Tomorrowverse Producer Reveals Status Of Future DC Animated Movies Ahead Of DC Studios’ Takeover (Exclusive)
DC Studios has its own plans for animated DC projects moving forward, but where does that leave the direct-to-DVD movies fans have come to love so much? Here’s what the Tomorrowverse’s Butch Lukic told us.
The Future of DC Animated Movies in the Wake of DC Studios’ Transition
Butch Lukic has been a fixture of the DC Animated Universe for decades and, in recent years, he’s been overseeing the “Tomorrowverse” as an executive producer. He’s overseen all 10 of those direct-to-DVD features, starting with Superman: Man of Tomorrow and culminating with the recently released Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Three. A great deal has changed since the former was released in 2020, and with DC Studios now looking to make a single, shared DCU, where does that leave these popular movies?
We asked Lukic about that earlier this week and he told us, “You never know. Right now, I couldn’t say anything as far as what they want to do beyond these.”
“Obviously, the James Gunn DC Universe is what’s important right now; as far as anything to jump off of this stuff, I think it’s very secondary,” he explained, “so it’s going to be more aligned to whatever the DCU is as James Gunn works it out.”
While Watchmen is up next, it currently sounds like that might be it for these movies unless the plan is for them to continue under the “Elseworlds” banner. Normally at Comic-Con, we get a slate of animated DC projects for the following year, but don’t be surprised if nothing is mentioned next weekend.
The Tomorrowverse: A Self-Contained Saga
We also wondered how Lukic looks back at the Tomorrowverse, and he confirmed that, even before DC Studios’ formation, the plan was to tell a self-contained story over 10 movies.
“Well, originally, I wanted to do more than 10 movies which this ultimately was. I was hoping to keep things going and stretch things out so we could add more buildup for certain characters,” he said. “It was decided that we’d get 10 movies and we’d need to get as much in there as we possibly could so they’d be cohesive.”
“They gave us a 5-year plan which is what we did. We did it all in 5 years. 10 movies and the shorts. Originally, the previous universe was open-ended after 14, 15 years, but this time around, they wanted a definite start and a stop. And that’s what we produced.”
Fan Reactions and the Future of DC Animation
The announcement of the DC Studios’ takeover has sparked a lot of discussion among fans, with many expressing their concerns about the future of the direct-to-DVD animated films. Some fans argue that the Tomorrowverse has lost its way, while others believe that the future of DC animation lies in embracing the new DCU.
The comments section of ComicBookMovie.com reflects this range of opinions. Some fans, like harryba11zack, express their dissatisfaction with the “awful art style” of the recent DC animated films. Others, like lazlodaytona, argue that standalone or “Elseworlds” stories are important for keeping things fresh and exploring alternative versions of established characters.
However, the conversation quickly veers into religious territory with dagenspear taking the opportunity to evangelize. This highlights the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of fandom, where passion for a shared universe can clash with personal beliefs and opinions.
A Look Back at the Tomorrowverse
The Tomorrowverse, despite its limited lifespan, has offered a unique perspective on the DC Universe. It explored the origins of iconic characters like Superman and Green Lantern, delving into their early days and showcasing their growth into heroes. It also introduced lesser-known characters, such as the Justice Society, to a wider audience.
The Tomorrowverse wasn’t without its flaws, however. Some fans found the animation style to be a departure from the more traditional approach of previous animated DC movies. Others felt that the stories lacked the depth and complexity that had characterized earlier DC animated films.
More related > Who will be at the helm of Avengers 5?
The Impact of DC Studios on the Animated Landscape
The arrival of DC Studios has undoubtedly changed the landscape of DC animation. The studio’s focus on creating a single, shared DCU means that future animated projects will likely be more closely aligned with the live-action films. This could lead to a more cohesive and interconnected universe, but it also raises concerns about the future of the direct-to-DVD animated films.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for DC Animation
The future of DC animation remains uncertain. While the DC Studios’ takeover may mean the end of the Tomorrowverse, it also presents an opportunity for new and exciting animated projects. It will be fascinating to see how DC Studios will balance its commitment to the shared DCU with the desire to create compelling and standalone animated stories.
With James Gunn at the helm, fans can expect a more unified and cohesive approach to the DC Universe, but it remains to be seen whether this will translate into a more vibrant and exciting future for DC animated films. As Butch Lukic himself stated, the future of these movies is “very secondary” to the main DCU, and their fate will likely depend on the direction that Gunn takes the franchise.
While the immediate future of the Tomorrowverse may be uncertain, the legacy of these 10 movies will live on. They provided a unique and entertaining glimpse into the DC Universe, exploring both well-known and lesser-known characters. Whether they will continue under the “Elseworlds” banner or be shelved entirely remains to be seen.
One thing is for sure: the world of DC animation is undergoing a significant shift, and it will be fascinating to see how it evolves in the years to come.
What is the status of future DC animated movies following DC Studios’ takeover?
Butch Lukic, the producer of the Tomorrowverse, revealed that the future of DC animated movies is uncertain at the moment, with a focus on aligning with the plans of the James Gunn DC Universe.
How many direct-to-DVD movies were overseen by Butch Lukic in the Tomorrowverse?
Butch Lukic oversaw all 10 direct-to-DVD features in the Tomorrowverse, starting with Superman: Man of Tomorrow and ending with Justice League Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Three.
Was the Tomorrowverse intended to be a self-contained saga from the beginning?
Yes, Butch Lukic confirmed that the Tomorrowverse was planned as a self-contained story told over 10 movies, with a 5-year plan to ensure cohesion and build-up for certain characters.
Will there be more animated DC projects announced at the upcoming Comic-Con?
It is unlikely that more animated DC projects will be announced at the upcoming Comic-Con, as the focus seems to be on the James Gunn DC Universe and potential continuation under the “Elseworlds” banner.
