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Following the debut of Man of Steel, Warner Bros. promptly unveiled their plans for Superman’s future narrative twist. Instead of a direct sequel to Man of Steel, Zack Snyder and Warner Bros. opted to steer the storyline in an alternate direction, introducing Batman into the mix. This revelation ignited a wave of enthusiasm as it marked the long-awaited on-screen collaboration between Superman and Batman. Additionally, this move showcased Warner Bros.’ audacity as they sought to rival the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which had already demonstrated success with their crossover approach.

Although Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice didn’t achieve massive critical acclaim when it was released, it marked the beginning of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Over the next ten years, numerous films expanded this universe. However, the DCEU eventually started to falter. Now, James Gunn and Peter Safran, who form DC Studios, aim to model the DCEU after the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and replicate its success. As DC Studios’ initial theatrical release garners much anticipation, if it proves successful, the DCU should avoid repeating the mistakes of the DCEU from years past.

A World’s Finest Movie Too Soon Would Repeat a Major DCEU Mistake

  • Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was the second film released in the DCEU.
  • Henry Cavill’s Superman never received a proper sequel and DC Studios needs to make sure the same doesn’t happen to David Corenswet.

In retrospect, the joint appearance of Batman and Superman in the movies was something fans had long anticipated, yet it seems to have had negative impacts on the DCEU and Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman during its early phase. It was also problematic to portray these two iconic characters as adversaries, despite the conflict being justified within the storyline and having been depicted in the comics numerous times. However, there are rumors that a ‘World’s Finest’ film might be under production for them now.

As a devoted fan, I believe it’s crucial that the DC Universe (DCU) carefully navigates any potential team-up between Batman and Superman to avoid repeating the mistakes of the DCEU. A sensible approach would be to ensure Batman gets his solo film first, as planned, and even consider a sequel for Superman. The financial success of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice notwithstanding, it fell short of reaching the billion-dollar mark. Reuniting these iconic characters too soon could make that target even more elusive.

The DC brand has taken a few hits in recent years, and the DCU needs to win back audience trust. If we can enjoy some blockbuster hits from the DC Universe over the next couple of years, the odds of a World’s Finest film becoming a billion-dollar success story will significantly increase.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Is the Next DCU Movie After Superman

Upcoming DCU Films
TitleRelease Date
Superman July 11, 2025
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow June 26, 2026
ClayfaceSeptember 11, 2026

As a dedicated gamer and fervent fan of the DC Universe, I’ve been eagerly waiting for the upcoming projects from DC Studios. While there are numerous exciting ideas in development for both movies and TV shows, it seems that for now, the ones ready to grace the silver screen are relatively smaller-scale.

Following the release of Superman, the next big-screen adventure within the DC Universe will be none other than Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. This film will adapt the 2022 comic book story penned by Tom King. It’s no secret now that the DCU is taking a leaf out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Milly Alcock’s Supergirl will likely make her debut in the upcoming Superman film before starring in her own solo movie.

Given that the first two films to launch from the DCU are heavily centered around the Superman universe, it makes perfect sense for Corenswet to join forces with his cousin, Kara Zor-El, before we get to see Batman on the big screen.

James Gunn shares that while he didn’t initially foresee “Supergirl” as the second film to produce, Ana Nogueira crafted an outstanding script. This led to hiring an exceptional director for the project. Since “Superman” presented the best option, they’ve decided to create the movie following it. Other scripts may have been written, but none compared to this one in terms of quality. As a result, they are committed to ensuring every aspect of the production delivers top-notch quality, rather than focusing on a sweeping epic narrative.

Incorporating Tyler Hoechlin’s Man of Steel character into the DCU adaptation could enhance Superman’s influence across various projects, mirroring Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark in the MCU. It would make the connections within the DCU feel more organic, especially if Supergirl makes a cameo in a Superman project. This move could also pave the way for a larger role for Supergirl in a potential Superman sequel, offering fans an unprecedented on-screen crossover between Superman and Supergirl, and providing unique experiences rather than repeating DCEU tropes. Although James Gunn stated that Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is the next DCU film due to the script’s current state, there’s a golden opportunity for it to also feature Hoechlin’s return as Superman.

The DCU Should Build Out the Superman and Batman Corners Separately at First

  • The Brave and the Bold is still intended to feature the debut of the DCU’s Batman.
  • Establishing Superman and Batman in the DCU will make their eventual crossover more satisfying for audiences.

In the same shared universe, both Batman and Superman reside, but they originate from distinct regions. Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the DC Universe will introduce numerous pre-existing heroes immediately, yet this doesn’t necessitate an immediate team-up between Batman and Superman. Judging by what we’ve observed in Superman, it appears that Gunn is drawing inspiration from various aspects of the character‘s past to craft the ultimate incarnation of him. DC Studios has declared that The Brave and the Bold will focus on, and it should adhere to a similar structure. First, thoroughly develop the DCU’s Batman, his associates, adversaries, and the Gotham City where he operates before allowing him to cross paths with other Justice League members such as Superman.

In order for the DC Universe (DCU) to create a successful “World’s Finest” film, it would be beneficial to follow the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) initial approach by releasing solo films featuring their biggest characters before they cross over. This method was instrumental in making the first Avengers movie more impactful. To make audiences truly invested in the new versions of these DC characters, some time may be required. However, having Superman and Batman already well-established as characters will greatly enhance their crossover, making it a much more rewarding experience for fans.

Many cinematic universes often overreach and as a result, more of them fall short than succeed. Despite lasting for some time, the DCEU ultimately failed to meet its great potential. Now, Warner Bros. has another opportunity to maximize the DC brand’s potential, but only by heeding the lessons of the past can they achieve the success they seek.

In certain aspects, the DC Universe finds itself parallel to where the DCEU was, boasting numerous projects yet lacking formal approval. However, DC Studios appears to be strategically mapping out its universe, choosing not to hastily dive into crossovers. The iconic duo, Batman and Superman, share an unparalleled bond in comic books, a connection that the DCEU only hinted at, leading many fans to crave more. The DC Universe now stands poised to fully explore this relationship, but patience remains crucial for numerous compelling reasons.

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2025-05-21 00:35