DC fans just got their best look yet at David Corenswet’s Superman—and the timing couldn’t be better. On May 13, 2025, James Gunn revealed the first full theatrical poster for his upcoming film Superman, giving fans a hopeful, nostalgic, and modern vision of the Man of Steel just one day before the highly anticipated trailer drops.
Corenswet’s Superman stands tall and serene, arms crossed with a subtle smile that immediately recalls the iconic calm and confidence of Christopher Reeve’s portrayal. The suit, a modernized yet faithful take on the classic red-and-blue, is basked in warm golden sunlight that radiates hope—a clear sign that Gunn is steering Superman back to his roots as a beacon of optimism.
The artwork also reflects Gunn’s stated intent for this film: to portray Superman not as a god or brooding outsider, but as a deeply human figure trying to balance his Kryptonian legacy with his Midwestern upbringing. The bright skies, the classic pose, and the strong but kind demeanor all underline that message.
Motion Poster and Marketing Momentum
Just a day earlier, Warner Bros. released a dynamic motion poster featuring Superman lifting off into the skies with cosmic streaks and stars behind him. Versions of the teaser also include a glimpse of Krypto the Superdog, confirming his place in the new DC Universe (DCU). This is part of a multi-step marketing rollout that’s finally accelerating after months of quiet development.
The motion visuals carry a stylized, vibrant energy that feels more aligned with golden-age superhero cinema than the darker tones of the previous DCEU films. Gunn seems to be drawing on a mix of timeless iconography and modern cinematic flair to establish a tone that’s welcoming to longtime fans and newcomers alike.
What We Know About the Film
Superman, written and directed by James Gunn, is the inaugural project of DC Studios’ new continuity—Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. This movie is designed to act as the foundational piece for an interconnected DCU, similar in ambition to Marvel’s early Iron Man and Avengers era.
The cast is stacked with familiar and fresh faces. Alongside Corenswet’s Clark Kent, the film stars Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Other characters set to appear include Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), and of course, Krypto.
This approach suggests Gunn’s Superman will exist in a fully-formed world already populated by superheroes, shifting away from the “origin story” formula while still grounding the narrative in Superman’s emotional journey.
A Shift in Superhero Cinema
There’s more at stake here than just another Superman reboot. The success or failure of this film will be a bellwether for the future of the DCU, which is undergoing a full creative reset under Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran. After years of inconsistent tone and box office disappointments, Superman is being positioned not just as a crowd-pleaser—but as the redemption arc for the entire DC brand.
The poster’s classic yet energized presentation seems to echo what fans and critics alike have been craving: a Superman who inspires again. Gunn’s social media teases have emphasized this as well, repeatedly highlighting themes of compassion, hope, and moral clarity in a time when superhero films are often dominated by anti-heroes and moral ambiguity.
Looking Ahead
The first full trailer for Superman is set to premiere on May 14, and all signs point to a major tonal reset for DC on the big screen. The trailer will likely give us a better sense of the film’s narrative, action set-pieces, and supporting cast dynamics. But for now, this poster has done exactly what it needed to do: remind the world what Superman can be.
Superman flies into theaters on July 11, 2025, and with the poster now out in the wild and the trailer on deck, excitement is officially taking off.
DC Movies in Order
DC movies have given fans incredible superhero stories over the years. With characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, these films transport viewers into a world of heroism and adventure. The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) includes 15 movies that can be watched in either release order starting with “Man of Steel” (2013) or chronological order based on when the stories take place.
For newcomers to the DC universe, understanding the right order helps make sense of the overlapping storylines and character development. Some films like “Wonder Woman” (2017) received high praise with a 93% rating, while others like “Wonder Woman 1984” (2020) and “Man of Steel” had more mixed reviews. The complete collection includes popular titles such as “Aquaman,” “Shazam!,” and “The Batman.”
The DC movie landscape continues to evolve with recent additions like “Blue Beetle,” “The Flash,” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Fans can enjoy these stories individually or experience them as part of the larger connected universe that DC has built over the past decade.
Here’s a full guide to watching DC movies in order, covering both release order and chronological story order. This includes the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) as well as the newly rebooted DC Universe (DCU) starting with James Gunn’s “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.”
DC Movies in Release Order
DCEU (2013–2023) – Zack Snyder’s Universe
- Man of Steel (2013)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Suicide Squad (2016)
- Wonder Woman (2017)
- Justice League (2017)
- Aquaman (2018)
- Shazam! (2019)
- Birds of Prey (2020)
- Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
- The Suicide Squad (2021)
- Black Adam (2022)
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
- The Flash (2023)
- Blue Beetle (2023)
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
Optional: Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) – a director’s cut that diverges from the 2017 theatrical version.
New DCU (2025 Onward) – James Gunn’s Rebooted Universe
- Creature Commandos (2024) – animated series
- Superman (2025) – formerly titled Superman: Legacy
This begins a fresh timeline. Some actors like Viola Davis (Amanda Waller) and John Cena (Peacemaker) will return, but most continuity is being reset.
Standalone DC Movies (Non-DCEU / Elseworlds)
These movies exist outside the main DCEU/DCU continuity:
- Joker (2019)
- The Batman (2022)
- Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
- The Batman: Part II (2026)
DC Movies in Chronological Order (Story Timeline)
- Wonder Woman (set during WWI)
- Wonder Woman 1984 (set in 1984)
- Man of Steel
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
- Suicide Squad
- Justice League (or Zack Snyder’s Justice League)
- Aquaman
- Shazam!
- Birds of Prey
- The Suicide Squad
- Black Adam
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods
- The Flash (features multiverse resets)
- Blue Beetle
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Notes for New Viewers
- The Flash (2023) acts as a reset point using multiverse logic, leading into the new DCU.
- Blue Beetle was confirmed by James Gunn as the first DCU character, but not the first DCU film.
- Future DCU projects will be connected across film, TV, animation, and video games under a single continuity.
Key Takeaways
- DC’s movie universe consists of 15 interconnected films that can be watched in either release date or chronological story order.
- Popular DC films include “Wonder Woman,” “Man of Steel,” and “The Batman,” featuring iconic heroes from the DC comics.
- Recent additions to the DC movie lineup include “Blue Beetle,” “The Flash,” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”
Current Landscape of DC Movies
The DC movie universe is undergoing significant changes with new leadership, exciting upcoming releases, and a shift in creative direction. Recent films have set the stage for an expanded multiverse concept while future projects promise to deliver fresh takes on beloved characters.
Recent Releases and Upcoming Attractions
DC’s recent film slate has seen mixed critical reception but continues to expand the universe in new directions. “The Flash” (2023) introduced multiverse concepts that opened doors for narrative possibilities, while “Blue Beetle” brought fresh diversity to superhero storytelling. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” served as Jason Momoa’s second solo outing as the underwater hero.
Looking ahead, “The Batman Part II” is scheduled for October 2026, continuing Robert Pattinson’s darker take on the Caped Crusader. This film exists outside the main DC Universe as part of the “Elseworlds” banner.
“Superman: Legacy” marks the official beginning of the new DC Universe under James Gunn’s creative vision. Set for July 2025, it stars David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.
Expanding the DC Universe
DC is moving beyond the constraints of the former DCEU structure toward a more cohesive narrative universe. The new plan includes interconnected stories across film, television, and animation.
Projects in development include “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” featuring a different take on the character than previously seen. The Supergirl film will draw inspiration from Tom King’s comic series with the same name.
Warner Bros. Discovery has embraced the “Elseworlds” concept for stories outside the main continuity. This approach allows for creative freedom while maintaining a core universe. Films like “Joker: Folie à Deux” and “The Batman” series exist in their own separate timelines.
DC Studios’ New Leadership
In October 2022, James Gunn and Peter Safran were appointed as co-CEOs of DC Studios. This leadership change signaled a major shift in creative direction for the franchise.
Gunn and Safran have outlined a 10-year plan for DC content across various media platforms. Their “Gods and Monsters” storyline will serve as Chapter One of this new era. The duo has emphasized creating a more unified approach to storytelling across the DC multiverse.
The new leadership has made difficult decisions, including moving away from previous DCEU elements like Henry Cavill’s Superman. They’ve prioritized creating a consistent universe with interconnected stories while still allowing for standalone “Elseworlds” projects.
Warner Bros. Discovery has shown strong support for this new direction, giving Gunn and Safran significant creative control over the DC brand.
Key Characters and Storylines
The DC Universe features an array of complex characters and interconnected storylines that have evolved significantly over time. These narratives create a rich tapestry of superhero sagas spanning different time periods and realities.
Iconic Heroes and Villains
Batman stands as DC’s brooding vigilante, portrayed across multiple films with different actors bringing unique perspectives to the character. Superman represents hope and extraordinary power, serving as the foundation of many DC storylines. Wonder Woman bridges ancient mythology with modern heroism, with films set during World War I and the 1980s.
The Flash introduces time travel and the multiverse concept to the DC film world. Black Adam expands the universe with an anti-hero from ancient times with god-like powers.
On the villain side, the Joker remains Batman’s iconic nemesis, while Harley Quinn evolved from sidekick to independent character with her own storylines. Other notable antagonists include Lex Luthor, Steppenwolf, and various members of the Suicide Squad.
Evolution of DC’s Superhero Sagas
The DC Extended Universe began with “Man of Steel” (2013) but has grown to encompass multiple timelines and storytelling approaches. The Justice League represents the cornerstone team-up, bringing together Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg.
The Suicide Squad offers a different perspective, focusing on villains forced to work together. Peacemaker spun off into his own series, expanding character development beyond the main films.
Recent DC plans involve creating more cohesive storylines divided into chapters, beginning with “Gods and Monsters” in 2024. Future projects include “The Brave and the Bold” and “The Authority,” suggesting a more interconnected approach to storytelling.
Films like “Flashpoint Paradox” explore alternate timelines, allowing DC to reset or modify its continuity while maintaining core character elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
DC movies have a complex viewing order with many interconnected storylines and upcoming releases. Fans often have questions about how to approach the DC universe for the best viewing experience.
What is the chronological order of DC movies for viewing?
The chronological order of DC movies starts with Wonder Woman (2017), set during World War I, followed by Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) in the 1980s.
Next comes Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Suicide Squad (2016).
Viewers should then watch Justice League (or Zack Snyder’s Justice League), followed by Aquaman, The Flash, and the more recent additions to the universe.
Which DC Universe movies are set to be released in the near future?
Several DC movies are currently planned for future release. The most anticipated is “Superman,” directed by James Gunn, which will launch the new DCU.
Other upcoming films include “The Batman Part II,” “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” and “Swamp Thing.”
The new DCU structure under James Gunn and Peter Safran aims to create a more cohesive universe compared to previous DC films.
Can you provide a list of all DC movies by their release year?
The DC Extended Universe began with Man of Steel (2013), followed by Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad (2016).
Wonder Woman, Justice League (2017), Aquaman (2018), and Shazam!, Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) came next.
The more recent releases include The Suicide Squad, Black Adam (2022), Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023).
In what sequence should Shazam and Black Adam be watched?
Shazam! (2019) should be watched before Black Adam (2022), as it was released earlier and establishes some of the mystical elements of the DC universe.
While the characters share comic book connections, their movies are relatively standalone. There isn’t a crucial narrative link between them in the films.
Viewing Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) after Black Adam makes sense from a release order perspective, though they don’t directly reference each other.
What is the latest DC movie to be released, and when?
The latest DC movie to be released was “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” which premiered in December 2023. It starred Jason Momoa returning as Arthur Curry/Aquaman.
This film concluded what is now considered the old DCEU continuity before the new DCU begins under James Gunn’s leadership.
The movie served as a sequel to the highly successful 2018 “Aquaman” film and featured the return of director James Wan.
How are the upcoming DC movies expected to fit into the new DCEU structure?
The upcoming DC movies will follow a more coordinated approach under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership. They’ve developed a plan called “Gods and Monsters” for the first chapter of the new DCU.
Some projects will exist outside the main continuity as “DC Elseworlds” stories, similar to “The Batman” with Robert Pattinson.
This new structure aims to create a more coherent narrative across films, TV shows, animation, and games, addressing previous criticisms about inconsistency in the old DCEU.
