With the DC Universe (DCU) taking shape, its recent movie announcements suggest an exciting new direction—one that could succeed where Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) struggled.
Following the debut of Creature Commandos in late 2024, the DCU roadmap has become clearer, with a strong emphasis on villain-centered movies that could expand the franchise in a way rarely explored in superhero cinema.
DCU’s Shift Toward Villain-Centered Movies
Right from the start, the DCU has signaled a willingness to explore its villains in-depth. Creature Commandos introduced a team of antiheroes, and upcoming projects like:
- The Waller Series – Delving into the morally complex world of Amanda Waller.
- Clayface Movie (2026) – Exploring one of Batman’s most unique villains.
- Rumored Deathstroke & Bane Movie – Potentially expanding Gotham’s rogues’ gallery.
The recent cancellation of the Arkham Asylum show hasn’t deterred the idea of villain-focused stories, as Variety’s reports suggest that a new Gotham asylum project may still be in the works.
James Gunn has confirmed Clayface is part of the DCU’s main timeline, suggesting deeper integration with Batman’s world and a more structured universe—something Sony’s SSU never had.
Sony’s Spider-Man Universe Struggled Without Its Hero
Sony attempted to build a cinematic universe around Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery, but the execution failed to deliver. While Venom (2018) was a commercial success, other SSU films like Morbius (2022) and Kraven the Hunter (2024) struggled critically and financially.
Key Issues with Sony’s Approach:
- No Central Hero: A “Spider-Man Universe” without Spider-Man made it feel incomplete.
- Weak Storytelling: The films lacked compelling narratives to justify villain-led plots.
- Poor Connectivity: Unlike the MCU or DCU, there was little universe-building between films.
While Venom’s trilogy found success, it wasn’t enough to sustain an entire franchise without Spider-Man’s presence.
DC Has Proven That Villain-Centered Movies Can Work
Unlike Sony, DC already has a history of successful villain-driven films, with Joker (2019) being the prime example.
- Joker (2019) was a record-breaking success, earning over $1 billion on a $55 million budget.
- It became the highest-grossing R-rated movie before Deadpool & Wolverine.
However, Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) proved that success isn’t guaranteed, as it failed to replicate its predecessor’s impact, grossing only $207 million despite high expectations.
Why DCU’s Villain Films Have an Edge Over Sony’s SSU
- Tied to a Bigger Universe – Unlike SSU, DCU villains exist in a cohesive, interconnected world.
- Batman’s Presence – Even if he isn’t the focus, the DCU can include Batman in ways that make sense, keeping villains tied to their original mythos.
- Stronger Storytelling Potential – With Gunn’s leadership, DCU films will have a clear vision, avoiding the messy, disjointed approach that plagued SSU.
DCU’s Villain-Centered Approach Could Lead to the Most Expansive Batman Universe Ever
DC has one of the richest collections of villains in comic book history, and by exploring them before Batman’s official introduction in The Brave & The Bold, the DCU has the opportunity to:
- Develop Gotham’s world organically before Batman takes center stage.
- Explore complex villain backstories beyond the typical “bad guy vs. hero” formula.
- Create a deeper, more immersive Batman universe, with his enemies already established by the time he debuts.
