DC Cinematic Universe: Current Films and Their Universe

DC Comics, in partnership with Warner Bros., has been developing a Cinematic Universe (CU) for their movies, termed the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). While the Justice League film brought this shared universe to the forefront of superhero cinema, the decision to abandon the pursuit of a fully interconnected storyline has led to a series of standalone films with shared actors. This article will explore the current DC movies in the same universe as Justice League, focusing on their connections and standalone stories.

Current DC Movies in the Same Universe

Man of Steel (2013)

Featuring the origin story of one of DC's most iconic characters, Man of Steel marked the beginning of the DCEU. The film introduced viewers to an adult Superman and set the stage for future films in the shared universe. It was a major milestone for the DCEU, as it established the world and introduced key actors and elements that would be revisited in subsequent films.

Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

This film delved deeper into the DCEU, introducing new characters and storylines that were meant to integrate seamlessly with those of previous films. However, it was a controversial film, polarizing critics and fans for its complex and sometimes conflicting storyline. Despite this, it remains an integral part of the DCEU's development.

Suicide Squad (2016)

Another critical DC film, Suicide Squad brought together a diverse cast of anti-heroes. It also starred key DCEU actors, and while it was a commercial success, it did not receive as much critical acclaim as its predecessor. The film laid the groundwork for future films, including The Suicide Squad, which is set to release in 2021.

Wonder Woman (2017)

Acting as a sequel to Man of Steel, Wonder Woman introduced the character with a focus on her standalone story. This film received significant praise for its strong performance and engaging storyline, earning it a dedicated audience. It paved the way for Wonder Woman 1984, a direct sequel to further develop the character's history.

Justice League (2017)

The culmination of the DCEU so far, Justice League brings together several of the DCEU’s most prominent characters for a battle against an otherworldly threat. Despite a mixed reception, it solidified the presence of the DCEU and set the stage for future films, both direct sequels and standalone projects.

Upcoming and Future DC Films

Aquaman (2018)

Aquaman was one of the highlights of the DCEU, starring Jason Momoa as the titular character. While not a direct sequel, it was closely tied to the DCEU and set within its universe. The film is set to have a sequel, Aquaman 2, which is tentatively scheduled for 2022.

Shazam! (2019)

Seemingly a standalone movie, Shazam! actually featured a cameo appearance by the DCEU’s Superman. Initially, Henry Cavill was set to play the role of Captain Marvel, but due to contractual issues between the actor and the studio, the film is not part of the DCEU as initially planned. It still features a superhero in a standalone story, offering a unique addition to the DCEU.

Birds of Prey (2020)

Birds of Prey is another standalone film that is set in the DCEU. It stars Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn and continues the legacy of the DCEU with established actors and characters. The film is set to release in 2020 and promises to bring a dynamic and exciting narrative to the franchise.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Following the success of the original Wonder Woman, the sequel dives into the character's past, providing a fresh perspective and stretching the boundaries of what the DCEU can offer in terms of standalone storytelling. The film is set to release in 2020 and is a direct sequel, promising to build on the success of the first film.

The Suicide Squad (2021)

Returning to the DCEU's roots, The Suicide Squad is a sequel to the 2016 film and brings the key ensemble cast back together. This film is set to release in 2021, following the proven success of the previous Suicide Squad and the DCEU's storylines.

The Flash (2021)

Set to debut in 2021, The Flash is expected to feature Ezra Miller as Barry Allen. While not a direct sequel, the film is tied to the DCEU and promises to bring a new superhero to the shared universe.

Black Adam (Unannounced)

Finally, Black Adam is a spin-off of Aquaman and is currently in development, with a release date yet to be announced. This film is expected to offer a fresh take on the character and further expand the DCEU.

Overall, the DCEU is in the process of evolving into a collection of standalone films that are connected through shared actors and themes. These films aim to explore different aspects of DC's rich universe, ensuring that fans can enjoy a variety of narratives while staying within the same overarching shared world.