With the latest (extraordinarily disappointing) launch of “Joker: Folie a Deux,” there’s nothing standing between the previous DC and the brand new DC Universe, which kicks off later this yr when the animated “Creature Commandos” arrives on Max. Then DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran’s plans kick into excessive gear subsequent summer season when Gunn’s new “Superman” film hits theaters. What are these plans, precisely? An ever-growing record of flicks and TV reveals has already been confirmed, and put merely, the DC Universe is getting a reboot. Sadly, there’s nonetheless some confusion in the meanwhile.

The simplest factor can be for Warner Bros. and DC Studios to say “we’re beginning over fully recent. Nothing from the previous DCEU counts, however the whole lot going ahead does.” Sadly, it is not so easy. Sure tasks that had been within the works earlier than are going to be ushered in as a part of the longer term. That has muddied the waters a bit for the typical viewer — and even for individuals like me who’re steeped on this stuff day in, day trip. Lately, throughout New York Comedian Con, Gunn, who’s finest identified for steering Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy, tried to clear up some confusion in regards to the new DCU canon (by way of Comicbook.com). This is what Gunn needed to say about it throughout a DC-focused panel:

“There are references to issues that occurred up to now, and people references then grow to be canon within the DCU as a result of we point out them.”

Gunn has tried to elucidate this up to now as properly. “We’ll be utilizing some actors from the previous, we’re not utilizing different actors from the previous, however the whole lot from that second ahead shall be linked,” Gunn mentioned in early 2023. Whereas revealing the preliminary DC Studios slate, Gunn defined that every one DCU tasks will share a multiverse together with motion pictures, TV reveals, and even video video games. From “Superman” ahead, it is a courageous new world. However what in regards to the components of the previous that shall be pressured to mix with the brand new? How is all of that going to work? Gunn’s new feedback, sadly, do not paint a clearer image.

In the end, it looks as if nearly the whole lot is being absolutely rebooted. The shared universe that began with Zack Snyder’s “Man of Metal” in 2013 isn’t any extra. David Corenswet is our new Superman. Ben Affleck will now not be Batman. There shall be a brand new Marvel Lady. Every part will share a “multiverse,” which is why Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” universe is technically a part of the brand new DCU although Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne will not be in the identical universe as Corenswet’s Superman. And that is simply the tip of the iceberg with regards to attainable factors of confusion for the informal viewer.

Gunn’s personal “Suicide Squad” universe is coming alongside for the experience as properly. Gunn directed 2021’s “The Suicide Squad” in addition to a number of episodes of its spin-off sequence “Peacemaker.” These tasks had been fairly firmly linked to the DCEU. So, how does “Peacemaker” season 2 slot in? How are these items which might be “references to issues that occurred up to now” immediately canon? How does that work in follow? Possibly the flicks and TV reveals themselves will reply this, however for now, this strategy raises much more questions than it solutions. 

The questions actually do not cease there. Is Viola Davis taking part in the identical Amanda Waller from 2016’s “Suicide Squad,” which explicitly contains Affleck’s Batman? Or is she one other Amanda Waller from elsewhere within the multiverse? Is that going to be messy for brand spanking new audiences? Is not this alleged to be a recent begin?

Is Waller going to be like Judy Dench’s M within the “James Bond” movies, the place she performed the character for each Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig’s 007? Regardless of the case, for the second, this all nonetheless feels a bit of bit messy. With this December’s “Creature Commandos” additionally that includes characters from the previous, similar to Weasel, it is most likely going to get messier earlier than the image will get extra clear. That may be an issue that Gunn and Safran might want to take care of.

The actual fact of the matter is that DC has been on one heck of a chilly streak. “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” “The Flash,” and “Blue Beetle” all bombed final yr, with “Aquaman and the Misplaced Kingdom” majorly disappointing. “Joker: Folie a Deux” could go down as one of many largest comedian e book film bombs ever when all’s mentioned and completed. Mercifully, “Joker 2” is not linked to DC Studios, so Gunn and Safran no less than get to technically disown that dumpster fireplace. However it have to be acknowledged that DC is in a foul spot with most people.

That being the case, I am sympathetic to Warner Bros. having to make “The Batman Half II” as a result of “The Batman” was an enormous success. That challenge cannot be deserted simply because it might be simpler for Gunn to begin over with a brand new Batman. It is dangerous timing, sure, however WB has to do what’s finest for the underside line. In addition they have to simply accept that it makes issues messy. Equally, Gunn is now the co-head of the complete DC enterprise. It is comprehensible that he needs to convey his “Suicide Squad” sandbox with him, however that makes it tougher to make clear the character of this reboot.

The primary chapter of this DCU reboot, dubbed “Gods and Monsters,” is filled with promise. Gunn crushed the “Guardians” trilogy. In his palms, “Superman” looks like a house run. A James Mangold “Swamp Factor” film, lesser-known properties like “The Authority” getting the large display remedy, a “Booster Gold” present coming to TV … that is simply the tip of the iceberg, nevertheless it all feels ripe with potential. None of that issues if audiences who’ve already disregarded DC lump these tasks in with what got here earlier than.

If informal viewers see John Cena’s Peacemaker or Davis as Waller, will they assume it is simply extra of the identical? Possibly this seems like nerdy nitpicking in some methods. Possibly it’s going to all work itself out and make sense as soon as these tasks begin debuting. However for this to work the way in which they want it to, it is necessary that it is smart, and it is necessary that it is easy for audiences to grasp. The period of comedian e book motion pictures being automated important viewing for the lots appears to be behind us, so these tasks want to face on their very own two toes with out requiring a lot — if any — homework. This is hoping Gunn can crack that code.

“Superman” hits theaters on July 11, 2025.