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DC Extended Universe
DC Comics logo.svg
DC logo used from 2016 to 2024
Original work Man of Steel (2013)
Owner Warner Bros. Discovery

The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) was a series of superhero films and TV shows. It was based on popular characters from DC Comics, like Superman and Batman. The DCEU was a "shared universe," meaning all the stories happened in the same world, and characters from different movies could meet. It also included comic books, short films, novels, and video games.

Warner Bros. started trying to make movies with many DC superheroes in 2002. They planned a Justice League movie, but it was put on hold. After the 2011 film Green Lantern didn't do well, Warner Bros. decided to start fresh. They officially launched their shared universe with Man of Steel in 2013 and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016. The DCEU then grew to include 13 more films and the first season of the TV show Peacemaker. The last film in the DCEU was Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, released in 2023.

The DCEU was very successful, earning over $7 billion worldwide. It was one of the highest-grossing film series. The movie Aquaman (2018) made over $1.15 billion, making it the highest-earning DC Comics-based film. However, some DCEU films did not make enough money to cover their costs. Critics and fans had mixed feelings about the series.

A new series of films and TV shows, called the DC Universe (DCU), began in 2024. It was created by James Gunn and Peter Safran, who now lead DC Studios. Some characters from the DCEU, like Peacemaker, Amanda Waller, and Blue Beetle, will continue their stories in the new DCU. The second season of Peacemaker will also be part of this new universe.

How the Name "DCEU" Started

When the film series was first announced, fans and the media often called it the "DC Cinematic Universe" (DCCU). This was similar to the name of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

In 2015, a writer named Keith Staskiewicz jokingly used the term "DC Extended Universe" (DCEU) in an article about Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. This name and its abbreviation, DCEU, quickly became popular with the press and fans. For a few years, people thought it was the official name.

However, in 2017, DC Comics said they didn't use the term internally and didn't consider it official. In 2016, some creators called it the "Justice League Universe." At San Diego Comic-Con in 2018, a video banner showed "Welcome to the Worlds of DC," leading some to think that was the new name. But in 2020, Jim Lee still referred to it as the DC Extended Universe. Finally, when the streaming service HBO Max launched in May 2020, the franchise was officially named the DC Extended Universe.

After Peter Safran and James Gunn took charge of DC Studios, the company started calling DC's films and TV shows part of the "DC Universe" (DCU). This was seen as a new start for the franchise.

How the DCEU Was Developed

In 2002, there were plans for a Batman vs. Superman movie, but it was put aside. In 2008, a Justice League film was also put on hold.

The 2013 film Man of Steel, which was a new start for the Superman film series, was meant to begin a shared universe if it was successful. After Man of Steel did well, Warner Bros. announced a follow-up called Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), which officially started the DCEU. In 2014, a list of 11 DCEU films was announced.

In 2016, Warner Bros. created DC Films because Batman v Superman didn't meet their expectations and got mixed reviews. This new division was meant to guide the DCEU's creative direction. After Justice League (2017) also struggled, Walter Hamada took over in 2018. The DCEU then expanded to TV with the show Peacemaker in 2022.

In 2022, Warner Bros. Discovery was formed. The new CEO, David Zaslav, wanted to change the DCEU. He looked for a creative leader like Kevin Feige of Marvel Studios. James Gunn and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios. In 2023, they announced their plans for the DC Universe (DCU), which is a new version of the DCEU.

Films of the DCEU

The DC Extended Universe included 15 films released between 2013 and 2023. Here's a look at each one:

Films of the DC Extended Universe
Film U.S. release date Director Screenwriter(s) Story by Producer(s)
Man of Steel June 14, 2013 (2013-06-14) Zack Snyder David S. Goyer David S. Goyer & Christopher Nolan Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, and Deborah Snyder
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice March 25, 2016 (2016-03-25) Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder
Suicide Squad August 5, 2016 (2016-08-05) David Ayer Charles Roven and Richard Suckle
Wonder Woman June 2, 2017 (2017-06-02) Patty Jenkins Allan Heinberg Zack Snyder & Allan Heinberg and Jason Fuchs Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, and Richard Suckle
Justice League November 17, 2017 (2017-11-17) Zack Snyder Chris Terrio and Joss Whedon Chris Terrio & Zack Snyder Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Jon Berg, and Geoff Johns
Aquaman December 21, 2018 (2018-12-21) James Wan David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall Geoff Johns & James Wan and Will Beall Peter Safran and Rob Cowan
Shazam! April 5, 2019 (2019-04-05) David F. Sandberg Henry Gayden Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke Peter Safran
Birds of Prey February 7, 2020 (2020-02-07) Cathy Yan Christina Hodson Margot Robbie, Bryan Unkeless, and Sue Kroll
Wonder Woman 1984 December 25, 2020 (2020-12-25) Patty Jenkins Patty Jenkins & Geoff Johns & Dave Callaham Patty Jenkins & Geoff Johns Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot, and Stephen Jones
Zack Snyder's Justice League March 18, 2021 (2021-03-18) Zack Snyder Chris Terrio Chris Terrio & Zack Snyder and Will Beall Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder
The Suicide Squad August 5, 2021 (2021-08-05) James Gunn Charles Roven and Peter Safran
Black Adam October 21, 2022 (2022-10-21) Jaume Collet-Serra Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and Dany Garcia
Shazam! Fury of the Gods March 17, 2023 (2023-03-17) David F. Sandberg Henry Gayden and Chris Morgan Peter Safran
The Flash June 16, 2023 (2023-06-16) Andy Muschietti Christina Hodson John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein and Joby Harold Barbara Muschietti and Michael Disco
Blue Beetle August 18, 2023 (2023-08-18) Ángel Manuel Soto Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer John Rickard and Zev Foreman
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom December 22, 2023 (2023-12-22) James Wan David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick James Wan & David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Jason Momoa & Thomas Pa'a Sibbett Peter Safran, James Wan, and Rob Cowan

Man of Steel (2013)

Zack Snyder by Gage Skidmore 2
Zack Snyder, who directed Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League

This film introduces Clark Kent, who is actually Kal-El from the planet Krypton. He was sent to Earth as a baby. As an adult, he struggles to understand his powers and his purpose. He becomes the hero known as "Superman".

The idea for a modern Superman story came from writer David S. Goyer. Christopher Nolan helped produce the film, and Zack Snyder directed it. Henry Cavill was cast as Superman. Man of Steel was released on June 14, 2013.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

This movie brings together Batman from Gotham City and Superman. Batman fears Superman's power and tries to stop him. Meanwhile, a new danger threatens everyone.

Warner Bros. quickly planned a sequel to Man of Steel with Snyder directing again. This film also brought Batman into a main role. Ben Affleck was cast as Batman, joining Henry Cavill as Superman. The movie also introduced Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Ezra Miller as The Flash, Jason Momoa as Aquaman, and Ray Fisher as Cyborg. Batman v Superman was released on March 25, 2016. It takes place 18 months after Man of Steel.

Suicide Squad (2016)

After Superman's death, a secret government group gathers dangerous supervillains from prison. They send these villains on risky missions to save the world, promising them lighter sentences in return.

Warner Bros. announced Suicide Squad in 2014, with David Ayer as director and writer. The cast included Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Jared Leto. The film was released on August 5, 2016, and happens after Batman v Superman. Batman and The Flash also make brief appearances.

Wonder Woman (2017)

Patty Jenkins by Gage Skidmore (cropped)
Patty Jenkins, who directed Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman 1984

This film tells the story of Diana of Themyscira, an Amazon warrior and daughter of the god Zeus. She leaves her island home to help humanity during World War I.

Gal Gadot was cast as Wonder Woman. Patty Jenkins directed the film. Wonder Woman was released on June 2, 2017.

Justice League (2017)

After Superman's death, Batman and Wonder Woman decide to form a team of powerful heroes. They need to stop Steppenwolf, a dangerous villain looking for three powerful objects called Mother Boxes on Earth.

Zack Snyder was set to direct, and the main actors from previous films returned. During post-production, Snyder had to leave the project due to a family tragedy. Joss Whedon took over to finish the film, adding new scenes. Justice League was released on November 17, 2017.

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

Many fans wanted to see Zack Snyder's original version of Justice League. They felt the movie released in theaters was very different from his vision. In 2020, Snyder announced that his version, a four-hour film, would be released on HBO Max on March 18, 2021. This version cost about $70 million to complete and included new visual effects and scenes. Snyder said this version was like an alternate universe and wouldn't change the main DCEU story.

Aquaman (2018)

James Wan at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con (27976781713) (1)
James Wan, the director of the Aquaman films

Arthur Curry is half-human and half-Atlantean. He must lead the underwater kingdom of Atlantis against his half-brother, King Orm, who wants to unite the seven underwater kingdoms to attack the surface world.

Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry / Aquaman. James Wan directed the film. Aquaman was released on December 21, 2018. It takes place after the events of Justice League.

Shazam! (2019)

David F. Sandberg by Gage Skidmore 2
David F. Sandberg, the director of the Shazam! films

Billy Batson is a 14-year-old foster child. When he says "Shazam!", he can turn into an adult superhero with amazing powers. He tries to learn how to use his new abilities while fighting the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.

David F. Sandberg directed Shazam!. Zachary Levi plays the adult Shazam, and Asher Angel plays Billy Batson. The film was released on April 5, 2019, and is set after Justice League.

Birds of Prey (2020)

Cathy Yan, January 2020
Cathy Yan, the director of Birds of Prey

When a young girl named Cassandra Cain finds a diamond belonging to the crime boss Black Mask, Harley Quinn teams up with Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya to protect her.

Cathy Yan directed this film, with Margot Robbie returning as Harley Quinn from Suicide Squad. The movie was released on February 7, 2020, and takes place after Suicide Squad.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Diana Prince faces new challenges during the Cold War in the 1980s. She encounters two powerful enemies: Maxwell Lord and Cheetah.

Patty Jenkins returned to direct, and Gal Gadot reprised her role as Wonder Woman. The film was released on December 25, 2020, in theaters and on HBO Max. In a scene after the credits, Lynda Carter, who played Wonder Woman in a 1970s TV show, appears as the legendary Amazon warrior Asteria.

The Suicide Squad (2021)

James Gunn (28557194032) (cropped)
James Gunn, the writer and director of The Suicide Squad and the TV series Peacemaker

Amanda Waller sends a new team of villains, called Task Force X, on a dangerous mission. They must destroy a old Nazi laboratory that holds dangerous experiments.

James Gunn wrote and directed this film. Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, and Viola Davis returned to their roles from the first Suicide Squad film. The Suicide Squad was released on August 5, 2021, and is set in 2021.

Black Adam (2022)

After being given the powers of Egyptian gods and then imprisoned for nearly 5,000 years, Black Adam is finally freed. He is ready to bring his own kind of justice to the modern world.

Dwayne Johnson stars as Black Adam. The film also introduces the Justice Society of America, including Hawkman, Atom Smasher, Cyclone, and Doctor Fate. Black Adam was released on October 21, 2022. Henry Cavill also appears as Superman in a scene after the credits.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

Billy Batson and his foster siblings, who can all turn into superheroes by saying "Shazam!", must fight the Daughters of Atlas. These powerful beings want to use a weapon that could destroy the world.

David F. Sandberg returned to direct, and Zachary Levi reprised his role as Shazam. The film was released on March 17, 2023. It is set about two years after the first Shazam! movie.

The Flash (2023)

Barry Allen travels back in time to stop his mother's murder. However, this causes unexpected problems and changes the timeline.

Ezra Miller stars as Barry Allen / The Flash. Andy Muschietti directed the film. The Flash explores the idea of the multiverse, showing different versions of characters. It features Michael Keaton returning as Batman from his 1989 film, and Sasha Calle as Supergirl. Ben Affleck also returns as the DCEU's Batman. The film was released on June 16, 2023. It was meant to "reset" some parts of the DCEU story.

Blue Beetle (2023)

Angel Manuel Soto 01
Ángel Manuel Soto, the director of Blue Beetle

After graduating from college, Jaime Reyes returns home. He is chosen by an ancient alien object called the Scarab, which gives him a powerful armored suit. This turns him into the superhero Blue Beetle.

Xolo Maridueña plays Jaime Reyes. Ángel Manuel Soto directed the film. Blue Beetle was first planned for HBO Max but was later released in theaters on August 18, 2023. This film is meant to be "totally disconnected" from the earlier DCEU movies and can be part of the new DCU.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

Four years after the first Aquaman movie, Arthur Curry must protect Atlantis and his family. A villain named David Kane / Black Manta has found a powerful, cursed weapon. To stop him, Aquaman has to ask for help from an unlikely ally: his brother, Orm.

James Wan returned to direct, and Jason Momoa reprised his role as Aquaman. The film was released on December 22, 2023. It is the final film in the DCEU timeline.

Short Films

Epilogue: Etta's Mission (2017)

This short film was included with the Blu-ray release of Wonder Woman. It takes place after the main events of the movie.

Television Series

The DCEU also included one television series.

Series Season Episodes Originally aired Showrunner
First aired Last aired
Peacemaker 1 8 January 13, 2022 (2022-01-13) February 17, 2022 (2022-02-17) James Gunn

Peacemaker season 1 (2022)

This series is a spin-off from The Suicide Squad. It follows Christopher Smith / Peacemaker on a secret mission to fight "butterflies," which are parasitic creatures taking over humans.

James Gunn wrote and directed many episodes. John Cena returned as Peacemaker. The first three episodes were released on January 13, 2022, on HBO Max. The series is set five months after The Suicide Squad. Other DCEU characters like Amanda Waller, Aquaman, and The Flash also make appearances.

The DCEU Timeline

The DCEU films don't always state their exact years, but here's how they generally fit together:

  • Wonder Woman (1918) and Wonder Woman 1984 (1984) happen first.
  • Man of Steel takes place after these, showing the arrival of Superman.
  • Batman v Superman happens 18 months after Man of Steel, leading to Superman's death.
  • Suicide Squad and Justice League follow, about one and two years later, focusing on the world after Superman's death.
  • Aquaman takes place right after Zack Snyder's Justice League.
  • Shazam! is set during Christmas 2018.
  • Birds of Prey is set in 2020.
  • Shazam! Fury of the Gods is set about two years after the first Shazam!, around 2021.
  • The Suicide Squad is confirmed to be in 2021.
  • Peacemaker is set five months after The Suicide Squad.
  • Black Adam happens shortly after Peacemaker.
  • Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is set four years after the first Aquaman.
  • The Flash is set in 2023, but also visits an alternative 2013.
  • Blue Beetle is the final film in the DCEU timeline.

Recurring Characters

Many actors played the same characters across multiple DCEU films and shows. Here are some of the main recurring characters:

List indicator(s)

This section includes characters who have appeared in three or more installments.

  • An empty, dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the film.
  •  A indicates an appearance through archival footage or audio.
  •  C indicates a cameo role.
  •  E indicates an appearance not included in the theatrical cut.
  •  G indicates a guest appearance in the season.
  •  P indicates an appearance in onscreen photographs.
  •  S indicates an appearance through use of special effects.
  •  U indicates an uncredited appearance.
Character Film Television
Man of Steel Batman v Superman:
Dawn of Justice
Suicide Squad films Wonder Woman films Justice League films Aquaman films Shazam films Birds of Prey Black Adam The Flash Peacemaker
Barry Allen
The Flash
Ezra Miller Ezra Miller Ezra Miller Ezra Miller
Arthur Curry
Aquaman
Jason Momoa Jason Momoa Jason Momoa Jason Momoa Jason Momoa
Thomas Curry Temuera Morrison Temuera Morrison
John Economos Steve Agee Steve Agee Steve Agee
Rick Flag Joel Kinnaman Joel Kinnaman
George "Digger" Harkness
Captain Boomerang
Jai Courtney Jai Courtney Jai Courtney
Kal-El / Clark Kent
Superman
Henry Cavill Henry Cavill Ryan Hadley Henry Cavill Henry Cavill Brad Abramenko
Emilia Harcourt Jennifer Holland Jennifer Holland Jennifer Holland Jennifer Holland
Hippolyta Connie Nielsen
Joker Jared Leto Jared Leto John Goth
Jared Leto
J'onn J'onzz /
Calvin Swanwick
Martian Manhunter
Harry Lennix Harry Lennix
Jonathan Kent Kevin Costner Kevin Costner Kevin Costner
Martha Kent Diane Lane Diane Lane
Lois Lane Amy Adams Amy Adams
Mera Amber Heard Amber Heard
Alfred Pennyworth Jeremy Irons Jeremy Irons Jeremy Irons
Diana Prince
Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot Gal Gadot Gal Gadot Gal Gadot Kimberley von Ilberg
Harleen Quinzel
Harley Quinn
Margot Robbie Margot Robbie
Shazam
The Wizard
Djimon Hounsou Djimon Hounsou
Christopher Smith
Peacemaker
John Cena John Cena
Victor Stone
Cyborg
Ray Fisher Ray Fisher
Steve Trevor Chris Pine Chris Pine
Amanda Waller Viola Davis Viola Davis Viola Davis
Bruce Wayne
Batman
Ben Affleck Ben Affleck Ben Affleck Ben Affleck
General Zod Michael Shannon Michael Shannon Michael Shannon

The DCEU and the Multiverse

In 2014, DC said their films and TV shows would be separate, unlike Marvel's connected universe. This was to let creators tell the best stories without being tied to everything else.

However, in 2020, the DCEU was connected to The CW's Arrowverse TV shows through a special event called "Crisis on Infinite Earths." Ezra Miller's Flash from the DCEU even met Grant Gustin's Flash from the Arrowverse. This showed that different versions of characters could exist in a larger "multiverse."

Walter Hamada, then President of DC Films, said that all past, present, and future DC projects are part of this big multiverse. This means that all the different movies and shows you've seen are valid and exist in the same huge universe.

The New DC Universe (DCU)

In January 2023, James Gunn and Peter Safran announced the first projects for the new DCU. This new series of films and TV shows is called "Chapter One: Gods and Monsters." It includes movies like Superman (coming in 2025), The Authority, and The Brave and the Bold. It also has TV shows like Waller and Creature Commandos.

Gunn and Safran said that Superman (2025) will be the real start of the new DCU. They explained that the DCEU movies are like a "rough memory" for the new DCU. The film The Flash was used to reset some parts of the universe to lead into the DCU. As of October 2023, it was reported that actors from Snyder's DCEU films would not play their roles in the new DCU.

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See also

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