Superman. (photo credit: Skydance)
We are nearly two years into the new DCU, and with how successful it has been in relation to its content quality, rivaling the MCU isn’t out of the cards. James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has an opportunity to build a connected world featuring some of the most iconic superheroes and villains in comic book history. As previous attempts to establish a shared DC movie universe faltered, Gunn’s vision must focus on developing individual characters while gradually bringing them together for larger adventures. With heroes like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and Aquaman are very important to the foundation of the DCU and they must be important of a greater storyline, while other less important characters like the Suicide Squad could provide a darker and more unpredictable side of the universe.
The most anticipated casting in the future for the DCU in its early stages is the introduction of a new Batman, who is expected to be one of the more important characters in the franchise, despite his relationship issues with other heroes in DC. With intelligence, detective skills, and distrust of powerful individuals, Batman is the standout when the Justice League finally forms. A storyline for the Cape Crusader may focus on his relationship with his son, the current Robin, Damian Wayne along with the Bat-Family, and last but not least, the infamous Gotham City's criminal underworld. With the use of criminals as expendable agents, that’s where the anti-heroes come in for Batman, primarily within the interactions of Amanda Waller and the Suicide Squad. Where does the line get drawn between good and bad, and at what point does penance cross you over that line? Is it truly penance if it’s a backdoor deal to get yourself out of trouble?
That isn’t to forget Wonder Woman, who will probably play a major role in the future of the DCU. Her stories should explore Themyscira and the Amazons with a focus more on Greek mythology compared to the first two Wonder Woman films. The character may become one of the founding members of the Justice League, but would be offering different viewpoints from Batman and Superman as her worldview is rooted in compassion. The willingless to understand anybody and everybody creates a stark contrast from other protagonist characters in comic books.
The Flash could bring an entirely different kind of storytelling to the DCU. Whether it’s Wally West or Barry Allen, it doesn’t matter. The characters have an incredible amount of speed and scientific intelligence, as well as an optimistic personality that could make either an important member of the DCU. Their adventures may dive more into time travel and alternate timeline, but that fits perfectly into the established lore of the DCU, thanks to the pocket universes explored in Superman.. The most interesting storyline possibility, at least from afar, would be the Flash discovering a threat to the timeline like in the Flashpoint storyline in the comics.
But those are the heroes. The DCU, coming off of a successful Clayface, isn’t just looking for the morally structured characters to lead content. One fascinating choice could be a continuation of The Suicide Squad storyline after the success of Peacemaker. Sure, the audience got to see a lot of character development from the title character, but more of a focus on other Squad members such as Bloodsport, King Shark, Ratcatcher 2, and the DCU's version of Harley Quinn that could provide more entertaining superhero adventures. Amanda Waller is one of the most intriguing characters of any comic line because she’s the architect of the Suicide Squad. The idea that for the greater good, unleashing criminals to do the barbaric, inhumane work is a polorazing one because on one hand, a lot of people will question the humanity behind forcing people into spots that will strip their humanity from them, while others continue using criminals and morally questionable individuals to complete dangerous government missions.
One of the more entertaining possibilites would be a major Justice League and Suicide Squad crossover based on the 2016 graphic novel. The DCU could also explore the possibility of some Squad members becoming unlikely allies of the Justice League. Take Peacemaker, for example,he may develop complicated friendships with some members of the Justice League despite his history of violence and questionable judgment. The relationships would help demonstrate that the DC Universe is not simply divided between heroes and villains. But it’s also a story the general audience hasn’t been familiarized yet, offering something fresh that the ardent comic book fandom can rally behind as well.
The greatest challenge for James Gunn and DC Studios is to balance all these characters without making the universe feel overwhelmed. With Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash and other characters each deserve their own stories along side Superman with memorable villains, and character development while The Suicide Squad also needs room to remain entertaining and unpredictable in other films, possibly in other features. The most important lesson for DC is to be making every character feel meaningful rather than simply using them to establish the next crossover. Time will tell how James Gunn does.