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 standard of excellence. What's next for the DC Universe? Peacemaker and Gunn have delivered the absurd, crossover-filled brilliance that Black Label comic fans craved.
Here's a look at the upcoming series and animated projects:
Table of Contents
- Creature Commandos Season 2
- Peacemaker Season 2
- Paradise Lost
- Booster Gold
- Waller
- Lanterns
- Dynamic Duo
Creature Commandos Season 2
Max has greenlit a second season of Creature Commandos, following its successful December 5th premiere and overwhelmingly positive critical reception. Peter Safran and James Gunn, thrilled with the success of Peacemaker, The Penguin, and Creature Commandos, confirmed the renewal, highlighting the series' record-breaking debut and exceeding expectations across all metrics. This unique DCU series, created by James Gunn, follows a ragtag military unit led by Rick Flag, comprised of supernatural beings – werewolves, vampires, mythological creatures, and a reanimated horror icon. It expertly blends action, the supernatural, and dark humor. The show boasts an impressive 7.8 IMDb rating and a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score, exploring themes of transformation, camaraderie, and self-discovery amidst thrilling action and witty dialogue. The stellar cast, including Indira Varma, Sean Gunn, Alan Tudyk, Zoë Chao, David Harbour, and Frank Grillo, adds to the series' unique atmosphere.
Peacemaker Season 2
Release Date: August 2025
John Cena, in a September 2024 interview with Variety, offered insights into Peacemaker Season 2's extended production. While remaining tight-lipped on specifics, he emphasized Gunn and Safran's commitment to a methodical approach, prioritizing quality over speed. The delay, Cena explained, reflects a deliberate integration into the reimagined DC Universe, ensuring seamless storytelling rather than a rushed, disconnected sequel. With filming underway, the season's completion is imminent, though a precise release date remains undisclosed. This measured approach suggests Peacemaker Season 2 will be a carefully crafted component of the larger DC narrative.
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost is a dramatic exploration of Themyscira's origins, delving into the Amazonian world before Wonder Woman. Peter Safran envisions a Game of Thrones-esque narrative focused on the intricate political landscape of this all-female society, exploring both its glory and its shadows. While still in early development (script refinement is underway, per James Gunn's social media), the project's significance within the DC Universe and its connection to Wonder Woman's mythology ensure continued investment. The deliberate pace underscores DC Studios' commitment to quality over rushed production.
Booster Gold
Booster Gold introduces Michael Jon Carter, a time-traveling athlete from the future who creates a heroic persona in the present day with the help of his robotic sidekick, Skeets. Announced in January 2023, James Gunn, in a recent Happy Sad Confused podcast appearance, confirmed that the script is still undergoing refinement to meet the studio's high standards. Production will begin only when the narrative foundation is deemed exceptional, emphasizing quality over speed.
Waller
Waller, starring Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, will chronicle events following Peacemaker Season 2. James Gunn, via Deadline, explained that the scheduling reflects a strategic alignment with other projects, prioritizing Superman. The series boasts a talented creative team, including Watchmen's Christal Henry and Doom Patrol's Jeremy Carver, and retains key members of the Peacemaker cast. Gunn's social media updates confirm ongoing progress, adhering to the studio's new policy of completing scripts before setting release dates. Steve Agee, in a Screen Rant interview, reinforced this commitment to quality over rapid production.
Lanterns
HBO's Lanterns, initially slated for Max, will consist of eight episodes. This shift reflects Warner Bros. Discovery's broader content strategy. The series boasts a stellar creative team, including writers Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, and director James Hawes. The cast includes Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, and Poorna Jagannathan. The narrative focuses on a partnership between Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate a murder in the American heartland, uncovering a larger conspiracy. James Gunn highlighted the series' terrestrial setting and its importance within the overall DCU narrative, drawing comparisons to True Detective. The contrasting colors of Hal's green and John's yellow uniform hint at potential conflict.
Dynamic Duo
DC Studios and Swaybox Studios are collaborating on Dynamic Duo, an animated feature exploring the relationship between Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. Variety describes the narrative as focusing on their friendship and diverging paths. The film will utilize innovative "Momo animation," blending CGI, stop-motion, and performance capture, directed by Arthur Mintz with a screenplay by Matthew Aldrich. James Gunn's announcement highlighted the collaboration with Matt Reeves' production company.
