David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery is definitely riding high off the moderate success of “Superman” in the box office and is capitalizing on that hype with updates on 2 of DC’s biggest heroes. First, “The Batman” sequel will begin filming in the spring of 2026 for an October 1, 2027 release date. The news’s has come after Matt Reeves has had multiple delays delivering the script and ended up finishing over a year after his original deadline. Although execs were frustrated, they are standing behind the veteran Producer/Writer. The fact that we have to wait over 2 years for another ‘Batman’ movie is disappointing, especially after “The Penguin” on HBO Max was such a surprise hit phenomena.
In a letter to shareholders, Zaslav shared the news about ‘The Batman 2’ and gave everyone a pat on the back for the success of “Superman”, which has grossed $560 million worldwide. Although the MCU has had a low turnout in the box office for 2025, it’s worth remembering that just last summer, “Deadpool & Wolverine” grossed $1.34 billion. Doing too many vicotry laps for Corenswet’s take on “Superman” could end up backfiring, once Gunn releases less popular IP’s than Superman and Batman.
In a letter to shareholders, Zaslav shared the news about ‘The Batman 2’ and gave everyone a pat on the back for the success of “Superman”, which has grossed $560 million worldwide.”
Zaslav also spoke about other movies Gunn would be directing for the DCU: “In film, James Gunn is busy preparing the next installments of the DC super family, including Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026), Clayface (2026) and the next Wonder Woman. In addition, The Batman II (2027) is preparing to begin shooting next spring, among several projects in development. The 10-year vision for the DC universe also includes an exciting array of television projects,m including The Penguin, the upcoming new season of ‘Peacemaker’ and the debut of ‘Lanterns’ in 2026…In a precise and measured way, the DC franchise will increasingly overlay across the studio’s broader efforts: from film and TV to consumer products, games, experiences and social.”
Zaslav, who is often associated with the grim reaper for his ability to kill a project, even if it’s done filming. Zaslav’s endorsement does’t guarantee that the DCU will be successful, but it’s clear he’s putting all of his energy behind Gunn and their new shared universe. “The Batman” sequel is allegedly existing outside of the DCU, but Gunn may ultimately end up choosing some popular characters from the dying Batman universe to take to his new DCU. There have been many rumors about the DCU’s possible Batman, with Alan Ritchson’s name being tossed around quite heavily to be considered for the role. Colin Farrell has waffled on how he feels about playing “The Penguin”, which Reeves contributed a good deal of input to the writing of the show. This may also explain why Reeves was late with his ‘Batman’ script… and it was probably worth it as the series became both a critical success and adored by fans.
The Supergirl end credit scene seemed to have divided fans, so it’s unclear how well the ‘Supergirl’ movie will perform and “Clayface” also seems like a gamble so early in the universe. It wasn’t until phase 2 that the MCU would finally introduce the Guardians of the Galaxy, so how will a Phase 1 Clayface really help build the world?
Originally, fans were supposed to get “The Batman” sequel in 2025, but Reeves’ delays have pushed things back, whcih at least gives “Superman” more time in the spotlight. Fans are also looking forward to the “Lanterns” series, after Nathan Fillion’s hilarious performance as the pompous Green Lantern, Guy Gardner in 2025’s “Superman”. Fillion will also be appearing in “Peacemaker” season 2 before returning in 2026 for “Lanterns”. Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) will also appear in “Peacemaker” seaosn 2.
The biggest news given by Zaslav was that James Gunn is preparing to write a “Superman” sequel or as he calls it: the “next installment in the Super family.” Could that mean a Krypto movie? We can only hope! A Krypto movie in the vein of “Good Boy” could win every award ever. A Krypto and Eagly team-up would also be epically legendary. Krypto and Eagly versus any MCU animal duo wold be a tough fight.
What do you think? Is Superman getting a full-on sequel? Or some type of universe building ‘Super’ spin-off? Will Jason Momoa’s Lobo make important appearances in the other DCU projects coming up? Will Alan Ritchson come to the DCU as Bruce Wayne? Will “The Batman II” end the story Pattinson’s Dark Knight forever? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
