The Mirroring of the DC Universe and the DCEU

Introduction

The DC Universe seems to be following in the footsteps of the DCEU, with the plans for its timeline mirroring those of the established superhero franchise. The recent appointment of filmmaker Gunn and producer Safran as co-CEOs of the newly-established DC Studios has set the stage for an exciting new chapter in the world of live-action superhero films. With plans to reset the franchise and introduce a host of new projects, the DC Universe is poised to make its mark in 2025 with the release of Superman: Legacy.

Henry Cavill's Superman in Man of Steel poster

The initial plans for the DC Universe's timeline bear a striking resemblance to the original plans for the DCEU, with both franchises starting with a Superman-centric project. This article delves into the details of this intriguing mirroring and explores the significance of this timeline choice for the upcoming DC Universe.

DC Comics: Grant Morrison's All-Star Superman cover

The DCU's Initial Movie Timeline Mirrors The DCEU's Own

The DC Universe and the DCEU share a common starting point, with both franchises beginning with a project that puts Superman front-and-center. The Man of Steel, portrayed by Henry Cavill, became a cornerstone of the DCEU, and his story is set to be continued in Superman: Legacy for the DC Universe. This new project is expected to not only kick-start the DCU but also build the foundation for the entire franchise.

Similarly, the DCEU continued with a Batman-focused project, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which introduced Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne. This trend is set to be repeated in the DC Universe with The Brave and the Bold, a Batman-focused story that will explore the dynamic between Bruce Wayne and his son, Damian Wayne. The choice to begin the DCU with Superman and then follow up with a Batman project reflects a deliberate strategy to establish the recastings of these iconic characters and signal immediate changes in the franchise.

Why The DCU Needed To Begin By Introducing Superman & Batman

The decision to start the DC Universe with Superman: Legacy and then move on to The Brave and the Bold is not merely a repetition of the past but a strategic move to address the core of the franchise. By reintroducing Superman and Batman in the initial phases of the DCU, DC Studios aims to establish the recastings of these integral and iconic characters, signaling widespread and immediate changes within the franchise.

The choice to focus on Superman and Batman at the outset of the DC Universe serves as a bridge between the old and the new, setting the stage for future adventures and storytelling techniques that will capture the audience's imagination. This deliberate timeline choice is a bold statement of intent from DC Studios, signaling a fresh approach and a reinvigorated vision for the DC Universe.