The DC Universe appears to have a big problem. While Matt Reeves' The Batman premiered to critical and major box office success, other DC films (including many that are part of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU)) have some scheduling changes that may impact their chances of success.
For instance, films like the Aquaman and Shazam sequels, as well as The Flash movie, and new properties like Black Adam, are all shifting their release dates. These schedule shifts could be due to a number of factors: the COVID-19 Pandemic, post-production issues, the re-evaluation of certain stunts and special effects, casting, and factors outside of production.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
It's been four years since Aquaman was released, making more than a billion dollars to become the highest-grossing DCEU film. James Wan's aquatic superhero adventure is effective thanks to charismatic performances (including the mighty Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry) and high-tech visuals (especially the underwater effects). The sequel aims to be even bigger and better than the original, most likely focusing on Curry's reign as King of Atlantis, and having to battle more enemies (including his ongoing feud with Black Manta).
There are several questions concerning Amber Heard, who starred in the first film as Mera, a powerful princess and Curry's love interest. Due to Heard's recent courtroom battle with ex-husband Johnny Depp, her involvement in the sequel is questionable considering several people have signed a petition demanding to remove her from the upcoming film, and to be replaced by another actress (many consider Blake Lively a good replacement). Heard's loss in the film would be a big one, but according to DC Films, Heard's role will remain intact for the sequel.
Considering the amount of special effects involved, including the aquatic footage, visual effects teams also need more time to work due to delays from the pandemic. The effects will be pivotal to the film since the sequel will focus more on Atlantis and the underwater kingdoms. The second Aquaman film is now scheduled for release in March 2023 instead of December 2022, which is understandable due to post-production duties.
The Flash
This feature marks the first solo film for Barry Allen/The Flash after his appearances in Batman v Superman and Justice League. This will be one of the most epic films from the DCEU because of its focus on time travel (like X-Men: Days of Future Past and Avengers: Endgame) and the inclusion of two versions of Batman (Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck). This film will also be essential in focusing on Barry's origin story, including the death of his mother, and how he became the Flash.
This film also went through extensive delays due to the pandemic, as well as several directors dropping out of the project before Andy Muschietti took the mantle. Star Ezra Miller has also been in trouble with the law, which has continued to persist with recent allegations of grooming and even appearing to taunt law enforcement with memes on their Instagram. This behavior has raised concerns over whether Ezra should continue to play Flash in the solo film and in any potential future films. Since it's reported that Ezra's Flash is already deep in development in the solo film, he could be replaced afterward or keep going in other DCEU films.
Instead of November 2022, The Flash is now scheduled to come out in theaters on June 2023. This might be a long way considering the extensive delays this film already has, but it won't be a major concern if the characters and story are strong, and the time travel concept is used effectively like in previous superhero epics. Depending on where the plot goes and how certain superheroes are brought together, it may very well lay the groundwork for future Flash and DCEU features.
Shazam!: Fury of the Gods
The first Shazam film became a hit in 2019, with praise for its comedy and lighter tone compared to Zack Snyder's darker DCEU films. Zachary Levi's role as Shazam is a welcome addition to the DCEU because he's powerful and has funny comedic timing, and also has a great team of superheroes with him. Originally scheduled for June 2023, the Shazam sequel is actually moving up to December 2022, a nice Christmas gift for DC fans who want a cool, heartwarming, and action-packed comic book film. Actresses Rachel Zegler (West Side Story), Lucy Liu, and Helen Mirren are newcomers to the sequel, bringing female power to the story.
Black Adam
Dwayne Johnson's upcoming comic book feature, Black Adam, is moving from July to October 2022, which is actually a fitting move since it's closer to the release date of Shazam!: Fury of the Gods. Black Adam and Shazam are nemeses who have God-like powers, meaning that their stories could collide and set up a potential showdown between both characters. Similar to Levi, Dwayne will bring much-needed energy and humor to his role as Adam and can shake things up in the DCEU.
DC League Of Super-Pets
This new DC film also involves Dwayne Johnson, as well as his good buddy Kevin Hart and the ageless Keanu Reeves. All three will be doing voiceover work in this animated feature, with Johnson voicing Superman's dog, Hart as the voice of Batman's dog, and Reeves as Batman, along with plenty of familiar DC heroes and their pets. The release date moved from May to July 2022, which could make it a must-see film of the summer. This could also be a game-changer if it leads the way for more family-friendly animated films for DC.
Batgirl and Other DC Features
Michael Keaton's portrayal of Batman will also appear in Batgirl, which is set for release on HBO Max this year, with Leslie Grace (In the Heights) playing the title role, and J.K. Simmons reprising his role as Commissioner James Gordon (which will hopefully be put to good use after his limited role in Justice League). Blue Beetle is another new film set for release in 2023, and like Batgirl, can be an elite addition to the DCEU, especially since they're both associated with groups like the Justice League, Suicide Squad, and/or Birds of Prey.
A third Wonder Woman film will also be in the works as well, but there are many questions, like whether Henry Cavill's Superman will return, or will the character be rebooted? Will there be more films involving the Justice League and Suicide Squad, and what will the path of the DCEU look like in the future? Regardless, the schedule shifts regarding these upcoming DC and DCEU features are justified because each of them should be done carefully and not be rushed and chaotic (like the 2017 version of Justice League). With several new films containing a combination of old and new characters, DC's future still appears bright and promising.