Why DC Movies Releasing in 2023 Can Change the Future of the DCEU?

There are many DC movies waiting in 2023: one of them is currently in theaters, Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Here are 5 reasons why these films will be important to the future of the DC universe.

The four DC films set for release in 2023 can begin to shape a more definite cinematic future for theDC Universe. It’s no secret that DC’s films have had some trouble creating a cohesive live-action film franchise over the past decade. Now, Warner Bros. is ending the DC Extended Universe with four films that will conclude the universe established by The man of Steelpaving the way for the emergence of a brand new franchise, with no connection to the now defunct Snyderverse.

The new selection of the DCU, directed by James Gunn and Peter Safran, will introduce a new universe filled with popular DC characters such as Superman and the Swamp Thing, starting with the first chapter of the DCU, Gods and Monsters. To get there, though, the DCEU will have to gradually transition from Shazam! Fury of the GodsThe Flash, Blue Beetle And Aquaman and the lost kingdom. Each of these theatrical releases can provide a small tease as to how the DCEU will make way for the DCU.

Here are 5 reasons why DC movies releasing in 2023 will be key to the future of the DC universe

1. The DC Movie The Flash

due out in 2023, is the key to rebooting the universe

The Flash by Andy Muschietti is arguably the most important DC film in the transition between the DCEU and DCU, as Barry Allen’s dangerous journey through the DC multiverse will permanently affect the DC canon with changes such as the introduction of Michael Keaton’s Batman and Sasha’s Supergirl Calle, as well as the return of General Zod and the potential rewrite of the entire DCEU timeline. The multiverse concept allows a The Flash to leave all the variables perfectly aligned for a franchise-level reboot, which can leave the DCU free to start a new universe from scratch.

As the trailers of The Flash, Henry Cavill’s Superman could be replaced by Sasha Calle’s Supergirl and Michael Keaton’s Batman could replace Ben Affleck’s. However, The Flash it can also reveal that these two new heroes won’t be able to return to the DCU. Other major DC characters like Jason Momoa’s Aquaman and Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman may by implication survive the multiversal changes wrought by Barry Allen, but the ripples that The Flash will have in the DC multiverse could suggest that no DCEU character will be safe from being replaced. It all depends on how Barry Allen’s multiversal adventure ends.

2. Aquaman and the lost kingdom can fix (or change) Jason Momoa’s DC future

Although Jason Momoa’s Aquaman has been a popular part of the DCEU and Aquaman of James Wan remains the highest grossing DC film ever, there have been some rumors about the casting of Jason Momoa as the anti-hero Lobo. Jason Momoa has expressed his love for Lobo, and DCU head Peter Safran has acknowledged Momoa’s interest in playing the character. However, both also reassured Momoa’s commitment to Aquaman, at least until the release of Aquaman and the lost kingdom.

Aquaman and the lost kingdom He probably won’t reveal any new information about Jason Momoa’s possible character switch, but he will confirm where Aquaman ends up after the events of his latest DCEU-set film. The Aquaman sequel could address the Flash’s multiversal events and hint that he already takes place in a slightly different universe, or it could avoid any direct setup of Aquaman’s future entirely to allow the DCU to reinstate him. The appearance of another DC character in a post-credits scene could be the key to confirming Aquaman’s canon status.

3. DC’s 2023 movies may impact the future of the Batman universe

While Robert Pattinson stars in the standalone universe of The Batman, The Flash will bring back Ben Affleck and reintroduce Michael Keaton; at the same time, the DCU prepares to introduce a new Batman in The Brave and the Bold. With three current Batmans active and a new one on the way, DC movies may need to streamline the character and The Flash may be the first step in that direction. Ben Affleck’s Batman May Say His Final Farewell Before Barry Allen Rewrites The DCEU Timeline; in this way it can be revealed that Michael Keaton survives the in-universe restoration of him.

One major question left is Aquaman and the two Batmen’s Lost Kingdomwhich could confirm the status of the Dark Knight next The Flash or create even more questions about the DC multiverse. The return of Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton in Aquaman and the lost kingdom could suggest that more realities can survive the events of The Flash and that Barry Allen’s multiversal changes don’t prevent multiple versions of the same character from existing simultaneously. Aquaman and the lost kingdom it could be DC’s last chance to establish Batman’s future before the DCU wipes the slate clean.

4. Blue Beetle will be a test of DC’s Elseworlds strategy

It has not been confirmed if Blue Beetle will be a real Elseworlds movie set in his universe as The Batman by Matt Reeves e Joker by Todd Phillips, but the film will be narratively disconnected from the DCU and the DCEU. Given how close its release date is to the end of the DCEU and considering how tonally different it can be from other DC Elseworlds films, such as The Batman And Joker, Blue Beetle it’s the ideal film to test how successful standalone stories can be, whether they’re considered part of the main canon or not, when interconnectivity isn’t part of their strengths.

5. The 2023 DC movies will demonstrate how the DCEU transitions into the DCU

In general, the 2023 DC films have to juggle their stories and the narrative possibilities they leave open for the DCU. The current DC Universe could end with a vague hint of a new universe replacing the previous one, or it could directly address the fact that a major change has occurred, perhaps sparing DCEU Justice League characters like Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, but leaving behind others like Henry Cavill’s Superman. A lack of connective tissue between the DCEU and the DCU could be jarring, but it could also stave off future narrative issues. Likewise, a bridge between the two franchises could lead to confusion, but it could also explain the multiversal logistics behind the change.