The Flash marks the end of the DCU as we knew it, yet many audiences walked out of the film even more confused about the DCU’s future. James Gunn and Peter Safran now lead the DC Cinematic franchise, with The Flash intending to be the first step in the DCU’s transformation. Fans want to know where the DCU goes from here after the end of the movie. The ending to The Flash leaves many loose threads in understanding future DCU projects.
How The Flash Reboots the Original DC Cinematic Universe
The film transforms the original DCU that began with 2013’s Man of Steel. The Flash features the return of several returning actors from the earlier films, including Ben Affleck as Batman. Gal Gadot and Jason Momoa are included as Wonder Woman and Aquaman, respectively. Also, an alternate timeline Zod from the Man of Steel returns as the primary villain in The Flash.
The premise of The Flash has Barry Allen use his superspeed to go back in time to save his mother. This action causes the timeline to change, with Michael Keaton coming out of retirement as Batman and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl replacing her cousin Superman in this new timeline.
Barry, Batman, Supergirl, and an alternate version of Barry join forces to stop Zod. However, the original Barry realizes that his meddling with the timeline has made everything worse and he needs to go back in time and allow his mother to die. While Barry’s actions save the planet from Zod’s invasion, his actions still permanently change some things.
When Barry meets Bruce Wayne once again, he discovers a George Clooney version of Batman has taken Affleck’s place. Fortunately for Jason Mamoa, he appears in a post-credits scene retaining his Aquaman role.
What Does The Flash Mean for The Future of the DCU
The Flash is likely the last time audiences will see many of these superheroes played by these actors. Momoa will star in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, but Affleck is finished playing Batman and Henry Cavill’s Superman isn’t part of Gunn’s or Safran’s plans for the future of the DCU. Gadot’s continued participation as Wonder Woman is still up in the air.
Many fans believed the movie would offer in-universe reasoning for the DCU’s reboot, yet many left the movie theater puzzled. Clooney’s cameo as Batman was just a funny Easter egg. The actor played Batman in the awful Batman & Robin. He won’t be continuing as the Caped Crusader.
Miller’s real-life controversy, which stems from multiple arrests and allegations, makes it difficult to effectively confirm their continued place in the DCU. Additionally, as Sasha Calle’s Supergirl was from another timeline and was killed by Zod calls her status in the future of the DCU into question.
Related:
The Flash: Will Sasha Calle Get Her Own Supergirl Movie?
Blue Beetle is the next DC film releasing this year, launching before Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Gunn reports that Blue Beetle will be the first new hero of the rebooted DCU. With regards to most of the other DC superheroes, what will happen is anyone’s guess.
