Everything We Know About the DCU’s Official Canon (Before Superman)

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As a die-hard DC fan, I’m thrilled about the new chapter in the DC Universe (DCU) continuity that’s about to unfold. This world feels familiar yet fresh, as it seems to build upon what we already know while promising an even more comprehensive and accurate adaptation of the DC Comics on screen. It’s long overdue for DC to stand toe-to-toe with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the DCU could be just the ticket!

Elements from the previous DCEU continuity have been woven into this new narrative, and I can’t wait to see how these connections develop further. The DCU made its debut in December with the animated series “Creature Commandos” on HBO Max, but we’ll truly feel its impact when “Superman” hits theaters on July 11th. Can’t wait for that moment!

As a fervent movie critic, I can’t help but feel the palpable excitement brewing from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery as they unveil their ambitious plans for the DC Universe (DCU). In recent interviews and statements, Co-CEO James Gunn has generously shared tantalizing tidbits of lore to whet our appetites, while David Zaslav, CEO of WBD, provides us with a glimpse into the direction the story will take. Although we’ll soon have the opportunity to discover more firsthand, I’ve compiled all the information we’ve gathered thus far about the DCU. Stay tuned for more updates!

Creature Commandos

Right off the bat, I’m thrilled about the ongoing DC Universe (DCU), primarily fueled by the animated series “Creature Commandos”. This series spans seven episodes, each approximately half an hour long, brimming with details that could potentially shape the narrative in future installments. The story continues from where “Peacemaker” Season 1 ended, hinting that at least some parts of that show align with the DCU’s timeline. Therefore, elements from “The Suicide Squad” (2021) might also find a place within this universe.

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In the series “Creature Commandos,” we encounter a tale that holds similarities to ones we’ve heard before. The character Amanda Waller, portrayed by Viola Davis, once more gathers a group of inmates with extraordinary abilities, aiming to construct an elite black ops unit. This time around, the members possess some degree of monstrous traits, earning their team, “Task Force M,” the additional name, “Creature Commandos.” The team is under the leadership of Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo, and includes characters such as The Bride (Indira Varma), G.I. Robot (Sean Gunn), Weasel (Gunn), Doctor Phosphorous (Alan Tudyk), Clayface (Tudyk), and Nina Mazursky (Zoë Chao).

Throughout the series, elements from history and worldbuilding are woven in, like Professor Aisla MacPherson’s (Stephanie Beatriz) research on Themyscira, the enchanted island where Wonder Woman originates. Details about Waller’s organization A.R.G.U.S. may resurface too, but expect a more comprehensive explanation later on. Additionally, it’s important to mention that, while Alan Tudyk provides the voice for Clayface in the Harley Quinn animated series, this show does not belong to the DC Universe.

Superman

It seems fans of Superman are growing tired, having seen numerous trailers and feeling they already know too much about the upcoming movie before its release. In relation to the DC Universe, it’s clear that this film doesn’t revisit Superman’s origins, but instead focuses on his crime-fighting career being in full swing, portrayed by David Corenswet. Additionally, we understand that other superheroes and villains are well-established characters within this world as well.

In this production, we have Nathan Fillion playing Guy Gardner, also known as the Green Lantern; Milly Alcock stepping into the role of Supergirl; Edi Gathegi portraying Mister Terrific; Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl; and Anthony Carrigan bringing Metamorpho to life. On the antagonist side, we have Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, and Maria Gabriela de Farria as Angela Spica, who is known by some fans as The Engineer. Additionally, there’s a character hinted at in the trailer whose identity many viewers speculate could be Ultraman.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, let me share some intriguing tidbits about the upcoming films in the DC Universe. In the forthcoming movie, we’ll find Gardner, Mr. Terrific, and Hawkgirl as part of an established superhero team, the Justice Gang. This revelation was dropped by director Gunn during a chat with Entertainment Weekly. He elaborated that this team receives backing from private corporations, which raises questions about their integrity. It’s a unique approach to differentiate Superman in today’s era. On a separate note, Spica is slated to appear in The Authority, a team expected to star in their own movie down the line within the DCU.

Peacemaker

Following the conclusion of “Superman”, prepare for the upcoming premiere of “Peacemaker” Season 2 on August 21st, streaming exclusively on HBO Max. The series is rumored to undergo a “soft reboot,” providing clarity on which elements from the past narrative are valid and which may be altered or omitted. Originating as a spin-off from “The Suicide Squad”, John Cena first brought the character Peacemaker to life within this production. The show revolves around the antihero’s involvement with A.R.G.U.S., but the trailers have yet to offer significant glimpses into the DC Universe as of now.

It seems one of the most striking discoveries is that the fictitious rock group “The Mighty Crabjoys” appears to be quite prevalent within this universe. They’ve been mentioned in Creature Commandos, as well as teased in the previews for both Superman and Peacemaker Season 2.

Supergirl, Lanterns, and Clayface

Three additional DCU productions have progressed beyond the development stage thus far. The second of these films is “Supergirl,” which is slated for a theater release on June 26, 2026. Filming has already been completed, and it’s currently in post-production. Depending on how things unfold, “Supergirl” could potentially be the next DCU production to hit screens following “Peacemaker” Season 2. However, as of now, “Lanterns” is still without a release date. We learned that this series was supposed to debut on HBO in early 2026, but that might shift. At present, filming for “Lanterns” is underway.

The upcoming “Clayface” film is currently being prepared for release, scheduled for September 11, 2026. Alan Tudyk will lend his voice to Clayface, a role that looks set to further establish him as a prominent actor in this initial storyline’s cast.

In terms of content, we don’t have much detail yet, but what we do know is quite intriguing. For instance, it appears that Supergirl, or Kara Zor-El, is going to celebrate her 21st birthday by journeying through the cosmos alongside Krypto. This voyage will introduce her to new characters and keep her distant from Earth’s action. Similarly, Gardner will be featured in Superman, but Lanterns seems to focus on two additional human Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan (played by Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre). Unlike their usual roles, they won’t confine themselves to Earth in this tale; instead, they’ll start by investigating a murder in Nebraska.

Slate

The initial storyline in the DC Universe is titled “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters,” encompassing a total of six installments – three movies and three TV series. At present, these projects are all under development. The films include “The Authority,” “The Brave and the Bold,” and “Swamp Thing,” while the TV shows are “Waller,” “Paradise Lost,” and “Booster Gold.” These upcoming productions will introduce us to significant characters like Batman and Wonder Woman, ultimately culminating in a unifying event for the DCU, much like the MCU’s “Infinity Saga.

At present, aside from the “Gods and Monsters” narrative, other titles are being developed, though their connection to this story hasn’t been confirmed yet. For instance, in the cinema realm, we have news about an upcoming Teen Titans film, a movie focusing on Bane and Deathstroke, and Gunn has recently announced a Wonder Woman movie as well. On the television front, a Blue Beetle series is underway, along with a Mister Miracle production, and another season of Creature Commandos is being developed.

History

To sum up, we can now gather all the hints and insights shared by Gunn and others throughout interviews, social media, and previews. One of the key points that stood out was from an interview with Gunn in EW, where he revealed that individuals with superpowers, or “metahumans” as they’re called in the DC Universe, have been present for at least 300 years. In this universe, coming across a metahuman in public would be comparable to meeting a celebrity; while it may excite many, it wouldn’t come as a shock to most people.

Furthermore, Zaslav has recently emphasized to investors that the DC Universe (DCU) will see some familiar faces reappearing soon. He highlighted the “four cornerstones” of the franchise: Superman, Batman, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly (EW), Gunn also confirmed this, adding that a Wonder Woman film is under development too. This information might give fans insight into the upcoming storyline, as well as potential teams or factions that could be emerging among the characters yet to debut.

The DC Universe project is currently teetering on a tightrope, with anticipation running high as we approach the premiere date of Superman on July 11th. In the meantime, enthusiasts can merely be patient, optimistic, and imaginative about what’s to come. For those eager to gain an advantage, catching up on or revisiting Creature Commandos and Peacemaker Season 1 on HBO Max could provide valuable insights, while also keeping an eye on DC Comics for potential storyline previews.

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2025-06-23 00:10