Warner Bros. Discovery will reportedly be showcasing some major DC Universe updates at the Upfronts later this year. The DCU (formerly known as the DCEU) is about to be changed as everyone knows it. In November 2022, DC Studios was formed by Warner Bros. Discovery, replacing the previous DC Films division. James Gunn and Peter Safran were tapped to lead the new studio for Warner Bros. Discovery. Gunn and Safran are now in charge of TV, films, video games, and animation related to the DCU. According to Gunn, some of their plans are expected to be announced before February kicks off.
While the end of January will come with various DCU announcements, Gunn’s updates will obviously not be the only time in 2023 when major news is announced.
Since the year is just getting started, there are other media events happening later in 2023 that Warner Bros. and DC Studios will be part of to some degree. As revealed by Luiz Fernando, Warner Bros. Discovery is taking part in the 2023 Upfronts on May 17 in New York. The Upfronts are when networks and studios promote upcoming programming on their channels or streaming services. The future of the DCU will be part of the showcased content.
Since Upfronts is usually focused on television content, if DC is sharing the news at that event, that will likely mean updates for their products on HBO Max. By May, HBO Max will have reportedly completed its re-branding as they are combining it with Discovery Plus. According to a 2022 report, the new streaming service may be called “Max,” but that has yet to be finalized. However, there are some DC products that may or may not be disclosed at the Upfronts, both that are airing and in development.
For starters, it is very possible that whatever Gunn announces this month may get further updates on May 17. Since he is running a DCU that will be tying in movies and TV shows, the series may have a bigger spotlight at the Upfronts. There could also be some news about other shows that are disconnected from the DCU and stand on their own. Greg Berlanti’s upcoming Green Lantern TV series may be formally announced in May, especially if they have a new showrunner tapped. The Upfronts might be where the studio probably gives an update on J.J. Abrams’ Justice League Dark universe, as a team-up series has been in the works for a few years.
The Batman spinoff series, The Penguin, which is getting ready to start filming, may debut the first piece of footage during the Upfronts. Since The Penguin has already been picked up to series, the Upfronts is the ideal media event to start promoting the HBO Max drama. Upfronts is also where news and updates come out about animated series, which may be the case for Harley Quinn season 4. With Upfronts and Gunn’s coming January reveals, DCU fans should have plenty to look forward to in 2023.
Source: Luiz Fernando/Twitter
