THE SOF WEEKLY PLANET #5: “The Dawn of The DCU and Birth of SUPERMAN: LEGACY”

Read Time:4 Minute, 21 Second

Well, there’s certainly a lot to talk about today, and so much has happened since I last wrote a Weekly Planet column. However, with today’s major announcements regarding DC’s future on film, television, and gaming, the drought is over. I’m going to be updating the site regularly again, and it feels amazing to actually have a brand new Superman movie to cover from its inception, with James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy officially coming on July 11, 2025.

So let’s get started, shall we?

Goodbye, Henry (and most of the DCEU)

It’s wild to me that the last time I published a report on here was on October 24, 2022 when Henry Cavill made his return as Superman “official.” I was so excited at the prospect of Cavill getting a chance to really cement his legacy as this generation’s Superman. As someone who’s still mopey about Brandon Routh never getting his sequel, I was ecstatic that Cavill might get a chance to change the world’s perception of him with a fresh creative team behind him.

And then, less than two months later, on December 14, James Gunn released the following statement on Twitter:

“Peter & I have a DC slate ready to go, which we couldn’t be more over-the-moon about; we’ll be able to share some exciting information about our first projects at the beginning of the new year.

Among those on the slate is Superman. In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.

But we just had a great meeting with Henry and we’re big fans and we talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future.”

Cavill then confirmed his departure via his own statement on Instagram:

“I have just had a meeting with James Gunn and Peter Safran and it’s sad news, everyone. I will, after all, not be returning as Superman.

After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life. The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes.

For those who have been by my side through the years… we can mourn for a bit but then we must remember… Superman is still around. Everything he stands for still exists, and the examples he sets for us are still there! My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It’s been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards.”

And just like that, Cavill’s triumphant return was over.

Beyond that, it became quite clear that DC Studios co-head James Gunn was going to be steering DC on Film in a bold new direction, breaking ties with much of what’s come before, and likely launching a wide scale reboot.

Dawn of The DCU

Today, January 31, 2023 we found out exactly what Gunn had up his sleeve, after several weeks of intense speculation and rumors. He unveiled the first chapter of the DCU, which he calls “Gods and Monsters,” and it’s quite a sweeping slate of projects.

Here’s his video about his ambitious plans:

Here are just a few of our plans. Up, up, and away! #DCStudios #DCU @DCComics pic.twitter.com/8XNDNLUEPq
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) January 31, 2023

Here’s the complete list of the projects announced:

Superman: Legacy (Film)
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (Film)
Batman, The Brave and the Bold (Film)
The Authority (Film)
Swamp Thing (Film)
Creature Commandos (TV)
Waller (TV)
Lanterns (TV)
Booster Gold (TV)
Paradise Lost (TV)

Also revealed in his announcement is that DC Studios will be unveiling a separate banner and branding for films like The Batman 2 (which got a release date of October 3, 2025), Joker: Folie A Deux, and- yes- the Ta-Nehisi Coates “Black Superman” movie! Fittingly, it’ll be called DC Elseworlds.

As someone who has long advocated the launch of a formal, separate banner for films set in another continuity, the birth of DC Elseworlds is music to my ears.

In fact, much of this slate feels like a fever dream.

Gunn also revealed that he’s put together quite a creative team to help him map out these stories, with the likes of Drew Goddard, Christina Hodson, and Tom King enlisting their services. And he’s got the creative minds behind HBO Max’s stellar Watchmen and Doom Patrol series, Christal Henry and Jeremy Slater, respectively, working on Waller.

I look forward to breaking everything down in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.

Be sure to bookmark Superman-On-Film.com, follow us on YouTube, and Subscribe to our top-rated podcast The Fanboy Podcast, to be in-the-know about all things DCU.

After all, I had access to the top secret list of DCU projects a good 15 hours before the news became official, so I’m sure to get my hands on other insider intel along the way, and you’re definitely not going to want to miss out on my findings and analysis.

Until next time.

Up, up, and away!