name="GunnPeacemakerNotCancelled" /> later saying it was his next project after ''Superman''.<ref name="GunnPeacemakerS2AfterLegacy" /><ref name="GunnPeacemakerS2AfterLegacy2" /> Gunn was writing the season by that October,<ref name="GunnPeacemakerS2Writing" /> when he confirmed that it would take place in the DCU continuity.<ref name="GunnPeacemakerS2Continuity" /> In March 2024, Gunn revealed that ''Waller'' had been delayed and the second season of ''Peacemaker'' would be produced first. Filming was set to begin later in 2024, simultaneously with ''Superman''. This meant Gunn would no longer be able to direct all of the episodes.<ref name="GunnMar2024" /> Filming began on April 13 with a "pre-shoot",<ref name="Apr2024Filming" /> ahead of [[principal photography]] which began in June and concluded in late November 2024.<ref name="PeacemakerS2FilmingStart" /><ref name="PeacemakerS2FilmingSchedule" /><ref name="PeacemakerS2FilmingWrap" /> The season is scheduled to premiere in August 2025.<ref name="PeacemakerS2ReleaseWindow" />
The season is set after the events of ''Creature Commandos'' and ''Superman''.<ref name="GunnS1NotCanon" /><ref name="GunnFirstThreeTimeline" /> Frank Grillo reprises his role as Rick Flag Sr. from previous DCU media.<ref name="GrilloPeacemakerS2" />
=== ''Lanterns'' ===
[[Hal Jordan]] and [[John Stewart (character)|John Stewart]], two Green Lanterns (intergalactic heroes who wear rings that give them extraordinary powers), investigate a mystery on Earth.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" />
Gunn confirmed in December 2022 that the Green Lantern characters would be an important part of the new DCU.<ref name="GunnDec2022Important" /> When he and Safran unveiled their initial DCU slate a month later, they included ''Lanterns'', a new iteration of a long-in-development Green Lantern series. Safran said the series would be an Earth-based [[Detective fiction|detective story]] and "a huge HBO-quality event" in the style of the series ''[[True Detective]]'' (2014–present).<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" /> Chris Mundy, Tom King, and [[Damon Lindelof]] wrote the pilot script and series bible for ''Lanterns'' by the end of May 2024.<ref name="LanternsGunnMay2024" /> Mundy serves as showrunner for the eight-episode series, which will be released on [[HBO]].<ref name="LanternsHBO" /> In October 2024, [[Kyle Chandler]] and [[Aaron Pierre (actor)|Aaron Pierre]] were cast to respectively portray Hal Jordan and John Stewart,<ref name="ChandlerLanterns" /><ref name="PierreLanterns" /> while [[James Hawes]] was hired to direct the first two episodes and executive produce.<ref name="HawesLanterns" /> Filming is scheduled to take place from mid-February to early July 2025 in Los Angeles.<ref name="LanternsFilming" /> Gunn said in November 2024 that he intended for the series to be released around the same time as ''Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow'', which is scheduled for release in June 2026.<ref name="LanternsPossibleRelease" />
Safran said the mystery that Jordan and Stewart investigate in the series leads into the main storyline for the DCU.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" />
=== ''Waller'' ===
''Waller'' continues the story of Amanda Waller and Team Peacemaker.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" /><ref name="DavisHenry" />
In May 2022, a ''Peacemaker'' spin-off series was revealed to be in development featuring Amanda Waller, with Christal Henry writing and serving as executive producer alongside Gunn and Safran.<ref name="DavisHenry" /> When Gunn and Safran unveiled their initial DCU slate in January 2023, the second project was ''Waller'', which Gunn said would be a continuation of ''Peacemaker'' because that series' second season was delayed while Gunn focused on the rest of the DCU slate. Henry was set as co-showrunner of ''Waller'' alongside [[Jeremy Carver]], and Viola Davis was confirmed to be reprising her role as Waller from ''Peacemaker'' and the DCEU.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" /> The series was scheduled to be released in 2024,<ref name="CCCastVariety" /> as an "aperitif" for the DCU before ''Superman'',<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" /> but production was delayed by the [[2023 Hollywood labor disputes]] and it is now set to be released after the second season of ''Peacemaker''.<ref name="GunnMar2024" />
Additional ''Peacemaker'' cast members reprise their roles in the series,<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" /> including Steve Agee as John Economos.<ref name="AgeeWaller" />
=== ''Paradise Lost'' ===
This series is a [[political drama]] about the scheming and power struggles on the all-female island of Themyscira before the birth of Wonder Woman.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" />
In December 2022, Patty Jenkins was revealed to no longer be developing a sequel to ''Wonder Woman'' and ''Wonder Woman 1984'' after being told by Gunn and Safran that such a film did not fit within their new plans.<ref name="NoWW3" /> When Gunn and Safran unveiled their initial DCU slate a month later, they included ''Paradise Lost'', which they compared to ''Game of Thrones''. The title is similar to "[[Paradise Island Lost]]", a 2001 comic book story arc by [[Phil Jimenez]] and [[George Pérez]] about a civil war on Themyscira.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" />
=== ''Booster Gold'' ===
[[Booster Gold|Mike Carter / Booster Gold]] is a disgraced former football star in the 25th century who travels back in time to pose as a superhero using basic future technology.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" />
When Gunn and Safran unveiled their initial DCU slate in January 2023, they included ''Booster Gold'', an "outright comedy" series set in the DCU.<ref name="DCUSlateVariety" />
== Timeline ==
== Timeline ==
Upon the announcement of the DCU, James Gunn said that a "rough memory" of events depicted in ''The Suicide Squad'' and the first season of ''Peacemaker'' would remain in the DCU.<ref name="DCUSlateGizmodo" /> He later clarified that ''The Suicide Squad'' would not be [[Retroactive continuity|retroactively incorporated]] into the DCU and that certain events from that film would only carry over into the DCU's continuity if they were mentioned in DCU media. An example of this is ''Creature Commandos'' acknowledging "Project Starfish", the Task Force X mission on [[Corto Maltese (DC Comics)|Corto Maltese]] that resulted in the death of Rick Flag Sr.'s son Rick Flag Jr. at the hands of Peacemaker, and the appearance of [[Weasel (DC Extended Universe)|Weasel]], another former member of Task Force X during that mission.<ref name="GunnLoreyCollider" /><ref name="CCPolygonCanon" /> Gunn explained that most of the events from ''Peacemaker'' season one are cannon to the DCU, except for the [[cameo appearance]] of the [[Justice League (DC Extended Universe)|Justice League]] in its season finale, because that team had yet to be formed in the new continuity.<ref name="GunnPeacemakerS1Canon" /><ref name="GunnLoreyTHRDec2024" /> For Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, ''Superman'' takes place after the events of ''Creature Commandos'', while the second season of ''Peacemaker'' is set after both of those.<ref name="GunnFirstThreeTimeline" />
Upon the announcement of the DCU, James Gunn said that a "rough memory" of events depicted in ''The Suicide Squad'' and the first season of ''Peacemaker'' would remain in the DCU. He later clarified that ''The Suicide Squad'' would not be [[Retroactive continuity|retroactively incorporated]] into the DCU and that certain events from that film would only carry over into the DCU's continuity if they were mentioned in DCU media. An example of this is ''Creature Commandos'' acknowledging "Project Starfish", the Task Force X mission on [[Corto Maltese (DC Comics)|Corto Maltese]] that resulted in the death of Rick Flag Sr.'s son Rick Flag Jr. at the hands of Peacemaker, and the appearance of [[Weasel (DC Extended Universe)|Weasel]], another former member of Task Force X during that mission. Gunn explained that most of the events from ''Peacemaker'' season one are cannon to the DCU, except for the [[cameo appearance]] of the [[Justice League (DC Extended Universe)|Justice League]] in its season finale, because that team had yet to be formed in the new continuity. For Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, ''Superman'' takes place after the events of ''Creature Commandos'', while the second season of ''Peacemaker'' is set after both of those.
== Recurring cast and characters ==
== Recurring cast and characters ==
<!--{{Main|List of DC Universe cast members}}-->{{See also|List of DC Extended Universe cast members}}
{{See also|List of Goodwin's Universe characters}}
{{Cast indicator|tense=future|appeared=recurring roles in this chapter|media=film or television series|V}}
Chapter One is the upcoming first slate of content for the Goodwin's Universe (GWU), which is scheduled to begin in January 2025. It is a media franchise and shared universe with shortfilms. The GWU was created by Freddie Goodwin with the help of the production company Mob Productions and the producer company SOI Studios. Chapter One is set to have eleven installments, with one releasing each month except for December 2025. Chapter One will begin with Clash of Minds, which is scheduled to be released in January 2025, as the beginning of the GWU. The feature films in this chapter are produced both by Marvel Studios and DC Studios alongside Mob Productions, SOI Studios, and Warner Bros. Pictures.
In 2019, a script for a film based on Superman had been given to Mob Productions to go through and develop. However, the script was rejected due to poor writing. SOI Studios joined as producers and said they will ensure the quality is as good as can be.
Development
Writer/director Freddie Goodwin announced in March 2022 that they were building their own universe with films and "even shorter films called 'Fragments', which will reveal more about the lore of the GWU". Goodwin announced that he has worked with a dozen other people on making each installment. By June 2022, Robert Downey Jr. revealed he had been approached by Goodwin about starring in multiple films in his universe, which he agreed to do so as long as he portrays a "cool" character. By August of that year, Goodwin began work on a shortfilm based on two characters. He decided to choose a character from both DC Comics (Luthor) and Marvel Comics (Stark). Before starting work on the film, Goodwin was joined by Alex Brow, who joined him in writing the screenplay. Brow described the film as a "great way to kick things off", and stated Chapter One will be one of the "biggest things in the film industry". Filming began in March 2024 and concluded in May of that year. Reshoots occured throughout the remainder of 2024 with everything being finished by November 2024. With production finished for Clash of Minds, Goodwin announced that they have thought of everything and hoped that people would be excited for the first film. Concurrently, Brow had already begun writing a new film based on Spider-Man, called Web of Shadows and was announced to be set in the same universe as Clash of Minds.
Brow had discussed on multiple occasions that he had worked on making sure Web of Shadows didn't "ruin the experience" for those who didn't see Clash of Minds; but stated he is commited to make sure Web of Shadows makes it clear that the events of Clash of Minds isn't ignored. By March 2023, Goodwin announced that he has plans to introduce the characters The Flash, Superman, and Captain America into the GWU. Goodwin stated he had looked through all the storylines the team had already planned for the GWU and said these characters are a must in order to have it be a "success". Discussing the potential of the storyline falling apart and becoming a "mess", Goodwin stated he has multiple backup plans to ensure the GWU is a quality he wishes it to be and never less of that said quality.
Lex Luthor and Tony Stark are both invited to a secretive tech summit hosted by a mysterious benefactor. The two egos clash in a battle of intellect, culminating in a high-tech duel after discovering that the summit was a trap orchestrated by Victor Von Doom to pit them against each other.
In October 2022, Goodwin began work on a shortfilm based on two characters. He decided to choose a character from both DC Comics (Luthor) and Marvel Comics (Stark). Before starting work on the film, Goodwin was joined by Alex Brow, who joined him in writing the screenplay. Brow described the film as a "great way to kick things off", and stated Chapter One will be one of the "biggest things in the film industry". Filming began in March 2024 and concluded in May of that year. Reshoots occured throughout the remainder of 2024 with everything being finished by November 2024. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, respectively. It was announced that Superman would appear in the film in a cameo.
Clash of Minds will be released in the United States on January 17, 2025, as the first film of Chapter One of the GWU.
While investigating a string of robberies in Blüdhaven, Nightwing encounters Spider-Man chasing the same criminal. Initially mistaken as rivals, the two team up to stop a deadly alliance between Black Cat and Catwoman.
Web of Shadows will be released in the United States on February 15, 2025, as the second film of Chapter One of the GWU.
When a portal between Asgard and Themyscira opens unexpectedly, Thor and Wonder Woman face off due to misunderstandings. However, they must join forces to prevent Ares and Loki from unleashing chaos in both realms.
Gods Among Mortals will be released in the United States on March 13, 2025, as the third film of Chapter One of the GWU.
Shadows of Gotham (2025)
Batman and Daredevil independently investigate a series of brutal murders in Gotham. Their paths cross when they realize the killings are orchestrated by Wilson Fisk working alongside Carmine Falcone. Together, they fight through the criminal underworld to bring both kingpins down.
Shadows of Gotham will be released in the United States on April 24, 2025, as the fourth film of Chapter One of the GWU.
Broken Alliances (2025)
Superman and Captain America are transported to a dystopian alternate Earth where heroes are enslaved by an oppressive regime led by Red Skull and General Zod. The two form an inspiring alliance to liberate the heroes and restore hope to this shattered world.
Broken Alliances will be released in the United States on May 19, 2025, as the fifth film of Chapter One of the GWU.
Fragments
Timeline
Upon the announcement of the DCU, James Gunn said that a "rough memory" of events depicted in The Suicide Squad and the first season of Peacemaker would remain in the DCU. He later clarified that The Suicide Squad would not be retroactively incorporated into the DCU and that certain events from that film would only carry over into the DCU's continuity if they were mentioned in DCU media. An example of this is Creature Commandos acknowledging "Project Starfish", the Task Force X mission on Corto Maltese that resulted in the death of Rick Flag Sr.'s son Rick Flag Jr. at the hands of Peacemaker, and the appearance of Weasel, another former member of Task Force X during that mission. Gunn explained that most of the events from Peacemaker season one are cannon to the DCU, except for the cameo appearance of the Justice League in its season finale, because that team had yet to be formed in the new continuity. For Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, Superman takes place after the events of Creature Commandos, while the second season of Peacemaker is set after both of those.
