8 DC Movies that were Canceled

James Gunn’s DC Universe plans are still in the early stages, but there is great potential to revive previously canceled DC movies. The first chapter of the DC Universe was revealed in 2023 by Gunn and Peter Safran, the newly appointed co-CEOs of DC Studios, who announced five movies and five shows currently in development. In addition to reboots of well-known characters like Batman and Superman, Gunn and Safran aim to introduce lesser-known comic book heroes such as Booster Gold, Green Lantern, Swamp Thing, and The Authority.

This new slate of projects follows a decade of Warner Bros. and DC struggling to launch a cohesive cinematic universe featuring their iconic comic book characters. A revolving door of leadership changes, including Zack Snyder, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns, and Walter Hamada, led to numerous DC movie announcements but a lack of follow-through on many of the most exciting projects. However, there are still many promising canceled DC movies that James Gunn should consider reviving as part of his ambitious DC Universe plans.

 1.  BATGIRL

One of the most notable DC movies that was canceled and deserves to be revived for the DC Universe is Batgirl. The movie was abruptly canceled by Warner Bros. in 2022, despite being in production, as part of a tax write-off. Although the film was supposed to premiere on HBO Max that year, it was scrapped by WB CEO David Zaslav, who wanted all DC movies to be released exclusively in theaters. While DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran claimed that the film was “unreleasable,” many fans are still keen on seeing the star of the canceled Batgirl project, Leslie Grace, in some form.

While the original Batgirl film is now beyond saving, the DC Universe could create a new solo movie for Leslie Grace’s Barbara Gordon. The upcoming DC Universe’s Batman already has an established Bat Family in The Brave and the Bold, so Leslie Grace’s Batgirl could become a member of this group and potentially lead to her own movie. James Gunn and Peter Safran would have the opportunity to shape a new direction for the character that would differ from the previously planned film, as Michael Keaton’s Batman was initially slated to appear in the original Batgirl movie.

 2.  GOTHAM CITY SIRENS

Another canceled DC movie that the DC Universe could potentially revive is Gotham City Sirens. The movie, which would feature a team-up of Harley Quinn, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy, was announced to be in development by Suicide Squad director David Ayer in 2016 but has not made any progress since then. It was effectively canceled when Margot Robbie decided to pursue Birds of Prey instead. However, reviving Gotham City Sirens could be an excellent way for James Gunn to keep Robbie’s Harley Quinn as part of the DC Universe. The movie could also build off her storyline in The Suicide Squad and potentially fulfill Robbie’s desire for a Harley and Poison Ivy romance.

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 3.  DEATHSTROKE

DC’s canceled Deathstroke movie is another opportunity that James Gunn should consider for the DC Universe. The original plans for the film, which starred Joe Manganiello as Slade Wilson and had Gareth Evans, the director of The Raid, attached, were announced in May 2016. However, the project failed to make much progress over the next few years, leading Evans to confirm that he was no longer developing it. A Deathstroke movie has great potential for the DC Universe as it would shine the spotlight on one of the comics’ most skilled assassins. Since Deathstroke was almost a part of The Suicide Squad, Gunn’s known interest in the character could be a positive sign for its revival.

 4.  NEW GODS

Ava DuVernay’s New Gods, which was announced in 2018, would be an exciting move for the DC Universe. Although the film was officially canceled in 2021 due to conflicts with Zack Snyder’s Justice League, it could be a perfect fit for the DC Universe’s Chapter 1, titled Gods and Monsters. Introducing Big Barda, Mister Miracle, Granny Goodness, Darkseid, and others in this capacity would significantly expand the world. Additionally, Tom King, who co-wrote New Gods with DuVernay, is part of DC Studios’ Architects, a group of writers assembled to help shape the universe, which could be advantageous.

 5.  WONDER WOMAN 3

Wonder Woman 3 could be a wise decision for James Gunn’s DC Universe. Despite Warner Bros.’s decision to cancel the movie in 2022, Gunn and Safran have expressed their interest in bringing back Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman and potentially working with Patty Jenkins again. With the upcoming film The Flash set to reset the timeline, Wonder Woman 3 could serve as a fresh start for the character in the DC Universe, taking into account any changes in the timeline. This could make the movie a soft reboot, giving the opportunity to re-establish Diana Prince’s presence in the universe.

 6.  NIGHTWING

The DC Universe could potentially revive the canceled Nightwing movie, which was first announced in 2017 with Chris McKay as director. The Brave and the Bold already features Damien Wayne as Robin, so establishing that Dick Grayson has transitioned to his Nightwing persona would be seamless. This opens the door for the DC Universe to bring back plans for a Nightwing spinoff film. While McKay is still interested in making the movie, DC Studios could choose to explore different creative directions, especially given the mixed reviews for Renfield.

 7.  LOBO

James Gunn could potentially revive the canceled DC movie Lobo for the DC Universe. Despite Warner Bros. trying to make a movie featuring the alien bounty hunter since 2009, previous attempts with Guy Ritchie, Brad Peyton, and Michael Bay all failed to gain much traction. However, with Gunn expressing his interest in the character, a solo Lobo movie could become a reality within the DC Universe. The speculation that Jason Momoa could play the character adds further fuel to the fire. While Bay’s involvement in the project is uncertain, the revival of Lobo is a promising prospect for fans of the character.

 8.  PLASTIC MAN

The revival of DC’s scrapped film Plastic Man might be on the cards for the DC Universe in the future. The movie was initially in development by Warner Bros. in 2018, and in 2020, it was announced that the stretchy hero would have a female version, but the project never progressed. Introducing Plastic Man in the DC Universe could be an enjoyable and entertaining move, considering the character’s comedic personality. With a casting choice like Ben Schwartz, a fan-favorite, and a comedic director like Nicholas Stoller, James Gunn could potentially make the movie a sleeper hit.