DC Studios Update: Two ‘Batman’ Movies, a Possible ‘Teen Titans’ Film and ‘Penguin’ Season 2, and Why James Gunn Posted a Photo With Zack Snyder

As Peter Safran, one of the co-chiefs at DC Studios, walked into a simple screening room on the Warner Bros. studio lot in Burbank, he let out a surprised exclamation, “This feels like I’ve been here before!” It was January 2023 when Safran and his co-chief James Gunn unveiled the initial plan for the revamped DC Universe to a select gathering of journalists in this very room. Fast forward just over two years later, on February 21st, the pair returned to brief the same group about the slate’s progress.

Here I am, and it’s odd to say, but it feels like just yesterday, and yet the events that have unfolded are immense,” I find myself remarking.

“We look so much older,” Safran said. “That’s the biggest difference.”

“Yeah,” Gunn said. “You really do.”

In a span of merely two years, DC has been quite bustling. James Gunn is immersed in post-production for “Superman,” the initial production by DC Studios, which he both wrote and directed, concurrently working on Season 2 of the Max series “Peacemaker.” Craig Gillespie is midway through filming “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” for a summer 2026 release, starring Milly Alcock. Additionally, production has commenced on the HBO series “Lanterns,” featuring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as stars, with an anticipated debut in early 2026.

During this period, Gunn and Safran discussed various subjects over the span of an hour. Among these topics were updates on their initial lineup of five films (which included “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” and “The Authority”), as well as five television shows (“Waller” and “Booster Gold” among them). Additionally, they confirmed details about several other projects such as a film featuring Batman villain Clayface, a potential live-action Teen Titans movie, an animated series focusing on Blue Beetle, and the current status of the Sgt. Rock movie following Daniel Craig’s decision to no longer consider the leading role.

According to Safran, DC Studios intends to roll out two live-action movies and one animated film annually, along with two live-action and two animated TV series. However, the leaders emphasized that their creative decisions are based on a particular philosophy: no project will proceed unless Gunn and Safran are content with the final screenplay. As Gunn put it, “It’s tough enough to make a good film with a solid script; it’s almost impossible when you’re writing the script as you go.” For instance, they approved the “Clayface” project based on Mike Flanagan’s script, despite having no initial plans for a Clayface movie.

In contrast to Marvel Studios’ practice of revealing multiple movies with no finalized scripts, this method adopted by DC Studios is strikingly different. Gunn and Safran initially brought up this discrepancy in their 2023 presentation, and Gunn has since emphasized it on social media. During the recent presentation on Friday, while the information shared was enlightening, there was a lack of an immediate call to action – no major announcements were made, despite hints at other, unnamed DC projects they plan to discuss in more detail at a later time.

At the casual and friendly atmosphere of the gathering, Gunn and Safran distinguish DC Studios from Marvel and most other major studios by openly discussing details about their high-profile film franchises. Unlike many executives at their level, they freely answered questions on various topics such as tax incentives for California production, superheroes in contemporary politics like Trump’s America, and more. Instead of a formal, grand unveiling at San Diego Comic-Con, the event felt more like an informal executive meeting during the Television Critics Association press tour. Notably, Safran mentioned that DC Studios will not have a substantial presence this year since Gunn’s “Superman” will already be in theaters by then.

The update brought a more open approach, easing the tight controls that had long been in place for elite franchises over the past two decades. Let me share some key points.

Two “Batman” Movies, “Clayface,” and “The Penguin” Season 2

Since Batman has been the consistently successful DC character in movies and TV for many years, it’s no wonder that Gunn and Safran spent a lot of time discussing updates on DC Studios’ plans for the Caped Crusader. Firstly, they mentioned “Clayface”: Safran confirmed that British director James Watkins (“Speak No Evil”) is in negotiations to direct what he described as a “horror film focusing on body transformation,” and Gunn said they aim for it to work as a standalone horror movie for someone who doesn’t care about DC at all.

They intend to commence filming this summer and have initiated the selection of actors. As previously stated, individuals who lend their voices to an animated production will also portray their characters in live-action. However, despite Alan Tudyk having voiced Clayface in two DC animated series – portraying a fool in “Harley Quinn” and a merciless assassin in “Creature Commandos” – Gunn has stated that Tudyk won’t take on the role in the upcoming movie because it wasn’t a main or significant part for him (Tudyk also plays Doctor Phosphorus in “Creature Commandos”).

In simpler terms,

Safran provided some information about “The Batman Part II” and the potential spin-off series “The Penguin.” Regarding “The Batman Part II,” Safran mentioned that director Matt Reeves hasn’t finished the full script yet, but the portions they’ve seen are very promising. Warner Bros. has moved the film from 2026 to 2027. As for “The Penguin” series with Colin Farrell, there isn’t much news to share at this point. Safran stated, “We don’t know,” explaining that there are many factors at play, particularly Colin Farrell himself.

Gunn mentioned that Farrell needs to wear 800 pounds of makeup due to the extensive use of prosthetics for his role.”

*”Gunn pointed out that a significant amount of makeup, around 800 pounds, is required for Farrell because of the heavy use of prosthetics in his character.

DC Studios continues to work diligently on “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” a movie intended to integrate the Dark Knight into the primary DC Universe. (Reeves’ Gotham-verse follows its own narrative path.) According to Safran, the storyline is progressing well, while Gunn mentioned his particular enthusiasm for the project due to his fondness for Batman.

It seems unlikely, according to Gunn, that Robert Pattinson will return as “The Batman” in “The Brave and the Bold.” However, he didn’t rule out the chance that the DC Universe’s version of the character might make an appearance before his standalone film.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t close the door on any possibilities! He might make an appearance somewhere else in the future. However, the character himself hasn’t been brought to life just yet.

Animation: “Dynamic Duo,” “Blue Beetle” and More

According to earlier reports from October, DC Studios is currently preparing for the production of an animated movie titled “Dynamic Duo.” This film will focus on Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, two characters who teamed up with Batman. Safran mentioned that this story serves as a great introduction for family viewers into the world of Gotham City.

The studio is still working on an animated series titled “Blue Beetle,” which will build upon the storyline from the 2023 movie. This project was one of the last productions under the previous DC leadership. According to Safran, the executive producers Angel Manuel Soto (the film’s director) and Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (screenwriter) are planning to present this concept for potential approval “soon.” Miguel Puga is directing the series, while Cristian Martinez is writing it.

Additionally, he revealed that they’ve approved the production of three animated series catering to a younger audience: “My Journey with Green Lantern,” “Starfire” and “DC Super Powers.

“Sgt. Rock,” “Teen Titans,” and Other Rumored Projects

Gunn and Safran often had their most significant discussions when asked about DC projects that hadn’t been officially unveiled yet. For example, Safran clarified that Daniel Craig “had never been linked” to a “Sgt. Rock” film; the speculation surrounding his role was due to his creative bond with the potential director, Luca Guadagnino, who had directed Craig in the 2024 release “Queer.” However, Safran added, “we never actually spoke with Daniel. He was merely a concept at that point.

“Well, we never really even announced ‘Sgt. Rock,’” Gunn added.

At a later time, a journalist inquired regarding the current progress of a screenplay featuring the Teen Titans, a team composed of young superheroes such as Nightwing, Cyborg, and Starfire. This script was penned by Ana Nogueira, who is also known for her work on “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Safran mentioned that the script isn’t finalized as of now, but Ana Nogueira is the one who’s working on it.

“We haven’t said that,” Gunn said.

“No, I think it was out there,” Safran said. “I think it was out there.”

Gunn mentioned, “It exists,” which suggests they hadn’t made any official announcements prior to this. He added, “Ana was deeply passionate about the idea and wrote an exceptional script for us. She’s currently working on refining it, but it’s far from being finalized.

The journalist then inquired further regarding a potential Deathstroke/Bane screenplay penned by Matthew Orton, known for “Operation Finale” and “Moon Knight.

Safran responded with a grin, acknowledging that what he mentioned sounds similar to a Deathstroke/Bane script. Indeed, Orton is penning a script for DC Studios, and as Gunn put it, it’s “somewhat reminiscent” of a Deathstroke/Bane storyline.

Operating a superhero studio presents one of its difficulties clearly: Merely the prospect of a new film or TV series starring these characters, which could be simply a development project that might never materialize due to numerous factors, can trigger a flood of news articles. It’s apparent that Gunn and Safran have opted for continuous, transparent communication with both media and fans about their projects. However, it’s also clear that this choice does not exempt them from dealing with its accompanying headaches.

Following a query regarding Robert Pattinson potentially playing Batman in “The Brave and the Bold,” Gunn expressed frustration, stating, “These questions become headlines because they ask, ‘Have you ever discussed this?'” He explained, “We’ve talked about every possibility leading up to this job, discussing how we would approach it, who would continue on, what we would combine. We’ve talked about all of that. Have we ever talked about Grant Gustin [from ‘The Flash’]? Yes. Have we ever discussed Robert Pattinson? Yes. But have we had serious discussions? No.

“Booster Gold,” “Paradise Lost,” “Swamp Thing,” “Waller” and “The Authority”

Gunn and Safran updated journalists about the progress of other projects they initially revealed in 2023. The “Wonder Woman” prequel series “Paradise Lost” is still being worked on, while they’re also making headway on creating the superhero comedy series “Booster Gold.” However, they had been waiting for a specific showrunner/creator who showed initial interest in the show but eventually decided to move on.

Three other productions seem to be facing more challenges: The horror film “Swamp Thing” has been on hold due to director James Mangold’s focus on his Oscar-nominated Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown.” The “Peacemaker” spinoff series titled “Waller,” starring Viola Davis, has encountered a rocky path, struggling to find the perfect script. Originally intended as a precursor for Season 2 of “Peacemaker,” the show underwent changes after it was announced that “Peacemaker” would go into production first.

It appears that “The Authority” project has faced significant delays, as discussed in the 2023 presentation where Gunn talked extensively about the movie. The film was planned to depict a team of superheroes who would embody a ruthless, ends-justify-the-means philosophy contrasting with Superman’s more compassionate approach. However, over the last two years, “The Authority” seems to have taken a back seat in development.

Safran stated that ‘The Authority’ movie requires immense scale, as it is a truly massive project. Some aspects from ‘Superman’ and other films we’ve been working on may slightly predate ‘The Authority.’

Gunn also mentioned that the screenplay took more effort to develop, thus the movie hasn’t received as much attention because it got overshadowed by projects like “The Brave and the Bold” and “Paradise Lost.

That Zack Snyder Photo

On occasion, Gunn continues to share updates on his Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter/X platforms; a recent one, featuring him alongside Zack Snyder, quickly spread like wildfire across the web. When inquired about potential creative partnerships hinted by this photo, Gunn mentioned that he and Snyder, who go back to when Snyder directed Gunn’s script for “Dawn of the Dead” in 2004, frequently discuss various topics. However, they intentionally took the picture because they were certain it would cause a stir online.

Gunn mentioned that it’s been commonly perceived that we’ve been made to compete with each other,” he said. “It’s unusual to find someone you get along with in person, only for them to be portrayed as your arch-nemesis online, like a modern-day Lex Luthor. It’s an odd situation that has developed between different groups on the internet.

The Wider DCU Story

Occasionally, it seemed like the guidelines given by Gunn and Safran for the broader DC Universe might conflict with each other. While Gunn emphasized that every project should be able to stand independently, meaning viewers could watch ‘Superman’ or ‘Lanterns’ without needing to see both, on the other hand…

Instead, Safran explained that the purpose behind the rebranding of DC Studios encompassing every DC project in films, television, animations, and video games is primarily driven by the desire for fans to witness these legendary characters sharing screen time.

In summary, Gunn explained his strategy for the next six years, which involves expanding the narrative into a broader tale that will peak with a grand finale similar to the “Avengers” films. However, he emphasized that each individual project stands on its own merit.

He went on to explain, ‘These aren’t individual parts of a larger narrative, but rather, they’re distinct entities contributing to the broader story.’

Despite appearing as minor details, it’s evident that Gunn has a clear idea of the larger narrative’s conclusion. He confirms his active participation in every aspect by stating, “I am deeply connected to everything.

Superheroes in Trump’s America

Regarding Gunn’s upcoming “Superman” movie set to release in July, six months into the second term of President Trump, he was questioned about how his portrayal of Superman aligns with our current cultural climate.

Gunn stated that, in his opinion, he considers this Superman as fitting because he doesn’t seem tied to the current cultural zeitgeist. Superman embodies principles such as solid values, fundamental human morals, integrity, and a strong commitment to helping others, especially the vulnerable. He represents unchanging ideals like honesty and doing good, which Gunn believes are timeless.

A different journalist subsequently addressed the cautious attitude of production companies towards discussions about diversity, equality, and inclusion, following President Trump’s persistent effort to eliminate these initiatives not only from the federal government but also from many aspects of American public life, particularly in leadership roles held by women and people of color. This was a logical question to pose, yet it was also risky due to the potential for comments in support of diversity to be exploited by Trump’s supporters to disrupt the “Superman” promotional campaign before it has even begun.

As a devotee, I’d like to share how Gunn redefined his approach: Admit Unawareness. “I grasp your point,” he communicated to the journalist, “Your words resonate with me, but for the past three years, I’ve been engrossed in crafting tales, and my sole focus is always on delivering the best narratives I possibly can.” He further explained that he steers clear of the news nowadays or devote significantly less time to social media, primarily for his mental well-being, but predominantly because managing a studio alongside working hands-on with “Superman” and “Peacemaker” leaves him scarcely any spare moments.

He emphasized their commitment to producing top-quality films in the most effective manner: “I don’t let anyone dictate my cast choices, regardless of the reasons,” he asserted. “My focus has always been on crafting compelling narratives with captivating characters, and that remains my priority today, just as it was five years ago.

2025-02-24 20:20