DC Extended Universe Showbiz Cheat Sheet

DC Extended Universe
'Justice League' (Photograph by Courtesy of HBO Max)
DC Extended Universe
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is a media franchise based on fictional characters from DC Comics, an American comic book publisher founded in 1934. Famous superheroes and villains in the DCEU are Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, the Joker, and Harley Quinn. Established in 2013 upon releasing the movie Man of Steel, the universe encompasses films, TV series, books, and video games. The DCEU has grossed nearly $6 billion at the box office worldwide. Its most commercially successful film — Aquaman, starring Jason Momoa — made over $1 billion globally. Justice League, The Suicide Squad, and Wonder Woman are other lucrative movies in the DC Extended Universe. In 2023, James Gunn and Peter Safran announced plans to launch the DC Universe. The new shared universe will reboot and retcon elements of the DCEU with only certain films considered cannon.
- Established: 2013
- Founder: Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (DC Comics)
- Owner: Warner Bros.
- Genres: Superhero, fantasy, science fiction, action, adventure
- Movies: Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman, Justice League, Aquaman, Shazam!, Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman 1984, Zack Snyder's Justice League, The Suicide Squad, Black Adam, Shazam! Fury of the Gods
- TV Series: Peacemaker
Visit the official DC Comics website.
Read more about DC Extended Universe movies, TV shows, and actors:
News
5 years ago
Henry Cavill Reveals the ‘Super Awkward’ Position He Was Put in Because of ‘Justice League’
News
4 years ago
‘Batgirl’ Actor Leslie Grace Advocates for Crossover With Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn
News
3 years ago
3 Big Ways the DCEU Could Change After Discovery’s WarnerMedia Acquisition
News
3 years ago
‘Peacemaker’: James Gunn Hints That the Cameos ‘Will Keep Coming’ in Season 2
News
4 years ago
‘Suicide Squad’: Will Smith Is All for a New Cut of the 2016 Movie — ‘There’s a Whole Lot That Stayed on the Floor’

superman

Notable People

Why ‘Superman Returns’ Director Chose Brandon Routh Over Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill once opened up about what it felt like losing the chance to play Superman to Brandon Routh all those years ago.

by Antonio Stallings

Published on September 27, 2024

3 min read

Nathan Fillion posing in a blue suit at the 2024 Disney Upfront at Javits Center.

Notable People

Nathan Fillion Once Joked That He Was the Poor Man’s Green Lantern Before Being Cast in ‘Superman’

Why Nathan Fillion once predicted he’d be looked at as the poor man’s Green Lantern after his previous work as the character.

by Antonio Stallings

Chris Meloni posing at the premiere of 'Man of Steel' while wearing a suit.

Notable People

Chris Meloni Once Almost Shot His Stunt Double in ‘Man of Steel’

Chris Meloni once opened up about the intense stunts he learned while he was acting in 'Man of Steel'.

by Antonio Stallings

5 Best Batman Movies

Batman has inspired more good movies than any other superhero. Directors like Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan have brought unique visions to the series.

by Matthew Trzcinski

Published on April 6, 2025

2 min read

Val Kilmer and Nicole Kidman in a publicity still for 'Batman Forever'

Movies

Val Kilmer’s ‘Batman Forever’ Captured the ’90s Better Than Any Superhero Movie

In 'Batman Forever', Val Kilmer's portrayal of the Caped Crusader, paired with the film's flashy style mirrors the excesses and boldness of 1990s Hollywood. That’s why it’s great.

by Matthew Trzcinski

Val Kilmer in a suit in 'Batman Forever'

Movies

‘Batman’ Actors Val Kilmer and Christian Bale Both Went on to Play the Same Biblical Figure

Val Kilmer and Christian Bale, have both played Batman and Moses. However, the transition from Batman to Moses is not as strange as it might seem.

by Matthew Trzcinski

Jared Leto Made $7 Million Salary for 7 Minutes of ‘Suicide Squad’

Jared Leto took home $1 million for every minute he's on screen as the Joker in 'Suicide Squad.' Here's a look at his career and net worth.

by Lulu Currey

Published on October 16, 2022

3 min read

News

The 2022 Isaac Awards: Best Scene-Stealer Nominees

The 2022 Isaac Awards are Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s unique spin on the Academy Awards. Here are the nominees for the Best Scene-Stealer.

by Robert Yaniz Jr.

Gaming & Comics

‘Suicide Squad’: Will Smith Is All for a New Cut of the 2016 Movie — ‘There’s a Whole Lot That Stayed on the Floor’

'Suicide Squad' star Will Smith recently commented on the #ReleaseTheAyerCut movement, admitting he's all for releasing a new version of the DCEU movie.

by Amanda Mullen

Robert Pattinson Will No Longer Be the Only Batman in the DC Extended Universe

DC Studios boss James Gunn recently announced there's another Batman movie in the works, but it doesn't star Robert Pattinson as the Caped Crusader.

by Perry Carpenter

Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam smiles during an appearance on ‘Today’

Notable People

Charlie Hunnam Just Reignited ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Fans Desire For Him to Join the DCEU

A new photo from ‘Rebel Moon’ has fans convinced ‘Sons of Anarchy’ star Charlie Hunnam should be the Green Arrow in the DCEU.

by Perry Carpenter

Robert Pattinson attends "The Batman" World Premiere on March 01, 2022 in New York City

Movies

Will Robert Pattinson’s Batman Be a Part of James Gunn’s New DCEU?

According to new DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn there are no plans at this time to incorporate Robert Pattinson’s Batman into the DCEU.

by Perry Carpenter

Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk in 'She-Hulk: Attorney at Law' for our article about best superhero shows of 2022.

Gaming & Comics

4 Best Superhero Shows of 2022, Ranked

There's been no shortage of superhero shows in recent years, but 2022 featured some of the best additions to the genre.

by Amanda Mullen

Henry Cavill arrives for the European Premiere of 'Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice' at Odeon Leicester Square on March 22, 2016

Movies

Henry Cavill Dropped as Superman After James Gunn Signs Onto DC Comics

Henry Cavill won't return as Superman. The decision was made after James Gunn signed on to write the flick. Cavill has an exciting project with Amazon in the pipeline.

by Andrea Francese

Gaming & Comics

James Gunn, Peter Safran Picked to Lead DC Comics’ Movies, TV, and Animation Studio

Peter Safran and James Gunn will serve as co-CEOS of DC Studios. The pair will oversee film, TV, and animation projects involving DC Comics' characters.

by Matt Moore

'Black Adam' Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson as Black Adam, Zachary Levi as Shazam in 'Shazam!' Black Adam is looking off to the side with a serious look. Shazam is looking straight ahead with a slight smile inside of a store.

Gaming & Comics

How Black Adam Is Related to Shazam

'Black Adam' introduces the anti-hero played by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, but here's how he's connected to Zachary Levi's Shazam.

by Jeff Nelson

Movies

‘Batgirl’: Sylvester Stallone Was Almost Cast as the Film’s Villain

Interesting, the now-canceled 'Batgirl' nearly starred action star Sylvester Stallone in a key role.

by Robert Yaniz Jr.

A dog has his picture taken in a Superman costume before the start of "DC League of Super-Pets"

Movies

‘DC League of Super-Pets’: The 1 Character Who Was Created Specifically for the Movie

DC League of Super-Pets has transformed the DC Extended Universe, adding an original character to the canon.

by Robert Yaniz Jr.

John Cena as Peacemaker, who will return in 'Peacemaker' Season 2. He's wearing a red, blue, and yellow suit and looking to the side of the camera.

Gaming & Comics

‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Still Happening Despite DC Cancellations, Confirms James Gunn

Fans were concerned about 'Peacemaker' Season 2 after the sudden cancellation of 'Batgirl.' Fortunately, James Gunn has put their minds at ease.

by Amanda Mullen

'Batgirl' directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who responded to the movie being canceled. Adil El Arbi has his arm around Bilall Fallah, and he's wearing a white shirt and blue button-up. Fallah is wearing a black shirt and blue blazer.

Gaming & Comics

‘Batgirl’ Directors Respond to Movie Being Canceled: ‘Maybe One Day’

Warner Bros. Discovery canceled its upcoming 'Batgirl' movie planned for HBO Max, and directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah responded to the surprising development.

by Amanda Mullen

Gaming & Comics

‘Aquaman’ Fans Call Out Amber Heard for Looking Down on the World of Superheroes

'Aquaman' actor Amber Heard once revealed her feelings about women in superhero movies and audiences simply aren't having any of it.

by Jeff Nelson

Gaming & Comics

Amber Heard Said Jason Momoa Was ‘Allergic’ to Not Getting Attention on ‘Aquaman’

'Aquaman' star Amber Heard once talked about how her co-star, Jason Momoa, was 'allergic' to not getting all of the attention on the movie set.

by Jeff Nelson

Gaming & Comics

3 Big Ways the DCEU Could Change After Discovery’s WarnerMedia Acquisition

Discovery recently acquired WarnerMedia, but what does the merger mean for the DCEU? It sounds like some major changes could be on the horizon.

by Amanda Mullen

Movies

New ‘Wonder Twins’ DC Movie Coming to HBO Max

After the surprising success of 'Peacemaker,' DC Comics is figuring out which characters are best suited for the next film project. Wonder Twins power, activate!

by Produced by Digital Editors

Movies

Jared Leto Once Revealed the Dark Truth Behind His Joker: ‘It’s All a Big Game’

Jared Leto’s version of the Joker in ‘Suicide Squad’ divided fans. But the actor once detailed what he believes makes the DC super-villain tick.

by Robert Yaniz Jr.

Movies

Jared Leto’s Net Worth and How Much He Made to Play the Joker

Jared Leto is an Oscar-winning actor who always keeps fans talking. But what is his net worth, and how much did he earn for his divisive take on the Joker?

by Robert Yaniz Jr.

Gaming & Comics

‘Peacemaker’: James Gunn Hints That the Cameos ‘Will Keep Coming’ in Season 2

'Peacemaker' is already confirmed for season 2, and director James Gunn teased more cameos and connections to the greater DC Extended Universe.

by Amanda Mullen

Gaming & Comics

‘The Suicide Squad’: Sylvester Stallone Felt King Shark Was ‘Looking for Love’

Sylvester Stallone stole the show as King Shark in 'The Suicide Squad,' but how did he make a giant, deadly predator charming? He leaned into the character's biggest desire.

by Amanda Mullen

Gaming & Comics

‘The Batman’ Streaming Release Date Reportedly Revealed

Reports and a now-deleted listing on HBO's website indicate that 'The Batman' will receive an April streaming release date.

by Amanda Mullen

DC Extended Universe

Read more about DC Extended Universe movies, TV shows, and actors: