Unraveling the Fate of Scrapped DCEU Films

The DCEU has experienced a tumultuous journey with numerous movies that were announced but ultimately never materialized.

In the years following its inception, the DCEU faced various challenges, resulting in the cancellation of several planned movies. The initial vision of launching a new DC franchise to rival the MCU after Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy was met with aspirations inspired by The Avengers’ success. However, the rushed approach to establish a cinematic universe, influenced by Marvel’s achievements, led to consequences affecting both box office performance and critical reception. The DCEU’s turbulent journey played a role in the cancellation of numerous projects before the franchise’s anticipated reboot into the upcoming DC Universe.

Here’s a closer look at some of the canceled DCEU movies:

• Harley Quinn vs. The Joker:
  • After the success of Suicide Squad, a movie featuring Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and Jared Leto’s Joker was reported. However, the project never materialized, and the narrative was integrated into the 2020 film Birds of Prey.

• Gotham City Sirens:
  • Initially teased by director David Ayer after Suicide Squad, this spin-off featuring Harley Quinn, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy as the Gotham City Sirens was eventually replaced by Birds of Prey.

• Jared Leto’s Joker Solo Movie:
  • A solo Joker film starring Jared Leto was reported in 2018 but was overshadowed by Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, which had no connections to the DCEU.

• Green Lantern Corps:
  • Announced in 2016 as part of the DCEU slate, the Green Lantern Corps project faced uncertainties and was not realized. Green Lanterns appeared in various forms, but a dedicated film never materialized.
• Justice League Part 2:
  • Initially planned as a two-part film by Zack Snyder, the troubled production and the release of Snyder’s cut did not pave the way for a Justice League sequel.
• Ben Affleck’s Batman Solo Movie:
  • Originally part of the DCEU slate, Ben Affleck’s solo Batman project faced challenges due to the reception of Batman v Superman and behind-the-scenes controversies.
• Cyborg:
  • A solo Cyborg film was part of the original DCEU slate, but no updates followed, and Ray Fisher’s accusations of mistreatment further cast doubt on the character’s return.
• Deathstroke:
  • Gareth Evans was set to direct a Deathstroke solo film starring Joe Manganiello, but the project, intended to be part of the Suicide Squad spin-offs, was ultimately abandoned.
• The Trench:
  • A spin-off following the success of Aquaman, named after one of the kingdoms of Atlantis, was announced in 2019 but was later canceled by Warner Bros. despite director James Wan’s continued involvement in the Aquaman franchise.

• New Gods:
  • Directed by Ava DuVernay, this film exploring Jack Kirby’s characters was announced in 2018 but was canceled in 2021, leaving uncertainties about its connection to the DCEU.
• Deadshot:
  • A solo movie starring Will Smith’s Deadshot was confirmed but later put on hold due to salary negotiations.
• Wonder Twins:
  • Initially announced for HBO Max, a Wonder Twins movie featuring KJ Apa and Isabel May was canceled due to budget concerns and a change in Warner Bros.’s leadership.
• Batgirl:
  • Originally set for an HBO Max release in 2022, Batgirl was abruptly canceled after the Discovery takeover, raising controversy and disappointment among fans.
• Black Canary:
  • Announced in 2021 as a Birds of Prey spin-off, the status of the Black Canary solo movie remains uncertain amid the DCU reboot.
• Nightwing:
  • Originally announced in 2017, the Nightwing movie faced various challenges and, despite occasional updates, seems to have been officially canceled.

• Guillermo del Toro’s Justice League Dark:
  • Initially helmed by Guillermo del Toro, the Justice League Dark project went through several director changes before being officially canceled in 2023.
• Zatanna:
  • A spinoff from Justice League Dark, the Zatanna movie, written by Emerald Fennell, was canceled in October 2022 after Warner Bros. Discovery restructuring.
• Man of Steel 2:
  • Despite initial plans involving Superman confronting Braniac and continuing Henry Cavill’s portrayal, the sequel was canceled as part of the DCEU’s transformation into the DC Universe.

These canceled projects reflect the challenges and evolving landscape that the DCEU has navigated over the years, leaving fans with a mix of anticipation and disappointment.

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Victor Zsasz, Black Adam, Shazam, Dr. Sivana, Billy Batson