For a long time, it seemed that Warner Bros. had no idea what they were doing with their DC Comics properties. When the Harry Potter franchise ended, DC Comics was supposed to be what replaced it. However, there has been a “Green Lantern” movie that disappointed everyone and then “Man of Steel,” which was polarizing at best. Then, with the “Superman V Batman: Dawn of Justice” news, people thought that Warner Bros. might be rushing right into a Justice League movie.
Well, with all the questions and concerns, Warner Bros. finally has a list of movies for the next few years. Almost to one-up Marvel, they are shooting for three movies a year and they have some big ones coming up. Here is a look at the future of Warner Bros. and their DC Comics properties.
“Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” (May 2016)
This was originally thought to be the sequel to “Man of Steel,” but as you will see later in the movies, it is not. However, this is the first time that DC Comics two biggest superheroes have appeared in a movie together. What is also known is that Wonder Woman and Aquaman will also appear in some role, as will the man who becomes Cyborg. This movie will set up “Justice League,” which will come out one year later.
“Shazam” (July 2016)
This is a strange one to see in this position. “Shazam” is of course Capt. Marvel, a teenager who can turn into a God by yelling the magic words. He is also someone who is just as powerful as Superman and the two have faced off in comics in the past. This movie comes out just two months after “Batman V Superman,” so there is no telling how it will fit in.
“Sandman” (Christmas 2016)
“Sandman” will likely have nothing to do with the rest of the movies. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is starring in this movie as Dream of the Endless, the mythological character that brings dreams. Originally created by Neil Gaiman, this is a property that Gaiman fans have wanted to see for a long time. A Christmas release date is very encouraging.
“Justice League” (May 2017)
The continuation of the main DC Comics stories happens here when the biggest heroes in the DC Comics universe team up for a major threat, rumored to be Darkseid. The names are looking to be Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Lantern, Flash and Cyborg. This is the same lineup as the New DC 52 origin.
“Wonder Woman” (July 2017)
Up next is a huge one. Marvel has been criticized for not bringing a female superhero to the big screen in a solo outing. DC Comics will likely beat them to the punch with “Wonder Woman.” This is a no-brainer. She is the most popular female superhero in comic book history, and as long as they are respectful with her story, it should be a great one.
“Green Lantern/Flash” (Christmas 2017)
This movie will come with all kinds of questions. Hopefully, they name the movie World’s Finest, because Flash and Green Lantern teamed up under that name long before any other heroes did. Now, the question is whether the CW TV series “The Flash” will be a crossover here with the same actor. Plus, who will play Green Lantern? Rumors indicate Ryan Reynolds is out, and maybe this is where Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson steps up.
“Man of Steel 2” (May 2018)
Finally, one year after “Justice League” hits, we get the sequel to “Man of Steel.” There is no telling what the entire DC Comics universe looks like by this time, but at least Superman will have been established in three movies heading into this one. It seems that Warner Bros. has their hands full with DC Comics movies over the next few years.
