Warner Bros. Cancels Zatanna Movie Amid Regime Changes: What This Means for the DC Universe

The Cancelation of the Zatanna Movie

DC Studios has officially scrapped their upcoming Zatanna movie written by Saltburn director Emerald Fennell amid James Gunn's DCU reboot. The film has become another in a long string of cancelations, including the highly anticipated Nightwing movie by Chris McKay.

Zatanna Promising Young Woman Emerald Fennell

According to statements the filmmaker made on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Fennell's film, centered around the superheroine Zatanna, is no longer happening. Fennell spoke positively of her experience writing the 'demented' script and her time with J.J. Abrams' company Bad Robot. 'The whole universe got changed,' the director continued. 'And that’s fine. It was really fun to do, in the end.'

Fennel said her Zatanna film would have been a superhero movie for non-superhero lovers. 'It’s not a genre I naturally gravitate towards,' she acknowledged, claiming the character of Zatanna drew her to the project outside her wheelhouse. Surprisingly, Fennel had started the script for Zatanna before her Oscar-winning film Promising Young Woman, when J.J. Abrams had first arrived at Warner Bros., and her DC film was to reboot what Fennel called 'The Dark Universe.'

The cancelation of the Zatanna movie is a significant blow to fans, as it was anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to the superhero genre. The decision to shelve this film, along with several others, reflects a major shift in the direction of the DC Universe.

Implications for the DC Universe

Gunn's overhaul of the DC universe aims to bring a Marvel-like interconnectedness to the previously disjointed DCEU. While some franchises like The Batman starring Robert Pattinson will be allowed to continue as Elseworlds projects, most DC films initially slated to release in the coming years have been shelved in favor of a completely new DCU canon and cast.

Fans were initially shocked by the scant film slate released for the upcoming DCU, but it seems Gunn may be taking a quality-over-quantity approach to new movies. This strategy may be due to recent audience fatigue and low box office numbers. It's the same approach Disney appears to be trying with Marvel and Star Wars. Superman: Legacy will be the first official DCU film, set to release in 2025, and it will kick off an entirely new cinematic universe, one more tightly controlled by Gunn's vision.

The DC Studios co-CEO has also previously stated they will add additional series to the lineup and incorporate more animation to cut costs as the company struggles to recoup its losses from recent flops like Blue Beetle. Perhaps Zatanna and Fennell will someday get another chance to join the DCU with an animated series.

The Future of the DC Universe

The cancelation of the Zatanna movie and the overhaul of the DC universe raise questions about the future of the DCU. With the decision to shelve numerous projects and refocus on a new DCU canon and cast, fans are left wondering what this means for their favorite superheroes and storylines. Will the new cinematic universe succeed in capturing the essence of the DC characters while offering a fresh and cohesive storytelling experience?

The upcoming release of Superman: Legacy in 2025 marks the beginning of a new era for the DCU, signaling a departure from the previous disjointed approach and a move towards a more controlled and interconnected universe. This shift, spearheaded by James Gunn, presents both challenges and opportunities for the beloved superhero franchise. As fans eagerly anticipate the unveiling of this new cinematic universe, the fate of shelved projects like Zatanna remains uncertain, leaving room for potential revivals and reimaginations in the future.