DC Extended Universe

Development

In 2002, Wolfgang Petersen was set to direct a Batman vs. Superman film from a script by Akiva Goldsman. Warner Bros. canceled development to focus on individual Superman and Batman projects after J. J. Abrams submitted another draft for Superman: Flyby. In February 2007, Warner Bros. hired husband and wife duo Michele and Kieran Mulroney to write a script for a Justice League film. Christian Bale, who starred as Batman in Batman Begins (2005), was not approached to reprise the role, nor was Brandon Routh, who starred as Superman in Superman Returns (2006). George Miller was hired to direct the film, reportedly titled Justice League Mortal, with Armie Hammer cast as Batman, D. J. Cotrona as Superman, Adam Brody as Flash, Santiago Cabrera as Aquaman, Common as Green Lantern, Megan Gale as Wonder Woman, Hugh Keays-Byrne as Martian Manhunter and Jay Baruchel as Maxwell Lord. The project was put on indefinite hold in January 2008, after failing to secure tax breaks for filming in Australia, as well as the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike preventing progress on the script.

In 2013, a reboot of the Superman franchise, Man of Steel, was set to lay the groundwork for future DC films. The film contained references to other characters in the DC Universe, so if it were a success, it could launch a shared universe. Days before Man of Steel's release in June, it was reported that director Zack Snyder and screenwriter David S. Goyer would be returning for a sequel, which was being fast-tracked by Warner Bros. In July, at San Diego Comic-Con, it was revealed that the sequel would include Batman in a main role, thus establishing the shared universe. In October 2014, Warner Bros. announced a slate of ten DC films.

Upon announcement, the universe was commonly called the "DC Cinematic Universe" by fans and the media, in keeping with the naming convention of the already established Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In July 2015, the release of the September 2015 issue of Empire confirmed the universe name as the "DC Extended Universe" (DCEU). While the MCU includes television productions, the DCEU is a shared continuity for films. Several television series featuring DC characters and storylines have their own shared continuity, frequently referred to as the Arrowverse. DC's chief creative officer Geoff Johns explained DC's difference in approach to Marvel Studios and their cinematic universe, saying, "We look at it as the multiverse. We have our TV universe and our film universe, but they all co-exist. For us, creatively, it’s about allowing everyone to make the best possible product, to tell the best story, to do the best world. Everyone has a vision and you really want to let the visions shine through ... It's just a different approach." In June 2015, Warner Bros. president of creative development Greg Silverman expanded on DC's approach to their cinematic universe, saying, "We ... take these beloved characters and put them in the hands of master filmmakers and make sure they all coordinate with each other. You'll see the difference when you see ... the things that we are working on."

In May 2016, following criticism of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Warner Bros. established a DC Films division with Geoff Johns and Warner Bros. executive vice president Jon Berg as its heads, which oversees production to form a cohesive creative direction for the DC Extended Universe. DC Films will not be fully autonomous, with Johns reporting to DC president Diane Nelson and Berg reporting to Silverman. Charles Roven was also moved from his day-by-day producer role on future DC films, which he had served since 2005's Batman Begins, to an administrative executive producer role. In December, Silverman was ousted from his role in Warner Bros., and Toby Emmerich was promoted to president and chief content officer, in his place. As of January 2017, Johns and Berg report to Emmerich. Following the financial and critical success of Wonder Woman in June 2017, Johns stated that moving forward the films will focus on the heart, humor, hope, heroics, and optimism of the characters.

Man of Steel (2013)

Clark Kent / Kal-El, who arrived on Earth years ago from Krypton, struggles with why he was sent to Earth. Raised by his adoptive parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, Kent adopts the persona "Superman", and learns if his abilities are meant to maintain peace or conquer the world.

During story discussions for The Dark Knight Rises, David S. Goyer told Christopher Nolan his idea regarding how to present Superman in a modern context. Impressed with Goyer's concept, Nolan pitched the idea to the studio, who hired Nolan to produce and Goyer to write based on the financial and critical success of The Dark Knight. Zack Snyder was hired in October 2010 to direct the film. In January 2011, Henry Cavill was cast as Clark Kent / Superman. Other cast members included Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as the villain General Zod, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, Russell Crowe as Jor-El, and Laurence Fishburne as Perry White. Principal photography began on August 1, 2011. Man of Steel released in North America on June 14, 2013.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Gotham City-based vigilante Batman travels to Metropolis to preemptively combat Superman, fearing what would happen if the latter is kept unchecked, while another threat endangers humankind.

In June 2013, it was reported that Snyder and Goyer would be returning for a sequel to Man of Steel, which was being fast-tracked by Warner Bros. Nolan was involved in an advisory role as executive producer. In July, at the San Diego Comic-Con, Warner Bros. announced that Superman and Batman would meet for the first time in a cinematic format in the film, which would be the follow-up to Man of Steel and a reboot of the Batman film series. According to Snyder, the film took inspiration from the comic The Dark Knight Returns. Cavill, Adams, Lane, and Fishburne reprised their roles. In August, Ben Affleck was cast as Bruce Wayne / Batman. In December, Gal Gadot was cast as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman, marking the character's first appearance in a live-action theatrical film. Later in the month, Chris Terrio was hired to rewrite Goyer's script. In January 2014, the film was delayed from its July 17, 2015, release date to May 6, 2016, to give the filmmakers "time to realize fully their vision, given the complex visual nature of the story". Later that month, Jesse Eisenberg and Jeremy Irons joined the cast as Lex Luthor and Alfred Pennyworth, respectively. In May 2014, the film's title was revealed to be Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Initial filming occurred on October 19, 2013, at East Los Angeles College, before full principal photography began on May 21, 2014, in Detroit. Production also took place in Illinois, New Mexico, Africa and the South Pacific. After another date change, the film was released in North America on March 25, 2016.

The film is set 18 months after the events of Man of Steel. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice introduced Ezra Miller as Barry Allen / The Flash, Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman and Ray Fisher as Victor Stone / Cyborg, whose roles will be expanded upon in future films. The film also introduced Steppenwolf, who will serve as the main antagonist in Justice League, through a brief scene. The scene was not included in the film's theatrical release, but instead was revealed online by Warner Bros. on March 28, before being included in the Ultimate Edition home video release.

Suicide Squad (2016)

After the death of Superman, a secret government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions and rescue the world from a powerful threat, in exchange for clemency.

In February 2009, prior to the development of the DCEU, Warner Bros. was developing a Suicide Squad film, with Dan Lin producing and Justin Marks writing the script. In October 2014, Suicide Squad was announced by Warner Bros., with David Ayer confirmed as director. In December, it was revealed that Ayer would also be writing the screenplay. The main cast included Will Smith as Deadshot, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Jared Leto as the Joker, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, Jay Hernandez as El Diablo, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc, Karen Fukuhara as Katana, Cara Delevingne as Enchantress, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, and Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag. Tom Hardy was originally cast as Rick Flag, but dropped out due to scheduling issues with his film The Revenant. Principal photography commenced April 13, 2015, and took place in and around Toronto. Filming concluded August 28, 2015. Suicide Squad was released in North America on August 5, 2016.

The film is set after the events of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Affleck as Bruce Wayne / Batman and Miller as Barry Allen / The Flash made appearances in the film. In a mid-credits scene, Waller meets Wayne in a restaurant and hands him a dossier containing information on future members of the Justice League.

Wonder Woman (2017)

Diana of Themyscira, an Amazon warrior who also is the demigoddess daughter of the god Zeus, uses her talents and abilities in order to help humanity during World War I.

In December 2013, Gal Gadot was cast as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman and signed a three-picture deal which included a solo film. In October 2014, Wonder Woman was announced by Warner Bros. In November, Michelle MacLaren was confirmed to direct the film from a screenplay by Jason Fuchs. In April 2015, MacLaren left the project due to creative differences. Later that month, Patty Jenkins was announced as the new director of the film. In July, Chris Pine was cast as Steve Trevor. Other cast members include Connie Nielsen as Queen Hippolyta, Robin Wright as General Antiope, Danny Huston as Erich Ludendorff, Elena Anaya as Doctor Poison, and David Thewlis as Ares. Filming began in November 2015, and was shot in the United Kingdom, France and Italy. Wonder Woman was released in North America on June 2, 2017.

Justice League (2017)

Motivated by Superman's death at the hands of Doomsday, Bruce Wayne / Batman and Diana Prince / Wonder Woman assemble a team of metahumans to face a new catastrophic threat.

In June 2013, it was reported that Goyer would be writing Justice League as part of a three-film deal he signed for Man of Steel. In April 2014, it was announced that Snyder would return as director. The film was announced in October as Justice League Part One. In March 2016, it was confirmed that Chris Terrio had written the script, who said that the film would not be as tonally dark as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. In June, Geoff Johns announced that the title had been changed to simply Justice League. Affleck, Cavill, Gadot, Momoa, Miller, Fisher, Irons, Lane, Adams, Eisenberg, Nielsen and Wright will reprise their respective roles from previous films. Ciarán Hinds provides the voice and performance capture for the villain Steppenwolf. Beginning on April 11, 2016, filming took place at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, in England, as well as locations around London and in Iceland. Filming concluded in October 2016. In May 2017, Snyder stepped down from his duties on the film due to his daughter's death; Joss Whedon will fill his position on post-production, with additional scenes being written and directed by him. Justice League is scheduled to be released worldwide on November 17, 2017.

Justice League will introduce various characters, including J. K. Simmons as James Gordon, Amber Heard as Mera, Willem Dafoe as Nuidis Vulko, Kiersey Clemons as Iris West, and Billy Crudup as Henry Allen. It was officially reported in August of 2017 that Whedon would receive a screenwriting credit for the film.

Aquaman (2018)

Following the events of Justice League, Arthur Curry / Aquaman must fight to retain the Atlantean throne from opposing threats.

In June 2014, Jason Momoa was cast as Arthur Curry / Aquaman. By August, Will Beall and Kurt Johnstad were writing competing scripts for the character's solo film. Aquaman was announced in October. In June 2015, James Wan was hired as director, as well as to oversee the screenplay by Johnstad. The film's plot takes place after the events of Justice League. In July 2016, Beall returned to write the script, based on a story treatment by Wan and Geoff Johns. In December, Patrick Wilson was cast as Orm Marius / Ocean Master, the half-brother of Aquaman. In January 2017, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was cast in the role of villain Black Manta. In March, Nicole Kidman confirmed that she will play Queen Atlanna, Aquaman's mother. In April, Dolph Lundgren was cast as the villain King Nereus. Heard and Dafoe will reprise their roles from Justice League. Other cast members include Temuera Morrison as Aquaman's father Tom Curry, and Ludi Lin as Murk, an ally of Aquaman. Principal photography began on May 3, 2017, in Queensland, Australia. Aquaman is scheduled to be released in North America on December 21, 2018.

Shazam (2019)

In August 2014, Dwayne Johnson announced his attachment to a project about superhero Shazam. In September, it was revealed that Johnson would portray the anti-hero Black Adam in the film, and that he and Hiram Garcia would serve as producers, with Darren Lemke set to write the script. New Line Cinema president Toby Emmerich told Entertainment Weekly that the film will have a tone unto itself different from other comic book films; with a sense of fun and humor, but with real stakes. In October, Warner Bros. announced Shazam as a film in its upcoming slate. By January 2017, Henry Gayden was working on the script. In July, David F. Sandberg was confirmed as director of the film, while production will begin in early 2018. Despite the initial announcement, Dwayne Johnson will not appear as Black Adam in Shazam, but will still star in his own solo film. Sandberg stated that he will cast both a child and an adult to play the dual role of the titular character. Pre-production started when the casting process for Billy Batson began in August of 2017. The film is scheduled to be released in North America in 2019.

Wonder Woman 2 (2019)

By June 2017, Geoff Johns and Patty Jenkins had begun work on the story treatment for a Wonder Woman sequel. By July, Johns announced that he is working on the script for the film. That same month, the sequel was officially announced at San Diego Comic-Con. By August, Jenkins was in final negotiations to return as director, officially signing the deal a month later, with confirmation that Gadot will be returning as the titular role. By September, Jenkins brought on David Callaham to pen the script with her and Johns. Wonder Woman 2 is scheduled to be released in North America on December 13, 2019. The set release date may change due to the December release of Star Wars: Episode IX.

Cyborg (2020)

In April 2014, Ray Fisher was cast as Victor Stone / Cyborg. In October, Warner Bros. announced the character's solo film, titled Cyborg, with release scheduled for 2020. In August 2017, Joe Morton stated that he signed a three-picture deal and that he will reprise his role as Dr. Silas Stone.

Green Lantern Corps (2020)

In October 2014, Warner Bros. announced a Green Lantern film. The title was revealed as Green Lantern Corps in July 2015 at San Diego Comic-Con. In January 2017, David S. Goyer and Justin Rhodes were hired to co-write the screenplay, based on a story draft by Goyer and Geoff Johns. Goyer will also be involved as a producer. Green Lantern Corps is scheduled to be released in North America in 2020.

Undated films

Warner Bros Studios has various films in varying stages of development. The films which have been announced to be in development, are part of the shared film universe, but do not yet have official release dates are listed hereafter in alphabetical order.

Batgirl

In March 2017, Joss Whedon was hired to write, direct and produce a Barbara Gordon / Batgirl film. According to Entertainment Weekly, the film will draw inspiration from The New 52 comics by Gail Simone. In April, Whedon stated that he was drawn to the character because of her choice to become a vigilante, even though she did not have a childhood tragedy like Bruce Wayne / Batman had, and that the damaged aspect of the character will be explored in the film. In July, Geoff Johns stated that Whedon will begin production on the film in 2018. At the San Diego Comic-Con, the title was announced to be Batgirl.

The Batman

In October 2014, Warner Bros. announced that a Batman standalone film was in development, with Affleck set to reprise the role. By July 2015, Affleck was in negotiations to also produce, direct and co-write the screenplay with Geoff Johns. In March 2016, William Morris Endeavor's co-CEO Patrick Whitesell stated that Affleck had written a screenplay for a Batman film. In April, Warner Bros. confirmed that Affleck would direct the film. In May, Jeremy Irons confirmed that he was "tied into The Batman", while Affleck stated that the film would borrow from the comics, but mainly be an "original story". In August, Affleck teased Deathstroke on social media through test footage. Geoff Johns later revealed that the character will be played by Joe Manganiello. In October, Affleck stated the intended title for the film was The Batman, adding "At least that's what we're going with now. I might change it." In December, Affleck confirmed that the film was on track to begin shooting in Q1/Q2 2017. Later that month, Warner Bros. executive Greg Silverman stated that the film would be released in 2018. In January 2017, in an interview with The Guardian, Affleck stated that the film does not have a set script, and that he will only direct it if he feels like it will be a great movie. Later that month, Affleck stepped down as director in order to more efficiently focus on starring as the eponymous role. He will continue to serve as writer, producer, and star of the film. Upon Affleck's announcement, it was noted by Deadline that Chris Terrio had turned in a rewrite of the original script by Affleck and Johns. In February, Warner Bros. announced the title as The Batman and that Matt Reeves would direct and co-produce the film. In June, Reeves stated that the movie will focus on the detective side of the character, with a Hitchcock-influenced noir style that emphasizes seeing into Batman's mind and heart in the storytelling techniques. In July, Reeves confirmed that the script was being re-written so as to be in line with his style and vision for the film.

Flashpoint

In July 2013, it was reported that Greg Berlanti, who is involved with The CW's The Flash series, was developing a Flash film for Warner Bros. In October 2014, The Flash was announced, and that Ezra Miller would portray the character Barry Allen. In April 2015, a story treatment for the film was being written by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. The studio was also courting the duo to direct, but signed Seth Grahame-Smith as screenwriter and director in October after scheduling conflicts with Lord and Miller. Grahame-Smith dropped out due to creative differences in April 2016, but the studio retained his script. In June, Rick Famuyiwa was hired to direct the film. In July, Kiersey Clemons was cast as Iris West. In August, it was revealed that Ray Fisher will return as Victor Stone / Cyborg. In September, Billy Crudup was cast as Barry's father, Henry Allen. By October, Famuyiwa also left the project due to creative differences. In January 2017, Joby Harold was hired to do a page-one rewrite of the script. In May, the studio had Robert Zemeckis, Matthew Vaughn, and Sam Raimi on a shortlist of possible directors for the film. Later that month, Raimi and Marc Webb had dropped out from the running. In June, TheWrap reported that Lord and Miller were again in negotiations to direct the film. In July at San Diego Comic-Con, the title for the film was revealed to have been changed to Flashpoint, based on the comic book series of the same name.

The film's plot takes place after the events of Justice League.

Gotham City Sirens

In May 2016, it was reported that a Harley Quinn spin-off film, which will also feature other female villains, was in development. Margot Robbie will reprise her role as Quinn, and will serve as executive producer through her newly established production company, LuckyChap Entertainment. In December, David Ayer was hired to direct and produce the film, titled Gotham City Sirens, based on the comic book series, from a screenplay by Geneva Robertson-Dworet. Leto will reprise his role as the Joker in the film.

Justice League 2

In October 2014, Warner Bros. announced the film as Justice League Part Two, with Snyder returning as director. In June 2016, it was revealed that Justice League would be a standalone story, leaving the film untitled. Originally scheduled to be released on June 14, 2019, the film was reportedly pushed back to an unspecified date to make room for The Batman.

Justice League Dark

In January 2013, Guillermo del Toro confirmed that he was working on a film with the working title Dark Universe, based on the superhero team Justice League Dark. He revealed that Dr. Alec Holland / Swamp Thing, John Constantine / Hellblazer, Jason Blood / Etrigan The Demon, Jim Corrigan / The Spectre, Nimue Inwudu / Madame Xanadu, Boston Brand / Deadman, and Zatanna Zatara would be characters in the story, which would center around Constantine recruiting several of these characters. The film would not be an origin story, with each character already established and elements of their backstory coming into play throughout the film. In November 2014, del Toro submitted the script to Warner Bros. to be reviewed. In December, del Toro revealed that the film would be a part of the DC Extended Universe. By June 2015, del Toro was no longer attached to the project. In August 2016, Doug Liman was hired to direct the film, with Scott Rudin producing and Michael Gilio writing the script. In May 2017, Liman dropped out as director due to scheduling conflicts. At the San Diego Comic-Con in July 2017, the film's title was announced to be Justice League Dark. In August 2017, it was reported that Gilio's script is going to be rewritten after studio executives were underwhelmed by recent pitches from possible directors. That same month, Gerard Johnstone was hired to work on the film's script.

Suicide Squad 2

In March 2016, it was reported that a Suicide Squad sequel is in development. In February 2017, the studio had a shortlist of potential directors for the project, including Mel Gibson, Jonathan Levine, Ruben Fleischer and Daniel Espinosa. In March, Adam Cozad was hired to write the script. Due to delays with the script, Gibson passed on the project and by July, Jaume Collet-Serra was named as the studio's first choice to be director of the sequel. Zak Penn submitted a story treatment and stated that a new script is in the process of being written. Collet-Serra later dropped out of negations to direct. That same month, the film was officially titled Suicide Squad 2 at San Diego Comic-Con.

Leto was confirmed to reprise his role as the Joker in the film. In September of 2017, Gavin O'Connor was officially hired as screenwriter and director. Suicide Squad 2 is scheduled to begin production in mid-2018.

Untitled Black Adam film

In January 2017, it was reported that Dwayne Johnson will feature in his own film, as the anti-hero Black Adam. Johnson has since revealed that Black Adam will debut in the franchise sooner than expected and that there will be a Black Adam and Superman fight in the DCEU, though he cannot state where and when.

Untitled Deadshot film

After the release of Suicide Squad, Warner Bros. studios announced that both Harley Quinn and Deadshot solo films were in development, with the latter being a starring vehicle for Will Smith.

Untitled Harley Quinn and the Joker film

In July 2017, Screen Rant reported that a film featuring the Joker and Harley Quinn was in early development. The film, a spin-off of Suicide Squad, was tentatively given the working-title of Harley Quinn vs. The Joker. In August 2017, the film was confirmed by the studio to be in active development, with Leto and Robbie reprising their roles, though the film is now described as a "criminal love story" and is untitled. Glenn Ficarra and John Requa are in final negotiations to co-write and co-direct the film. It was later reported by Forbes that the untitled Harley Quinn and the Joker film is a separate project from Gotham City Sirens.

Untitled Lobo film

Warner Bros. announced in 2009 that a feature film focusing on the DC Comics' character, Lobo. That same year, Guy Ritchie was attached to the project as director, but negotiations fell through. By April of 2012, Brad Peyton had signed on as writer and director. In March 2016, it was reported that Jason Fuchs was working on a re-write of the script. June of the same year, the writer confirmed that the character would be portrayed as he was in the original comic book story arcs.

Untitled Man of Steel sequel

In October 2014, Warner Bros. announced that a sequel to Man of Steel was in development, with Cavill set to reprise the role. In November 2016, Amy Adams confirmed that work had begun on the screenplay. In September 2017, Matthew Vaughn confirmed he is in talks with the studio, to direct the film.

Nightwing

In February 2017, the Hollywood Reporter, reported that there is a film centered on Dick Grayson / Nightwing in development, with Chris McKay and Bill Dubuque signed on as director and screenwriter respectively. In discussing what he is looking for in casting the character, McKay cited the level of physical activity the actor will have to endure, including martial arts, gymnastics and stunts as what will be required for the role. In an interview with Collider, McKay confirmed the film's name to be Nightwing.

Recurring cast and characters

Accolades

At the 89th Academy Awards, Suicide Squad won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.