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Why James Gunn’s Superman and Batman won’t show at SDCC 2024

BBG News

As a longtime comic book enthusiast and film critic with a particular affinity for the DC Universe, I’ve been eagerly following every development related to James Gunn’s ambitious reinvention of the DCU. With my heart full of anticipation and my mind brimming with knowledge of the rich tapestry of DC characters, I couldn’t help but be thrilled by the latest updates on the various projects in the works.

In 2023, San Diego Comic-Con returned after an interrupted event. Although it may not have reached its past grandeur, fans could look forward to a Marvel panel. Excitement escalated as Kevin Feige announced not just one but two Hall H appearances – the first being a unique Thursday panel focusing on Deadpool and Wolverine. However, a significant player was absent from the action. DC Studios, on the brink of a significant reboot in their comic book universe, decided to skip Hall H this year.

DC Studios’ decision not to attend Comic-Con with a major launch isn’t due to low confidence. Instead, they seem quite occupied producing content, as evidenced by James Gunn’s recent six-week filming stint in Cleveland for “Superman” (2025). With more projects on the horizon, it appears that Gunn will be unavailable during Comic-Con, as he told a fan, “I will be shooting.”

Starting in January 2023, I, as a passionate gamer and new head of DC Studios along with my producing partner Peter Safran, took the reins. We put an end to the “Snyderverse” Justice League saga and unveiled an exciting lineup of films and TV series all under one cohesive timeline named the DCU. I couldn’t contain my excitement as I revealed that “Joker: Folie à Deux” and “The Batman: Part II” would now be part of the Elseworlds canon. Since our major announcement, I have shared a few updates – most notably, I will write and direct the upcoming Superman film set for release in 2025. Additionally, I’ve taken it upon myself to act as Fan-Responder-in-Chief, answering even the most dedicated and anonymous DC fans’ questions through Threads. Who needs Comic-Con when you’re managing an entire universe?

Fans are eagerly anticipating updates about DC’s bustling scene, as evident in Gunn’s social media mentions. However, the creator has asked for patience regarding “Paradise Lost,” a rumored Wonder Woman spin-off series for HBO. He reassured fans that there is no confirmed news to share and advised caution against unfounded rumors. According to him, nothing is officially in production unless it has been given the green light. Despite this, numerous projects are underway and will be released in a chronological order within the new DCU timeline.

If the DC studio had attended SDCC (San Diego Comic-Con) instead of just releasing a preview, what would they have shown us from the DC Universe (DCU)? According to Gunn, this is the true state of things in the DCU at present – and what’s not.

Happening: Creature Commandos

The initial DCU project, marking the beginning of a phase named “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters,” will be an animated series set for release on Max by year-end, as per Gunn’s announcement. This series revolves around a black-ops squad comprised of monsters, led by Amanda Waller, to combat supervillains. As Dean Lorey, executive producer of “Creature Commandos,” explained to The Wrap, the series shares a tone with Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” – although the audience may be surprised by what it is, they will undoubtedly find it an enlightening prelude to this new DCU interpretation.

The program boasts an impressive and fully armed cast, featuring Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), Princess Ilana Rostovic (Maria Bakalova), the Bride of Frankenstein (Indira Varma), Nina Mazursky (Zoë Chao), Doctor Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk), Eric Frankenstein (David Harbour), the G.I. Robot (Sean Gunn), Weasel (Sean Gunn again), and John Economos, portrayed by Steve Agee in “Peacekeeper”.

Happening: Superman

Initially named “Superman: Legacy,” the first major production of the DCU period introduces David Corenswet (“Twisters”) as Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” ) as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult (“Mad Max: Fury Road”) as Lex Luthor. A sizable group of Gunn’s frequent collaborators are set to portray various heroes in the production, including Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and Mister Terrific. Principal photography commenced this summer, with a targeted release date of July 11, 2025. For over a year, Gunn has expressed his immense excitement about the project.

Happening: Peacemaker season 2

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Starting in April, filming began for the second season of “Peacemaker,” the DCU series featuring John Cena once again donning the chrome helmet. Most of the original cast members have returned, and new faces include Frank Grillo, transitioning from “Creature Commandos” to portray Rick Flag Sr. in live-action. Although a specific premiere date for season 2 has yet to be announced by Gunn, he confirmed that it will follow after “Superman,” and its storyline will directly connect with the movie’s events.

Happening: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

As a passionate gamer and avid comic book reader, I’m thrilled to share that DC’s live-action adaptation of the sensational “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” is making significant progress. Milly Alcock, who stole the show as Rhaenyra Targaryen in “House of the Dragon,” has been cast in the title role. This project is being helmed by talented actor-writer Ana Nogueira and acclaimed director Craig Gillespie (“Dumb Money,” “I, Tonya”). Excitingly, production seems to be on track for a release date next year on June 26, 2026. There’s even buzz that fan-beloved cosmic biker Lobo might make an appearance (perhaps with Jason Momoa reprising his role?). Unfortunately, we didn’t get the SDCC reveal this time around, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for more updates in the near future!

Happening: Lanterns

After a lengthy production process, Gunn, Safran, and HBO officially gave the go-ahead for “Lanterns,” their Green Lantern-centric TV series. Chris Mundy (“True Detective: Night Country”) will serve as the showrunner and executive producer. Damon Lindelof (“Watchmen,” “The Leftovers,” “Lost”) and Tom King (“Mister Miracle,” “Supergirl”) are set to co-write and executive produce. In an exciting casting choice, Nathan Fillion is confirmed to portray the mischievous Green Lantern, Guy Gardner. The series will primarily focus on the dynamic duo of Hal Jordan and John Stewart.

Happening in Elseworlds: Penguin, Joker: Folie à Deux, The Batman: Part II

One DC project making its way to SDCC is “The Penguin,” a spin-off of Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” from HBO, which delves into the criminal underworld of Gotham. Colin Farrell reprises his role as Oswald Cobblepot, who’s recovering from the aftermath of Reeves’ 2022 film. This autumn, we’ll see the “Joker” sequel hit theaters, while Reeves’ follow-up to “The Batman” is scheduled for a 2026 release.

Not happening… yet: Paradise Lost

In the early DCU declaration, Gunn proposed a concept for a new series based on Wonder Woman. This proposed show would resemble “Game of Thrones,” but with all the residents of Paradise Island as characters. However, this idea is still in its infancy and hasn’t reached the level of development required for presentation at Comic-Con.

“On Threads, Gunn shared that the title ‘Paradise Lost‘ is currently undergoing significant development, just like many other projects with recognized or hidden names. We’ll start filming once we have a top-notch script and are given the go-ahead. It’s essential to note that we haven’t cast anyone for projects that haven’t been approved yet.”

Not happening… yet: Waller

As a dedicated gamer and fan of the Suicide Squad movies and Peacekeeper series, I’ve been eagerly waiting for news about a potential spinoff focusing on Viola Davis’ character. However, over the past few years, there have only been vague rumors with little to no concrete updates. But recently, during a Q&A session on Threads, director James Gunn reassured me and other fans that this project is “wonderful” and currently in “very active development.” The latest report suggests that Doom Patrol creator Jeremy Carver will be penning the scripts for this intriguing new venture.

In limbo: The Authority, The Brave and the Bold, Swamp Thing, Booster Gold

In the initial DCU declaration by Gunn, some projects he mentioned have largely stalled out as his focus shifted to supervising the production of Superman. The Flash‘s director Andy Muschietti continues to be linked to helm The Brave and the Bold, DCU’s adaptation of Batman. Previously, James Mangold was set to direct the Swamp Thing film, but there is a possibility that a Star Wars prequel project could take precedence for him instead. For updates on these projects, fans may have to wait and hope for more information at future DC events, such as DC FanDome, since DC will reportedly not be attending SDCC 2024.

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2024-07-23 18:20

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