From DCEU to DCU, James Gunn’s rebranded universe could mean the end for Snyderverse with the latest shocking reports stating Wonder Woman 3 has been canceled. The same could apply to Man of Steel 2 as Henry Cavill’s Superman may also not be a part of the DC Studios’ future plans. Moreover, it seems Aquaman star Jason Momoa could take on a new anti-villain role as Lobo from the Superman franchise. The shake-up has DC Film fans worried that the 10-year-plan would begin with a reboot after 2023’s The Flash and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
It’s looking increasingly likely the DC Extended Universe’s curtain-call moment is just weeks away from a public announcement. In recent weeks, It’s been well-known among the fandom that Gunn’s DC Bible would not limit itself to narrow storytelling that prioritizes A-listers like DC’s trinity and the Justice League ensemble, but would also throw the spotlight on obscure characters like Deadman, Gorilla Grodd and other well-known B-class superheroes and villains.
UPDATE: A report from The Wrap & Deadline reveals Patty Jenkins walked away from the project due to creative differences over Wonder Woman 3 script
Unfortunately, this new live-action design courtesy of James Gunn may require a reboot altogether which means possibly bidding farewell to Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, or at least to the DC Universe character they have played in the world built out by Zack Snyder.
Wonder Woman 3 is not part of DCU plans & Man of Steel 2 could fall victim to the possible reboot
Going by THR’s report, Gunn and DC Studios’ co-CEO Peter Safran could present their DC Bible plan to WBD’s CEO David Zaslav in the upcoming week. Although their ideas for the DC division are still in wraps, the new DC Studios chief along with Warner Bros. films co-chairperson Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy have informed Patty Jenkins that Wonder Woman 3 will not be greenlighted as it does not fall under the new DC roadmap.
Sadly the same treatment could be in store for Superman as the Hollywood Reporter notes that Man of Steel 2 is currently not in the conversation even though the studio was actively searching for a writer with Charles Roven set to produce.
Aquaman 2 could be the nail in the coffin for the Snyderverse as studio insiders indicate Momoa is hanging up his king of Atlantis costume to don a biker outfit riding the Spacehog as DC’s intergalactic bounty hunter.
Andy Muschietti’s The Flash movie would determine the forthcoming universe as the speedster flick, at the moment, remains unlocked. Henry Cavill had shot a Superman cameo but apparently, studio execs are debating over including the scene since there is a possibility the movie could mislead moviegoers if Gunn and Safran’s DC Bible has no intention of pursuing Cavill as the upcoming rebooted universe’s last son of Krypton.
Rebooted DCU to replace Aquaman 2 star as Lobo?
While fans have largely been in support of the new DC Film chief, many have been taken aback by his possible intentions to replace Henry Cavill’s Superman and the axing of Wonder Woman 3. Nonetheless, there also remain a few that are hopeful as a section of DC fans have campaigned for a full reboot – to allow the future plan to proceed with a clean slate. Readers can check out reactions below.
The DCU is starting fresh.
— Matt Ramos (@therealsupes) December 8, 2022
Don’t talk to me 😩…I hate scoops and drama. I’m waiting for Gunn’s statement. The media is so eager to create content that most of the time they overdramatize everything… #wonderwoman3
— Lis.Wonder 🇨🇺 (@LisWonder1) December 8, 2022
I don’t know what James Gunn & Peter Safran’s plans are for the DCEU going forward. Personally, I don’t care. I have learned as a DC fan that plans are never, ever set in stone. Leadership is constantly changing therefore, plans are constantly changing. No cohesiveness.
— Jesabel (@JesabelRaay) December 8, 2022
How sad it must be for Henry Cavill. The old regime over at Warner Bros. were not fans of his Superman. The Rock fought tooth & nail for him to cameo in BLACK ADAM, Cavill then announced MAN OF STEEL 2, & then quit THE WITCHER, all for his future to be up in the air once again. pic.twitter.com/Tg2wThEEe5
— Jesabel (@JesabelRaay) December 8, 2022
Yikes. The THR piece speculates a lot about the DCU, none of it good
Wonder Woman 3 is not moving forward. Cavill’s Superman might be shelved, alongside other Snyderverse actors.
I get @JamesGunn and co have plans tightly wrapped, but they should see fan demand for these actors
— Sheraz Farooqi (@SherazFarooqi_) December 8, 2022
— Daniel Richtman #BlackLivesMatter (@DanielRPK) December 8, 2022
I’m glad he’s safe and there’s nothing in the way at least. pic.twitter.com/DYNjOzsU3S
— Richard Newby – Vote Blue and Save Yourselves (@RICHARDLNEWBY) December 8, 2022
Does this mean we're done with "…Can Save the DCEU" headlines?
— ☕Stephen M. Colbert (@smcolbert) December 8, 2022
Here’s what I imagine James Gunn’s DCU pitch sounding like:
“Hey remember when I made the best MCU movie of all time with a bunch of characters most people had literally never heard of? Ya just gonna do that again. Cheers y’all I’ll see ya Wednesday.”
— Eric Italiano (@ericitaIiano) December 8, 2022
Doubt seriously that DCU is rebooting. I believe Gunn killed WW3 but I dont buy anything else. These articles take a tiny grain of truth and then run laps with speculation dressed as “insider scoop”.
— ScOoT (@WeBuildMechs) December 8, 2022
I love Cavill as Superman and Jason as Aquaman, etc. but I’m so over the aimlessness and uncertainty.
At this point I welcome any changes to the DCU if it means a coherent universe. I’m a fan of these characters and this world more than anything after all. https://t.co/ZISfUMPvDX
— Block A 🎄 CHRISTMAS KANG (@conquercomics) December 8, 2022
If they reboot the DCU then #RestoreTheSnyderVerse all the way. If you're gonna abandon the incredible story foundations for the DC Universe, then at least continue the story in a disconnected timeline from the rebooted one.
— Our Movie News🎄 (@ourmovienews) December 8, 2022
Seems like we are starting over. Can’t wait to see the plans for the new DC Cinematic Universe. #DCU #DCStudios pic.twitter.com/5scwXG05co
— JohnnyMP (@johnnyjl96) December 8, 2022
I don’t know what James Gunn and Peter Safran are planning for the DCU, but if this is how fans react to speculation about it, then it doesn’t matter what the plan actually is, because you’ll find something to freak out about with it.
I’m too old for this shit. pic.twitter.com/3JsnDKtfMY
— TheFliteCast (@TheFliteCast) December 8, 2022
I will always be grateful for what Zack Snyder Did & All The Wonderful Actors That Portrayed These Iconic Characters. Now It’s Truly The Dawn of a New DCU. #DCStudios pic.twitter.com/t5ToQjNLnV
— TheTruth"Intro King"31 (@Truth31The) December 8, 2022
A day in the life of a DC stan pic.twitter.com/S0oZGAeEMu
— JT |DCU| (@JTsLeague) December 8, 2022
Why is everyone surprised?
84 wasn't well liked and didn't do great due to the dual release model.This doesn't mean @JamesGunn is rebooting the entire DCU. https://t.co/J85J6g8nfV
— Aaron S Bailey 🚀⚡ (@AaronBaileyArt) December 8, 2022
If they reboot BATMAN for the main DCU, I think they should simply establish Bruce as the "Justice League Batman" leave all the Gotham crime fighting stuff to Matt Reeves/Pattinson films. That's just how I see it.
— Christopher Marc (@_ChristopherM) December 8, 2022
If the DCEU/DCU is truly being hard rebooted, @JamesGunn give me this pic.twitter.com/75v3BI39Ap
— Connor⚡ #FlashPack #SWC2023 (@connordbraddon) December 8, 2022
At this point, with all the drama, jealousy, division, lack of support, false hopes & negativity attached to the #DCU, business-wise nothing makes more sense than a hard reboot. #JamesGunn & #PeterSafran have the chance to start fresh & should take it.
1/2https://t.co/5ZIu5pyG4v— Luiz Fernando (@Luiz_Fernando_J) December 8, 2022
The radio silence from James Gunn to Black Adam coupled with no statement from Dwayne Johnson regarding The Suicide Squad director’s new responsibility over the franchise hinted the two creatives had different plans that may not have aligned. It seems the new execs of the division are not “endearing” of The Rock’s plans for Black Adam and Superman. Speaking of, a Black Adam sequel and a JSA spin-off for Hawkman is not on the menu for development at the moment and the first film’s box office earnings may have a played role as well.
The big question among fans is where does this leave Blue Beetle? Could it be the first title to exist outside the DCEU? It’s unclear at the moment and the future of Sasha Calle’s Supergirl also falls into the same limbo. For now, Readers are advised to take the above news with a big grain of salt as the DC Studios shake-up is a developing story until James Gunn and Peter Safran unveil their DCU roadmap.
