TheDC Universe’s firstSupermansequel is set to take place much sooner in the franchise’s in-universe timeline than it might seem.Superman’s story set up a series of different plot threads forthe DC Universe timelineto capitalize on later down the line - though some are set to be followed up on sooner rather than later.
In fact, the first DCU release that acts as a follow-up sequel toSuperman’s story is now very close to release, meaning the new cinematic world will soon get to expand on several of these story threads. Interestingly, said DCU installment is also set to have its story unfold as closely in-universe, too.
The DCU’s Next Release Takes Place Very Soon After Superman In The Franchise’s Timeline
Theending ofSupermanseemed inevitably set to tie intoPeacemakerseason 2 from the get-go. As the next DC Universe release in the franchise’s schedule - and a release that shares characters like Guy Gardner and Peacemaker himself withSuperman’s cast - some story overlap appeared inevitable, regardless of when the two releases were set in-universe.
However, it’s more clear than ever thatSupermanleads very much directly intoPeacemakerseason 2, given that DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn - who has worked on both projects - has confirmed that the 2025 show is set in-universe just a month after the events of the film. During thePeacemaker season 2 panel at 2025’s San Diego Comic-Con, Gunn stated:
“The show happens a month after the events of Superman… a lot of the characters return… in the first episode we have Guy Gardner and Maxwell Lord”
Given the DCU is only just getting set up, having two of its first releases be set in such close proximity allows the franchise to build its overarching timeline in a more focused manner. Since it seems the DCU will largely unfold from this in-universe point onward, fleshing out what this world is like now should pay off tenfold later.
Indeed, with Peacemaker expressing his distrust of and disdain for Superman on in-universe television before Kal-El defeated Lex Luthor and saved Metropolis from destruction - likely fixing his then-challenged reputation - havingPeacemakerseason 2 be set not long after means the antihero’s story can continue more directly from this point, andSuperman’s success can be capitalized on more immediately.
Peacemaker Season 2’s Story Teases Mean It Happening Right After Superman Makes Even More Sense
Peacemakerseason 2’s story also looks to connect directly toSuperman’s own outside of simply having some of the same figures play key roles. First and foremost, it appearsPeacemakerseason 2 centers around the concept of pocket dimensions, which are shown to us inSupermanvia Lex harnessing them for his own nefarious devices, including a pocket prison.
The DCU’s pocket dimensions work essentially as separate realities between two different universes. This looks to be how Cena’s Peacemaker is able to find himself in a different universe - and seemingly take over the life of his alternate self - which thePeacemakerseason 2 trailerunderlines as a core part of its story.
Crucially,Supermanalso highlights the danger this storyline presents to the wider DCU, as pocket dimensions are shown to be capable of creating black holes that can devastate the fabric of reality. With there being a risk of this happening every time a pocket dimension is used, it’s easy to see the danger Peacemaker’s adventures hold.
Based on this, the fact that James Gunn has teasedPeacemakerseason 2 has “one big cameo"seems set to tie toSuperman.With only a month between season 2 andSuperman, it appears very possible figures like Mr. Terrific could be on the lookoutfor more dangerous rips in the universe, and come to solve any potential crisis.
The DCU’s Next Movie Also Looks Set To Take Place Soon After Superman
FollowingPeacemakerseason 2, there are still a lot of DCU projects on the near horizon, albeit some time further away than the August 2025 show. WhileLanternsandClayfacealso seem set to expand the DCU in some fascinating ways, the privilege of being the next DC Universe movie goes toSupergirl.
Set for a June 2026 release,Supergirllooks as though it will also closely follow on fromSupermanin terms of its in-universe timing.Superman’s ending appears to show Supergirl going back off into space to begin her own movie story, which - based on it adapting Superman: Woman Of Tomorrow - should kick off with Kara and Krypto exploring the cosmos.
Much asPeacemakerseason 2 looks set to focus on the antihero’s life after hisSupermancameo, it also appearsSupergirlwill do the same for its own hero. Supergirl’sSupermancameo suggests she’s been avoiding both Earth and confronting her past, which would be most poignant for the DCU’s story to address just shortly after her reunion with Kal-El.
Ultimately, there’s plenty of reason to hope all the next DCU releases happen in close succession in-universe timeline wise. Much in the way the MCU made its movies more interesting by setting each Phase’s films close to one another, hopefully theDC Universe’s Chapter 1 continues to put its stories near one another in its timeline fromPeacemakerseason 2 onward.
DC Universe
The DC Universe is one of the biggest comic book franchises and often competes with Marvel. DC Comics started as National Allied Publications, founded by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson in 1935. Since then, the franchise has exploded with thousands of comic books, movies, TV shows, and video games. 2013 marked the beginning of the most recent iteration of the superheroes, with Zack Snyder introducing Henry Cavill as Superman. After several movies with mixed reviews, DC underwent a soft reboot under the helm of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
Superman
Cast
Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.
