The future of DC on the big screen is finally taking shape—and yes, Joker: Folie à Deux is already out, while The Batman Part 2 is filming soon, and DCU staples like Supergirl and Clayface are coming fast. Here’s what you need to know right now.
What’s the Deal with Joker 2?
The sequel, officially titled Joker: Folie à Deux, hit theaters in October 2024. It’s part of DC’s “Elseworlds” label—meaning it operates outside the main DCU storyline . Critics called its musical-drama blend audacious, but despite the buzz, it fell short at the box office and failed to break even . So while it definitely exists, it doesn’t influence the trajectory of DC’s unified universe as guided by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
The Batman Part 2: When Does It Happen?
Good news for Gotham fans: The Batman Part 2 is set to begin filming in spring 2026. The studio confirmed this in a recent shareholder letter . Originally slated for a 2025 debut, it’s now locked in for an October 1, 2027 theatrical release . The script was completed in mid‑2025, underscoring a pace-heavy, perfectionist approach .
Interestingly, this gap between films is the longest ever in DC’s live-action Batman history—over five years between installments—which marks a departure from the usual 2–4 year gaps . Filming is planned to take place in England—Leavesden Studios, Liverpool, and Glasgow among the locations .
Key Cast & Continuity
- Robert Pattinson returns as Batman.
- Colin Farrell’s Penguin returns, but a villain from his Penguin spin-off won’t appear in this film .
- Sebastian Stan plays Harvey Dent; Scarlett Johansson is in an unspecified role .
- James Gunn firmly debunks Robin and Hush rumors—only about six people have read the script, reinforcing plot secrecy .
What’s on the DCU Horizon?
DC Studios is rolling out a new slate of films under the DCU umbrella, charted by Gunn and Safran.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
- Directed by Craig Gillespie, starring Milly Alcock.
- Released June 26, 2026 .
Clayface
- A body-horror-tinged DCU film directed by James Watkins.
- Stars Tom Rhys Harries, Naomi Ackie, Max Minghella.
- Filming wrapped late 2025; slated for October 23, 2026 .
The Brave and the Bold
- A separate Batman storyline within the DCU, not tied to Reeves’ Elseworlds universe.
- Script still underway; won’t release until at least 2028 to avoid overlap with The Batman Part 2 .
Other DCU Projects
- James Gunn is already scripting more “Super” franchise films, including a new Wonder Woman installment .
- The DCU expansion also includes Lanterns, The Penguin (TV), Peacemaker season 2, and more—blending film, TV, gaming, and other experiences .
Mapping the Timeline
| Year | Project | Notes |
|———–|——————————–|————————————————————-|
| 2024 | Joker: Folie à Deux | Elseworlds release; outside DCU |
| 2025 (H2) | Pre-production begins | The Batman Part 2 script complete |
| 2026 (Spring) | Filming of The Batman Part 2 | Filming to begin |
| 2026 | Supergirl (June) | DCU Phase 1 release |
| 2026 | Clayface (October) | DCU Phase 1 release |
| 2027 (July) | Man of Tomorrow (Superman) | Shares production start with Batman Part 2 |
| 2027 (Oct) | The Batman Part 2 | Elseworlds theatrical release |
| 2028+ | The Brave and the Bold | DCU Batman, no same-year overlap with other batmans |
Why This Matters
DC’s strategy now clearly divides into two paths:
- Elseworlds (Matt Reeves) — Lone, stylized takes grounded in their own tone (The Batman Part 2).
- DCU (Gunn & Safran) — A unified universe with multiple interlocking films (Supergirl, Clayface, Wonder Woman, etc.).
This dual path gives fans both creative freedom and coherent, universe-driven storytelling. It also means we won’t see two Batman movies in the same year—so fans can better anticipate and plan their DC movie intake .
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering what’s next for DC at the cinema—here it is. Joker: Folie à Deux is done and dusted, marking its place in Elseworlds history. The Batman Part 2 is on track and starting production in Spring 2026, with an October 2027 release date. Meanwhile, the DCU expands with Supergirl, Clayface, Wonder Woman, Man of Tomorrow, and eventually The Brave and the Bold. They’re building a multiverse—but with clear boundaries, strong planning, and room for creative leaps.
Expect more surprises ahead—but with better structure and storytelling than ever before.
FAQs
Is Joker: Folie à Deux part of the new DC Universe?
No. Joker: Folie à Deux is labeled under DC’s Elseworlds banner, which operates outside the main DCU continuity .
When will The Batman Part 2 start filming and release?
Filming begins in spring 2026, with a U.S. theatrical release slated for October 1, 2027 .
Will Robin or Hush appear in the sequel?
Neither Robin nor Hush will be in The Batman Part 2, according to James Gunn, who says only a handful of people have seen the script .
What DC movies are releasing before Batman Part 2?
Before Batman Part 2, expect Supergirl on June 26, 2026, followed by Clayface on October 23, 2026 .
Is there a new Batman in the DCU?
Yes. A new Batman film, The Brave and the Bold, is in development within the DCU. It’s set to release in 2028 or later to avoid overlapping with Matt Reeves’ Batman .
