Today, Variety published an exclusive report on the future of DC Films, combining insights from industry analysts with insider reports for a comprehensive look at the property that has swung wildly over the past decade, producing everything from the poorly received Justice League to the record-setting Joker. There’s a big DC year ahead, with the impending Birds of Prey and Wonder Woman 1984, and it seems like DC Films may finally be finding its stride.
Here are seven takeaways from the article about what fans can expect from the DC Universe as we head into a new decade.
1. More R-Rated Content
The Marvel Cinematic Universe may shy away from ratings above PG-13, but DC is reportedly using this to its advantage and will continue to produce darker movies geared toward adults. Both Birds of Prey and James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad are expected to receive R ratings.
2. Green Lantern Is coming Back (Sorry, Ryan Reynolds).
According to this report, DC Films plans to revisit characters that were, in their words, underserved by previous on-screen depictions. This includes Green Lantern, who is set to get a television show helmed by Geoff Johns and Greg Berlanti. In theory, this could lead to a feature film.
3. Ezra Miller’s Flash Isn’t Going Anywhere.
While some of the Justice League actors have hung up their capes for good (*cough* Ben Affleck *cough*), Ezra Miller is not one of them. There are still plans in place for a standalone Flash movie starring Miller, but there’s a good chance we won’t see it for a while. Production won’t start until Ezra finishes his role in the next Fantastic Beasts movie.
4. Superman Has Left the Building (For Now).
We’re already getting a new Batman in Robert Pattinson, but DC Films doesn’t have as firm of a plan for the Man of Steel. Apparently, the studio approached Michael B. Jordan about the role (here for it!) and has discussed the project with J.J. Abrams, whose company Bad Robot recently signed a first-look deal with the studio.
5. There’s More Aquaman Where That Came From.
As previously reported, the studio has plans to expand the Aquaman on-screen universe. The sequel film starring Jason Momoa is still in the works, and DC is currently looking for a director to helm “The Trench,” a spinoff inspired by creatures who played a supporting role in the first movie.
6. Super Streaming
HBO Max is on the way, and the studio is apparently mining its properties for slightly lower-budget films that can premiere on the streaming platform.
7. Sorry, No Snyder Cut
The piece from Variety ends on somewhat of a bummer, putting a final nail in the coffin of our hopes of ever seeing Zack Snyder’s vision of Justice League. Apparently, it would cost too much to finish all of the visual effects for Snyder’s version. Sigh.
Photo: Warner Bros.
