Nearly a quarter into their tenure at DC Studios, James Gunn and Peter Safran are steering Warner Bros. Discovery through a bold, high-profile reboot of the DC universe. The leadership duo is laying out a plan that blends bold storytelling with expansive cinematic and television horizons, signaling a decisive shift in how the studio approaches its late 2020s slate. This new direction builds on past foundations while aiming to introduce fresh heroes and darker, more personal narratives that resonate with audiences across North America. The strategic focus is clear: anchor prestige projects around iconic characters, while expanding the universe with bold new teams and mythologies that invite broader participation from fans and casual viewers alike. This wave of planning has been communicated through official studio statements and subsequent press discussions, which outline both the tone and the expected scale of future productions.
Among the flagship features is Superman Legacy, scripted by Gunn, slated for release on July 11, 2025. Inspired by the Officials era of the comics, the film is positioned as a bridge between established origin stories and a next-generation ensemble, continuing the ongoing evolution of the Superman mythos while introducing new allies and villains who will shape the franchise in meaningful ways. In the broader plan, the project is described as a continuation within a fresh continuity, designed to expand the DC universe in a way that honors the character’s legacy while updating his mythos for contemporary audiences. This development has been discussed in studio briefings and media commentary, with anticipation mounting among fans who crave a bold reimagining of a classic hero.
Additionally, Gunn has announced a new adaptation centered on The Brave and the Bold, reimagining the Batman lineage as a father-son dynamic. This film intends to introduce a new Batman alongside his son, exploring themes of mentorship, legacy, and the responsibilities of parental figures in a vigilante world. The project is described as a pivotal entry in the DC reboot, potentially linking the Batman mythos to other corners of the universe in surprising ways. The approach signals a preference for interconnected storytelling that ties family, destiny, and heroism into a cohesive narrative fabric. Studio briefings and press coverage have framed this as a cornerstone of the new phase, with casting and creative direction anticipated to offer a contemporary interpretation of a storied legacy.
Other cinematic endeavors highlighted in the new phase include Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and Swamp Thing, both positioned to expand the tonal and stylistic variety of the DC lineup. Supergirl is expected to explore a high-stakes, space-faring adventure while delving into identity, purpose, and resilience through a powerful heroine. Swamp Thing promises a darker, atmospheric entry into horror-adjacent territory, aiming to balance creature-feature sensibilities with modern storytelling and environmental themes. These projects are framed as part of a broader strategy to diversify the franchise’s mood palette, ensuring there are distinct cinematic experiences within the same universe.
On the television side, the new phase outlines a slate of series designed to deepen character arcs and expand world-building beyond feature films. Monster Commandos and Waller are positioned as character-driven entries that leverage the strengths of serialized storytelling to explore morally complex teams and shadowy organizations. Booster Gold, Lanterns, and Paradise Lost are described as complementary series that will either extend existing mythologies or introduce fresh mythos with new perspectives and stakes. The streaming-first approach aims to deliver ongoing engagement between theatrical releases, inviting audiences to invest in long-term character journeys and cross-title connections. This multi-year plan reflects a shift toward integrated storytelling that blends episodic narrative with overarching franchise continuity.