DCU Live-Action Shows: What We Know

The CW's DC experiment is over, and FOX's Gotham hasn't quite hit the mark. But then came The Penguin, a series that redefined DC adaptations, setting a new benchmark for quality. What's next for the DC Universe?

James Gunn and Peter Safran have crafted a blend of the absurd and the familiar, a crossover event that Black Label fans have been eagerly anticipating.

Upcoming DC Series & Animated Films

Creature Commandos Season 2

Max has officially greenlit a second season of Creature Commandos, following the overwhelmingly positive reception of its debut on December 5th. Peter Safran and James Gunn expressed their excitement, citing the success of Peacemaker, The Penguin, and Creature Commandos itself as exceeding expectations. This unique series, created by James Gunn, follows a ragtag team of supernatural soldiers led by Rick Flag, featuring werewolves, vampires, mythological creatures, and a reanimated horror icon. It’s a perfect mix of action, horror, and dark humor. With an IMDb rating of 7.8 and a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score, the show’s success is undeniable. The series explores themes of transformation, camaraderie, and self-discovery, all while delivering thrilling action and witty dialogue. The stellar cast, including Indira Varma, Sean Gunn, Alan Tudyk, Zoë Chao, David Harbour, and Frank Grillo, further elevates the show’s quality.

Peacemaker Season 2

Release Date: August 2025

John Cena, in a September 2024 interview with Variety, offered insights into the delayed production of Peacemaker Season 2. While remaining tight-lipped on specifics, he emphasized the meticulous approach Gunn and Safran are taking, prioritizing quality over speed. The extended timeline reflects a deliberate integration into the larger DCU narrative, ensuring a cohesive and impactful story. With filming underway, the wait for this highly anticipated season is almost over.

Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost will explore the origins of Themyscira, the Amazonian homeland, before Wonder Woman. Peter Safran describes the series as having a Game of Thrones-esque feel, focusing on the political intrigue within this all-female society. While still in early development, James Gunn has confirmed it's in "very active development," suggesting significant progress. The measured pace highlights the commitment to quality storytelling for this important piece of DC mythology.

Booster Gold

Booster Gold introduces Michael Jon Carter, a time-traveling athlete from the future, who uses his knowledge and technology to create a heroic persona in the present. While details are scarce, James Gunn has confirmed that the script is still undergoing revisions to meet the studio's high standards. This methodical approach ensures that the final product will live up to expectations.

Waller

Waller, starring Viola Davis, will continue the story of Amanda Waller following the events of Peacemaker Season 2. James Gunn has stated that the project's development is being strategically coordinated with other DCU projects, particularly Superman. The creative team includes Watchmen's Christal Henry and Doom Patrol's Jeremy Carver. Steve Agee's comments reinforce the studio's commitment to a quality-first approach.

Lanterns

HBO's Lanterns, now an eight-episode series, will feature a grounded, detective-style story focusing on Hal Jordan and John Stewart. The series boasts an impressive creative team, including writers Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, and director James Hawes. The cast includes Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Ulrich Thomsen, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, and Poorna Jagannathan. James Gunn has highlighted the series' crucial role within the larger DCU narrative.

Dynamic Duo

DC Studios and Swaybox Studios are collaborating on Dynamic Duo, an animated film exploring the relationship between Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. The film promises a visually stunning experience, utilizing innovative animation techniques. The narrative will focus on their friendship and the growing tensions between them. The project is being spearheaded by Arthur Mintz and Matthew Aldrich, with support from Matt Reeves' production company.