Summary
DC Studios unveiled its official slate for theDC Universenearly two years ago. Despite the long stretch of time, though, nothing has yet to materialize from DC Studios' previously announced slate. In fact, the slate seems to continually be changing, with new titles constantly being added into development. Given the time between announcements, the studio should have released something by now, but its first release in theDC Universewon’t debut until December, whenCreature Commandosfinally debuts on Max.
While there might be some excitement among fans forCreature Commandos, the studio’s decision to let so much time pass between the slate announcement and its first project could prove worrisome. After all, fans are not exactly known for being patient, and it’s hard to keep audiences interested in what is coming when there’s so much time between the announcement and the release. With that in mind, we look at the current state of the DC Universe’s slate, and how the studio can get back on track before it is too late.
Overview of DC Studios' Initial Slate
On January 31st of last year, James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios, unveiled the first official slate for DC Universe. The slate consisted ofSuperman,The Authority,The Brave and the Bold,Supergirl: World of Tomorrow, andSwamp Thingon the film side. WhileCreature Commandos,Waller,Booster Gold,Lanterns, andParadise Lostmade up DC’s small-screen offerings on Max. As it stands,Supermanhas already wrapped production and is readying for a release next summer, whileSupergirl: World of Tomorrowhas alreadyfound its star in actress Milly Alcockand director in Craig Gillespie. As for DC Universe’s shows, the animatedCreature Commandosis set to premiere on Max in December, andLanternsjust recently cast its two leading menwithKyle Chandler as Hal Jordanand Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. The other projects remain in a state of development, as Gunn and DC have turned their focus to thesecond season ofPeacemakerstarring John Cena. While DC Studios hasn’t canceled any of its previously announced projects, the studio does seem to be looking ahead already, despite having not released a single project to date.
Most recently, it was revealed that the studio was developing a movie featuring Bane and Deathstroke, with Matthew Orton on hand to pen the screenplay. While earlier this month, it was revealed that the studio was working on an animated film,titledDynamic Duo, that would focus on Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, highlighting their Robin personas and their origins. The ever-changing slate shows that the studio is still trying to figure out its overarching universe, and that perhaps it is re-evaluating whichstories are worthy enough to be told.
Why DC Studios' Slow Approach Could Ultimately Harm the DC Universe
With James Gunn set to help lead DC Studios for Warner Bros., the studio seemed to be at an advantage. After all, Gunn’s most popular work is easily his work on theGuardians of the Galaxyfranchise for Marvel Studios. However, the studio still appears to be figuring things out. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, of course, but given Gunn’s comments on having the DC Universe more planned out than the Marvel Cinematic Universe… it doesn’tbode well for his statements. The ever-changing slate and the lack of titles released could result in disinterest among the general audience. After all,Creature Commandosis something more for fans of the comics, rather than those trying to get interested in what DC Studios has to offer in its new shared universe. The studio’s first proper release, Superman, won’t hit theaters until next summer, and even that isn’t a guaranteed success. Fans have had a bad response to DC films lately simply because of the DC Extended Universe. DC Studios could’ve found a way to introduce fans to what is ahead with a smaller project for Max, rather thanCreature Commandos, just to generate some excitement.
In the case of DC Studios' rival, Marvel Studios, the time between releases during COVID-19 didn’t necessarily help the studio. There was great interest inWandaVisionandLoki, but the excitement quickly died out despite the increased output by the studio. DC Studios looks likely to end up with the same result. It already has a tough job of trying to pull audiences back in after multiple box office disasters for Warner Bros. and DC. One can only hope that, onceSupermanfinally hits theaters next summer, it manages to find success where DC’s most recent offerings have failed to do so. More importantly, though, DC Studios would be smart to increase its output of offerings, especially as Gunn has previously teased that there have been writers helping to develop the studios' previous slate from early on. For now, fans will have to wait to see if what DC Studios has been working on over these past couple of years is worth all the delayed excitement.
DC Studios' first project,Creature Commandos, willdebut on Maxon June 29, 2025.
