It’s been two years since James Gunn and Peter Safran became heads of DC Studios. They’ve now provided an update on the first phase of their DCU, across TV and film, which they’re calling “Gods and Monsters.”
Gunn and Safran confirm plans to release two live action DC films and one animated film per year. They’re also targeting two-live action and two animated series for Max per year. So far, they say they’ve only greenlit five theatrical films for release. However, Gunn says he already has the “next six years” planned out.
So far, we surmise the five greenlit movies seem to be “Superman,” “Supergirl,” “Clayface,” “Sgt. Rock” and “The Batman Part II” — the latter is not supposed to be part of the DCU.
As far as “The Batman: Part II” is concerned, Gunn says Matt Reeves still hasn’t submitted a script. The goal is to shoot the damn thing by “the end of the year,” but there’s no certainty. There might be something Gunn isn’t telling us about this project, but he did shut down rumors that Robert Pattinson’s Batman would be part of the DCU.
The sequel is said to still be “years away” and no closer than before. “He is yet to turn in a full script but what we have read so far is incredibly encouraging,” Safran said.
’The Batman: Part Two’ was announced at CinemaCon in April 2022, with Pattinson and Reeves returning, along with Mattson Tomlin as co-writer. Pattinson, Serkis, Jeffrey Wright, and Colin Farrell are all set to reprise their respective roles. The film recently moved its release date to 2027.
Otherwise, the Gunn/Safran presser seemed to be one giant nothing burger. Maybe the biggest update had to do with “Teen Titans” which Gunn finally confirms is indeed being turned into a feature film with ‘Supergirl’ screenwriter Ana Nogueira having turned in a draft, and work continuing to bring the project to life.
Gunn and Safran are also working on another Batman, separate from Reeves’ universe, titled “Batman: Brave and the Bold,” which they claim is still “in development.” They have a writer, but didn’t want to name him “as it puts too much pressure on the guy.” Andy Muschietti (The Flash) is still on-board to direct.
As for James Mangold’s “Swamp Thing,” Gunn and Safran want it to get made, but add that the “ball is really in his court,” referring to Mangold’s willingness to direct the film. If Mangold opts out then the project will likely not happen. Jeff Sneider recently reported that Mangold was weighing in on whether he wanted to direct his ‘Star Wars’ movie or “Swamp Thing.”