DC’s next villain-focused project isn’t the one fans might expect. After Man of Tomorrow, the studio reportedly shifts its attention to a surprising Batman spin-off amid a turbulent stretch.
DC’s Bane & Deathstroke Batman spin-off remains a priority
DC Studios actively prioritizes a Bane and Deathstroke film as part of its growing cinematic slate, according to TheWrap. The Batman spin-off project remains in early development without a director or cast currently attached. The studio continues to push forward despite recent setbacks at the box office.
The update comes during a challenging stretch for the new DC universe after Supergirl underperformed theatrically. The superhero film earned only $38 million domestically during its opening weekend against a $170 million production budget. Industry insiders believe the movie requires roughly $315 million globally just to reach profitability.
Peter Safran responded to the disappointing results in remarks shared with the New York Times on Sunday. “While Supergirl didn’t meet our box office expectations, it’s just one component of a broader, long-term strategy at DC Studios that we remain confident in,” Safran stated. A Warner Bros. insider separately emphasized that studio leadership remains committed to a decade-long DC plan.
Several other DC projects sit at different stages alongside the Bane and Deathstroke film. James Gunn is working on Man of Tomorrow, his follow-up to last year’s successful Superman starring David Corenswet. Clayface, a lower-budget horror entry helmed by James Watkins, opens in theaters this autumn. HBO’s Lanterns starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre debuts in August with Damon Lindelof involved.
However, questions persist about the franchise’s overall direction amid the looming Paramount-WBD merger. One DC insider offered a blunt assessment of the current trajectory to TheWrap. “All this is, is a Gunn and Safran production deal. It’s not a brand,” the insider remarked. Dynamic Duo recently showcased its first footage at the Annecy Animation Film Festival last week.
Creature Commandos heads into a second season, while The Brave and the Bold remains stalled since its 2023 announcement.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on SuperHeroHype.com.
