James Gunn’s Superman kickstarts a new DCU timeline with 7 movies and TV shows set to follow

Deeya
Still from Superman (Image via Warner Bros)
Still from Superman (Image via Warner Bros)

The new Superman movie helmed by James Gunn, has paved the way for many new and interesting movies and TV shows. Gunn had the responsibility of rebooting the DC comics universe (DCU), and the creative force has not only reintroduced the Man of Steel, but has also set the future stage of the new DCU. The new movie has a lot of easter eggs and lore, and the Superman movie drops a lot of hints towards various upcoming projects. Gunn has confirmed that the Superman movie will be the launchpad for other DCU projects, and here are 7 such movies and TV shows that are set to follow.

Disclaimer: This entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.


Krypto the Superdog, Lanterns, and other movies and shows that will happen after Superman

1. Justice League

Still from the movie (Image via Warner Bros)
Still from the movie (Image via Warner Bros)

While James Gunn has confirmed that a Justice League is part of his long-term plans, the movie has not yet entered development. However, fans can rest assured that they will get to see a power-packed ensemble of their favorite superheroes soon. In Superman, the foundations are being set as the movie introduces a group called the Justice Gang. The team has characters like Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern. It would be interesting to see how the latest movie changes the course of things in the new DCU timeline and leads to a new Justice League. Even Metamorpho joins the team, and the movie presents an interesting dynamic between all these heroes. While Green Lantern is impulsive and aggressive, Terrific has the logic and the brains. This contrast could be seen in the upcoming Justice League movie as well, and could create an interesting dynamic. While the movie has still not entered development, Superman does show how the various heroes begin to unite as they want to keep the Earth safe from alien threats and other evil powers. The Man of Steel would definitely be the leader of the upcoming team, and it would be a treat to watch this new DCU movie.


2. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

Still from the movie (Image via Warner Bros)
Still from the movie (Image via Warner Bros)

One of the most surprising introductions in the recent Superman, happened during the movie’s final moments. There is a teaser for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow as an intoxicated Kara Zor-El enters the Fortress of Solitude in costume and gets Krypto back. During all this, she ends up on the floor and laughs. The ending moments of the movie, therefore, hint at the next venture in the new DCU’s timelines, helmed by James Gunn, who will now explore the story of Supergirl. The introduction of Kara and Krypto in Superman showcases how big of a role the faithful hound will play in the upcoming Supergirl movie. Interestingly, Kara’s personality is chaotic and sloppy, and that is a contrast to Superman’s stoic personality. Further, the new movie will focus on Kara’s traumatic upbringing on Earth, as she survived on a fragment of Krypton and witnessed the death of her world and her beloved people. Kara had to ultimately rely on alcohol, according to Tom King’s comics. All of this will make the new Supergirl movie interesting as it contrasts with Superman’s upbringing, which was stable and loving. The surprise introduction of Kara, makes for an interesting addition to the DCU, and fans of the character can get excited for a new addition to the pantheon of superheroes.


3. Peacemaker Season 2

Still from the show (Image via Max)
Still from the show (Image via Max)

After having a positively acclaimed first season, the second installment of Peacemaker is set to release in August 2025. The character makes a brief but important cameo in Superman and lays the groundwork for the upcoming chapter in the character’s TV show. In the movie, Peacemaker appears during a TV news broadcast and he mocks Superman’s noble image and his hesitance to kill the evil people. The moment is important as the character gets connected to the rebooted DCU and also highlights the various ways in which the two superheroes are different from each other. Fans of the new DCU will see continuity as the new season is set after Creature Commandos and Superman, and James Gunn makes sure that the new movies and shows are well-connected. Further, Frank Grillo returns as Rick Flag Sr. in the new season of the show, and his entry will connect the show to Creature Commandos. Even various characters that appeared in Superman, like Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner, and others, will also appear in the show, and the DCU TV and film universe will become more connected than ever. The new season of Peacemaker will be an important addition to the DCU as it will expand upon the universe’s vast storyline.


4. Waller

Still from the movie (Image via Warner Bros)
Still from the movie (Image via Warner Bros)

While Amanda Waller does not appear in Superman, she will become an important part of the DCU. When Lex Luthor is defeated, he is taken to Belle Reve Penitentiary, and this is the same prison where Waller keeps metahumans and dangerous assets under surveillance. This directly connects Superman to Waller, and the new show is already under development. The series will star Viola Davis, as she reprises her role from The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker. The series will reportedly focus on the aftermath of the fallout that happened in Creature Commandos and Superman, and how Waller navigates it. Further, her authority will also be challenged as rising metahuman activity and alien incursions happen. Waller is an interesting character as she is morally gray and manipulates both heroes and villains for the greater good. Her ability to function in the dual areas of heroism and government control, makes her an interesting figure and an ideal choice for a new show. The inclusion of Belle Reve makes sure that the DCU will use her as a connective yet shadowy connection between its stories. While Luthor and Waller’s collaboration is unlikely, the two will meet each other, and the new show will be an interesting addition to the DCU.


5. The Authority

Still from the movie (Image via Warner Bros)
Still from the movie (Image via Warner Bros)

Angela Spice or the Engineer might not have a big role in Superman, but her role is essential. She is a part of Lex Luthor’s strike force, and she is an experiment of Luthor, who infused humans with nanites. Therefore, she has a liquid-style body and can transform into weapons at any given moment. The Engineer uses this to engage the Man of Steel in battle and is able to overpower and suffocate him with the nanites. Even though she is morally gray, she will play a big part in the team that she is going to join soon, which is The Authority. The movie is already in development, and it will be an exciting new entry in the DCU. The new team will work on a different set of principles as they will not hesitate to resort to violent measures. The Authority will not work on the traditional hero principles and will even be willing to assassinate corrupt leaders and destroy governments. The engineer is one of the core members of this group, and her role in the new movie proves that the new movie will have superheroes who work on different principles. The Engineer replaces her body with nanotechnology, and her cold demeanor and calculated attitude in Superman, make her the perfect member for the morally gray group, The Authority.


6. Krypto the Superdog

Still from the movie (Image via Warner Bros)
Still from the movie (Image via Warner Bros)

One of the most exciting new elements in the DCU, Krypto is Superman's loyal companion, and the canine is more than just a sidekick. Throughout the movie, the dog proves that he can be a force to be reckoned with in battle and can also provide comic relief. He is a star in his own right and has a warm chemistry with Superman. Further, he has powers of equal measure with regards to his masters, and even his emotional connection with Supergirl in the final scene of the film, hints at a new storytelling angle. The studio has already announced a new four-part series of animated shorts that will be titled Krypto the Superdog. This series will be lighthearted and will be one of the first superhero titles that will explore the world of superheroes from a canine’s perspective. While the new show will not be essential to the overarching DCU, it will definitely make the show family-friendly and offer a new tone of lightheartedness and accessibility for even those viewers who are not used to the DCU. The show will be a great entry point for young viewers, and the brave dog’s adventures will make the viewers crave more. Krypto’s stellar appearance in Superman has paved the way for a new character to be developed, and whether he is saving people or fighting against evil people, the new show will be a great addition to the DCU.


7. Lanterns

Still from the movie (Image via Warner Bros)
Still from the movie (Image via Warner Bros)

The new Superman movie also creates the foundation for the Lanterns. Guy Gardner has an important role in the movie, and he not only provides comic relief, but his character of Green Lantern also plays an important role in major action plots. He plays an important role in the Man of Steel's battle with Kaiju and his intergalactic skirmish with Boravia and Jarhanpur. In the movie, Guy makes a reference to the Green Lantern Corps and establishes their presence in the new DCU by James Gunn. All of this sets the stage for Lanterns, and the upcoming series centers on Hal Jordan and John Stewart. The new show will be a detective-style mystery and will ground the cosmic mythology into a raw and gritty Earth-based investigation. Gardner’s appearance in the movie will set the course for the upcoming show’s tone and scope in the Lanterns’ world. The show will explore the dark corners of the world through the contrast between the two Green Lanterns, as they uncover a mysterious force threatening Earth. The new show will therefore expand the new James Gunn DCU, and Superman has paved the way for it. The Green Lantern Corps will showcase a whole new side of the DCU and will be an exciting watch.

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Edited by Deeya