After launching in 2020, Warner Bros. is bringing back DC FanDome for 2021 later this year, which once again will be a big event for their films and TV shows. 2020 was one of the challenging years in history, with COVID-19 becoming a global pandemic that stopped moving parts professionally and individually. It was a major shake-up for the TV and film industry, with multiple franchises and TV shows, new and old ones, having to stop production. Writers had to hit pause on their scripts, and release dates had to be scrambled, while most TV shows had to abruptly conclude their seasons, without getting to the planned endings. That also included Warner Bros.’ DC properties both in their TV and film divisions.
Since conventions couldn’t happen in person due to the pandemic, studios and networks began hosting events virtually to promote what was coming next. In the case of DC, whose biggest gigs are usually San Diego Comic-Con, took a creative direction by launching DC FanDome, a free-online event for fans all over the world, that came together to see new and old favorites across the DC Multiverse. Despite revamping it into a two-part event, one in August and one in September, DC FanDome was a massive success as they are coming back this year on Saturday, October 16. This time, it appears that DC FanDome will only be for one day, but that could always change.
With Warner Bros. having massive plans coming up for their DC TV properties as well as their DC Films, there is a lot that will get a chance to be promoted in October. From the ever-growing Arrowverse, the DCEU, their DC animated films, and shows to projects that have been announced, DC FanDome has the potential to unveil so much. Last year, some of the biggest takeaways were Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Ezra Miller’s new suit in The Flash, the first official teaser trailer for The Batman with Robert Pattinson, Titans season 3 revealing that Red Hood is coming, and more. If 2020 was any indicator of the lengths they could go, then there are even more reasons to be excited about DC FanDome 2021, especially as more projects have been able to go into production during the pandemic.
The Batman
![DC FanDome 2021: What To Expect From Movies & TV](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/The-Batman-Logo-2021-Matt-Reeves.jpg)
When it comes to DC Films in 2022, The Batman will be kicking off next year’s slate, as the upcoming reboot will bring Matt Reeves’ vision of the Dark Knight to the big screen. When the filmmaker debuted the first trailer at DC FanDome 2020, they had shot 25% of The Batman. Despite that, they were still able to put together something special for the fans, giving them a taste of Pattinson’s Batman. Now that they have finished principal photography, The Batman is in post-production, and by the time DC FanDome happens in October, it will roughly be six months away from the movie’s release in theaters. Most post-production work will likely be done by October 16, meaning that another trailer will probably be part of a potential The Batman presentation. Hopefully, the entire cast will be united alongside Reeves this time, as Pattinson was present for a couple of minutes before handing it over to the director and host Aisha Tyler.
Black Adam
![Black Adam Official Movie Logo](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Black-Adam-Official-Movie-Logo.jpg)
After years of development and delays, Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam is on its way as part of the DCEU. Filming has just begun on the DC anti-hero-led project that will mark Black Adam’s live-action debut. The movie will also bring the Justice Society of America to life on the big screen, including Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Cyclone, and Atom-Smasher. Last year, Black Adam was one of the final presentations as Johnson revealed promotional material and a closer look at his character. As fans have waited for more than half a decade to see Johnson as Black Adam, a teaser trailer will have to be arriving, as the DCEU film will be one of 2022’s big summer blockbusters. Unlike last year, there will hopefully be a full panel with the entire cast and creative team.
The Flash
![The Flash New Logo Reveal](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/The-Flash-New-Logo-Reveal.jpg)
As Miller’s The Flash movie was a big focus in last year’s DC FanDome, Andy Muschietti’s DCEU project has gone into principal photography. After years of delays and creative changes, the Scarlet Speedster’s feature film is closer to happening, that will be a new take on the Flashpoint comic book. While the story will be based on time travel, The Flash will also be exploring the DCEU Multiverse, which is how Michael Keaton’s Batman gets involved. Since DC FanDome 2020, the cast has been expanded, including Sasha Calle who landed the role of Supergirl in Miller’s movie. Since DC FanDome did focus a lot on Multiverse during their event last year, it only makes sense that a first official teaser trailer is presented for The Flash this October. If the cast is brought together, it will be the first time fans see Keaton and Ben Affleck together.
Aquaman 2
![Aquaman 2 SR](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Aquaman-2-SR.jpg)
While Aquaman 2 was part of DC FanDome last year, there weren’t a lot of details revealed as the sequel was still in development, but filming is set to happen in June. Returning actors like Amber Heard and Patrick Wilson are training as they get back to their characters Mera and Ocean Master respectively. While Pilou Asbæk is so far the only newly announced cast member, there are definitely more on their way for Aquaman 2, that Wan has described being a bit more serious. If principal photography does commence in June as planned, they will have filmed for more than 3 months by the time DC FanDome arrives. Since Jason Momoa’s sequel is set for a December 2022 release date, a teaser trailer is more than likely to drop during DC’s second virtual event. Due to how little casting there has been for Aquaman 2, DC FanDome is the ideal event to unveil what new characters are joining the project.
Shazam 2
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Another DCEU franchise that will soon get working on their sequel is Shazam! Fury of the Gods, which will bring Zachary Levi and Asher Angel back in the co-shared superhero role since 2018. The sequel has been recruiting big stars like Dame Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu as the villainous Hespera and Kalypso, respectively. Shazam! Fury of the Gods is looking to begin shooting in May, which would give the studio plenty of time to put together a teaser trailer for the 2023 installment. Since Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods will be filming at the same time, it would be a historical moment if Johnson and Levi interacted during DC FanDome 2021, in some capacity, as they’re inevitably going to come face-to-face in the DCEU.
Potential Updates On Previously Announced DC Films
![DC Films Logo Cast](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/DC-Films-Logo-Cast.jpg)
Warner Bros. has since DC FanDome 2020 begun looking at other DC characters that will get their own films, either on the big screen or as HBO Max originals. Blue Beetle is one of them, which will be directed by Angel Manuel Soto and written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer. Scripts are also being worked for Zatanna (by Emerald Fennell), a new Superman reboot featuring a black Man of Steel (by Ta-Nehisi Coates), Static Shock (by Randy McKinnon), Hourman (by Gavin James and Neil Widener,) and many more. Warner Bros. is also eying Supergirl, Batgirl, and Green Lantern Corps movies, which might mean there are screenplays in place as they begin getting directors and cast members. Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 3 is still in development stages, meaning it might be a few years until Gal Gadot is back as Diana Prince. DC FanDome would be the event to announce what else is coming and update fans on the multiple projects the studio has announced over the last few years. They could even go as far as revealing some surprises to make a bigger splash.
The Arrowverse (Returning & New Shows)
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Since The CW has renewed the entire Arrowverse slate (except for Stargirl as the second season has yet to premiere), The Flash, Superman & Lois, Batwoman, and Legends of Tomorrow are more than likely to be joining DC FanDome this October. Filming on the new seasons will potentially happen during the summer/early fall, allowing the event to have presentations ready, as they would for San Diego Comic-Con under normal circumstances. If Stargirl season 3 gets ordered, they will likely have some news for fans at DC FanDome, but maybe no footage. The CW also has two DC dramas in work with Ava DeVernay’s Naomi and the Black Lightning spinoff Painkiller, which recently aired its backdoor pilot. If the network orders one or both of them, they’re more than likely going to be part of DC FanDome as that would be their first promotional event.
HBO Max’s New & Returning DC TV Shows
![DC Peacemaker TV Show Logo Revealed By James Gunn & John Cena](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Peacemaker-logo-header.jpg)
Outside of The CW, there are multiple DC TV shows coming to HBO Max, several that have been ordered to series already and the returning ones. DC FanDome 2021 could be where they do presentations for The Suicide Squad spinoff Peacemaker, Green Lantern (that still hasn’t revealed casting yet), while there may be updates on The Batman spinoff series GCPD. If Titans and Doom Patrol have already premiered their third seasons before October, DC FanDome might reveal something for their fourth potential seasons. HBO Max is also working with J.J. Abrams on a Justice League Dark universe that currently consists of an ensemble show and a Constantine reboot, which could release some big news in October, if not sooner.
DC Animation
![Young Justice Phantoms Season 4 Logo](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Young-Justice-Phantoms-Season-4-Logo.jpg)
Outside of live-action, there are also a number of DC animated projects that could be getting some big updates at DC FanDome. Despite Young Justice being renewed for a fourth season in July 2019, the show has still not returned from its hiatus, as episodes are still being produced. Harley Quinn season 3 could also likely appear, with both series premiering their new seasons on HBO Max after leaving DC Universe. Whether they have premiered or not before October, DC FanDome will likely include them in some capacity as they are two of Warner Bros’ most prominent animated properties. Since Batman: The Long Halloween – Part 1 will arrive in August, a look at the sequel might be included, as well as announcements for their next DC animated originals.
BONUS: Hopefully A Smallville 20th Anniversary Reunion Panel
![Smallville Ending Superman Tom Welling](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Smallville-Ending-Superman-Tom-Welling.jpg)
While October 16, 2021, is a significant date for DC FanDome, it has another huge meaning for the Smallville fandom. On October 16, 2001, the Superman prequel series premiered on The WB with Tom Welling starring as Clark Kent before becoming the Man of Steel, which lasted for ten seasons. Smallville paved the way for many comic book shows that exist today, including The CW’s Arrowverse. Welling’s Clark and Erica Durance’s Lois Lane even helped Smallville become part of the Arrowverse during Crisis on Infinite Earths, as the crossover did its own tribute to the show.
DC FanDome 2021 will be happening on the show’s 20th anniversary, which is why it would be tremendous if Warner Bros. could celebrate it with a reunion panel. Since several cast members have been doing panels at various conventions over the years, it would only be proper if DC FanDome honored Smallville on its 20th birthday. Had it not been for Smallville, the DC TV landscape would likely look significantly different from today. It would also be something that fits DC FanDome as the 2020 event didn’t just celebrate the present and future of the DC Universe, but also it’s past. Only time will tell what fans can expect at DC FanDome in October, but as Warner Bros. has more DC TV shows and films than ever, Saturday, October 16 will be a day not to miss.
Key Release Dates
The Suicide Squad
Release Date:2021-08-06The Batman
Release Date:2022-03-04Super Pets
Release Date:2022-07-29Black Adam
Release Date:2022-10-21The Flash Movie2
Release Date:2023-06-16