The CW's DC experiment is over, and FOX's Gotham hasn't quite hit the mark. But then came The Penguin, a series that redefined what a DC adaptation could be, becoming arguably the best in DC history. What's next for the DC Universe? Peacemaker and Gunn have delivered the absurd, crossover-filled brilliance that Black Label fans craved.
Here's a look at the upcoming series and animated projects:
Max has officially renewed Creature Commandos for a second season, following the overwhelmingly positive response to its December 5th debut. Peter Safran and James Gunn celebrated the success, highlighting the show's, along with Peacemaker and The Penguin's, record-breaking premieres and exceeding expectations. This unique DCU series, created by James Gunn, follows a ragtag military unit led by Rick Flag, comprised of supernatural beings—werewolves, vampires, mythological creatures, and a reanimated classic horror character. The show expertly balances action, the supernatural, and dark humor.
With a 7.8 IMDb rating and a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score, the show's success is undeniable. The compelling narrative explores themes of transformation, camaraderie, and self-discovery, all while delivering thrilling action and witty dialogue. The stellar cast, including Indira Varma, Sean Gunn, Alan Tudyk, Zoë Chao, David Harbour, and Frank Grillo, brings the unique world to life.
Release Date: August 2025
John Cena, in a September 2024 interview with Variety, offered insights into Peacemaker Season 2's extended production. While remaining tight-lipped on specifics, he highlighted the journey of transforming a seemingly dead character into a beloved protagonist and the impact of the DC leadership restructuring. Gunn and Safran prioritized quality over speed, leading to a more methodical approach.
The extended timeline reflects a deliberate effort to integrate the season seamlessly into the broader DCU narrative. With filming underway, the season's completion is imminent, though a precise release date remains unannounced. This measured approach suggests Peacemaker Season 2 will be more than just a continuation; it will be a carefully crafted piece of the larger DCU story.
Paradise Lost will explore the origins of Themyscira, the Amazonian homeland, before Wonder Woman. Peter Safran describes it as having a Game of Thrones-esque feel, focusing on the political intrigue within this all-female society. The series will explore both the light and dark sides of Themyscirian society and the power dynamics among its inhabitants.
Currently in the early stages of development, as confirmed by James Gunn, the focus is on script refinement. Following DC Studios' guidelines, no project enters production without approval, allowing for revisions or potential delays. However, Gunn's recent mention of "very active development" suggests significant progress. The importance of Wonder Woman's mythology within the DCU likely ensures continued investment in this project.
Booster Gold introduces Michael Jon Carter, an athlete from the 25th century who travels back in time, using future technology and knowledge to create a heroic persona. He's aided by his robotic sidekick, Skeets.
Announced in January 2023, development details have been scarce. James Gunn, in a recent Happy Sad Confused podcast appearance, confirmed that the script is still undergoing revisions to meet the studio's high standards. DC Studios prioritizes creative excellence over speed, ensuring each project receives the necessary development time before entering production.
Waller will follow Viola Davis's Amanda Waller, picking up after Peacemaker Season 2. James Gunn, via Deadline, explained that the scheduling reflects the prioritization of Superman, necessitating sequential development. The series boasts a talented team, including Watchmen's Christal Henry and Doom Patrol's Jeremy Carver, and will feature returning members of the Peacemaker cast.
While announced early, details have been kept under wraps. Gunn's social media confirms ongoing progress, adhering to DC's new process of requiring complete scripts before setting release dates. Steve Agee, in a Screen Rant interview, reinforced the commitment to quality over speed.
HBO's Lanterns, initially slated for Max, will consist of eight episodes. The series boasts an impressive creative team, including writers Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, and director James Hawes. The cast includes Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, and Poorna Jagannathan.
The series focuses on the partnership between Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate a murder in the American heartland, uncovering a larger conspiracy. Gunn has emphasized the series' grounded, investigative approach, drawing comparisons to True Detective. The contrasting green and yellow suits worn by Hal and John in promotional images hint at potential conflict between the two characters. Gunn also hinted at the potential appearance of other Lantern Corps members.
DC Studios and Swaybox Studios are collaborating on Dynamic Duo, an animated feature exploring the relationship between Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. The animation style is described as groundbreaking, potentially rivaling Spider-Verse, although some fans expressed a preference for live-action. The story focuses on the friendship and growing tensions between the two Robins, avoiding their criminal origins.
Variety details the narrative, highlighting the contrasting paths of Dick Grayson's transformation into Nightwing and Jason Todd's into Red Hood. Arthur Mintz is directing, using a revolutionary "Momo animation" technique combining CGI, stop-motion, and performance capture. Matthew Aldrich, known for Coco, wrote the script. James Gunn's announcement mentioned collaboration with Matt Reeves' production company. The release date is yet to be determined.