2024 marked a pivotal year for DC Studios, as the newly-formed division of Warner Bros. Discovery began laying the groundwork for its ambitious plans to revitalize the DC Universe. This year saw the studio's first animated project debut, the start of production on its inaugural live-action projects under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership, and a series of major announcements that have left fans buzzing with excitement and curiosity.
While the year was not without its challenges—delays, mixed reception to legacy projects, and uncertainty surrounding some of the studio’s plans—it was also a year of bold moves and new beginnings. DC Studios aims to redefine how comic book stories are told on screen, leaning into the diverse nature of its characters and world.
This year provided a glimpse into the studio’s evolving vision, from the optimistic tone of the first Superman teaser to the surprise greenlighting of unique projects like Clayface. Fans also witnessed shifts in leadership, evolving narratives, and the end of certain eras, as the studio looks to chart a new course for its cinematic universe.
Superman Takes Off in New Teaser Trailer
On December 19, DC Studios released the first teaser trailer for their highly anticipated film Superman. The trailer offered fans their first glimpse of the Man of Steel in this new iteration of the DC Universe and it received a lot of attention. Within its first 24 hours, the trailer amassed an astounding 250 million views across various social media platforms, making it the most-watched trailer debut for any DC or Warner Bros. movie of all time.
The teaser was praised for its hopeful, yet grounded tone, showcasing a Superman who stands as a beacon of hope in a cynical, troubled world. From the opening shots, the trailer set the stage for a deeply personal story, featuring a bloodied and battered Superman struggling to embody the ideals of truth and justice amidst adversity. It also showed the highs, featuring Superman and Lois Lane’s relationship, other heroes, and Krypto the Superdog. This approach resonated with fans, who praised the balance between the character's enduring optimism and the challenges he faces.
The trailer also hinted at a fresh narrative direction, with an emotional score that is reminiscent of the past but with a new twist. While details about the plot remain under wraps, besides being about Superman dealing with a cynical world full of heroes, the teaser’s success signals a strong start for the DC Universe under James Gunn's creative leadership. Superman is shaping up to be not just a cornerstone for DC’s new cinematic universe but also a statement about the enduring relevance of the Last Son of Krypton. As of today (January 1, 2025), the trailer continues to trend on YouTube with 50 million views. The world needs Superman.
Superman flies into theaters July 11, 2025.
Joker: Folie á Deux: How to Crash and Burn a Sequel
Joker: Folie á Deux, the long-awaited sequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 smash hit Joker, arrived in theaters last year on October 4, marking the final DC film from the pre-DC Studios era. Unfortunately, the film failed to recapture the magic of its predecessor. Despite initial excitement and heavy buzz leading up to its release, the movie was met with overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and audiences alike, and it flopped at the box office, earning less than a fifth of the original’s $1 billion haul.
The sequel, which saw Joaquin Phoenix reprising his Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck and Lady Gaga joining the cast as Lee Quinzel, the film’s version of Harley Quinn, aimed to explore the darker, more surreal aspects of the characters’ psychology through a musical. However, the film's bold and insane ideas seemed to alienate audiences rather than captivate them. Critics cited an unfocused narrative, uneven pacing, and an over reliance on the shock value of its musical elements as key issues.
For many, the failure of Joker: Folie á Deux feels like the symbolic closing of a chapter in DC’s cinematic history. While Joker: Folie á Deux may not reflect the trajectory of DC Studios' future, it serves as a stark reminder of the pressures facing comic book adaptations in an increasingly crowded and competitive landscape. As the studio pivots toward a more unified vision under James Gunn and Peter Safran, fans are hopeful that future projects will better balance artistic risk with audience expectations.
Super/Man Documentary Sweeps The Critics Choice Awards
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story documentary was acquired by Warner Bros. Discovery after receiving critical acclaim at Sundance. DC Studios, Warner Bros. Motion Pictures, HBO, CNN Films and Max collaborated on the film's global release. Chronicling the life of Christopher Reeve, focusing on his career and advocacy after a 1995 horseback riding accident that left him paralyzed, the documentary received critical and audience acclaim. Currently, the documentary holds a Certified Fresh Rotten Tomatoes score and Verified Hot Audience Score of 98% in addition to a A+ Cinemascore.
The documentary was an awards darling at several festivals and swept the Critics Choice Awards with 6 awards including Best Documentary Feature, Best Score for Ilan Eshkeri and Best Directors for Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui. Unfortunately, the Academy Awards did not recognize this documentary for a nomination at the Oscars. It’s unfortunate politics still plague the Academy.
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is now streaming on Max.
DC Studios Finds it's Supergirl
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow was one of the first projects announced by James Gunn for the DCU's Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate of film and television. The film is based on Tom King’s 2022 comic book series of the same title and illustrated by the legendary Bilquis Evely. Finding the right Kara Zor-El was not an easy task, but luckily the House of the Dragon actress Milly Alcock landed the coveted role. She soared past CODA actress Emilia Jones and Meg Donnelly. Donnelly voiced Supergirl in Legion of Superheroes and Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Trilogy.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is set to release in theaters June 26, 2026, with production starting January 13, 2025.
The Batman Part Two’s Delay
Fans of Matt Reeves’ critically acclaimed The Batman received disappointing news this year as its highly anticipated sequel, The Batman Part Two, was delayed twice. Originally slated for October 2025, the release date was pushed back to October 2, 2026, and then again to October 1, 2027, due to ongoing script development. Director Matt Reeves and co-writer Mattson Tomlin have been taking their time perfecting the story, prioritizing quality over speed, which has led to significant delays.
As of now, Reeves and Tomlin have yet to deliver a completed first draft of the screenplay. Despite the delays, production is still scheduled to begin in late summer 2025, though the release date could potentially change in the future, either by fast-tracking the film, or by delaying it based on how production goes. Fans remain hopeful that the extra time will allow Reeves to build upon the atmospheric, character-driven storytelling that made the first film great. James Gunn even took to social media following the news and fan outcry to defend the decision:
“To be fair, a 5 year gap or more is fairly common in sequels,” he wrote. “7 years between Alien and Aliens. 14 years between Incredibles. 7 years between the first two Terminators. 13 years between Avatars. 36 years between Top Guns. And, of course, 6 years between Guardians Vol 2 and Vol 3.”
Clayface Making His Live Action Film Debut
In an intriguing announcement, Warner Bros. confirmed on December 11 that a standalone Clayface film has officially been greenlit. This news comes over a year after the horror director Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, The Haunting of Hill House) initially pitched his vision for the project in March of 2023. With a planned budget of just $40 million, the film will be the lowest-budgeted DC project since 1997’s Steel, signaling a return to smaller-scale, character-driven storytelling.
While details about the plot remain scarce, the film will reportedly take a sympathetic approach to the character. Production is set to begin in the spring of 2025, with the film slated for release in September 2026. Although the film has a script, there has been no director attached with Flanagan likely too busy with his upcoming The Exorcist film to direct the feature. This decision shows DCs willingness to explore lesser-known characters and unique storytelling approaches.
The Brave and The Bold Delay
Andy Muschietti (The Flash and It) sparked speculation earlier this year when he discussed The Brave and the Bold, the Batman film intended to introduce the Bat Family into James Gunn’s DC Universe. In a podcast appearance, Muschietti stated that the project had been postponed and suggested that he might direct another film before returning to The Brave and the Bold. However, on threads, James Gunn dismissed that the film was delayed, although this may be due to the nature of the film having no set release date.
Jason Momoa Becomes the Main Man
Jason Momoa, best known for his portrayal of Aquaman in the DCEU, made headlines this year with the announcement that he will take on the role of Lobo, the fan-favorite intergalactic bounty hunter. The news broke on December 30, with Momoa himself enthusiastically confirming his involvement. The character will make his first appearance in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, an adaptation of Tom King’s celebrated comic series, directed by James Gunn.
Momoa’s casting as Lobo has been a long time coming. The actor has frequently expressed interest in playing the irreverent antihero, even before he was cast as Aquaman. While Lobo does not appear in the original Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow graphic novel, Tom King revealed that he was included in the initial pitch for the comic. It is unknown how he will fit into the film, but it seems likely that Momoa will be playing Lobo in future projects.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is set to start filming on January 13, 2024.
Lanterns Gets the Greenlight
HBO’s Lanterns is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious and eagerly anticipated projects in the DC Universe. The series promises a grounded, detective-style approach to the Green Lantern mythology, following Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate a dark mystery that spans the cosmos and Earth. Behind the scenes, Lanterns has assembled an impressive creative team, starting with Chris Mundy (Ozark) taking on the role of showrunner. Acclaimed writer Damon Lindelof (Lost, Watchmen) has joined as an executive producer, while veteran comic writer Tom King is writing the series, bringing his expertise to the adaptation. James Hawes (Black Mirror, Slow Horses) has been tapped to direct the first two episodes, which was announced in October.
They have also started the casting process, and have cast several characters. Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights) will portray a veteran Hal Jordan, stepping into the shoes of the fearless Green Lantern after Josh Brolin reportedly declined the role. In October, Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad, Mufasa: The Lion King) was cast as John Stewart. These two leads are expected to anchor the series with a dynamic partnership, blending their distinct personalities and approaches to heroism.
Supporting cast members have also been revealed, adding depth to the story’s Earth-bound elements. In November, Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire, No Country For Old Men) joined as Sheriff Kelly, a love interest for Hal Jordan, while Garret Dillahunt (Deadwood) signed on as William Macon, an antagonist, and Poorna Jagannathan (Never Have I Ever) was cast as Zoe, a love interest for John Stewart. These characters will play pivotal roles in the series' investigation on Earth, weaving a rich tapestry of drama and intrigue. With its stellar cast and creative team, Lanterns is poised to shine brightly as one of HBO’s marquee offerings, setting the stage for a bold new chapter in Green Lantern storytelling.
DC TV Roundup
DC Studios delivered a strong year on television, with a mix of animated and live-action series captivating audiences. Suicide Squad Isekai, a Japanese production released in June of this year features the team traveling to a world of magic and monsters to help a kingdom battle against mythical creatures and other supervillains. Meanwhile, My Adventures With Superman aired its second season in July, introducing Supergirl and deepening the show’s exploration of Superman’s world. With its heartwarming and humorous tone, the series remains a fan favorite, and a third season is already in development.
Kite Man: Hell Yeah!, a spin-off of Max’s Harley Quinn animated series also released in July. The series follows the villains Kite Man and Golden Glider opening up Noonan’s Bar, and taking their relationship to the next level in the seediest part of Gotham. Finally, as for the animated series, Batman: Caped Crusader, Bruce Timm’s return to the Dark Knight, premiered on Amazon Prime to critical acclaim. The series, a darker and grittier take on Batman compared toBatman: The Animated Series, impressed with its noir-inspired storytelling and fresh perspective on the iconic character. A second season is currently in production and is expected to be released in 2025.
The DC live-action side also shone brightly. The Penguin, a spin-off of Matt Reeves’ The Batman, earned rave reviews for its compelling look at Gotham’s criminal underworld and the character. Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oswald Cobb, alongside Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, garnered critical praise and several Golden Globe nominations. Additionally, Superman & Lois wrapped its final season, marking the end of DC’s era on The CW with an emotional and heartfelt farewell to the Man of Steel’s family drama. The show adapted the Death and Return of Superman storylines and showed an emotional tale about a Superman coming to terms with the fact that he will one day die for good. Though the series ended abruptly with only four season, it ended on a high note making it one of, if not the best Superman series on television.
Rounding out the year, Creature Commandos, the first project under James Gunn’s DC Universe, debuted as an animated series following Rick Flag Sr. and his supernatural team. The animated show followed Rick Flag Sr. as he assembled Task Force M to protect the mysterious Princess Ilana Rostovic, blending supernatural elements with espionage. As the first project in the new DCU, the series set the tone for what audiences can expect moving forward and was met with a warm reception for its unique premise and vibrant cast of characters. Recently it was announced that Max has ordered a second season for the series.
Other Reported Movies
While DC Studios has yet to officially confirm several projects, 2024 has seen a surge of rumors and reports about potential films in development. One of the most talked-about projects is a Teen Titans movie, reportedly written by Ana Nogueira (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow). While details are scarce, the film is rumored to feature a lineup similar to the beloved animated series, with a focus on the core Teen Titans characters. Another untitled film, reportedly centered around Bane and Deathstroke, has been gaining attention. Written by Matthew Orton, who worked on Captain America: Brave New World and Devil’s Peak, There is very little known about the film, and it's even possible that Bane and Deathstroke are not the main characters.
Additionally, a we exclusively reported Sgt. Rock film is reportedly in the works, with Justin Kuritzkes (Challengers) penning the script with Luca Guadagnino (Challengers, Call Me By Your Maybe) set to direct. The film is said to star Daniel Craig in the titular role, bringing the classic war hero to the big screen. While Guadagnino and Kuritzkes were asked about the movie in an interview and were open to working on the project, they did not confirm their involvement. Despite the lack of official statements, these films continue to spark excitement and speculation, indicating that DC Studios may be laying the groundwork for a diverse slate of projects in the coming years.
2024 has proven to be a transformative year for DC Studios, marking the beginning of a new era for the brand across both film and television. From the highly anticipated projects in the works like Superman and Lanterns to the challenges faced with Joker: Folie à Deux and The Batman Part Two delays, DC Studios showed resilience in its evolving approach to storytelling. The studio’s strong foray into television also displayed its versatility and output of quality, delivering compelling content with Harley Quinn, The Penguin, and My Adventures With Superman, all of which have attained positive reviews and set the stage for future success.
While some setbacks and delays have occurred, the year’s highlights demonstrate the studio’s commitment to fresh, bold narratives and expanding the DC Universe in innovative ways. As fans eagerly await new chapters in the DCU, 2024 has set the foundation for a promising future filled with dynamic stories, diverse characters, and a reinvigorated vision for the brand.
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