In my review of Black Adam, I noted how ecstatic I was to see my second favorite superhero team the JSA (behind the X-Men) on the big screen, and now all I wanted was for Mr. Terrific to show up in the DCU. Well, Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav has some updates on the future of DC Studios under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s guidance, and Gunn…well, he might’ve been listening to me.
Speaking with RBC (via THR), Zaslav confirmed that Gunn and Zaslav are creating a “bible” for the DCU and are close to completing it. What does that mean? A bible is typically used in long-running TV shows and it’s basically an overview of key plot points, rules, direction, and characters of a created universe. I think with all of the stuff that’s been happening since the DCU was launched, a bible is a really good thing to have.
And that is especially true given Zaslav’s next statement, which is a direct shot at the pre-DC Studios era…
“I think over the next few years, you’re going to see a lot of growth and opportunity around DC, there’s not going to be four Batmans,” Zaslav said. “And so part of our strategy is drive the hell out of DC, which James and Peter are going to do. I think they’ve thrilled the fans. I think they’re going to thrill you over a period of time.”
Oof. Okay, so basically Zaslav is referring to the previous strategy that allowed for multiple versions of iconic characters to exist, some in the DCU, some in their own universe. The easy comparison would be Ben Affleck’s Batman, existing at the same time as Michael Keaton’s Batman, while Robert Pattinson’s Batman is out there doing a standalone thing.
We can also gauge by this statement that Zaslav is not a fan of multiple Superman movies, either, so we might not be getting those Black Superman projects with Ta-Nehesi Coates, either. And what about the Arrowverse? WBD has been putting those shows out to pasture one-by-one. Could this be the reason? Does this mean The Batman and Joker will become DCU canon?
Lots to ponder, but here’s Gunn making me a very happy man on this day when I’m sick in bed…
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 15, 2022
That’s right. Mr. Terrific is coming. Ooooh yeah!
