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FEATURE: Ranking the DC Extended Universe Films by Anticipation, From Least to Most

Back in 2014, Warner Bros. laid out its initial slate of DC
movies that all take place in one universe, now dubbed the DC Extended
Universe. The slate promises not one, but two Justice League films; a
supervillain-centric movie with Suicide Squad; the story of Shazam; solo movies
for every founding member of the Justice League; and much more.
Below, I have ranked the ten upcoming DCEU movies, from my
least to most anticipated. This is all based on my personal opinions about each
film so far.
Note: We will be going over the DC movies that have been
officially dated by Warner Bros. So movies like Man of Steel 2, Justice League
Dark
and The Batman will not be included.
#9 – Cyborg
Release Date: April 3rd, 2020
Arguably the most surprising name on the list, Cyborg
(played by Ray Fisher) is traditionally not a solo character. He is commonly
featured as a supporting character/team player in the Teen Titans and, most recently, the Justice
League. In fact, until last year, he never had his own solo comic book series. And
most fans don’t find him as interesting as the other members of the Justice
League. So, why give him his own movie?
I do have some doubts about a Cyborg movie, but I think
that it still has some potential. The technological aspects of the character should
be really cool to see in live action, while it will mark the first DCEU installment
to star a black superhero. Basically, if the story is interesting, then I’m
down.
While Cyborg doesn’t sound near as exciting as the other
DCEU films (yet), it still offers plenty of potential.
#8 – The Flash
Release Date: March 16th, 2018
After many years in development hell, Warner Bros. is
finally bringing The Flash to life on the big screen. I’ve been wanting to see
Barry Allen on the big screen for a long time, Chris Miller and Phil Lord wrote
the story treatment, and I’m excited to see Ezra Miller’s performance. So, why
isn’t this movie higher on the list?
Personally, I’m a little skeptical about Seth Grahame-Smith
directing and writing. This will mark his feature directorial debut, while he doesn’t
have the most impressive writing credentials. Could he surprise me with The Flash?
Absolutely. But as of right now, I’m slightly uncertain about the idea. We’ll
see.
My doubts about the director aside, I’m still
excited to see The Flash. I’m particularly interested in seeing how they will
approach the superspeed powers, as well as how they’ll stand out from The CW’s
Flash and both film iterations of Marvel’s Quicksilver.
#7 – Shazam
Release Date: April 5th, 2019
The story of Shazam is a very interesting one, and it’s
more than deserving of a big screen treatment. Dwayne Johnson is set to play villain/future
antihero Black Adam, while Darren Lemke was hired to write the script a couple
years ago. We don’t know much else about this film yet, but it’s hard not to be
excited.
Shazam is one of DC’s more lighthearted characters, something
that should make him stand out in the DCEU. Also, the idea of seeing The Rock
in a comic book movie – especially in a role that he’s been trying to play for a
decade – is very cool. He should be a big draw for this film. And finally,
Shazam will explore more of the magical side of the DCEU, which is another unique trait.
Overall, while we don’t know much about the movie’s plot or other things yet, I am very excited to see Shazam.
#6 – Green Lantern Corps
Release Date: June 19th, 2020

After 2011’s Green Lantern, Warner Bros. is taking its sweet time rebooting the character. The studio recently said that Lantern won’t make his debut until 2019’s Justice League Part Two at the earliest. Despite the hesitance, I’m very pumped to see the Green
Lantern Corps
on film again.
For one, making the movie about the Corps instead of one single Lantern is a step in the right direction. I love the idea of an ensemble Green
Lantern
movie, since it would take advantage of its huge cast of characters. If done right,
the cosmic side of the DCEU would be fascinating to see. And the action
sequences have potential to be extremely unique, given the Corps’ powers.
Since this one is so far away, it’s hard to rank it too high
on the list. But Green Lantern Corps has an insane amount of potential, and
hopefully, Warner Bros. will tap into that.
#5 – Aquaman
Release Date: July 27th, 2018
Now this movie has potential to be something special.
Often the butt of many jokes, Aquaman should turn the tide (no pun intended)
with Jason Momoa’s portrayal in the DCEU. This Aquaman looks to be a more
rugged, barbaric take – aka, one that people should take seriously. And he’s
getting his own movie.
The thing that should set Aquaman apart from other superhero
movies is its underwater setting. It is one that has yet to be utilized on the
big screen, and visually, there are endless opportunities. Seeing the world of Atlantis adapted to film would be amazing. Also, Aquaman has a
great supporting cast that should absolutely be taken advantage of.
In case you couldn’t tell, I am VERY excited to see Aquaman.
Fingers crossed that the movie will show people how great a character he is.
#4 – Suicide Squad
Release Date: August 5th, 2016
Normally, a Suicide Squad movie would be at the
bottom of this list. I’m usually far more excited for the more A-list DC properties, such as Justice League and its characters.
However, this film has really won me over throughout the past two years.
Suicide Squad boasts a stellar cast, as well as an
enthusiastic director-writer in David Ayer. Also, the trailers for this film
have been fantastic, and the marketing campaign in general has been so good. Suicide
Squad
looks like an extremely unique entry in the comic book movie genre, from
the tone to the subject matter. Oh, and it’s the first comic book movie to star the villains, rather than the heroes.
Overall, Suicide Squad has been rising higher and higher on
this list for me. While it may not seem like the most obvious entry to the
DCEU slate, I’m so glad that Warner Bros. made it happen.
#3 – Wonder Woman
Release Date: June 23rd, 2017
At long last, Wonder Woman is starring in her own movie.
Following her introduction in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, we’ll get a
look at Diana Prince’s origin story. And I gotta say, it has been a long time
coming.
Wonder Woman is the most popular female superhero ever, so
having her lead the first female superhero movie in a decade makes perfect sense.
Additionally, the character has a deeply rich mythology that deserves to be explored on
film. The World War I setting also helps this movie stand out, while I am more
than ready to see what Gal Gadot has to offer in the role.
It should surprise no one to see Wonder Woman in the list’s top
three, considering how critical she is to the DCEU. Fingers crossed that this
film will live up to the hype.
#2 – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Release Date: March 25th, 2016
This is the movie that will make this whole cinematic universe
possible. And really, there’s nothing I can say here that hasn’t been said
already. Batman v Superman is the most anticipated superhero movie in years,
and for good reason.
Batman and Superman in the same movie. Wonder Woman making
her big screen debut. The Trinity uniting to fight Doomsday. Zack Snyder is
directing. Chris Terrio is writing. Batman punches Superman in the face. All of the trailers have been incredible. Need I
say more?
There are very few movies that I have been more excited to see than Batman v Superman. Of course, one of the few movies I’ve had even greater anticipation for is…
#1 – Justice League (Parts One and Two)
Release Date: November 17th, 2017 (Part One)/June
14th, 2019 (Part Two)
As a kid, I watched the Justice League animated series on a
regular basis. I loved the team, the characters, everything. As I grew older, I
gained a greater appreciation for the heroes and a true love of the comics. And
after years of waiting, we’re finally seeing the team in live action on the big screen.
The two-part Justice League saga is actually happening. What has been the
dreams of fans is about to become reality. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman,
Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg, and possibly more heroes are united in one team. It’s hard not
to feel excited about this, especially with Zack Snyder directing and Chris Terrio
writing.
For me, Justice League barely edges out Batman v Superman on this list.
But this is, for real, the DCEU movie I am most looking forward to. It’s what I
have always wanted to see in a movie. And hopefully, I won’t be disappointed.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of WOBAM! Entertainment.