Rumored Schedule For DC's Upcoming Films Reveals What We Should Expect From The Studio In The Next Five Years

DC and Marvel fans may never truly admit to any of their rivals strengths or their own brand's flaws, but if there's one thing that both companies' fans can agree on in unison it's that Marvel is currently killing it on the big screen. While DC gave us an acclaimed Batman trilogy and a generally will received Superman reboot, they still have yet to expand their universe and give their wide array of characters a chance with movie goers. Well now it seems those years of scratching our heads wondering what plan WB had under their sleeves may finally be worth it, as a rumored schedule for DC's upcoming films has finally been revealed, and fans will certainly like what they see.

Below is the upcoming schedule according to Nikki Finke as well as the possible Batman reboot reported by Latino-Review. Also below is what we know so far about each movie and how they'll tie to the DC cinematic universe: 

May 2016 - Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice

From what we know so far the film will of course introduce audiences to our new Ben Affleck Batman, as well as Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor as the villain, and a possible undisclosed secondary villain (Who could be played by Callan Mulvey). It'll also introduce us to our new Alfred played by Jeremy Irons, and three more future Justice League members in the forms of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), and Aquaman (Jason Momoa). Rumor has it we could also see a Flash cameo and an appearance by Batman's former sidekick Dick Grayson as Nightwing.

July 2016 - Shazam!

Has no known writer or director attached as of yet, and has yet to officially cast any of it's lead roles. Most likely will star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as either the titular hero, or his arch-nemesis Black Adam (A role that Johnson has been a fan favorite for for years). Will most likely catered to younger audiences with a little less violence and grit and more humor and a light hearted tone. Shazam! could possibly be a member of the Justice League if the film's popular, and could take a similar route the New 52 comics recently did.

Christmas 2016 - Sandman

Most likely will be DC's anti-thesis to Shazam, with a much darker tone and older target audience. Could be directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Don Jon) who's already producing the film and he'll most likely star in the lead role as well. It'll probably stand much more on it's own in comparison to the rest of DC's upcoming releases, and it's highly unlikely that he'll have any involvement with the Justice League. 

May 2017 - Justice League

It's line-up will most likely include Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Cyborg, and Aquaman, with Martian Manhunter as a wild card (Given writer David S. Goyer's recent criticism of the character). Will most likely have all the already cast member return from their appearances in Dawn of Justice (Cavill, Affleck, Gadot, Fisher, and Momoa) along with a newly cast Green Lantern (Replacing Ryan Reynolds). It's unknown whether the Flash TV show universe will be canon with this film, thus it remains to be seen whether Grant Gustin will reprise his role as the Flash. The film will almost certainly be directed by Zack Snyder, and it's villain is rumored to be Darkseid. 

July 2017 - Wonder Woman

Could take place after the events of Justice League or could serve as a prequel/origin story for Diana Prince. Will of course star Gal Gadot, and will most likely feature a predominantly female cast as her fellow warriors in the Amazons. It'll most likely feature a lot of mythological Greek lore including gods such as Zeus, Artemis, and Ares. The film will probably introduce Prince's human love interest Steve Trevor, and somehow tie him into the action. Warner Bros. likely is seeking a female director, and Zack Snyder could be involved to some capacity given his past work on 300. 

Christmas 2017 - Flash and Green Lantern team-up

As surprised as many people have been about this project, a year ago we actually had a feeling DC and Warner Bros. would take this route once Batman v. Superman was announced. This is seemingly a way for the studio to give more screen time to two of their newly rebooted characters, without having to take the risk of making another Green Lantern film following the failure of the first film. Ryan Reynolds will almost undoubtedly not be returning for this film, and it's still unknown whether Grant Gustin's Flash will be involved with the cinematic universe. While it's believed we'll be seeing the Barry Allen and Hal Jordan versions of these characters on screen, WB may be considering using their equally as popular (If not more well known thanks to the Justice League cartoon) successors Wally West and John Stewart. 

May 2018 - Man of Steel 2

Will serve as a much more direct sequel to Man of Steel rather than Dawn of Justice, and more than likely will bring the focus back to Superman rather than to any other heroes. Will probably return most of the film's supporting cast including Diane Lane's Ma Kent, Amy Adam's Lois Lane, and Laurence Fishburne's Perry White. Jesse Eisenberg will also probably return as Lex Luthor, perhaps in a less (Or more) prominent role than he'll have in Dawn of Justice. Could see the appearance of many of Superman's most popular villains including Brainiac or even Doomsday. Snyder will most likely return to direct in what could be his last project for the studio, and Supergirl may appear as David S. Goyer has hinted at in the past. 

2019 - The Batman?

This film will of course have no ties to Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy, and will bring back both Affleck and Irons in their respective roles. It'll likely introduce us too many newly rebooted supporting characters including Lucius Fox and Commissioner Gordon. We'll also most likely see Nightwing return if he is in fact included in Dawn of Justice, and we could see a new Robin working alongside Batman. It's heavily believed that Ben Affleck will direct the film along with starring in it, and could be involved with writing it as well. The film might use a Batman antagonist who has yet to make it onto the big screen, and it's widely believed that Warner Bros. won't use the Joker so soon into the rebooted franchise.

Now of course this is a lot to digest, as we went from knowing almost nothing more than that a Justice League would be following up Dawn of Justice, to now apparently knowing DC's entire plans for the next few years. It's worth noting that these rumors should of course be taken with a grain of salt, and if true will most likely be revealed in part at this year's Comic-Con. Now it's also worth mentioning that filmmaker Kevin Smith seemingly confirmed that these rumors were in fact true, and given his close friendship with Ben Affleck, and his inside knowledge on what's going on at Warner Bros. (He was one of the first people to see Affleck's batsuit), his input should at least help provide some credibility for the time being.

So how do you feel about DC's upcoming line-up for the next few years? Are their any films you feel don't belong on this schedule? Are their in projects your disappointed to not see included? Let us know below!