It seems that in the past several months, the DC Extended Universe has been experiencing a bit of a course correction. That course correction began in the middle of last year, when they created DC Films to help shepherd this entire universe in a specific direction. In the time since the release of Batman v Superman, we’ve seen film after film get announced: The Batman, Black Adam, Gotham City Sirens, Suicide Squad 2, Nightwing, and most recently, Batgirl. Add that to the original films they already had on their slate, and it’s not too difficult to notice that the viability of some of those films is kind of up in the air at this point.

So what is there plan? My gut as a curious fan wants them to hold another press conference to let us know how the rest of this universe will shake out. That being said, it was their forthrightness in the past that put them in this position. With a full slate announced, it becomes a red flag when any deviation is showed. Hence all the skepticism surrounding the health of the DC Extended Universe as a whole. From Warner Bros’ perspective, it would make a whole lot of sense for them to keep quiet, so we can’t question every move they make. But that doesn’t stop the rumors from circulating.

The latest of these rumors comes in the form of a supposed leak from 4chan. I think it’s worth mentioning that these, as with most leaks, they are of the anonymous sort, so this is hardly reputable. Regardless, it definitely warrants mentioning and a conversation. 

Here’s the first Big rumor:

• The plan for 2019 is to release four Batman related films. Gotham City Sirens around Valentine’s Day weekend, Nightwing on Memorial Day weekend, Batgirl in August and The Batman in November. The studio is doing this to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Batman.

That would be quite the ambitious slate. They’re having a hard enough time keeping to the schedule they set out with originally with two films a year, so what makes them think they can do four in one year? Additionally, I, like all fans would like them to take their time with these films, and as annoying it is for them to constantly delay their slate, I’d much rather them get them right than rush them out the door. This move seems to reek of rushing.

That being said, this is a move under the new Geoff Johns regime, and for all we know, they’ve spent the past eight months or so working hard behind the scenes to make it possible.

Here’s another rumor involving The Batman:

• The Batman film will still have Deathstroke but not as a main villain. Matt Reeves wants to do a larger scale Batman film that will include the Bat family as well as most of Batman’s rogues.

Those wanting to see Manganiello play the character may be happy to see that he will have a role, even if its not as a main villain.

More rumors surrounding Suicide Squad 2, Nightwing, and Dark Universe:

• Grant Wilson might be the villain for the Nightwing solo film. He is hired by Roland Desmond to take out all the mob bosses in Blüdhaven.

• Suicide Squad 2 or Dark Universe will most likely be taking Aquaman‘s previous release date.

The previous date for Aquaman was October 5, 2018. While this seems possible, it does conflict with the idea of having four Batman-related films in 2019. Additionally, having two DC films hit in late 2018 seems like a strange thing to do, rather than have one earlier in the year, but seeing that it leads into a four-film year, I suppose that’s not too strange.

Anyways, back to the rumors:

• Mel Gibson is no longer the front runner to direct the Suicide Squad sequel. Jaume Collet-Serra and Ruben Fleischer are now the top candidates. The script is currently being written with a story pitch given by Ayer. Killer Frost will be the new female lead to replace Harley Quinn.

• The Dark Universe script is going through final rewrites. Guillermo Del Toro’s old treatment was used as a base and was rewritten to connect to the universe. If Liman is ready, filming could start as early as summer.

However, perhaps the most interesting rumor comes int he form of this one:

• Four movies are also planned for 2020. Warner Bros wants to do two low budget/smaller scale films and two big budget/larger scale films per year.

In the past few months, we’ve seen big budget films start to flounder to get their piece of the tentpole pie, but the sad reality is that we have so many of them hit each year, that it’s hard for audiences to differentiate them. Hopefully by creating low budget films, and adding them into their more ambitious slate, they can up the diversity of their films, and find their special place among audiences in a way that Marvel can’t.

Finally, last two rumors regarding The Flash and Man of Steel 2:

• Jonathan Levine is in talks to direct The Flash. The film will most likely release in 2020.

• Matthew Vaughn will most likely write the Man of Steel sequel if he takes on the directional duties.

Okay, that’s a lot to digest in one sitting, and it may even be a bit too ambitious for its own good. However, we do know there has been a regime change in terms of how these films are getting planned, and with Geoff Johns at the helm, we certainly hope if these rumors are true, that it’s a sign that they have a better idea of where they’re taking things going forward.

What do you think of these rumors? Assuming they’re real, do you think this is a step in the right direction for the DCEU? Let us know in the comments down below!

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SOURCE: Reddit