https://screenrant.com The DC Universe is one of the biggest comic book franchises and often competes with Marvel. DC Comics started as National Allied Publications, founded by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson in 1935. Since then, the franchise has exploded with thousands of comic books, movies, TV shows, and video games. 2013 marked the beginning of the most recent iteration of the superheroes, with Zack Snyder introducing Henry Cavill as Superman. After several movies with mixed reviews, DC underwent a soft reboot under the helm of James Gunn and Peter Safran. Sun, 10 Dec 2023 23:01:15 GMT en-US hourly 60 The DC Universe had a Christmas surprise for Batman fans, thanks to the diverse cast leading the animated holiday comedy Merry Little Batman. While the Caped Crusader usually has a reputation for questionable parenting in comic books, the Prime Video original is an interesting take on Bruce and Damian Wayne’s turbulent father-son relationship. Set in a crime-free Gotham, the story occurs one Christmas when Batman is unexpectedly called into action and Damian is left alone at Wayne Manor. Transforming into “Little Batman”, the movie offers a Home Alone-like moment for this cardboard mask-wearing youngster who aspires to be a superhero like his father.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 23:01:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/merry-little-batman-cast-guide/ With the sequel having garnered more mixed reviews than its predecessor, Zachary Levi is addressing the criticisms of Shazam! Fury of the Gods' Billy character changes. Levi returned for the DC Extended Universe as he and his Shazamily found themselves pitted against the daughters of Atlas, Hespera, Kalypso and Anthea, as they come to Earth in the hopes of acquiring a mystical relic to revive their realm and give them their destructive powers. Despite featuring the return of the core creative team of the 2019 hit, Fury of the Gods proved to be a commercial disappointment for Warner Bros. and scored a Rotten 49% from critics on review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 21:30:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/shazam-2-billy-character-criticism-zachary-levi-response/ Glen Powell gets imagined as the titular lead for Booster Gold through new fan art for James Gunn's DC Universe. The new DC Universe is on its way, as the DCEU timeline is finishing its final year before Gunn and Peter Safran as the co-CEOs DC Studios help Warner Bros. Discovery get another shot at running a successful superhero continuity. Chapter 1, "Gods and Monsters," has multiple DC Universe movies and TV shows being developed, with more projects still yet to be announced.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 21:02:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/glen-powell-dcu-casting-booster-gold-art/ New DCU co-lead James Gunn has hit back at criticism of his casting a new version of Wonder Woman 1984's villain. Gunn has responded on Instagram to accusations he misled fans with a casting promise, amid reports of his brother Sean Gunn joining the rebooted DC movie timeline.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 20:05:52 GMT https://screenrant.com/james-gunn-sean-gunn-backlash-response/ 2023's new Batman movie breaks one of the longest-running Batman trends in the history of DC movies: the use of a "Batman voice". While the world waits for Andy Muschietti's Batman: The Brave & The Bold to kick off the rebooted Batman timeline, Merry Little Batman offers something completely different. Whether the next Batman movie in the DCU will follow the usual Bat-Voice trend, the latest Batman movie bucks it completely.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:40:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/batman-voice-trend-broken-merry-little-batman/ Comic book movies are notoriously overlooked by the Hollywood elite, but even within the fandom, several incredible movies have not received the admiration they deserve. While some deservedly count among the greatest movies of all time, several comic book adaptations explored themes and storylines that were atypical for the genre. As a result, many were met with critical derision and an unfavorable backlash from audiences. Nevertheless, many of these should be reconsidered for their contribution to the comic book movie genre.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:30:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/underrated-comic-book-movies-deserve-respect/ Though his future in the franchise remains unclear, Zachary Levi has an idea for a Shazam buddy-comedy within James Gunn's DC Universe. Levi made his debut in the soon-to-end DC Extended Universe with the 2019 movie introducing his eponymous hero, who is actually the teenager Billy Batson transformed into an adult super-powered being upon saying the hero's name. The actor recently returned for Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which garnered generally mixed reviews from critics and was a box office bomb, leaving Levi's future in doubt as Gunn began moving forward with plans for an essentially rebooted franchise.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:14:47 GMT https://screenrant.com/shazam-green-lantern-james-gunn-dcu-buddy-comedy-zachary-levi-pitch/ Zack Snyder and Ben Affleck team up again for a new Batman movie in a gripping DC fan poster. Following the release of Zack Snyder's Justice League, the director appears to have moved on from his Snyderverse. However, when recently asked if there was any chance for him to come back to DC, Snyder revealed the one project he would helm in James Gunn's new DC Universe: The Dark Knight Returns, but only "a true representation of the graphic novel," setting it apart from most of the live-action Batman movies.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:07:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/batman-zack-snyder-ben-affleck-movie-return-dcu-poster/ The Batman movies have been some of the grittiest comic-to-screen adaptations in the DC pantheon and this is more than evident from the Caped Crusader’s intense fight scenes. From punching his way through street goons to getting his back broken by a muscular foe, Batman has gone through a lot in his cinematic journeys. Some fight sequences - notably in Batman and Robin - have been used for levity, but overall, directors like Tim Burton, Christopher Nolan, Zack Snyder, and Matt Reeves have ensured that The Dark Knight makes up for his lack of superpowers with exceptional fighting skills.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 18:30:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/most-intense-batman-movie-fight-scenes/ Numerous comic book movies have proven themselves to be incredibly moving and effective cinema. The typical characterization of these movies is special effects-laden thrill rides that are often dismissed by the Hollywood elite. However, several outstanding examples from the genre challenge this notion, and have gone on to be considered among the greatest movies of all time. Whether through deft cinematic techniques or highly compelling, emotional performances, many comic book movies exemplify the high art of pure cinema.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 17:20:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/comic-book-movies-marvel-dc-cinema-moments/ New Superman: Legacy fan art brings David Corenswet's titular DC Universe hero to life in James Gunn's upcoming reboot. Once Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom arrive in theaters this month, it will mark the proper end for the DCEU timeline, which began all the way back in 2013. However, as the DCEU finishes its run, a new DC Universe will be taking its place, with Gunn and Peter Safran running DC Studios, which will set up fresh DC continuity across TV and film.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:50:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/superman-legacy-dcu-david-corenswet-art/ The DCU can avoid numerous issues that have been a problem for past Superman films. The DCU, or DC Universe, is the upcoming connective universe being shepherded by DC Studios, with the animated series Creature Commandos to be its first installment in 2024. Meanwhile, the 2025 movie Superman: Legacy, written and directed by DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, will launch the franchise on the big screen, with the new Superman played by David Corenswet.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 19:40:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/superman-legacy-movie-issues-dcu-future/ Austin Butler suits up as Green Arrow for James Gunn's DC Universe through new fan art, showing what the actor could look like as the iconic Emerald Archer. The DCEU timeline is coming to an end with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, as 2023 brings the franchise to a conclusion after a full decade. However, as one continuity is over, another one is rising through the DC Universe, with various movies and TV shows in the works.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:00:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/austin-butler-green-arrow-dcu-fancast-art/ Numerous comic book movies have had major downer endings. When it comes to comic book movies in the MCU, the DCEU, and even those not attached to a larger cinematic universe, it is often expected that their endings will involve heroes triumphing over villains and inspiring people with their powers and altruism. However, not all comic book movies end entirely on a note of happiness or optimism, with some taking unexpected turns into darker territory.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 14:40:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/comic-book-movie-downer-endings/ There are many stand-out elements of Suicide Squad that have been overlooked. As the third film in the DCEU, Suicide Squad focuses upon the formation of the new government special ops team known as Task Force X, a.k.a. the Suicide Squad, consisting of villains whose skills and powers are co-opted by shadowy government agent Amanda Waller (Viola Davis). Suicide Squad's ensemble of villains includes Deadshot (Will Smith), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), and the Joker (Jared Leto), with Batman (Ben Affleck) and The Flash (Ezra Miller) dropping in for cameos.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 14:20:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/suicide-squad-movie-2016-overlooked-positives/ New Smallville fan art brings Tom Welling's Superman and his DC family together for the Christmas holiday. For a full decade, Smallville told Clark Kent's great origin story prior to him becoming Superman, with Welling portraying the DC icon on the small screen. While Smallville ended the character's journey with Clark becoming Superman; many have been wanting to see his show come back in one way or another.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:50:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/tom-welling-superman-smallville-christmas-art/ DC fans voice their rejection of Sasha Calle's possible recast in the DCU's Superman: Legacy and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Casting updates for several upcoming DCU movies and shows are helping James Gunn and Peter Safran's DC Universe take shape, and with them comes a variety of reactions from fans on social media. Several actor announcements have been well received, but other updates have raised doubts.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 23:30:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/new-dc-supergirl-cast-superman-legacy-sasha-calle-fans/ MCU and DCEU actor officially joins James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU as villain Maxwell Lord. The DC Universe's plans for its first chapter, "Gods and Monsters", are taking shape with a growing list of casting updates for multiple upcoming DCU movies and shows. As the faces of the DCU become clear with castings like David Corenswet's Superman, smaller roles also begin to find their actors. Now, only three years after Maxwell Lord's DCEU debut in Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman 1984, the DC villain has been recast for James Gunn's DCU reboot.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 22:05:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-universe-cast-maxwell-lord-sean-gunn/ Several compelling characters have developed significantly throughout the DCEU. While the DCEU may not have achieved the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it is notable for featuring substantially more complex characters, often with a darker edge. Indeed, several classic comic book characters have received a new life in their cinematic incarnations, evolving into captivating and three-dimensional characters.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 21:10:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/dceu-best-character-arcs/ The Dark Knight trilogy lives up to its name with its darker themes, but there was one lost scene in The Dark Knight Rises that sparked a particularly visceral reaction in director Christopher Nolan. Nolan's celebrated pre-DCU movie franchise is a far cry from its flamboyant predecessors, replete with grim motifs that have helped to redefine the Batman movies that have come since, with Matt Reeves now carrying the torch with The Batman trilogy. Neither iteration of Batman shies away from the violence inherent in the character whose M.O. is to maul but not kill DC's prolific roster of villains - but there is a limit.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:20:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/dark-knight-rises-foley-deleted-scene-nolan-reaction/ One of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom's many trailers suggests that the two darkest theories about the upcoming DC movie are true. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is set to effectively end the DCEU ahead of James Gunn's DCU reboot that will begin in 2024. As such, the film has the unwanted task of ending Arthur Curry's story in only the character's second solo outing. In doing so, the story of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom may include a greater sense of finality than first thought.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 17:30:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/aquaman-lost-kingdom-trailer-baby-dad-death-theories-true/ New DC Universe fan art imagines Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki in the roles of the next on-screen Batman and Robin. For several decades, there have been numerous live-action versions of Batman and Robin, each with their own unique interpretation of the dynamic duo. Whether it be on the big or small screen, the Batman mythology continues to get reimagined over and over again, and that will be the case for Warner Bros. Discovery's new DC franchise.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:30:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/batman-robin-jensen-ackles-jared-padalecki-fan-art/ An all-new Batman film, Merry Little Batman, was released on Amazon Prime Video on December 8, 2023, and finally admitted an 80-year-old flaw with the titular character. Suitably Christmas-themed, Merry Little Batman joins the many other DC animated movies of 2023. More so than Marvel, the company's biggest rival in the comic book world, the characters of DC tend to flourish in animated format as proven by the continued slate of DC's animated movies set for 2024.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:01:57 GMT https://screenrant.com/new-batman-movie-merry-little-batman-robin-father/ Prior to appearing as Clark Kent, a.k.a. Superman, in 2013's Man of Steel, actor Henry Cavill undertook a major transformation into DC's most iconic superhero. Long before the DCEU's reboot into the new DC Universe, Henry Cavill's casting as Superman was announced in January 2011, prior to Man of Steel's 2013 release. After a previous run of small roles and missing out on major characters such as Superman in Superman Returns, Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter franchise, Edward Cullen in the Twilight franchise and James Bond in Casino Royale, Man of Steel was a major career boost for Cavill, but this also marked a boost for him physically.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:00:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/henry-cavill-superman-man-steel-before-after-photo-muscle-gain/ Kurt Russell, who starred in James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, talks about whether or not he would be open to play Jor-El in Superman: Legacy as part of the DC Universe. Ever since the SAG-AFTRA strike officially came to an end, the Superman: Legacy cast has been able to continue adding new actors for the highly anticipated DC Universe movie. However, there are likely a few more characters being cast before principal photography begins next year.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 11:09:06 GMT https://screenrant.com/superman-legacy-kurt-russell-casting-rumors/ Though his depictions had its flaws, Zack Snyder had a big hand in shaping the DCEU and its most popular characters before it was cut short to give way to the DCU reboot - but his Superman dream could still become a reality in the MCU. Henry Cavill's Superman was largely a hit, even if the movies he appeared in weren't always as consistent. The praise was far from universal, however, as Superman and the wider DCEU drew criticism for being too dark, acting as an over-weighted counterbalance to the lighter MCU.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 18:30:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/zack-snyder-superman-dream-sentry-thunderbolts-mcu/ Several actors have appeared in both Marvel and DC projects in a variety of movies and TV shows. Superhero movies saw a renaissance with the debut of the MCU in 2008, but the genre goes back decades. DC found themselves on top with popular Batman movies in the '80s and '90s, but since then, Marvel has stormed ahead and left DC trying to catch up. With reboots, spin-offs, and rights issues, it's difficult to keep track of every continuity taking place within the two franchises. DC is now running multiple different universes, but things are more complicated for Marvel as the MCU timeline is in the midst of the Multiverse Saga.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:39:12 GMT https://screenrant.com/actors-roles-dc-marvel-movies-both/ The DC Universe franchise continues its successful tradition of crafting animated movies, with several upcoming confirmed projects in 2023. While a lot of the previous DCEU live-action movies, such as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, have been divisive, the DC animated films have been mostly positively received by critics and audiences. A total of six animated movies were released by DC in 2022, including DC League of Super-Pets, Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons, and Catwoman: Hunted, a self-contained story with no connections to any universe.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 13:46:59 GMT https://screenrant.com/every-dc-animated-movie-release-2023/ DC’s forthcoming shared movie universe reboot – the DC Universe, can benefit from paying attention to the biggest mistakes made in older DC movie adaptations. The DCU’s predecessor, the DC Extended Universe, was a divisive franchise, for better or worse, having been created to compete with the game-changing Marvel Cinematic Universe and trying to mimic some of its aspects while distinguishing itself as a different franchise in other ways. Despite having a degree of loyal viewership, the DCEU movie timeline did not match the success of the MCU, and a string of critical and commercial failures, combined with new leadership, resulted in a now imminent soft-reboot.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 13:41:13 GMT https://screenrant.com/dcu-dc-movie-mistakes-lessons/ Smallville star Tom Welling already explained why a new season of the DC series could be released nowadays. A decade before the MCU and the DCEU started the golden age of superhero cinematic universes, Smallville built a prototypical live-action DC franchise filled with superheroes, supervillains, and vigilantes. Not only was this an impressive feat because Smallville broke new ground in the superhero genre in an era when it was only beginning to explode, but also because of the show's limited options when tackling a character as iconic and powerful as Superman.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 13:21:12 GMT https://screenrant.com/smallville-revival-tom-welling-superman-comments/ Warning! This post contains spoilers for all DCEU movies, including Blue Beetle.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 13:01:11 GMT https://screenrant.com/dceu-saddest-deaths/ Amber Heard's Mera gets featured in a new Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom trailer, setting up the final DCEU movie. After running for exactly a decade, the DCEU timeline is coming to an end in light of James Gunn's DC Universe, which is set to replace it under DC Studios. Despite never being planned to be the final installment in the franchise, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will, by default, conclude the DCEU with Jason Momoa reprising the role of Arthur Curry one last time.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 12:07:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/aquaman-2-lost-kingdom-trailer-amber-heard-mera-new-look/ James Gunn sheds some light on the Superman: Legacy villain situation as the DC Universe reboot is getting ready to happen next year. In a few months, Superman: Legacy, starring David Corenswet, will finally start principal photography as Gunn's upcoming movie will be the first pivotal film for Chapter 1, "Gods and Monsters." With the amount of secrecy surrounding Superman: Legacy, the world is patiently waiting for more announcements to emerge before filming begins in March 2024.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:43:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/superman-legacy-villain-braniac-james-gunn-rumors/ Max has finally revealed a fresh look for The Penguin series, offering new footage for the first time in eight months. Starring Colin Farrell who will reprise his role as Oswald Cobblepot from Matt Reeves' The Batman, The Penguin will follow Cobblepot's rise to power in Gotham City's underworld. Now, this new promo offers a new tease as to what audiences can expect from the spin-off series set in the same universe as Robert Pattinson's Batman.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 19:33:25 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-penguin-show-trailer-footage-max-2024/ The DC Extended Universe consists of 15 films ahead of James Gunn's impending reboot, with each one containing several shocking reveals that left audience members aghast. While Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will be the 16th and final movie in the franchise, the preceding 15 have been often revisited by audiences. As a means of either being refreshed on the franchise's story for upcoming DC movies or simply rewatching favorites from the past, the DCEU's divisive catalog has proven to stand the test of time in its own way.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 16:00:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/dceu-most-shocking-reveals/ One improvisational choice in 2013's Man of Steel led to the eventual introduction of DC Comics' Martian Manhunter into the DCEU. While David Corenswet will assume the role of Clark Kent, a.k.a. Superman, in 2025's Superman: Legacy as part of the rebooted DC Universe, Henry Cavill debuted as the legendary superhero in Man of Steel, the DCEU's first project. Man of Steel began to pave the way for Zack Snyder's overarching vision for the DCEU, and though he would never get the chance to complete this narrative, Snyder did see an unplanned story come to fruition in 2021's Zack Snyder's Justice League, the director's cut of the 2017 crossover film.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 15:00:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/martian-manhunter-man-of-steel-retcon-improv-scene/ One detail in The Batman’s ending sets up a great DC Comics villain that, unfortunately, Batman movies have failed twice. After Ben Affleck’s Batman failed to connect with the audience as part of the DC Extended Universe, Warner brought another version of the Caped Crusader in a separate part of its universe of DC Comics characters. Robert Pattinson debuted as Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves’ The Batman, and in his first big screen adventure, he came across three classic Batman villains – The Riddler, The Penguin, and Carmine Falcone – and set up the Joker for future movies.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 14:00:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-batman-ending-bane-villain-setup/ Every film in the DC Animated Movie Universe, also known as the DCAMU, contributed to the formation of one of the longest-running shared universes of superhero stories. Following the success of the New 52, DC Animation began a new continuity of animated movies based mostly on stories that had been published after 2011. The DCAMU must not be confused with the DC Animated Universe timeline, which started with 1995’s Batman: The Animated Series and led to DC shows like Justice League and Justice League Unlimited.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 13:10:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/every-dcau-animated-movie-ranked/ What happened to the Birds of Prey following their debut in the DCEU? Released in 2020, Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) starred Marbot Robbie as Harley Quinn while also introducing several new Gotham-based vigilantes such as Renee Montoya, Huntress, Black Canary, and Cassandra Cain. However, neither the team nor the individual characters involved received any future appearances in the DCEU timeline as originally intended (apart from Harley).

]]> Tue, 05 Dec 2023 22:50:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/what-happened-dceu-birds-of-prey-dceu-movie/ Christopher Nolan recently shared his thoughts on Zack Snyder's Watchmen, and he's right that it would be even better if it came out today. While Snyder is largely responsible for kicking off the DCEU with Man of Steel and Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, the director entered the DC universe a few years before. He directed Watchmen, an adaptation of the beloved graphic novel that introduced a new team of superheroes. However, Watchmen isn't a standard team-up story as it is highly satirical of the superhero universe and Nolan told The Hollywood Reporter he believes Snyder's version was ahead of its time.

]]> Tue, 05 Dec 2023 22:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-christopher-nolan-zack-snyder-watchmen-movie-better-now/ 2013's Man of Steel has many Easter eggs and references that are still being uncovered a decade after the movie kicked off the DCEU. As the first movie of Zack Snyder's shared universe, Man of Steel introduces Kal-El a.k. Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) is a young man using his superhuman abilities to help those in need and hiding his existence from the world before finally becoming Superman. With Man of Steel acting as a Superman origin story, it also sets up numerous other movies in the DCEU, including Superman's own subsequent appearances in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Zack Snyder's Justice League.

]]> Tue, 05 Dec 2023 20:10:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/man-of-steel-obscure-easter-eggs-hidden-details/ Zack Snyder's live-action adaptation of The Dark Knight Returns is the best chance for the director to helm a DC movie after the end of his Snyderverse franchise. The 10-year-long DCEU began with Man of Steel, which established a cinematic universe centered on Superman and the Justice League. Zack Snyder's original plans for the DCEU were composed of five feature films that followed these characters as they rose to fame, assembled a team, experienced an apocalypse, and fought to restore balance. Unfortunately, Snyder's vision for the DCEU couldn't be completed, but the director got the chance to depart the franchise with the resounding success of Zack Snyder's Justice League.

]]> Tue, 05 Dec 2023 18:50:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/zack-snyder-dark-knight-returns-better-snyderverse/ Even a decade after Grant Gustin's debut as The CW's Barry Allen in The Flash, the series still remains as popular and impactful as it was when it began in 2014. Set outside the main DC Universe, Gustin debuted as the Flash in Arrow, the first series in the franchise that would become the "Arrowverse". Gustin's spinoff, The Flash, explored crime-scene investigator Barry Allen's story in more detail, showing him becoming a superhero after an explosion at STAR Labs gifts him abilities, including superhuman speed. The Flash ran for nine seasons, premiering in October 2014 and ending in May 2023, but the series still holds up after all this time.

]]> Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:00:26 GMT https://screenrant.com/flash-grant-gustin-arrowverse-holds-up-good/ Man of Steel, as the first movie in the DC Extended Universe, ended up shaping the franchise, and the movie's most divisive moment would affect the DCEU the most. The timeline of the DCEU started in 2013 with director Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. Despite looking pitch-perfect as Clark Kent, Henry Cavill's version of the hero was notably shrouded in the film's dark themes and tone, differing it from most other live-action Superman movies. There are a few key factors that contributed to that, with Snyder's plans for the DC universe on film clashing with how some of DC Comics' most popular characters are known to be.

]]> Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:00:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/man-of-steel-superman-killing-zod-dceu/ The DCEU is filled with some of comics' most recognizable heroes, but they can be surprisingly brutal in the right circumstances. Ever since the advent of the franchise with Zack Snyder's Man of Steel in 2013, the films of the DCEU have been noticeably darker than their counterpart and rival franchise, the MCU, with a decidedly edgier tone and visual style. This grimmer take on a superhero universe certainly was evident in the DCEU's many fight scenes, in which certain heroes made off with some truly brutal kills.

]]> Tue, 05 Dec 2023 14:10:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-movie-heroes-least-heroic-kills/ With Superman: Legacy filming coming soon, David Corenswet continues to work out to become the Man of Steel, and a photo comparison shows how the DC Universe star's physique has changed for the role. Corenswet has quite the big shoes to fill, as the previous live-action Superman actor in DC films, Henry Cavill, became known for his imposing physique as the Man of Steel. With Superman: Legacy aiming to begin filming in March 2024, Corenswet should have enough time to complete his superhero transformation.

]]> Tue, 05 Dec 2023 12:26:50 GMT https://screenrant.com/dcu-superman-actor-casting-before-after-photos/ A key Easter egg in Man of Steel directly set up the DCEU's Batman three years before his first appearance. Played by Ben Affleck, Bruce Wayne's Batman made his DCEU debut in 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. However, the seeds for his introduction were laid by director Zack Snyder in 2013 thanks to a brief sequence during the battle between Superman (Henry Cavill) and General Zod (Michael Shannon).

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:30:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/man-of-steel-wayne-easter-egg-batman-ben-affleck/ Since Margot Robbie debuted as Harley Quinn in the DCEU's Suicide Squad, the villain-turned-antihero has become one of the franchise's most popular characters. Including 2016's Suicide Squad, Margot Robbie has only appeared in three DCEU projects as Harley Quinn, yet the character has still seen a huge amount of popularity among DC Studios' audiences, even standing out among some of the franchise's bigger names. Harley Quinn's live-action future in James Gunn and Peter Safran's rebooted DC Universe is unclear, as DC Studios has provided no confirmation of Robbie's return. Even so, Robbie has provided some of the faltering DCEU's best moments as the Clown Prince of Crime's partner in crime.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:00:27 GMT https://screenrant.com/harley-quinn-dceu-timeline-explained/ Grant Gustin's debut as The Flash is getting honored on social media as the Arrowverse star made his first DC appearance a decade ago on The CW. It has been more than half a year since The Flash season 9 ended its run on The CW, which marked the end of an era for the Arrowverse, as Gustin's show was the final Earth-Prime-based series in the franchise. Although having a shortened final season, the Scarlet Speedster got to save Central City one final time before finishing his decade-long run on The CW.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:57:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-flash-grant-gustin-arrowverse-debut-anniversary-fans/ The DCEU has had a tumultuous history, yet there are still scenes from each installment that stand out above the crowd. Concerning the ranking of DCEU movies, many would agree that the franchise has exhibited both the best and worst of superhero movies. Movies like Shazam!, Man of Steel, The Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman, and Zack Snyder's Justice League stand tall among their peers, while other lesser installments include 2016's Suicide Squad, 2017's Justice League, and 2016's theatrical cut of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - only the second movie in the DCEU's release order.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-scene-dceu-movie-each/ Margot Robbie's future as Harley Quinn in the new DC Universe is still mostly a mystery, but one key piece of information has already been revealed. Robbie played Harley across three movies set in the old DCEU, with the actress' most recent turn as the anti-hero coming in director James Gunn's first DC film: 2021's The Suicide Squad. That collaboration is significant, as Gunn has now become one of DC Studios co-CEOs alongside Peter Safran, with the duo currently planning the next ten years of DC releases in a new shared universe that replaces the DCEU — the new DC Universe.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 16:10:28 GMT https://screenrant.com/margot-robbie-dc-future-harley-quinn/ Man of Steel began the DCEU in 2013, with the film's ending including several climactic moments with all the necessary setup for the future of the franchise. Initially, the critical reviews of Man of Steel were not overwhelmingly positive, though audiences seemed to respond to Zack Snyder's earnest albeit controversial iteration of Clark Kent. Since then, the film has been looked back on more fondly, with Superman's first film in this continuity regarded highly among DCEU movie rankings. When watching the DCEU movies in release order, Man of Steel was the first installment, responsible for kickstarting what was to become Warner Bros. shared universe of DC characters.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:00:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/man-of-steel-ending-explained/ A new The Brave and the Bold casting rumor that claimed Jensen Ackles was cast as Batman has been shot down by James Gunn. Ackles is the most frequently mentioned name by fans where casting for the new DC Universe Batman is concerned. While it has been confirmed that Bruce Wayne and his son, Damian, will be the focus of the movie, DC fans will seemingly have to wait quite some time to learn new details from The Brave and the Bold's story and cast.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 11:58:34 GMT https://screenrant.com/dcu-batman-jensen-ackles-casting-rumor-james-gunn-disprove/ Stunning Smallville fan art imagines Tom Welling's Superman fighting major DC characters. Smallville featured several impressive displays of power from Welling's Clark Kent, which included the hero going up against some considerable threats. One of the most exciting aspects of the series was seeing how a young Clark measured up to DC heroes like Aquaman and Impulse, as well as villains such as Doomsday and General Zod.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 19:20:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/smallville-superman-tom-welling-joker-shazam-brainiac-fight-art/ Wonder Woman 1984 had the difficult task of following up on one of the DCEU's best movies, and the sequel's failure to live up to its predecessor stings even more a few years after its release. Wonder Woman has been one of the "big three" in DC Comics for decades, but despite several Wonder Woman portrayals on the small screen, she never developed the storied cinematic history of her Justice League partners, Batman and Superman. Of course, that changed when Wonder Woman (2017) found financial and critical success, putting Gadot's Amazonian warrior at the center of DC's pop-culture relevance.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 17:30:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/wonderder-woman-1984-what-went-wrong/ Early box office projections for DC Studios' upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom don't spell good news for the final film in DC's live-action 2023 release schedule. Aquaman quickly became the DCEU's most popular and profitable project after its 2018 release, grossing over $1 billion at the global box office, and setting up Jason Momoa for a bright future in the franchise as Arthur Curry, a.k.a. the titular Aquaman. While Aquaman's success made the development of a sequel inevitable, the fact that DC Studios' Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is releasing as the final project before the DCEU's reboot into the DC Universe means the film may already be suffering.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 17:00:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/aquaman-2-early-box-office-dc-movies-2023/ The DCEU's version of the Justice League display their metahuman powers in some unforgettable moments. Zack Snyder's Man of Steel introduces Henry Cavill's Superman as the DCEU's first metahuman hero, with the Justice League first being teased in 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and properly formed in 2017's Justice League, as well as Zack Snyder's Justice League. With the League being comprised of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, The Flash, and Aquaman, the team is made up of some of the most powerful and formidable superheroes ever created.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 16:00:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/dceu-justice-leagueheroes-most-impressice-power-display/ Almost ten years after its release, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice still has plenty of hidden details to pour over, many of which not being obvious on a first watch. The film saw Ben Affleck's Batman hit screens for the first time, contending with Henry Cavill's Superman in a climactic second entry into the DCEU that introduced many new characters into the universe's fold. Director Zack Snyder put a staggering amount of thought and detail into the film, resulting in many easy-to-miss Easter Eggs, references, and bits of foreshadowing hiding in plain sight.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 15:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/batman-v-superman-dawn-of-justice-hidden-details/ With so many recent iterations of the Joker, it can be hard to keep track, but Jared Leto's fleeting tenure as the Crown Prince of Crime in the DCU hanging is left largely without resolution. Suicide Squad was released in 2016 to unfavorable reviews, mostly drawing criticism for its chaotic plot as it struggled to navigate so many unique yet unknown DC characters. Jared Leto's Joker did not help matters in this regard, as his scenes were choppily integrated in the form of flashbacks and a fleeting appearance as the titular Squad carried out their mission.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:30:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/what-happened-jared-leto-joker-suicide-squad/ A new Superman: Legacy fan poster imagines David Corenswet as the new Man of Steel along with his supporting players in the DC Universe movie. The upcoming DC Universe slate is slowly approaching, as James Gunn is currently working on Superman: Legacy, which will reboot the DC icon for the big screen. While details are still being kept under wraps, Superman: Legacy is being eyed to be the DC Universe movie that sets the foundation for the new franchise.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:20:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/dcu-superman-legacy-poster-first-fan-art/ The picturesque depiction of Superman's hometown in Smallville is part of what forms the pre-DCU series' lasting legacy more than a decade since it concluded - and part of that can be explained by the locations in which it was filmed. Clark Kent's coming-of-age story is inextricably linked to his rural upbringing on Kent Farm and the values he learned from the family and friends who took him in after landing on Earth as the presumed last Kryptonian. As such, the locations for Smallville had to suit these undertones of life in Middle America - and Vancouver, Canada and its surrounding areas just so happened to fit the bill perfectly.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:00:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/where-was-smallville-filmed-filming-locations-explained/ Tim Burton's Batman movies feature outstanding costume designs for their DC heroes and villains alike. Tim Burton's Batman and Batman Returns, released respectively in 1989 and 1992, put his famously gothic style onto the Dark Knight's adventures. The world of Burton's Batman films is a dark and moody one, in which Batman and the rogue's gallery of villains are larger-than-life figures who fit right in with the tone of Burton's sensibilities.

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 13:20:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/tim-burton-batman-movies-hero-villain-suits-ranked/ Ben Affleck's Batman had a short yet complicated journey throughout his multiple DCEU appearances, with Justice League's historic behind-the-scenes drama at its core. Introduced in Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Ben Affleck's Batman began his DCEU story as a seasoned vigilante with a strong reluctance against potentially dangerous metahumans like Superman. After Batman and Superman's first encounter, Ben Affleck became the live-action Batman actor with the most appearances on the big screen despite not starring in a solo movie. The DCEU got to explore certain aspects of Batman's DC lore that no other movie has been able to discover, but Affleck's run as Batman was undeniably cut short.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 20:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/what-happened-ben-affleck-batman-justice-league/ Superman: Legacy star David Corenswet crosses the DC multiverse in new fan art with Henry Cavill and Tom Welling's respective versions of the Man of Steel. Throughout the decades, multiple actors have played Superman in live-action, both on the big and small screen. Another actor is getting ready to bring the last son of Krypton back to theaters as Corenswet will be starring as the iconic DC hero in James Gunn's DC Universe, starting with Superman: Legacy, which begins filming in 2024.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 19:40:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/superman-david-corenswet-henry-cavill-tom-welling-dc-art-team/ Henry Cavill's Superman looks admittedly strange in 2017's Justice League, with the CGI reason behind this having a ridiculous albeit hilarious behind-the-scenes story. 2017's Justice League was set to be a home run for DC on film, with Cavill leading the team in his third movie as live-action Superman. That said, the film's many production issues included director Zack Snyder leaving the project due to tragic personal issues only to be replaced by Joss Whedon, who drastically altered the film's story, tone, and visual style in extensive reshoots. These Justice League problems had a lasting effect on the DCEU, essentially leading to James Gunn’s rebooted DCU movie slate.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 18:30:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/why-henry-cavill-look-weird-justice-league-2017/ New DC Universe fan art brings several young actors into James Gunn's franchise as members of the Teen Titans. While 2023 is marking the end of the DCEU, it was also the conclusion for one of Max's long-running DC TV shows, as the Titans series finale wrapped up the gritty live-action adaptation of the popular DC team. With Gunn's DC Universe coming up, it is opening the door for new interpretations of various DC heroes and villains, including the Teen Titans.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 17:30:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/teen-titans-dc-universe-casting-live-action-art/ The DCU's version of Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy can learn many valuable lessons from his numerous predecessors. DC Studios is beginning a new chapter of DC on film, with James Gunn's Superman: Legacy set to serve as its first major cinematic outing. Nicholas Hoult joined the Superman: Legacy cast as Lex Luthor, and will appear opposite David Corenswet's Man of Steel, with the movie set to debut theatrically on July 11, 2025.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 17:00:24 GMT https://screenrant.com/dcu-lex-luthor-nicholas-hoult-lessons-dc-movies-shows/ A handful of movies from the DCEU have been added to Netflix, yet some franchise installments are still missing from the service for a number of reasons. As of December 1, eight DCEU movies began streaming on Netflix: Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad (2016), Wonder Woman, Justice League, Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman 1984, and The Suicide Squad (2021). This deal will benefit the DCEU given that the franchise will cease to exist after the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in favor of James Gunn's rebooted slate of DC movies.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 16:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/netflix-dceu-movies-missing/ Tom Welling returned as Clark Kent years after Smallville ended for the Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event, which made a major change to the character, and the actor has explained why the older version of Clark felt different. Over the course of Smallville's ten seasons, DC fans got to watch as Welling's Clark went from a high school boy learning about his origins and developing his powers to becoming Superman in Smallville's final episode. When Welling was announced to return as Clark for the Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths, many fans imagined that he was finally going to fully suit up as Superman, which did not happen.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 15:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/tom-welling-clark-kent-arrowverse-smallville-differences/ The DCEU has had a troubled, contentious history over the course of its 10-year run, but that doesn't mean that it hasn't produced some great individual films that are still worth watching. Having released fifteen films already, the DCEU will finally see its end with the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, giving way to James Gunn's DCU. Though the franchise may have struggled to find its footing to the very end, the DCEU still has some films that are well worth a watch in their own right.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 14:30:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/dceu-movies-worth-watching-before-dcu-reboot/ New Smallville fan art imagines what the DC show would have looked like if Jensen Ackles played Batman as he fights Tom Welling's Superman in the artwork. While there have been many DC TV shows over the last decade, none of it would have been possible if it hadn't been for Smallville. The Superman live-action TV show, which starred Welling as Clark Kent from 2001 - 2011, paved the way for the comic book genre on television, especially in the case of the Arrowverse franchise, which launched only a year after Smallville ended its run on The CW.

]]> Sat, 02 Dec 2023 13:11:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/welling-superman-ackles-batman-fight-smallville-art/ Many DC Extended Universe movies are finally available to stream on Netflix, but there are still several films missing from the catalog. With the upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom marking the official end of the DCEU and the transition into DC Studios’ new era, many DC fans will be flocking to streaming services to rewatch their favorite films. Netflix is undoubtedly the most commonly used streaming service in North America, and the deal between the platform and Warner Bros. Discovery will open the DCEU franchise to a wider audience. The deal is especially important as the DCEU will largely be left behind going forward into the DCU era.

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 18:40:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/dceu-movies-missing-from-netflix/ Six years later, Warner Bros.' bold plan for 2017's Justice League and the greater DCEU looks even worse. With a rebooted DCU on the horizon, the door has officially closed on the universe that began with Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. This was largely in part due to the problematic release of Justice League, the crossover that was meant to truly kick off a shared universe of stories and heroes that never found its true stride in the years that followed.

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:00:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/dceu-justice-league-plan-worse-now/ As excitement mounts for the rebooted DC Universe, speculation abounds over how the new franchise will look - but one thing that is certain is that The Brave and the Bold should avoid Batman's most famous villain. The DCU is intended to be a complete reboot of the DCEU, as the upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom wraps the first DC cinematic universe for good. This means a brand new narrative trajectory that will open with Superman: Legacy and its packed cast of atypical DC characters. This is something that The Brave and the Bold should emulate.

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:40:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-universe-dcu-batman-brave-bold-joker-avoid/ The entire future of the DC Universe can be defined in many ways by the franchise's first true installment, Superman: Legacy. Despite the film only being part of the first chapter of the DCU, Superman: Legacy will prove to be vitally important to the entire franchise. James Gunn's DCU movie and TV slate contains a plethora of DC Comics-related stories, though none are as crucial to the filmmaker's plans as the first tale of the last son of Krypton.

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:30:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/superman-legacy-dc-universe-dcu-define/ The unified vision of the DCEU cinematic universe never quite materialized, but its best team-up movie, Birds of Prey, is one of several DC movies now available to watch on Netflix. Despite some disappointing box office failures and publicized behind-the-scenes drama for DC, the timeline of DCEU movies contains some gems that don't quite get the appreciation they deserve.

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:10:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-underrated-birds-of-prey-streaming-on-netflix/ Recasting several iconic roles from the DC Extended Universe for the rebooted DC Universe is a tall task for DC Studios. After filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran were hired as co-CEOs of DC Studios in November 2022, they immediately set plans in motion to reboot the DCEU into the new DCU, which meant that many actors would be removed from their roles and replaced with new talent. Following several disappointing projects released in 2022 and 2023 at DC Studios, this reboot has been welcomed by audiences, but it will still be a challenge to say goodbye to popular actors who portrayed some of the DCEU's most recognizable heroes.

]]> Thu, 30 Nov 2023 20:00:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/dcu-dceu-heroes-replace-difficult-most/ The role of Batman has been played by many actors across the DC character's over 80-year live-action history. Bob Kane and Bill Finger created Batman in 1939, one of the first superheroes in comic books, following Superman. The Dark Knight's commercial comic success would translate into on-screen adaptation far earlier than some may be aware of, as the very first installment of the Batman movie roster arrived in 1943.

]]> Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:00:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/batman-actor-live-action-portrayal-chronological-order/ Zack Snyder has confirmed that his Snyderverse at DC has come to an end. Snyder directed three movies for the comic book giant — Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Zack Snyder's Justice League. While divisive, Snyder's DC movies found a loyal audience, which makes his confirmation that the Snyderverse is truly over a huge moment.

]]> Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:23:34 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-snyderverse-end-zack-snyder-confirm/ Despite several great displays of power, some ridiculous superpowers have appeared in DC movies through the years. Over the years, a great deal of DC Comics' most powerful heroes have made a trip to the big screen. Some of the DC heroes who have been featured in one or more movies include Superman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Green Lantern, The Flash, and many more. Multiple past DC films, and even the very best movies in the DCEU, have brought truly ridiculous superpowers to the forefront.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:10:13 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-superpowers-most-ridiculous/ Zack Snyder is willing to take part in James Gunn's DC Universe as there is one specific movie he would love to do for the upcoming franchise. The DCEU timeline is on its last legs as Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will be the final movie in the franchise before Gunn and Peter Safran's DC Universe kicks off. Man of Steel was the movie to launch the DCEU in 2013, with Snyder reimagining Superman for the big screen. The project led to several other DC movies, including Justice League.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 17:27:07 GMT https://screenrant.com/zack-snyder-dc-movie-james-gunn-dc-universe/ There has been plenty of controversy over Joss Whedon's cut of Justice League and Zack Snyder recently shared his thoughts on it. Snyder's Justice League was set to be the magnum opus of his DC universe after he directed Man of Steel and Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. However, after his daughter, Autumn, died by suicide, Snyder left the project and Warner Bros. brought in The Avengers director to finish it.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:59:36 GMT https://screenrant.com/zack-snyder-joss-whedon-justice-league-comments/ Director Zack Snyder speaks out in support of actress Amber Heard, saying that he would work with her again. Heard starred as Mera in 2017's Justice League and Aquaman in 2018 before teaming up with Snyder again in 2021’s Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Since then, Heard has been the subject of massive scrutiny due to her legal battle with former partner Johnny Depp.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:42:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/zack-snyder-amber-heard-controversy-comments/ DCEU director Zack Snyder addresses his approach to the Snyderverse and its characters and explains why he wasn't the right person to lead a cinematic universe. Launched in 2013, Warner Bros.' DC Extended Universe attempted to be an expansive franchise around DC's vast library of characters. However, several obstacles prevented Zack Snyder's franchise from fully taking shape, which led to the DCEU's early conclusion and the DCU's upcoming hard reboot. Odd creative decisions, bad timing, clashing ideas, and unexpected events all caused the DC Extended Universe to decay and ultimately collapse.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:30:08 GMT https://screenrant.com/zack-snyder-dc-movie-universe-snyderverse-failure/ Zack Snyder, the filmmaker who originally cast Ezra Miller as Barry Allen in the DCEU, has commented on the latter's performance in 2023's The Flash. Miller was initially announced as the DCEU's Scarlet Speedster in 2014, two years before their debut in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Since then, Miller went on to play The Flash in Suicide Squad, Justice League, Zack Snyder's Justice League, and 2023's DC Easter egg-infused The Flash.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:24:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/zack-snyder-the-flash-movie-ezra-miller/ While DC adaptations have had somewhat inconsistent in the realm of live-action, DC’s animated properties are far more persistently successful, particularly in their fight scenes. DC’s animated history precedes even its live-action adaptations, with the Fleischer Superman serials bringing the Man of Steel to life and, by granting Superman the ability to fly, having a major permanent effect on the Superman mythos in all mediums. However DC fares in live-action adaptations, viewers can expect quality action scenes and faithfulness to the comics from their animated TV shows and movies.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 13:00:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-animated-fights-live-action-need/ A Smallville actor thinks there is a major problem with Tom Welling's controversial Arrowverse appearance. Following ten seasons of Smallville, Welling returned after years for a quick cameo in the Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover. The DC TV crossover event featured an older version of Smallville's most powerful Justice League hero — only there was a major change to the character.

]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:22:33 GMT https://screenrant.com/smallville-arrowverse-crisis-infinite-earths-tom-welling-cameo-criticism/ Patrick Schwarzenegger gets imagined as Hal Jordan for Lanterns in new DC Universe fan art. Once Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hits theaters, it will be the official end to the DCEU franchise, in order to allow James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DC Universe to finally come to life. While Superman: Legacy will be a fresh start for the Man of Steel, DC Studios have plenty of Justice League heroes planned to show up on the big and small screens.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 22:40:13 GMT https://screenrant.com/dcu-green-lantern-patrick-schwarzenegger-art/ As audiences eagerly await a new year full of projects, studios are heading to Comic-Con Experience (CCXP) for special looks at their slate of releases. Based on San Diego's similarly named blockbuster event, CCXP first launched in 2014 in São Paulo, Brazil, initially being founded by entertainment site Omelete, comic book publisher Chiaroscuro Studios, and toy company Piziitoys. The near-decade since has seen it grow to a similar scale as San Diego Comic-Con, with such projects as The Walking Dead franchise, Wonder Woman 1984, and The Suicide Squad hosting panels.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 19:58:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/ccxp-2023-schedule-details/ Jason Momoa's Aquaman presents the biggest Justice League problem that the new DC Universe will have to try to resolve. Momoa will soon close out the DCEU with December's Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, making way for the new DC Universe that is being built by James Gunn and Peter Safran. The DCU has already confirmed that multiple actors will return as their characters; however, the same does not seem to apply for the main players of 2017's Justice League. Henry Cavill has already been recast as Clark Kent, with David Corenswet playing the hero in Superman: Legacy.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:40:12 GMT https://screenrant.com/dcu-jason-momoa-aquaman-casting-change-justice-league-challenge/ The DC Universe may be getting one of James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy stars in the new franchise as the Marvel Cinematic Universe actor sparks speculation about his potential involvement. With the DC Universe set to serve as a reboot, numerous movies and TV shows are currently being developed at DC Studios. Under Gunn and Peter Safran's leadership, the DC Universe will give Warner Bros. Discovery a fresh start at running an interconnected superhero universe, following the struggles of the DCEU.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:54:36 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-universe-james-gunn-actor-dave-bautista-role-speculation/ As James Gunn forges ahead with his DC Universe plans, David Dastmalchian shares his ideas for a Polka-Dot Man prequel to The Suicide Squad. Dastmalchian brought the infamous Batman villain to the screen in the 2021 DC Extended Universe sequel, in which he joined the various members of the new Task Force X to investigate the mysterious Project Starfish on the island of Corto Maltese. Written and directed by Gunn, The Suicide Squad was a critical hit, falling just shy of Wonder Woman to be the best-reviewed DCEU movie, though fell short at the box office due to its COVID-based release and simultaneous streaming premiere.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:30:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-suicide-squad-polka-dot-man-prequel-story-ideas-david-dastmalchian-comments/ The DCU's first movie, Blue Beetle, missed the perfect opportunity to reference the Batman franchise. While still being included under the umbrella of the DCEU, James Gunn's confirmation that Jaime Reyes is the first official character in the filmmaker's rebooted universe unofficially makes Blue Beetle integral to the DCU's future. As the linchpin between the two franchises, Blue Beetle naturally makes several references to the wider world of superheroes.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 15:00:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/dceu-blue-beetle-batman-reference-knightcrawler-missed/ DC has had plenty of successful series, and some of the comic book giant's projects have managed to accomplish truly amazing feats. Be it on the animated side or the live-action corner, DC has released a great variety of TV shows over the years, ranging from comedic offerings like Teen Titans Go! to more complex stories such as Watchmen. DC even became the precursor when it comes to a superhero universe on TV, with the interconnected Arrowverse going on for over a decade, becoming one of the most popular chapters in DC's live-action history, and even beating the movies in the DCEU to many fans.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 13:00:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-shows-perfect-thing/ A major Smallville fan theory was once close to happening. Tom Welling led Smallville for 10 seasons, with the series telling the story of how Clark Kent became Superman. Smallville featured exciting original characters alongside marquee names from DC Comics. One of such original characters was Allison Mack's Chloe Sullivan, but it appears the character could have been retroactively turned into a major DC name.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:14:27 GMT https://screenrant.com/smallville-lois-lane-fan-theory-almost-true/ James Gunn breaks his silence on the chaotic DC Universe casting rumors that are emerging online lately. Multiple DC Universe movies and TV shows are on their way as part of DC Studios' new continuity that will officially replace the DCEU after Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom arrive in theaters next month. As the DC Universe will reboot the comic brand's cinematic and television presence, there are a ton of heroes and villains that Gunn and Peter Safran will be casting in the next couple of years.

]]> Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:26:54 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-universe-casting-rumors-james-gunn-reports/ Superman: Legacy's Lex Luthor actor looks extremely comic book-accurate in new DC Universe fan art. Superman: Legacy's cast has been receiving some major additions after the end of the SAG-AFTRA strike, which include the announcement of María Gabriela de Faría as The Engineer and Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, as well as the reveal that Nicholas Hoult is Superman: Legacy's Lex Luthor. With the major villain cast, fans have started to imagine Hoult's look as Luthor.

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:40:13 GMT https://screenrant.com/superman-legacy-lex-luthor-nicholas-hoult-dcu-comic-art/ Barry’s long-awaited battle with Cobalt Blue marked the conclusion of Barry’s onscreen journey in The Flash season 9 finale. Teased in the season 8 finale, the biggest missing member of Barry’s Arrowverse rogues’ gallery finally squared off with the Scarlet Speedster. After years of theories regarding the possibility of Eddie Thawne somehow becoming Cobalt Blue, the season 1 character fully transformed into the villain in the show’s very last episode.

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 14:10:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-flash-season-9-ending-explained/ DC movies have changed many villains' backstories and often even improved upon them compared to the source material. DC as a brand may be known for characters like Batman and Superman, but the heroes are only as good as their villainous counterparts. The pages of DC Comics are filled with well-written and developed antagonists, but sometimes the transition to the big screen necessitates change.

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 13:30:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-movies-villain-backstory-improved-comics/ Peacemaker season 2 carries over from the DCEU to the DCU, raising plenty of questions about what the new era of the show will look like. Christopher Smith, a.k.a. Peacemaker, played by John Cena, joined the DCEU timeline in The Suicide Squad, before his surprise return in a solo spin-off. Even before the movie was released, Gunn knew there was room to explore Cena's DC character in more depth. HBO Max quickly greenlit his plans for Peacemaker, an eight-episode original series that marked the first DCEU TV show. James Gunn is now the official head of the DCU, recently releasing his plans for the first DCU chapter, titled "Gods and Monsters."

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 13:10:13 GMT https://screenrant.com/peacemaker-season-2-updates-cast-story/