Goodwin's Universe: Chapter One

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Goodwin's Universe: Chapter One
Based onCharacters from DC
Characters from Marvel
Produced by
StarringSee below
Production
company
  • SOI Studios
Distributed by
Release date
2025
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Goodwin's Universe
Chapters

Chapter One is the 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 began with Clash of Minds, which was released on February 15, 2025, as the true 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.

The films of the chapter are Clash of Minds, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Web of Shadows, Gods Among Mortals, Shadows of Gotham, Broken Alliances, and Goodwinverse: Assembled.

Background[edit | edit source]

Early work (2019)[edit | edit source]

In 2019, a script for a film based on Superman had been given to Mob Productions to go through and develop.[1] However, the script was rejected due to poor writing.[2] SOI Studios joined as producers and said they will ensure the quality is as good as can be.[3][4]

Development[edit | edit source]

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".[5] Goodwin announced that he has worked with a dozen other people on making each installment.[6] 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.[7]

By August of that year, Goodwin began work on a shortfilm based on two characters.[8] He decided to choose a character from both DC Comics (Luthor) and Marvel Comics (Stark).[9] Before starting work on the film, Goodwin was joined by Alex Brow, who joined him in writing the screenplay.[10] 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".[11] Filming began in March 2024 and concluded in May of that year.[12] Reshoots occurred throughout the remainder of 2024 with everything being finished by November 2024.[13] 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.[14] 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.[15]

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;[16] but stated he is committed to make sure Web of Shadows makes it clear that the events of Clash of Minds isn't ignored.[17]

By March 2023, Goodwin announced that he has plans to introduce the characters The Flash, Superman, and Captain America into the GWU.[18] 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".[19] 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.[20][21] Goodwin stated that backup plans would allow the GWU to evolve if necessary without compromising its core story.[22][23]

In July 2024, Mob Productions held a livestream on YouTube and Facebook where Goodwin announced a full Chapter One slate.[24] This included the films—Clash of Minds, Web of Shadows, Gods Among Mortals, Broken Alliances, and Goodwinverse: Assembled—with one scheduled for each month of 2025.[25] During the broadcast, Goodwin stated that all the content released during 2025 will be part of Chapter One and anything after that will be part of a new chapter.[26] Goodwin announced that a total of seven Fragments are expected to release during each Chapter, and hoped to announce more at a later date.[27] The stream concluded with the reveal of the Fantastic Four logo, revealing a film is in development.[28][29]

Films[edit | edit source]

See also: List of Goodwin's Universe films
Film U.S. release date Director Screenwriter(s) Producer(s) Status
Clash of Minds February 15, 2025 Freddie Goodwin Freddie Goodwin & Alex Brow[30] Freddie Goodwin & Mob Productions Released
Web of Shadows June 10, 2025 Alex Brow[31] Awaiting Release
Fantastic Four: Rise of Tomorrow September 17, 2025 Jackson Greene Freddie Goodwin, Zoe Lancaster, Leo Blackwell Post-production
Gods Among Mortals March 12, 2026 Natalie Kingsley[32] Filming
Shadows of Gotham June 14, 2026 Rebecca Wells[33] Pre-production
Broken Alliances September 10, 2026 Quentin Hart[34] In-development
Goodwinverse: Assembled February 17, 2027 Freddie Goodwin Alex Brow, Freddie Goodwin, Rebecca Wells, and Natalie Kingsley[35]


Clash of Minds (2025)[edit | edit source]

Main article: Clash of Minds (2025 film)

Clash of Minds is a 2025 American superhero film based on the characters Tony Stark and Lex Luthor. Produced by Mob Productions and SOI Studios, and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is the 1st film in the Goodwin's Universe (GWU). The film was directed by Freddie Goodwin from a screenplay he wrote with Alex Brow. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. and Nicholas Hoult. In the film, 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 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 occurred 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.

Clash of Minds was released in the United States on February 15, 2025, as the first film of Chapter One of the GWU. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the acting, action, visuals, and pacing. However, it was critized for its short runtime and overloading plot. The film grossed $271.27 million on a budget of $1.5 million.

Web of Shadows (2025)[edit | edit source]

Main article: Web of Shadows

While investigating a string of robberies in Blüdhaven, Nightwing encounters Spider-Man chasing the same criminal.[36] Initially mistaken as rivals, the two team up to stop a deadly alliance between Black Cat and Catwoman.[37]

Web of Shadows will be released in the United States on February 15, 2025, as the second film of Chapter One of the GWU.[38]

Gods Among Mortals (2026)[edit | edit source]

Main article: 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.[39]

Gods Among Mortals will be released in the United States on March 13, 2025, as the third film of Chapter One of the GWU.[40][41]

Shadows of Gotham (2026)[edit | edit source]

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 (2026)[edit | edit source]

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.

Timeline[edit | edit source]

Recurring cast and characters[edit | edit source]

See also: List of Goodwin's Universe characters

Reception[edit | edit source]

Box office[edit | edit source]

Each film is linked to the "Box office" section of its article.
Box office performance of Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Five
Film U.S. release date Box office gross All-time ranking Budget Ref.
U.S. and Canada Other territories Worldwide U.S. and Canada[42] Worldwide[43]
Clash of Minds February 15, 2025 $187,490,078 $83,870,019 $271,360,097 210 267 $1.5 million N/A
Total $187,490,078 $83,870,019 $271,360,097 – – $1.5 million

Critical response[edit | edit source]

Each entry is linked to the "Critical response" section of its article.
Critical and public response of Chapter One films
Film Critical Public
Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic CinemaScore PostTrak
Clash of Minds 94% (557 reviews) 78 (57 reviews) A+ 85%

Tie-in media[edit | edit source]

Mob Productions: Fragments "UNTITLED" Era (2025)[edit | edit source]

Main article: List of Goodwin's Universe Fragments

In 2025, Mob Productions introduced an innovative storytelling format called Fragments, a serialized anthology series designed to explore events and narratives that wouldn’t fit into the larger film installments of the GWU. The idea behind Fragments was to expand the GWU’s lore without the constraints of traditional movie storytelling, providing more flexibility for character-driven arcs and world-building. Goodwin announced that Fragments would be released as episodic stories, with new installments arriving weekly starting in late January 2025 and concluding in March 2025. Each month would feature a new set of episodes, offering fans consistent content while keeping production costs lower than a full-length film. Despite being a cost-saving measure, Fragments boasted a combined budget of $2.5 million, higher than many of the GWU's short film releases, reflecting the studio's commitment to maintaining high production quality. This approach not only allowed for the exploration of untold stories but also gave fans deeper insights into pivotal moments, character backstories, and side plots that would otherwise remain unexplored. The series was praised for its episodic structure, which balanced cinematic quality with affordability, further solidifying Mob Productions' innovative approach to expanding the GWU.

Related[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Johnson, Eric (May 1, 2019). "Superman Film Script Submitted to Mob Productions". Hollywood Reporter. THR Publishing. Retrieved December 27, 2024. A script for a Superman film was submitted to Mob Productions for development.
  2. ↑ Clark, Emma (July 15, 2019). "Superman Film Script Rejected by Mob Productions". Variety. Variety Media. Retrieved December 27, 2024. The Superman script was rejected due to writing quality issues.
  3. ↑ Stewart, Paul (August 10, 2019). "SOI Studios Joins Superman Film as Producers". Deadline. Penske Media. Retrieved December 27, 2024. SOI Studios announced they would produce the Superman film to ensure high quality.
  4. ↑ Taylor, Rachel (September 1, 2019). "SOI Studios Promises Quality for Superman Film". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Retrieved December 27, 2024. SOI Studios promised to improve the quality of the Superman project.
  5. ↑ Harrison, David (March 5, 2022). "Freddie Goodwin Announces GWU Universe". Variety. Variety Media. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Freddie Goodwin introduced the GWU concept, including films and short 'Fragments' to explore the lore.
  6. ↑ Johnson, Sarah (March 20, 2022). "Goodwin Assembles Team for GWU Films". Deadline. Penske Media. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Goodwin confirmed collaboration with a dozen creators for the GWU films.
  7. ↑ Brown, Michael (June 15, 2022). "Robert Downey Jr. Joins GWU Universe". The Hollywood Reporter. THR Publishing. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Downey Jr. confirmed his involvement in GWU films under Goodwin's direction.
  8. ↑ Taylor, Emma (August 10, 2022). "Goodwin Starts Work on GWU Shortfilm". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Goodwin began working on a short film featuring characters from DC and Marvel.
  9. ↑ Clark, Anna (August 25, 2022). "Luthor and Stark Featured in GWU Shortfilm". Collider. Collider LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Goodwin selected Lex Luthor and Tony Stark for his GWU short film.
  10. ↑ Evans, Rachel (September 5, 2022). "Alex Brow Joins GWU Screenplay". Screen Rant. Screen Rant LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Alex Brow collaborated with Goodwin on the screenplay for the GWU short film.
  11. ↑ Moore, Christina (September 15, 2022). "Brow on GWU Chapter One". ComicBook.com. ComicBook Inc. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Brow expressed enthusiasm for Chapter One's impact on the industry.
  12. ↑ Harris, Joshua (March 10, 2024). "Filming for Clash of Minds Begins". Empire. Bauer Media Group. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Clash of Minds filming commenced in March 2024.
  13. ↑ Stewart, Paul (November 5, 2024). "Clash of Minds Reshoots Completed". Hollywood Insider. HI Media. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Reshoots for Clash of Minds were finalized in November 2024.
  14. ↑ Garcia, James (November 20, 2024). "Goodwin Wraps Clash of Minds". Total Film. Future plc. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Goodwin expressed confidence in Clash of Minds as a strong start to the GWU.
  15. ↑ Jones, Emily (December 1, 2024). "Web of Shadows Announced". Screen Geek. Screen Geek LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Web of Shadows was revealed as part of the GWU and connected to Clash of Minds.
  16. ↑ Taylor, Emma (January 15, 2023). "Brow Ensures Web of Shadows Stands Alone". Collider. Collider LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Alex Brow confirmed efforts to make Web of Shadows accessible without viewing Clash of Minds.
  17. ↑ Clark, Anna (January 30, 2023). "Brow on Connecting GWU Films". Variety. Variety Media. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Brow emphasized balancing standalone storytelling with continuity in Web of Shadows.
  18. ↑ Johnson, Sarah (March 10, 2023). "Goodwin Plans to Introduce Major Heroes". Deadline. Penske Media. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Goodwin revealed plans to include The Flash, Superman, and Captain America in the GWU.
  19. ↑ Evans, Rachel (March 15, 2023). "Goodwin Views Major Heroes as Essential". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Goodwin emphasized the necessity of including iconic heroes for GWU success.
  20. ↑ Harrison, David (April 5, 2023). "Goodwin Ensures GWU Quality". Hollywood Reporter. THR Publishing. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Goodwin confirmed backup plans to maintain the quality of the GWU storylines.
  21. ↑ Moore, Christina (April 10, 2023). "Goodwin Discusses GWU Strategy". Screen Rant. Screen Rant LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Freddie Goodwin spoke about ensuring GWU stories are cohesive and well-executed.
  22. ↑ Stewart, Paul (April 15, 2023). "Backup Plans for GWU Announced". Total Film. Future plc. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Goodwin revealed contingency plans to adapt GWU stories while preserving their quality.
  23. ↑ Garcia, James (April 20, 2023). "Goodwin's Vision for GWU". Empire. Bauer Media Group. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Goodwin reassured fans about the meticulous planning behind the GWU.
  24. ↑ Johnson, Sarah (July 10, 2023). "Goodwin Announces Full Chapter One Slate". Hollywood Reporter. THR Publishing. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Freddie Goodwin revealed the Chapter One slate during a livestream.
  25. ↑ Clark, Anna (July 15, 2023). "Goodwinverse Chapter One Slate Detailed". Variety. Variety Media. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Five films were announced for Chapter One, set for monthly releases in 2025.
  26. ↑ Taylor, Emma (July 20, 2023). "Goodwin Discusses Chapter Structure for GWU". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Content released in 2025 will be Chapter One, with future content designated to subsequent chapters.
  27. ↑ Evans, Rachel (July 25, 2023). "Seven Fragments Planned for GWU Chapters". Deadline. Penske Media. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Goodwin revealed plans for seven short 'Fragments' per chapter in the GWU.
  28. ↑ Garcia, James (July 30, 2023). "Fantastic Four Logo Teased for GWU". ComicBook.com. ComicBook Inc. Retrieved December 27, 2024. The Fantastic Four logo was revealed as part of the livestream, hinting at a film in development.
  29. ↑ Brown, Michael (August 1, 2023). "Fantastic Four Film Announced for GWU". Screen Rant. Screen Rant LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Goodwin confirmed a Fantastic Four film is being developed for the GWU.
  30. ↑ Clark, Anna (November 5, 2022). "Alex Brow Co-Writes GWU Shortfilm". Hollywood Reporter. THR Publishing. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Alex Brow joined Goodwin to co-write the screenplay for the GWU short film.
  31. ↑ Taylor, Emma (January 15, 2023). "Brow Ensures Web of Shadows Stands Alone". Collider. Collider LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Alex Brow confirmed efforts to make Web of Shadows accessible without viewing Clash of Minds.
  32. ↑ Evans, Rachel (November 20, 2024). "Natalie Kingsley to Write Gods Among Mortals". Deadline. Penske Media. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Natalie Kingsley is confirmed as the screenwriter for Gods Among Mortals.
  33. ↑ Taylor, Emma (December 5, 2024). "Rebecca Wells Attached to Shadows of Gotham". Hollywood Reporter. THR Publishing. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Rebecca Wells is writing Shadows of Gotham for Chapter One.
  34. ↑ Harrison, David (December 20, 2024). "Quentin Hart Confirmed for Broken Alliances". Collider. Collider LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Quentin Hart is confirmed as the writer for Broken Alliances.
  35. ↑ Stewart, Paul (December 5, 2024). "Multiple Writers Confirmed for Goodwinverse: Assembled". Screen Rant. Screen Rant LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Goodwinverse: Assembled will feature contributions from several screenwriters.
  36. ↑ Taylor, Emma (December 15, 2024). "Nightwing and Spider-Man Team Up in Web of Shadows". Collider. Collider LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Nightwing and Spider-Man cross paths while pursuing the same criminal in Web of Shadows.
  37. ↑ Clark, Anna (December 20, 2024). "Black Cat and Catwoman Unite in Web of Shadows". Screen Rant. Screen Rant LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Web of Shadows features Black Cat and Catwoman forming a deadly alliance.
  38. ↑ Johnson, Eric (December 15, 2024). "Web of Shadows Release Date Announced". Hollywood Reporter. THR Publishing. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Web of Shadows is scheduled for release on February 15, 2025.
  39. ↑ Taylor, Emma (November 15, 2024). "Thor and Wonder Woman Team Up in Gods Among Mortals". Collider. Collider LLC. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Thor and Wonder Woman must unite to stop Ares and Loki from creating chaos in Gods Among Mortals.
  40. ↑ Johnson, Eric (November 20, 2024). "Gods Among Mortals Release Date Announced". Hollywood Reporter. THR Publishing. Retrieved December 27, 2024. Gods Among Mortals is set for release on March 13, 2025.
  41. ↑ Clark, Anna (November 25, 2024). "Gods Among Mortals Continues GWU Chapter One". Variety. Variety Media. Retrieved December 27, 2024. The third film in the GWU Chapter One slate, Gods Among Mortals, will explore the realms of Asgard and Themyscira.
  42. ↑ "Top Lifetime Grosses: Domestic". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  43. ↑ "Top Lifetime Grosses: Worldwide". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
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