DC Games Can’t Go Against the Grain in the Wake of James Gunn’s DCU

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In the upcoming years, the cinematic world based on DC Comics is poised for significant growth with numerous James Gunn’s DCU productions lined up. Following Max’s mature animated series “Creature Commandos,” which premiered in December 2024 and concludes on January 9, 2025, the first official film within this universe, “Superman,” is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025. The second season of “Peacemaker” is anticipated for August 2026.

The year 2026 may also bring the launch of the “Lanterns” TV series, as well as films like “Clayface” and “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.” However, before these, it would be beneficial for Warner Bros. Games to create more DC Comics video games that draw inspiration from the projects within the DCU.

Upcoming DC Comics Video Games Explained

At present, there are only two upcoming games derived from DC Comics that are yet to be released: “The Wolf Among Us 2” and a game titled “Wonder Woman,” developed by Monolith. It’s worth noting that “The Wolf Among Us” is adapted from the Fables series of comics published under DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint. The first season of this game was launched in 2013, but a sequel was initially announced in 2017 and subsequently postponed when TellTale Games ceased operations until it was revived by LCG Entertainment in 2019. “The Wolf Among Us 2” was officially unveiled at the 2019 Game Awards, with a projected release date of 2023; however, this has been pushed back. As of now, “The Wolf Among Us 2” is still under development.

At the 2021 Game Awards, Monolith Productions and Warner Bros. Games showcased a sneak peek of an upcoming Wonder Woman video game. As shared by Monolith, this game is expected to leverage their acclaimed Nemesis System from their previous Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War games. This game will be a single-player, open-world action title focusing on Diana of Themyscira, who aims to bring the Amazons together with contemporary humanity. Since 2021, there have been limited updates about Monolith’s Wonder Woman game, with rumors suggesting that production is challenging. As of now, neither The Wolf Among Us 2 nor Monolith’s Wonder Woman has a confirmed release date.

Potential New DC Games Inspired By The DCU

Although The Wolf Among Us 2 and Wonder Woman by Monolith have experienced multiple setbacks, Warner Bros. Games and DC Comics might initiate development on various games centered around characters appearing in James Gunn’s DCU movies. Previously, Gunn stated that his interpretation of Superman and other DC heroes would span across films, animation, and gaming, suggesting that games could potentially be created within the DCU instead of Arkhamverse or a separate gaming universe. Even though no official DCU game projects have been disclosed as of now, Warner Bros. has the potential to produce other games starring characters from the DCU to attract fans.

Based on David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman captivating a wide audience and paving the way into the DC Universe, it would be strategic for Warner Bros. and DC Comics to consider developing a standalone Superman video game. For years, fans have expressed their wish for the Man of Steel to have his own game, much like Batman’s Arkhamverse or PlayStation’s Spider-Man. If the 2025 Superman movie proves successful, this potential Superman game could garner significant popularity and contribute to cultivating a new wave of Superman enthusiasts.

This hypothetical Superman game might serve as a continuation or prequel to the 2025 film, or it could present an independent universe focusing on the best elements and characters of Superman, similar to 2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man, which stands apart from the MCU Spider-Man films.

DCU-Inspired Games Beyond the Trinity

Instead of continually focusing on the traditional trio of DC Comics heroes (Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman), Warner Bros. might consider creating games centered around lesser-known characters like Swamp Thing and Booster Gold. With these characters gaining attention through film and television adaptations in the DC Universe, it would be intriguing to develop unique games featuring them and their associates, distinct from typical Batman-themed titles.

For instance, a horror-themed Swamp Thing game could be developed, or perhaps Swamp Thing could be part of a Justice League Dark team, focusing on the mystical aspects of the DC Universe. Similarly, given Booster Gold’s comedic and sci-fi nature that revolves around becoming famous, Warner Bros. might create a Booster Gold game reminiscent of 2013’s Deadpool in terms of tone and style.

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2025-01-08 00:25