The DC Universe seems to be shaping up nicely under the stewardship of the capable James Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran. Reflecting this positive trajectory, Gunn has recently revealed some thrilling updates for the DCU fans.

DCU Studios appears to be on the right track to reclaim its former glory after the tumultuous end of the DCEU in 2023. With a slate of new films and series in development, fresh takes on beloved heroes and villains from the DC canon are on the horizon, generating excitement among fans and critics. As enthusiasts eagerly anticipate what Gunn and his team have in store, there’s encouraging news for DCU supporters: Gunn has recently shared some updates about two significant projects that could play a crucial role in the future of the DC Universe.

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James Gunn recently interacted with a fan on Instagram who requested a hint about future plans for Deathstroke, saying, "Please wink if you have plans for Deathstroke; I am waiting for my boy to shine for so long." Gunn quickly responded with a winking emoji, a subtle yet telling reply suggesting that DC Studios may indeed have exciting plans for Deathstroke. It appears Slade Wilson, the character who never got a significant role in the DCEU, might now have a promising future in the new DC Universe under Gunn’s direction. Similarly, the DC Studios CEO was recently queried on Threads about the rumors of Teen Titans starting production in late 2024. However, the Superman director has not confirmed that the project is in development and simply responded with "No" when asked about that specific start date. Despite this, fans remain optimistic and continue to look forward to positive updates on the Teen Titans project.

Gunn's recent confirmation of Deathstroke's involvement arrives over a year following his previous hint at the character's inclusion in his long-term vision for the DCU. At that time, Gunn tantalizingly suggested that Deathstroke “might be” part of the DCU, leaving fans speculating about the project's direction with only those cryptic words to ponder. Also, in March 2024, news emerged that playwright-turned-screenwriter Ana Nogueira had been selected to craft the script for Teen Titans following her impressive work on Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which caught the attention of studio heads Gunn and Safran. Nogueira's journey into the DC universe began quietly when she was enlisted to pen the Supergirl film for Warner Bros. during the development of The Flash spin-off for the DCEU. Despite the Sasha Calle-led movie being in post-production at the time, the project was abandoned when Gunn and Safran assumed control of DC Studios, steering away from Walter Hamada's previously planned DCEU roadmap.

Although numerous projects could feature Deathstroke, it's logical to introduce him in DCU’s Teen Titans cinematic adventure. Within the comic realm, the infamous mercenary stands as a key adversary to the Teen Titans, making this union a compelling narrative choice. Originating in 1964, the Teen Titans hold a rich legacy in DC lore. While the Titans haven't graced the big screen, the live-action series Titans on Max delved into their conflict with Deathstroke, offering a taste of what's to come. The acclaimed 2003 Teen Titans animated series united beloved characters like Robin, Raven, Cyborg, Starfire, and Beast Boy, engaging in epic battles against formidable foes such as the Brotherhood of Evil, Trigon, and Deathstroke.

Initially, plans for Deathstroke hinted at him uncovering Batman's secret identity in a Justice League post-credits scene, courtesy of Lex Luthor. This setup was intended to set the stage for a showdown in The Batman. However, plans shifted with Ben Affleck's departure from the director's chair and Joss Whedon's Justice League reshoots, where Slade Wilson found himself aligned with the "Injustice Society" instead. At one point, there were even murmurs of a Deathstroke spin-off led by The Raid's Gareth Evans, heightening anticipation for what lies ahead in the DC Universe.

The development status of Deathstroke and the Teen Titans remains undisclosed within the DC Universe projects.

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