Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) is a pivotal movie in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), bringing together two of the most iconic superheroes: Batman and Superman. Directed by Zack Snyder, the film delves into the conflict between the two heroes, setting the stage for an expansive cinematic universe. However, the movie’s conclusion leaves many questions unanswered and sets up the events that follow. In this article, we will explore the films that follow Batman v Superman, outlining what comes after and how each piece contributes to the larger narrative of the DCEU.
A Brief Recap of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Before diving into the sequels and follow-ups, let’s quickly recap Batman v Superman. The movie centers on the strained relationship between Superman (Henry Cavill) and Batman (Ben Affleck). Following the devastation caused by the battle between Superman and General Zod in Man of Steel (2013), Batman views Superman as a threat to humanity. Tensions escalate, leading to a fight between the two heroes.
The film also introduces key characters like Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), who plays a pivotal role in the final battle against Doomsday, a creature unleashed by Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg). The movie ends with the apparent death of Superman, setting up the next phase of the DCEU.
With the major conflict between Batman and Superman resolved, the question remains: What comes next? The next films in the series continue to explore the consequences of Superman’s death and expand the DCEU.
1. Justice League (2017)
The Formation of the Justice League
The immediate follow-up to Batman v Superman is Justice League (2017). Directed by Zack Snyder (with Joss Whedon overseeing additional reshoots and post-production), Justice League brings together the key heroes of the DCEU to face an existential threat.
After the death of Superman, the world is left vulnerable, with Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) working together to recruit other metahumans, including Barry Allen (The Flash), Arthur Curry (Aquaman), and Victor Stone (Cyborg). Their mission is to stop the alien threat of Steppenwolf, who aims to conquer Earth by assembling the three Mother Boxes.
Superman’s Return
One of the key storylines in Justice League is the resurrection of Superman. Following his death in Batman v Superman, Superman is brought back to life by the combined efforts of the Justice League, using the Mother Box. However, his return is not without complications. At first, Superman is confused and confronts the Justice League in a fight, but he eventually regains his memory and joins the team to defeat Steppenwolf.
Justice League deals with themes of unity and teamwork as the heroes, who were once divided, come together to protect Earth. The film, though divisive in terms of its execution, plays a key role in transitioning the DCEU from the dark and gritty tone of Batman v Superman to a more hopeful and collaborative direction.
2. Aquaman (2018)
Arthur Curry’s Solo Adventure
While Justice League focuses on the team dynamics, Aquaman (2018), directed by James Wan, is the first standalone movie for Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa), the half-human, half-Atlantean hero. The events of Aquaman take place after Justice League, following the hero’s decision to accept his destiny as the ruler of Atlantis.
In this film, Aquaman must face his half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), who seeks to wage war on the surface world. With the help of Mera (Amber Heard) and the legendary trident, Aquaman must unite the underwater kingdoms and stop the impending war.
Expanding the DCEU
Aquaman is significant for its world-building. It delves deep into the lore of Atlantis, showcasing the vast underwater kingdom and its mythology. The film was a major box office success, proving that standalone films within the DCEU could thrive even after the mixed reception of Justice League. It also marks a shift in tone from the darker films of the early DCEU, focusing on adventure and spectacle.
3. Shazam! (2019)
A Lighthearted Departure from the Darker DCEU Films
Shazam! (2019), directed by David F. Sandberg, marks a tonal shift for the DCEU. It introduces Billy Batson (Asher Angel), a teenage boy who transforms into an adult superhero (Zachary Levi) with the utterance of the word “Shazam.” This film embraces humor, heart, and a more lighthearted approach to the superhero genre, making it stand out from the more serious films in the DCEU.
While Shazam! is not directly connected to the events of Batman v Superman or Justice League, it exists within the same universe, with references to Superman and Batman. However, its focus is more on the coming-of-age story of Billy and his journey of learning what it truly means to be a hero.
A Different Kind of Hero
Unlike the more grim heroes like Batman or Superman, Shazam is a fun-loving, wisecracking character, and his movie embraces this. While the film’s tone is lighter, it still deals with themes of responsibility and courage, making it an important part of the growing DCEU.
4. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Diana’s Return to the Spotlight
The next significant film in the DCEU after Justice League is Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), a direct sequel to Wonder Woman (2017). Directed by Patty Jenkins, the film takes place in the 1980s, well before the events of Batman v Superman.
In Wonder Woman 1984, Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) faces off against two iconic foes: Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal), a business magnate with the power to manipulate people’s desires, and the Cheetah (Kristen Wiig), a former friend who becomes one of Wonder Woman’s greatest enemies.
A Glimpse into the Past
Though Wonder Woman 1984 isn’t directly tied to the aftermath of Batman v Superman, it provides valuable character development for Diana, showing her struggles with loss and how she navigates life in a world that no longer sees her as a hero. The film also explores the concept of wish fulfillment, with major consequences for both Diana and the world around her.
5. The Flash (2023)
A Time-Traveling Story with Major Implications
The Flash (2023), directed by Andy Muschietti, is a movie that deals with time travel and the consequences of altering history. Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) attempts to go back in time to prevent the death of his mother, but his actions lead to significant changes in the timeline. The movie explores the multiverse, with appearances from alternate versions of familiar characters, including Ben Affleck’s Batman and Michael Keaton’s Batman.
The Multiverse and Rebooting the DCEU
The events of The Flash are significant not only for their time-travel storyline but also for their impact on the larger DCEU. The film’s handling of the multiverse opens up new possibilities for the future of the DCEU, potentially rebooting elements of the series and setting up a new direction for future films.
Conclusion
The question of what comes after Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is complex. The DCEU has evolved and shifted significantly since the release of that film in 2016. While some films have continued the story arcs from Batman v Superman (like Justice League and Aquaman), others, such as Shazam! and Wonder Woman 1984, have ventured into different territories while still existing within the same cinematic universe.
As the DCEU progresses into the multiverse era with The Flash and beyond, it remains to be seen how the interconnectedness of these films will continue. One thing is certain: the legacy of Batman v Superman is still very much alive, influencing the trajectory of the entire DCEU.
