DC Universe (DCU) Timeline Revealed (Version 1)
The first chronological timeline for the DCU has been revealed, and it’s a lot simpler than you think.
In response to a fan on Saturday, DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn has shed some light on the chronological order of films and series for the DC Universe (DCU).
The DCU is the latest attempt at an interconnected universe for the DC brand by Warner Bros. This universe was officially announced on January 31st, 2023, with the first chapter titled “Gods and Monsters”.
The universe began with Creature Commandos on December 5th, 2024 but the true starting point will be Superman when it hits theatres on July 11th, 2025.
The DCU in Chronological Order (Version 1)
James Gunn has revealed that the chronological order of the DCU is actually the same as the release order (for now) despite some of these projects, namely Creature Commandos, featuring numerous flashbacks. See the full order below.
#1 Creature Commandos follows the story of Task Force M which consists of their leader, Rick Flag Sr, The Bride, Weasel, GI Robot, Nina Mazursky and Dr. Phosphorus as they are tasked with protecting the princess of Pokolistan from the evil sorceress Circe
Read the logline below:
Creature Commandos tracks a secret team of incarcerated monsters recruited for missions deemed too dangerous for humans. When all else fails… they’re your last, worst option.
Creature Commandos is created by James Gunn and stars Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr, Indira Varma as The Bride, Anya Chalotra as Circe and more. All episodes are now streaming on HBO Max.
#2 Superman is the story of Clark Kent as he navigates through the life of a civilian working at The Daily Planet and his superhero alter ego, Superman, tasked with defending Earth from threats such as Lex Luthor and the mysterious Hammer of Borovia with the help of the Justice Gang.
Read the logline below:
Superman, DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.
Superman is directed by James Gunn and stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and more. The film hits theatres on July 11th, 2025.
#3 Peacemaker Season 2 continues the story of Christopher Smith and the rest of the 11th Street Kids as they try to make a name for themselves after saving Earth from the invasion of the butterflies. The story takes an interesting turn when Christopher seemingly encounters a variant of himself.
Read the logline below:
The new season follows Christopher “Chris” Smith, aka Peacemaker, the vigilante Super Hero as he struggles to reconcile his past with his newfound sense of purpose while continuing to kick righteous evil-doer butt in his misguided quest for peace at any cost
Peacemaker Season 2 is created by James Gunn and stars John Cena as Christopher Smith / Peacemaker, Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt, Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo and more. The series premieres on HBO Max on August 21st, 2025.
#4 Lanterns follows Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they investigate a murder found in a remote town on Earth.
Read the logline below:
The series follows new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.
Lanterns is created by Chris Mundy and stars Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro and more. The series premieres on HBO Max in 2026.
#5 Supergirl is an adaptation of the “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” comic, which sees Kara Danvers aid a young woman in finding the warrior who killed her father while also following Kara’s origins from a darker perspective.
Supergirl is directed by Craig Gillespie and stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El / Supergirl, Jason Momoa as Lobo, Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem of the Yellow Hills and more. The film hits theatres on June 26th, 2026.
What About The Other Projects?
Peacemaker Season 2 cannot exist with the events of The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 as such, until more information is released, we can only assume those as prequels to the DCU.
Additionally, Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle was described by Gunn as “the first DCU” character, it’s unclear whether the upcoming animated series is set to be a continuation of the film or a retelling of his origin. As such, we can also categorise the film as a prequel, likely taking place after Peacemaker Season 1.
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