What Lies Ahead for DC After the Flash’s “Time Reset”?
Over a decade of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), audiences have become very accustomed to seeing certain superheroes represented by their iconic actors: Batman has to be Ben Affleck, Superman must be Henry Cavill, Wonder Woman is undoubtedly Gal Gadot, Aquaman is Jason Momoa, and even the infamous anti-hero Harley Quinn is represented by Margot Robbie.
However, following the events of The Flash, new possibilities could completely reshape the DC universe. This scenario aligns with the plans to develop a new cinematic universe under James Gunn’s guidance.
DC fans have expressed their excitement after watching The Flash: “A world without Superman is truly a dangerous place.” Whether intentional or not, the film serves as a significant stepping stone for the DC universe under James Gunn, with Superman: Legacy as its first major project, which Gunn himself is writing and directing. This highlights Superman’s enduring legacy in this superhero realm.
It seems certain that Henry Cavill will not reprise his role as Superman in this new universe. Currently, several names are rumored for the role of Superman, including Nicholas Hoult, David Corenswet, and Tom Brittney. Meanwhile, potential candidates for the role of Lois Lane include Emma Mackey from Sex Education, Phoebe Dynevor from Bridgerton, and Rachel Brosnahan.
Moreover, The Flash opens the door for the introduction of multiple Batman iterations, paving the way for a new Batman in the upcoming DCU film The Brave and the Bold.
The appearance of Supergirl, Kara Zor-El, has garnered mixed responses from audiences in The Flash, but it also sets the stage for her own standalone film, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which DC Studios promises will be a “new version for the audience.”
Insights into the “Near Future” of the DCEU
Although it is regarded as a film aimed at resetting the DC universe, in reality, The Flash is not the final film of Zack Snyder’s era that transitions into James Gunn’s leadership. The DCEU still has two other films set to release: Blue Beetle in August and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in December of this year.
However, Blue Beetle seems to have little connection to the events of the DCEU, allowing audiences to experience it as a standalone film. The first installment of Aquaman also follows suit, with its events depicted quite distinctly from the DCEU, focusing more on the origins of the underwater king.
The post-credit scene of The Flash hints at Aquaman still being connected to the members of the Justice League. Thus, audiences may not only have to rely on the upcoming Aquaman film, but can also look forward to Aquaman’s future within the DCU under James Gunn’s direction.
THE FLASH is currently screening in various formats, including 2D, IMAX 2D, 4DX, and ScreenX.
