Only a few films from James Gunn’s DC Universe plans have been announced, but the franchise should revive several canceled DC movies. The official unveiling of Chapter 1 of the DC Universe came in early 2023 as Gunn and Peter Safran, the new co-CEOs of DC Studios, announced five movies and five shows that are in development. The DC Universe movies include reboots of known characters, such as Batman and Superman, after their significant roles in the DC Extended Universe. Gunn and Safran also plan to utilize other comic heroes that have not been done properly or seen before, including Booster Gold, Green Lantern, Swamp Thing, and The Authority.
The new DC Universe slate comes after a decade of Warner Bros. and DC struggling to launch a cohesive cinematic universe involving the iconic comic characters. There have been several changes in leadership over the decade, with Zack Snyder, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns, and Walter Hamada each having control at different points. This led to an abundance of DC movie announcements by each regime, while the changeover ultimately meant repeating a pattern where many of the exciting projects did not move forward. There are plenty of canceled DC movies that James Gunn should consider reviving as part of the DC Universe plans.
8 Batgirl
The most publicly canceled DC movie worth reviving for the DC Universe is Batgirl. The film was shockingly canceled by Warner Bros. in 2022 despite it finishing production as part of a tax write-off. Although Batgirl was set to debut on HBO Max in 2022, WB CEO David Zaslav canned the film as part of his vision to only have DC movies released in theaters. DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran claimed that the film was “unreleasable,” even though it was not his or Gunn’s decision. That has not stopped interest in seeing the star of DC’s canceled Batgirl in some form.
While it is now impossible for WB and DC Studios to save Batgirl and release the film that was canceled, the DC Universe could make a new solo film for Leslie Grace’s Barbara Gordon instead. It has already been confirmed that the DC Universe’s Batman has an established Bat Family in The Brave and the Bold. Leslie Grace’s Batgirl could be a member of that group and return for a solo movie that Gunn and Safran can help shape. This would inherently make the DC Universe’s Batgirl different from what was previously planned, as Michael Keaton’s Batman was slated to appear.
7 Gotham City Sirens
The DC Universe could also save the Gotham City Sirens movie that was canceled. The Harley Quinn, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy team-up movie was announced to be in development by Suicide Squad director David Ayer in 2016. It has not made any progress since then and was effectively canceled as Margot Robbie pursued making Birds of Prey instead. Gotham City Sirens would be an ideal way for James Gunn to keep Robbie’s Harley Quinn as part of the DC Universe. It could build off her The Suicide Squad ending, while Robbie’s wish for a Harley and Poison Ivy romance could also transpire.
6 Deathstroke
DC’s canceled movie Deathstroke is also something James Gunn should look at reviving for the DC Universe. The original plans for the film starring Joe Manganiello as Slade Wilson were announced in May 2016 with The Raid director Gareth Evans attached. Unfortunately, the movie failed to make much progress over the next few years, leading Evans to confirm that he was no longer developing the project. A Deathstroke movie holds great potential for the DC Universe as a chance to shine the spotlight on one of the comic’s most skilled assassins. Since Deathstroke was almost in The Suicide Squad, Gunn’s known interest in the character could be a good sign.
5 New Gods
Announced in 2018, Ava DuVernay’s New Gods would be an exciting canceled DC movie for the DC Universe to revive. The film was officially canceled in 2021 after it conflicted with Zack Snyder’s Justice League. The DC Universe’s Chapter 1 being called Gods and Monsters means that New Gods would be a perfect fit. Introducing Big Barda, Mister Miracle, Granny Goodness, Darkseid, and others into the franchise in this capacity would massively expand the world. It might also help that Tom King, who was co-writing New Gods with DuVernay, is part of DC Studios’ Architects, a group of writers assembled to help shape the universe.
4 Wonder Woman 3
James Gunn’s DC Universe could also save Wonder Woman 3 after its cancelation. Warner Bros. made the surprising decision in 2022 to cancel Wonder Woman 3 with director Patty Jenkins and star Gal Gadot returning. The decision was not made by Gunn and Safran, with the duo expressing interest in Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman returning and even making Jenkins’ sequel if it could fit in the DC Universe. Wonder Woman 3 would have to account for any universe changes that come after The Flash resets the timeline, which could allow the film to be a soft reboot of sorts that re-establishes Diana Prince in the DC Universe.
3 Nightwing
Nightwing is another canceled DC movie that could fit within the DC Universe plans. The film was originally announced in 2017 with The LEGO Batman Movie director Chris McKay attached. With The Brave and the Bold featuring Damien Wayne as Robin, the franchise could easily help establish that Dick Grayson has moved on to his Nightwing mantle. This would allow the DC Universe to then revive plans for the Nightwing movie as a spinoff. Chris McKay is still interested in making the film, but DC Studios could go in another direction if Nightwing happens after Renfield‘s mixed reviews.
2 Lobo
Lobo is one of the most likely canceled DC movies to be revived by James Gunn in the DC Universe. Warner Bros. has tried to make a movie starring the alien bounty hunter since 2009, as Guy Ritchie, Brad Peyton, and Michael Bay all took turns developing the film. Lobo never made much progress under previous regimes, but James Gunn has repeatedly teased his interest in making the character part of the DC Universe. With all the speculation that Jason Momoa will play Lobo eventually, a solo movie starring the character is a likely development to come. However, Michael Bay probably will not remain involved.
1 Plastic Man
The DC Universe plans could also eventually include reviving DC’s canceled movie Plastic Man. Warner Bros. originally began developing the film in 2018, while 2020 brought the news the project was going in a new direction with a female version of the stretchy hero. It has not moved forward since that point, though. Plastic Man would be a fun addition to the DC Universe slate if it channels the character’s comedic personality. James Gunn could make the film a sleeper hit with Plastic Man by casting fan-favorite choice Ben Schwartz and pairing him with a comedic director like Nicholas Stoller.
