7 Canceled DCEU Projects That Would Fit Into James Gunn’s DC Universe Plan

by

With James Gunn’s Superman performing well in theaters, it’s clear the previous DC movie universe, or DCEU, is over. This likely means we won’t see sequels to films like Black Adam or another Justice League movie. But that doesn’t mean everything Zack Snyder began working on will be lost.

The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) once had many planned movies and shows, but several were cancelled. However, the new DC Universe (DCU) is still using some characters and ideas from the DCEU, like Amanda Waller (played by Viola Davis) and Rick Flag (played by Joel Kinnaman). There’s a possibility that some of the previously abandoned DCEU projects could be revisited within the DCU.

Deadshot


Warner Bros.

Originally, a standalone movie focusing on the character Deadshot – first played by Will Smith in the 2016 film Suicide Squad – was planned for the DC Extended Universe. However, development stalled, and Will Smith eventually left the project. Idris Elba was then cast to take his place, as reported by Variety. Ultimately, the Deadshot movie was canceled, and Elba ended up playing a similar character named Bloodsport instead.

Even though Deadshot could be easily replaced by other skilled marksmen, that very fact might be what makes bringing him into the DC Universe interesting. James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad cleverly highlighted the rivalry between Bloodsport and Peacemaker, who both have similar fighting styles and constantly compete. If Deadshot comes back, it would be entertaining to see him try to prove he’s the best, adding to this playful competition among the skilled assassins.

Harley Quinn vs. The Joker


Warner Bros.

A planned DC movie would have explored the complicated and messy breakup between Harley Quinn and The Joker. While we saw hints of their conflict in Suicide Squad (2016) and more of the fallout in Birds of Prey (2020), The Joker always seemed detached from Harley. A dedicated film about their failing relationship would have been a powerful story about escaping an abusive partner. Unfortunately, the project was cancelled in 2019, though some ideas were later incorporated into Birds of Prey.

Since Harley Quinn is one of the few characters continuing into James Gunn’s new DC Universe, her story wouldn’t require much setup. A movie focusing on the aftermath of her breakup with the Joker could be compelling, as their dynamic hasn’t been thoroughly examined in live-action films. The first season of the Harley Quinn animated series demonstrated the dramatic potential of Harley dealing with a harmful relationship and Joker’s continued attempts to control her. Bringing that mix of humor and emotional depth to the DCU would be a welcome addition.

The Wonder Twins


Warner Bros.

The Wonder Twins first appeared in the cartoon The All-New Super Friends Hour. These two characters had the ability to shapeshift. By touching fists and saying “Wonder Twin powers activate!”, Zan could transform into water, and Jayna could become any animal. Although they were an improvement over the previous Super Friends characters Wendy and Marvin, who had no powers, the Wonder Twins’ limited abilities often meant they were used in stories that focused on teaching teenagers life lessons.

Even though the Wonder Twins movie was canceled because of funding problems, they might actually work well in the new DC Universe. The previous DC movies often struggled with finding the right tone – either too dark or lacking fun. But with the DCU leaning into more playful and unusual ideas, there’s a spot for Jayna and Zan. James Gunn proved he could get audiences invested in a quirky character like Peacemaker, so he could likely do the same for this famously silly duo who can turn into an eagle and ice.

Green Lantern Corps


Warner Bros. Animation

Warner Bros. hasn’t had much success with Green Lantern. The 2011 movie was poorly received, and while they tried again with a project called Green Lantern Corps starting around 2015, it faced numerous setbacks. Constant delays, changes in who was involved, and company restructuring stalled the project, and even plans for a related TV series never came to fruition within the DC Extended Universe.

Fortunately, James Gunn is bringing the Green Lanterns to life with the upcoming HBO series, Lanterns, and he’s already started building the foundation. His Superman movie featured the live-action debut of the bold Green Lantern, Guy Gardner, establishing that Green Lanterns exist within the DC Universe. With so much history from the comics and the many different Lantern groups, the show has the potential to grow into a large-scale space opera in the future.

Gotham City Sirens


Warner Bros.

Considering Harley Quinn’s journey in the DC movies, a team-up with Poison Ivy and Catwoman in a Gotham City Sirens film seemed like the natural next step. While only Harley had appeared in a movie yet, Birds of Prey director Cathy Yan hoped to include Poison Ivy in a sequel, with plans to then introduce Catwoman and eventually make a Sirens movie. Unfortunately, those plans never came to fruition.

The early DC Universe projects, like Creature Commandos and Superman, have shown that compelling teams can be quickly established. Considering the DCU’s existing openness to groups like Task Force X and the Justice League, the Sirens would feel right at home. The Harley Quinn animated series already offered a fun take on the team, providing a solid foundation for a potential live-action adaptation.

Batman Beyond


DC Comics/Alex Ross

Following the success of Batman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond imagined a future Gotham City where an elderly Bruce Wayne mentors teenager Terry McGinnis, who becomes the new Batman. The show’s dark, high-tech setting would have been a good fit for Zack Snyder’s darker take on the DC Universe. According to Yahoo, a live-action movie adaptation was planned, but it was canceled because it relied on the performance of 2023’s The Flash and establishing Michael Keaton as an older version of Batman.

Although plans for a Batman Beyond movie were likely canceled with the end of the DCEU, it could still fit into the new DCU. Because the DCU isn’t establishing a firm history yet, any actor, regardless of age, could play an older Bruce Wayne, along with his aged friends and enemies. Batman Beyond frequently included appearances from other heroes – like the return of an older Static Shock in an episode of Justice League Unlimited. A *Batman Beyondstyle movie, with its cyberpunk setting, could offer a unique and exciting direction for the DCU and introduce futuristic elements to the timeline.

Crisis on Infinite Earths


Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

DC Comics’ Crisis on Infinite Earths is a landmark event, a massive battle spanning the entire multiverse. A similar event was once planned for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), aiming to unite all storylines against the powerful Anti-Monitor. Sadly, the project never progressed beyond initial discussions with former DC Films president Walter Hamada.

Adapting the ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ storyline would be a challenging but exciting project for the new DC Universe. Previous attempts, like those in the Arrowverse and DC animated movies, haven’t been entirely successful. However, if James Gunn’s DCU can successfully bring together so many different superhero stories, a ‘Crisis’ adaptation could be a massive, universe-ending event—similar to ‘The Avengers’ for DC.

Read More

2025-12-12 02:53