TheDC Animated Universehas delivered some incredibly compelling narratives that James Gunn would be wise to adapt into hisDCUreboot. The DC Animated Universe (DCAU) comprises the animated arm ofthe DCU timeline, usually offering interconnected adventures within a shared universe. With James Gunn and Peter Safran crafting the new DC Universe, there’s a treasure trove of DCAU stories that could elevate their cinematic world.
James Gunn’s DCU is positioned as a fresh start, but it will still honor classic DC stories. The new first saga,Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, suggests a willingness to experiment with darker and more mature narratives. While the DCU isn’t strictly adapting previous continuities, it can take inspiration from the best DC has to offer. If Gunn wants to create a cinematic universe that stands the test of time, mining these stories for inspiration would be a smart move. The following arcs are ripe for adaptation.
10Bruce Wayne Mentors A Younger Batman
Batman Beyond
Batman Beyondrevolutionized the Batman mythos by introducing Terry McGinnis, a rebellious teen who becomes Gotham’s new Dark Knight under an aged Bruce Wayne’s guidance. The series explored themes of legacy, responsibility, and identity in acyberpunk Gotham filled with futuristic threats. This storyline would be a perfect addition to the DCU, allowing an older Bruce Wayne – perhaps played by Michael Keaton or another veteran actor – to train his successor.
The emotional depth of Bruce grappling with his past failures while guiding a new Batman would provide a fresh take on the hero. Terry McGinnis’ story also allows for a younger, more contemporary Batman who appeals to modern audiences while keeping Bruce’s legacy intact. Gunn’s DCU could useBatman Beyondasa bold departure from traditional Batman movies, introducing a world where Gotham’s protector is no longer the man behind the cowl.
9Batman Stages A Justice League Walk-Out
Young Justice: Outsiders
One of Batman’s most shocking leadership moves came inYoung Justice: Outsiders, where he orchestrated a mass resignation from the Justice League to combat corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency. This storylinebrilliantly showcased Batman’s strategic mindand his willingness to make tough, controversial choices. In a live-action DCU, this could serve as a powerful statement about heroism versus government control, similar toCaptain America: Civil War.
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If the DCU’s new Justice League faces interference from political powers, Batman leading a breakaway faction would create high drama and raise the stakes for superhero accountability. This plot could introduce the Outsiders, a team of covert heroes working under Batman’s guidance,allowing for new characters to enter the DCU. Gunn’s knack for character dynamics would make this story an electrifying and thought-provoking installment in the evolving DC cinematic universe.
8A Noir Justice League Enact Brutal Justice
Justice League: Gods And Monsters
Justice League: Gods and Monstersintroduced an alternate universe where Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman were darker,morally ambiguous figures. This version of the League ruled through fear, enforcing brutal justice while questioning the fine line between heroism and tyranny. A storyline like this in the DCU could explore alternate realities or the consequences of absolute power, akin toThe BoysorZack Snyder’s Justice League.
The film could introduce a parallel universe where the League operates without restraint, forcing the main DCU heroes to confront their own ideals. With Gunn’s penchant for exploring flawed, morally complex characters (The Suicide Squad,Peacemaker), aGods and Monstersadaptation couldprovide a unique and subversive take on the Justice League. The concept also opens the door for an eventualCrisis on Infinite Earthscrossover, tying multiple realities together in an epic, multiversal event.
7Hawkgirl Betrays The Justice League
Justice League “Starcrossed”
One of the most gripping betrayals in superhero animation came inJustice League’s “Starcrossed” arc, where Hawkgirl was revealed to be a spy for the Thanagarian military. This storyline was a masterclass in emotional storytelling,forcing the League to question their trust in one of their own. If Gunn’s DCU introduces Hawkgirl early on, her betrayal could serve as a shocking twist in a future Justice League film.
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The idea of a hero torn between their loyalty to Earth and their alien heritage would provide rich drama, much likeCaptain America: The Winter Soldier’s political intrigue. This arc could also set up a Thanagarian invasion after her introduction inSuperman(2025), leading to a large-scale war that tests the League’s unity. With Hawkgirl’s growing popularity, this storyline is ripe for a live-action adaptation in Gunn’s evolving DCU.
6Superman Is Forced To Enter A Gladiator Tournament
Justice League “War World”
One of the best Superman-focused DCAU stories forced the Man of Steel into a brutal gladiator tournament. InJustice League“War World,” Superman is stripped of his usual allies and trapped in an alien coliseum. Superman had to rely on his wits and sheer willpower to survive against deadly extraterrestrial warriors. This premise would fit perfectly with James Gunn’s DCU, offering a high-stakes, off-world adventure thatexplores Superman’s strength beyond his raw power.
A “War World” storyline would also allow for an intense battle with Mongul, one of Superman’s most fearsome villains. While Superman’s moral compass ensures he doesn’t embrace the bloodshed, seeing him struggle against ruthless fighters would explore his resilience. The gladiator settingcould also introduce lesser-known cosmic characters, expanding the DCU’s galactic scale in a way that feels different from traditional Superman stories.
5Batman Assembles The Justice League Dark
Justice League Dark
TheJustice League Darkanimated movie brought together DC’s supernatural protectors, a team that James Gunn’s DCU desperately needs. This story saw Batman recruit characters like John Constantine, Zatanna, and Etrigan toface off against dark magical forces. Unlike the traditional Justice League, this team deals with demons, necromancers, and ancient curses, giving the DCU a horror-fantasy twist.
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Batman’s involvement ensures mainstream appeal, but the focus on supernatural heroes offers fresh storytelling opportunities. A live-action adaptation could introduce Swamp Thing, Deadman, and other occult heroes to the big screen, building uponThe Brave and the Bold’s darker aesthetic. With horror maestros like James Wan or Guillermo del Toro potentially involved,Justice League Darkcouldset the stage for a unique corner of the DCU, where magic and terror reign supreme. It’s a team dynamic unlike any other in DC’s live-action history.
4The Justice League Face Their Evil Variants
Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earthsis one of the most compelling multiversal stories in the DCAU, pitting the League against their evil doppelgängers from an alternate universe. The Crime Syndicate – Ultraman, Owlman, Superwoman, and more – serve asdark reflections of DC’s greatest heroes, challenging their morals and forcing them to face a world where power corrupts absolutely. James Gunn’s DCU will eventually explore the multiverse, and adaptingCrisis on Two Earthswould allow for an action-packed, philosophical battle.
Seeing Superman fight Ultraman or Batman clash with the nihilistic Owlman would provide a thrilling, high-stakes narrative. This concept also ties intoThe Authority, as the DCU could question whether absolute power ever remains benevolent. By presenting the Justice League withtheir worst-case scenario counterparts, James Gunn could craft an intense, cerebral blockbuster with moral complexity.
3Batman Teams Up With The Suicide Squad
Batman: Assault On Arkham
While James Gunn’sThe Suicide Squadwas a hit, a follow-up inspired byBatman: Assault on Arkhamcould bring a fresh perspective. This DCAU film saw Batman reluctantly working with Task Force X to infiltrate Arkham Asylum, navigating a dangerous game between the Squad, Joker, and the Riddler. A live-action adaptationwould create an exciting blend of crime thriller, black-ops action, and psychological horror.
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Batman’s presence would heighten the stakes for Amanda Waller’s team, as he has no patience for their reckless brutality. This dynamic could explore whether Task Force X remains an asset or a liability in Gotham’s underworld. With Robert Pattinson’sThe Batmanfranchise keeping its own continuity, Gunn’s DCU could use a different Dark Knight to handle this crossover. Bringing Batman and the Squad togetherguarantees a unique blend of detective work, heist elements, and chaotic action.
2A Victorian Batman Hunts Jack The Ripper
Gotham By Gaslight
One of DC’s best Elseworlds stories,Gotham by Gaslight, reimagines Batman as a 19th-century detective hunting Jack the Ripper. This gothic take on the Dark Knight offers a chilling, atmospheric mystery that could work as a standalone DCU film or as part of aBatman: The Brave and the Boldspin-off. James Gunn’s DCU is already embracing unique storytelling styles, and aGotham by Gaslightadaptation wouldbring a period-piece horror vibe to the franchise.
A Victorian-era Gotham would allow for breathtaking cinematography, old-world detective noir, and terrifying psychological horror. A stripped-down, steampunk-inspired Batman could rely on deduction and hand-to-hand combat, making for a grittier, more intimate thriller. The filmcould also introduce historical versions of familiar characters, such as a primitive Joker or a Jack the Ripper-inspired Ra’s al Ghul. If the DCU wants to embrace variety,Gotham by Gaslightis a must.
1Superman Faces Brainiac And His Origins
Superman: Unbound
Superman: Unboundgave Brainiac one of his best animated adaptations, emphasizing his terrifying intellect, unstoppable drones, and connection to Krypton’s destruction. The film explored how Brainiac had bottled Kandor, keeping a city of Kryptonians as specimens, andSuperman’s mission to stop him before Earth faced the same fate. This storyline could serve as the perfect sequel toSuperman(2025), showcasing Kal-El’s cosmic responsibilities.
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James Gunn’s DCU could elevate Brainiac to Thanos-level status, making him a long-term threat that builds across multiple films. His cold, calculated nature contrasts sharply with Superman’s warmth, making their ideological clash deeply compelling. Additionally, the introduction of Kandor couldpave the way for Supergirl’s arrival. A Brainiac-centric movie would blend hard sci-fi with emotional depth, giving the DCU its definitive Superman-versus-Brainiac showdown from the annals of theDC Animated Universe.
Cast
Batman Beyond is an animated action-adventure television series set twenty years after the events of Batman: The Animated series. Bruce Wayne, now in his twilight years, continues to fight crime with new gadgets, suits, and tech - but his old age has revealed that even the Caped Crusader has limits. Enter Terry McGinnis, a teenager with athletic prowess and a strong sense of justice. When pursued by a gang one night, Terry is helped by the elderly Bruce Wayne - an event that leads to Terry’s training as the new generation Batman.
Young Justice
Young Justice is an animated Superhero Sci-Fi television show created by Brandon Vietti and Greg Weisman. The series follows the Young Justice group of superheroes, including names like Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Superboy. Viewers will recognize voices from Jesse McCartney, Khary Payton, Jason Spisak, and Nolan North.
Justice League
Justice League is an animated TV series where DC superheroes, including Batman and Superman, form a team to protect Earth from a variety of threats. Featuring voice talents like Kevin Conroy as Batman and George Newbern as Superman, the series explores themes of teamwork and heroism across its action-packed episodes. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on Cartoon Network starting in 2001.
Justice League: Gods and Monsters
With a story by Alan Burnett and Bruce Timm and direction from Sam Liu, Justice League: Gods and Monsters is a 2015 animated Superhero release starring voices from Tamara Taylor, Michael C. Hall, and Benjamin Bratt. The plot takes place in an alternate universe where Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman rule with an iron first.
A heroic Lex Luthor from an alternate universe recruits the Justice League to help save his Earth from the Crime Syndicate, a villainous counterpart of the League. As the battle intensifies, Owlman devises a plan that could destroy the multiverse, forcing the heroes to act before all existence is obliterated.
Batman: Assault on Arkham
Based on DC Comics' universe, Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film directed by Jay Oliva and Ethan Spaulding. Set between the events of Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham Asylum, the story follows the Suicide Squad, a team of criminals assembled by Amanda Waller, as they infiltrate Arkham Asylum to retrieve vital information. Batman becomes involved, posing a significant challenge to both the criminals and their government handlers.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight transports Gotham City to the Victorian era, where Batman launches his war on crime while investigating a string of murders perpetrated by the infamous Jack the Ripper, blending elements of mystery and classic Batman lore within an alternative historical setting.
Superman Unbound
Superman Unbound (2013) is an animated superhero film directed by James Tucker. It follows Superman as he battles Brainiac, who has been abducting and shrinking cities across the galaxy, including Kandor from Krypton. Meanwhile, Superman must balance these challenges with his responsibilities on Earth and his relationship with Lois Lane. The film stars the voices of Matt Bomer, Stana Katic, and John Noble.
