How the DC Universe tries to save itself after recent catastrophies

After a turbulent few years of cancelled projects, wayward stars and confusion over Superman; James Gunn has swept in on a white horse to steer DC back to the top of the superhero franchise with new takes on old characters and exciting new projects.

The director came out all 'Gunns blazing' and turned the DC universe on its head. He started by announcing that there would be a new Superman and that Henry Cavill would not be returning. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions for the fans.

In January 2023, much to everyone's delight, Henry Cavill had announced he was returning as Superman after appearing as the Man of Steel in DC’s ‘Black Adam’.

A couple of days later, James Gunn dropped his bombshell. DC officially announced that Henry Cavill would not be returning as Superman, leaving fans disappointed and confused.

DC claimed that they wanted to take ‘Superman’ in a different direction. But something just didn't sit quite right for many fans: the news came after his cameo in ‘Black Adam’ and Henry Cavill announcing on social media that he would return - only to retract the statement days later.

Photo: DC

As a massive comic book fan, Gunn's taking on Superman suggests that he will respect the iconic hero and where he came from. Clark Kent is one of the world’s most recognizable figures, and although Cavill was a spectacular Superman, he never had the 'Clark' part down, Gunn suggested.

So who is this man, the new Superman?

So DCU has brought in David Corenswet, as the Washington Post reported in July 2023. The actor will portray the superhero in the 2025 film, 'Superman: Legacy' and looks to bring a brighter and fresher version of the character.

After the controversy surrounding Henry Cavill and ‘Superman’, we take a look at the rest of the DC universe: What’s actually been going well, and what’s been going horribly wrong?

Superman is not the only DC controversy. After spending 90 million on ‘Batgirl’ and actually completing filming, DC stunned the fans by announcing that the movie would never be released. It claimed that the film wouldn't be able to compete "in the theatrical marketplace." How could this have been a good choice for the franchise, considering the clear waste of money?

Photo: DC

The film was released in June after so much controversy involving lead actor Ezra Miller. We see Barry Allen travel back in time in an attempt to save his mother, but as we all know, altering the timeline can have dire consequences.

Surrounded by controversy and dodgy graphics, 'The Flash' Is officially the biggest-ever superhero flop bringing in just 55 million US dollars.

Photo: DC / Warner Bros

After the stories surrounding Ezra Millers' erratic behavior, including various arrests, we doubted if the film would ever be released.

After seeing the finished product, critics said that, perhaps, DC should have kept it on the shelf next to 'Batgirl'. It's unlikely we will be seeing Miller in a Flash costume again.

Another controversial DC release is due on Christmas day with old enemies and new actors. Most noticeable is Emilia Clarke who replaces Amber Heard as Mera after her disastrous stint in the courtroom in the public eye.

DC dropped Amber Heard after the painful and very public court case against her ex-husband Johnny Depp. It proved too much for DC to tolerate. They decided to replace her and generate more fans by choosing 'Game of Thrones' favorite Emilia Clarke.

Peter Safran (left) and James Gunn were hired as the co-CEOs for the new studio. They have taken charge of the DCU and plan to take it in a new direction. This could be the reason for many of the rollercoaster changes.

There is a lot we don’t know surrounding all the controversy at DC - so let’s have a look at what we do know. Here is a list of the DCU projects we have recently seen and those we are going to see - films that could take the franchise in a new direction.

Photo: DC

Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and produced by J.J. Abrams (photo), this separate Superman film will feature a Black Man of Steel as the main character. It is still in development but will join the list of DC Elseworlds projects.

Released in March. After gaining superpowers of the Gods Billy Batson and his fellow foster kids fight to save the earth from a trio of ancient Gods in search of their powers that were taken from them many years ago.

After the success of the first film, the budget has increased and we get to see Shazam up against the likes of Dame Helen Mirren. Gal Gardot also appears as Wonderwoman.

The series follows the adopted son of Bruce Wayne and the children of Batman’s greatest enemies fighting for the survival of Gotham City.

Photo: DC

This DC instalment was released in August and stars Xolo Maridueña - better known as Miguel Diaz in ‘Cobra Kai’. The story follows a teenager who gains powers after a scarab binds to his spine giving him superpowers.

Joker the musical? That’s the rumour after Lady GaGa was cast as Joker’s on off girlfriend Harley Quinn. Joaquin Phoenix returns as Batmans most famous enemy. Release date is scheduled for October 2024.

Photo: Instagram - Lady Gaga

Robert Pattinson returns as The Dark Knight with Matt Reeves returning as writer and director. But you will have to wait until Autumn 2025 to see it.

More Batman? Yes please. Although this is still in development, there are bundles of excitement surrounding this live action Batman film and who will play the caped crusader. It will follow a different timeline to Pattinson’s Batman and will feature both Robin and Batgirl.

DC has announced plans to adapt 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow', promising us a different take on Supergirl. Although we have seen her recently in the TV series, Superman’s cousin has only ever had one outing on the Big screen and that was in 1984.

Photo: DC

Peacemaker season 2 has been put on hold with the characters from that show instead appearing in 'Waller', a new DC series, that will incorporate the head of the S****** Squad Amanda Waller and Peacemaker working together. Hurry up please as season one of Peacemaker was an unexpected gem.

Photo: HBO Max