As James Gunn and Peter Safran rebuild theDC Universefrom the ground up, there’s a chance to revive some lost DC movies that never got their big-screen chance. Over the last few decades, DC had ambitious plans for its cinematic universe. While many of these emerged inthe DCEU timeline, some promising stories were canceled.
Now, with a clean slate and a more character-driven creative direction, some of those scrapped projects could fit perfectly intothe new DCU. Whether it’s grounded Gotham stories, cosmic epics, or supernatural team-ups, these abandoned movies had real potential. With the right adjustments, they could thrive in Gunn’s franchise, offering blueprints that are more relevant now than ever.
8Batgirl
Canceled In 2022
Originally planned as an HBO Max exclusive,Batgirlwas one of DC’s most controversial cancellations. The film hadalready completed principal photographyand featured Leslie Grace as Barbara Gordon, with Brendan Fraser as the villain Firefly and Michael Keaton’s Batman. In the previous DCEU, it was unclear whereBatgirlfit in, especially with continuity chaos surrounding Batman.
Yet in James Gunn’s restructured DCU, Batgirl could bea crucial part of establishing the Bat-family.Gunn’s DC is aiming to introduce Damian Wayne and hint at a more lived-in Batman world inThe Brave and the Bold. That makes this the perfect time to bring Barbara Gordon back into development.
With her tech-savvy skills, strong moral center, and street-level focus, Batgirl complements the larger-than-life DC roster. ReimaginingBatgirlas agrounded action-detective filmwould fit perfectly in the new continuity. It would finally give Gotham’s other great vigilante the spotlight she deserves.
7Green Lantern Corps
Canceled In The DCU Reboot
For years,Green Lantern Corpswas teased as DC’s answer toGuardians of the Galaxy. It wasa cosmic buddy-cop moviefeaturing Hal Jordan and John Stewart. The project stalled in development despite strong fan interest and was ultimately shelved in favor of the upcomingLanternsTV series.
With Gunn’s DCU building toward galactic-level threats and a stronger interplanetary presence, aGreen Lantern Corpsmovienow feels like a no-brainer. If theLanternsshow lays the groundwork, a full theatricalCorpsfilm could expand the mythos significantly, especially after Guy Gardner’s introduction inSuperman.
With space horror, political intrigue, and high-powered action baked into the premise,Green Lantern Corpscould becomeDC’s definitive sci-fi epic. As the DCU moves beyond Earth-based heroes, this canceled movie could be retooled into a cinematic event. It could bring a cosmic scale to the rebooted universe.
6New Gods
Canceled In 2021
Ava DuVernay’sNew Godswas one of the most artistically intriguing projects DC had in the works. Co-written with comic legend Tom King, the film promised toexplore the cosmic lore of Jack Kirby’s Fourth World. It would have featured characters like Big Barda, Mister Miracle, and Darkseid.
Unfortunately, it was canceled in the wake ofZack Snyder’s Justice League, which had already introduced Darkseid ina very different context. Now, with a true reboot underway,New Godsdeserves a second chance. With Gunn embracing bold storytelling and lesser-known characters,New Godswould allow DC to tap into mythology, science fiction, and philosophical depth.
These characters are operatic, emotionally rich, and weird in all the right ways. Reintroducing them in the new continuity (possibly as part of an eventual cosmic saga) would give the DCU a unique edge over Marvel. Few superhero franchisescan handle this kind of scope, and now’s the perfect time to try.
5Nightwing
Canceled In 2023
At one point,The LEGO Batman Moviedirector Chris McKay was developing aNightwingsolo film. It would have depicted Dick Grayson stepping out of Batman’s shadow to forge his own path. The project quietlyfaded as the DCEU unraveled, but it remains one of the most logical and exciting spin-offs DC could still pursue.
In the DCU’sBrave and the Bold, Batman is already established and raising Damian Wayne, which implies that past Robins, like Dick, exist in the timeline. That opens the door perfectly for aNightwingmovie. It could tell a deeply human story about identity, legacy, and mentorship,grounded in Gotham’s gritty world but with a more hopeful tonethan typical Batman entries.
Whether set in Blüdhaven or tied into a larger Bat-family arc, Dick’s journey from sidekick to independent hero would resonate with audiences new and old. It would also make up for howcriminally underrepresented he has been in live-action movies. Robin’s long overdue for a spotlight, and now, DC has the chance to deliver.
4Gotham City Sirens
Postponed For Birds Of Prey
BeforeBirds of Prey, DC planned aGotham City Sirensmovie featuring Harley Quinn, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy. It would have depicted the three antiheroines navigating Gotham’s chaotic underworld. Directed by David Ayer and positioned as a Harley-led follow-up toSuicide Squad, the project wasshelved as DC pivoted away from Ayer’s vision.
In today’s DCU, with a stronger emphasis on character dynamics and female-led storytelling,Gotham City Sirensfeels more relevant than ever. The film could balancesleek action, complex relationships, and morally gray territory. These are features James Gunn has done brilliantly in theGuardians of the Galaxymovies.
Gotham City Sirensalso provides DC with an opportunity to explore queer representation through Harley and Ivy’s relationship,something many have long advocated for. A retooledSirensmovie could anchor a new corner of Gotham. It could blend sensual style, social rebellion, and big-hearted chaos into one unforgettable team-up.
3Batman Beyond
Shelved In The DCU Reboot
ABatman Beyondmovie hasbeen fan-cast and fan-dreamed for decades, but it came the closest to reality whenThe Flashfeatured Michael Keaton’s Bruce Wayne transitioning into a mentor role. Unfortunately, afterThe Flashbombed, so did hopes for a futuristicBatman Beyondadaptation.
Set ina cyberpunk Gotham of the future,Batman Beyondcould tell a visually stunning, emotionally rich story about legacy. Bruce Wayne, now older and broken, trains teenager Terry McGinnis to carry on the mantle. This version of the Bat-verse could explore AI, surveillance states, and the psychological toll of heroism in a high-tech society.
This is the perfect time to reintroduce the idea within James Gunn’s new DCU. With no direct tie to current continuity, it could stand alone or exist as an Elseworlds project. Either way, Batman Beyondisa genre-blending opportunity DC shouldn’t miss.
2Harley Quinn Vs The Joker
Canceled In 2019
A wild and unpredictable Harley Quinn/Joker project was in the works byThis Is Uscreators Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. It was described as adark romantic comedy meetsNatural Born Killers. It would have explored Harley and Joker’s toxic, explosive relationship in the most unhinged way possible.
While the project was abandoned afterBirds of Prey, it could thrive now as an Elseworlds film or as part of the darker, edgier side of the DCU. It would also be theperfect way to introduce the DCU’s new Joker and Harley Quinn. James Gunn has shown interest in complex, broken characters, and few DC pairs are messier than Harley and Joker.
A standalone movie could examine their twisted dynamic, perhaps as a psychological thriller with bursts of cartoonish mayhem. It would be both entertaining and disturbing in all the right ways. With the right creative team, this project couldflip superhero romance tropes on their headand add a gritty, chaotic flavor to DC’s new film slate.
1Justice League Dark
Justice League Darkhas beenthe great “almost” of DC movies for years. Guillermo del Toro was attached to the project at one point, and more recently, J.J. Abrams attempted to develop it as a streaming series before the entire slate was canceled. With the DCU embracing the supernatural withSwamp ThingandCreatureCommandos, the team is more relevant than ever.
The team of mystical misfits could include Constantine, Zatanna, Deadman, and Etrigan. Unlike the Justice League, this team deals with magical threats, demons, and ancient evils –things not even Superman can punch. AJustice League Darkfilm could offer visual horror, moral ambiguity, and rich world-building
Justice League Darkcould tie into the stranger corners of the DCU. It’s also theperfect place to reintroduce Constantinewith a fresh take. Whether as a team origin story or a loose ensemble of cursed heroes,Justice League Darkcould beDCU’s answer toDoctor StrangemeetsThe Conjuring.
