James Gunn’s leadership at DC Studios has brought significant changes to the franchise’s continuity, officially expanding the DC Universe into four distinct timelines. This development addresses questions about how previous stories, including Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe and elements of the old DCEU, fit into the new framework. As Gunn and co-head Peter Safran steer the direction of DC’s live-action and animated projects, the multiple timelines reflect a complex approach to storytelling.
Overview of the Four Separate Timelines Within DC Studios
Since becoming co-head of DC Studios in late 2022, James Gunn has rebooted the prior DCEU continuity while concurrently developing separate live-action and animated timelines. The new DCU timeline represents the core storyline moving forward, introduced notably through the recent Superman film. Meanwhile, other timelines such as Matt Reeves’ Batman saga, the “My Adventures With” animated universe, and an alternate Earth-2 reality are maintained as independent narratives, sometimes intersecting with the main continuity in subtle ways.
Primary Focus: The New DCU Timeline and Upcoming Projects
The central timeline under James Gunn’s oversight is the new DCU, which has become the primary focus following the release of Superman in July 2023. This timeline was initially introduced in the animated series Creature Commandos at the end of 2024 and achieved commercial success with the Superman film, which generated over $100 million in profit. Building on this momentum, projects such as Man of Tomorrow—with a surprise second lead—are already scheduled, alongside upcoming series like Peacemaker Season 2, Lanterns, Milly Alcock’s Supergirl, and the genre-bending horror series Clayface, which has already revealed key plot developments.
The Batman Universe as a Separate Continuity
Although the possibility that Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe might eventually merge with the new DCU remains open, all current indications suggest it will stay an Elseworlds timeline. Production details and set photos from Clayface have highlighted noticeable differences in Gotham’s architecture and signage compared to The Batman and The Penguin Season 2, reinforcing the distinct identity of Reeves’ Batman saga. The Batman—Part II, scripted by Reeves, is slated for release on October 1, 2027, while the fate of The Penguin Season 2 remains uncertain amid “a lot of moving pieces,” according to Peter Safran.
“there are a lot of moving pieces.”
— Peter Safran, Co-head of DC Studios
Fans and analysts have noted the long interval between the first and second Batman films, with some reports hinting that another Batman movie could precede the sequel’s release.
Expanding the Animated “My Adventures With” Universe
The “My Adventures With” timeline continues to grow beyond its original Superman-centered story. Developer Jake Wyatt has confirmed that My Adventures with Green Lantern will act as a direct spin-off of Adult Swim’s My Adventures with Superman, which began in 2023 and is heading into its third season. Though My Adventures with Green Lantern’s release date remains unannounced, production has been underway for over a year, and its debut is expected soon after the third season of Superman, which should further establish this distinct animated timeline.
Earth-2: A Dark Alternate Reality Explored in Peacemaker Season 2
Earth-2, described by James Gunn as an alternate universe, features a setting with a grim history and possibly one where World War II ended with Hitler’s victory. In this universe, John Cena’s character, Chris Smith, experiences a vastly different reality that feels like paradise: his brother is alive and a hero, his father has returned and joined a superhero team, and Harcourt is more open to a romantic relationship with him. Central to this timeline is the Quantum Unfolding Chamber (QUC), a device in Peacemaker’s home that provides access to 99 different timelines. While Earth-2 serves as the focus of Peacemaker Season 2, the duration of this timeline’s presence remains unclear. James Gunn has confirmed that Peacemaker’s second season will lead directly into the 2027 Man of Tomorrow film, maintaining the multiverse’s role within the broader DC Universe.
Clarifying Canon and Continuity in the Expanded DC Universe
The division into multiple timelines addresses long-standing questions from fans about the place of previous DC projects. For example, the possibility of the Batman universe merging with the new DCU has not been definitively ruled out but seems unlikely in the near term. Meanwhile, James Gunn’s involvement in prior DCEU projects like The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 helped shape references and retcons within the new continuity. Peacemaker Season 2, for instance, reframes the Justice League as the Justice Gang and canonizes events such as Rick Flag Jr.’s death.
Moreover, recent episodes of Peacemaker imply that David Ayer’s Suicide Squad, including Cara Delevingne’s character Dr. June Moone (the Enchantress), might be incorporated into the new continuity, though this remains ambiguous.
What Lies Ahead for DC Studios and Its Multiverse
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s management of DC Studios signals a restless but calculated expansion of the franchise’s storytelling. The simultaneous development of four distinct timelines allows for creative freedom and the preservation of beloved narratives across both live-action and animated forms. This approach caters to diverse audience interests while sustaining the multiverse concept that has become central to DC’s identity.
As projects like Man of Tomorrow and the various series progress toward release in the coming years, fans can expect continued exploration of these overlapping but separate worlds. The evolving DC landscape illustrates a tense but hopeful future where multiple storylines coexist and potentially intertwine, reflecting the complex legacy and ambitions of the studio today.
We’re making a new show!
Some of you had questions—the show WILL take place in the same timeline as My Adventures With Superman. Stoked to expand and explore that universe with my buddy @gostephgo! https://t.co/1k11xqCi6v
— jake_wyatt_online (@jakewyattriot) February 24, 2025
