Warner Bros. is reportedly planning to launch a complete DC Comics movie universe in an attempt to emulate Marvel's success. Former Deadline editor Nikki Finke's new site, NikkiFinke.com, claims the studio will announce a wide range of new films at San Diego Comic-Con in July, including formal confirmation of the standalone Wonder Woman movie and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's Sandman adaptation.
The plans are said to also include a Shazam (Captain Marvel) project for next summer, a joint Flash and Green Lantern movie for late 2017, and a Man of Steel sequel for the following year. Together with Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and the Justice League movie, the reported schedule would see Warner Bros. release seven DC movies between May 2016 and May 2018:
- May 2016: Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice
- July 2016: Shazam (Captain Marvel)
- Christmas 2016: The Sandman
- May 2017: Justice League
- July 2017: Wonder Woman
- Christmas 2017: Flash and Green Lantern
- May 2018: Man of Steel 2
Finke reports that Batman v. Superman was delayed so as to provide a "launching pad" for the Justice League, with the projects set to feature multiple cameos from the comics universe in a similar fashion to Marvel movies like Iron Man and The Avengers. Arranging contracts for each superhero, including options for future movies, will have been a complex process. However, the plans are said to be "in flux," so it's very possible all of this may not transpire in time for Comic-Con.