The World’s Greatest Super Heroes square off once-and-for-all against the despotic Darkseid – with the fate of all humanity hanging in the balance – in Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment.
THE WAR TO END ALL WARS
Culminating a six-year animated journey that began with the release of Justice League: War in 2014, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War finds Earth decimated after intergalactic tyrant Darkseid has devastated the Justice League in a poorly executed war by the DC Super Heroes. Now the remaining bastions of good – the Justice League, Teen Titans, Suicide Squad and assorted others – must regroup, strategize and take the war to Darkseid in order to save the planet and its surviving inhabitants. This is truly the war to end all wars, and only the victor will live to enjoy the spoils.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War features the largest Super Hero cast in the history of DC Universe Movies with dozens of actors/characters spotlighted in a grand ensemble of talent reprising their roles from this six-year story continuum. Matt Ryan (Legends of Tomorrow, Constantine), Jerry O’Connell (Carter, Bravo’s Play by Play, Stand by Me) and Taissa Farmiga (The Nun, The Mule, American Horror Story) anchor the cast as Constantine, Superman and Raven, respectively – the triumvirate determined to assemble the forces necessary to lead humanity’s final attack. Alongside that trio are the long-running core of Justice League voices — Jason O’Mara (The Man in the High Castle, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as Batman, Rosario Dawson (Briar Patch, Daredevil, Sin City) as Wonder Woman, Shemar Moore (S.W.A.T., Criminal Minds) as Cyborg and Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs, Insatiable, Ugly Betty) as The Flash – as well as JL-adjacents Rebecca Romijn (X-Men, The Librarians) and Rainn Wilson (The Office, The Meg) as the voices of Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, respectively.
Tony Todd (Candyman) is the voice of the film’s key villain, Darkseid. The cast also boasts appearances by Camilla Luddington (Grey’s Anatomy) as Zatanna, Ray Chase (Justice League Dark, Final Fantasy XV videogame) as Jason Blood/Etrigan, Roger R. Cross (24, The Strain, Arrow) as John Stewart & Swamp Thing, Liam McIntyre (Spartacus: War of the Damned, The Flash) as Captain Boomerang, Hynden Walch (Teen Titans Go! Vs. Teen Titans) as Harley Quinn, Stuart Allan (Batman vs. Robin, Batman: Bad Blood) as Robin/Damian, Sachie Alessio (Batman: Hush) as Lady Shiva, and John DiMaggio (Futurama, Batman: Under the Red Hood) as King Shark.
Directors Matt Peters (LEGO DC: Batman – Family Matters) and Christina Sotta (Young Justice) helm Justice League Dark: Apokolips War from a script by Ernie Altbacker (Batman: Hush, Justice League Dark) and Mairghread Scott (Wonder Woman: Bloodlines), who is also credited with creating the story. Amy McKenna (The Death of Superman) is producer, and Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) is co-producer. Executive Producers are Sam Register and James Tucker (Reign of the Supermen, Justice League Dark).
“Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is an epic story of supernatural proportions. A blockbuster, battle royale of a film filled with intense action and heartfelt emotions, serving up spotlight moments for our cast of unique characters,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Senior Vice President, Originals, Animation and Family Marketing. “This incredible thrill-ride takes us to the edge of the DC universe and sets the stage for an exciting new chapter.”
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has announced Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, the next installment of the DC Universe Movie line, will hit digital media on May 5, 2020 and physical media on May 19, 2020. It’s the final battle as a ragtag group of heroes put up one last offensive against Darkseid, winner takes all. It’s all been leading to this! Complete press details – along with a trailer and package art – can be found below.
THE FINAL BATTLE HAS ARRIVED!
WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT
AND DC PRESENT
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK: APOKOLIPS WAR
COMING MAY 5, 2020 TO DIGITAL;
ARRIVING MAY 19, 2020 ON
4K ULTRA HD™ BLU-RAY COMBO PACK,
& BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK
The World’s Greatest Super Heroes square off once-and-for-all against the despotic Darkseid – with the fate of all humanity hanging in the balance – in Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, the next entry in the popular series of DC Universe Movies. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC, the feature-length animated film will be released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital starting May 5, 2020, and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack on May 19, 2020.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War will be accompanied by the all-new DC Showcase animated short, Adam Strange. The thrilling tale, which offers insight into the space adventurer’s fascinating backstory, features Charlie Weber (How To Get Away with Murder) as the voice of title character.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War will be available on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (USA $39.99 SRP; Canada $44.98 SRP) and Blu-ray Combo Pack (USA $24.98 SRP; Canada $29.98 SRP) as well as on Digital. The 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack features an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc in 4K with HDR, a Blu-ray disc featuring the film in hi-definition, and a digital version of the movie. The Blu-ray Combo Pack features a Blu-ray disc with the film in hi-definition, a DVD with the film in standard definition, and a digital version of the movie.
Culminating a six-year animated journey that began with the release of Justice League War in 2014, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War finds Earth decimated after intergalactic tyrant Darkseid has devastated the Justice League in a poorly executed war by the DC Super Heroes. Now the remaining bastions of good – the Justice League, Teen Titans, Suicide Squad and assorted others – must regroup, strategize and take the war to Darkseid in order to save the planet and its surviving inhabitants. This is truly the war to end all wars, and only the victor will live to enjoy the spoils.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War features the largest Super Hero cast in the history of DC Universe Movies with dozens of actors/characters spotlighted in a grand ensemble of talent reprising their roles from this six-year story continuum. Matt Ryan (Legends of Tomorrow, Constantine), Jerry O’Connell (Carter, Bravo’s Play by Play, Stand by Me) and Taissa Farmiga (The Nun, The Mule, American Horror Story) anchor the cast as Constantine, Superman and Raven, respectively – the triumvirate determined to assemble the forces necessary to lead humanity’s final attack. Alongside that trio are the long-running core of Justice League voices — Jason O’Mara (The Man in the High Castle, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as Batman, Rosario Dawson (Briar Patch, Daredevil, Sin City) as Wonder Woman, Shemar Moore (S.W.A.T., Criminal Minds) as Cyborg and Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs, Insatiable, Ugly Betty) as The Flash – as well as JL-adjacents Rebecca Romijn (X-Men, The Librarians) and Rainn Wilson (The Office, The Meg) as the voices of Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, respectively.
Tony Todd (Candyman) is the voice of the film’s key villain, Darkseid. The cast also boasts appearances by Camilla Luddington (Grey’s Anatomy) as Zatanna, Ray Chase (Justice League Dark, Final Fantasy XV videogame) as Jason Blood/Etrigan, Roger R. Cross (24, The Strain, Arrow) as John Stewart & Swamp Thing, Liam McIntyre (Spartacus: War of the Damned, The Flash) as Captain Boomerang, Hynden Walch (Teen Titans Go! Vs. Teen Titans) as Harley Quinn, Stuart Allan (Batman vs. Robin, Batman: Bad Blood) as Robin/Damian, Sachie Alessio (Batman: Hush) as Lady Shiva, and John DiMaggio (Futurama, Batman: Under the Red Hood) as King Shark.
Directors Matt Peters (LEGO DC: Batman – Family Matters) and Christina Sotta (Young Justice) helm Justice League Dark: Apokolips War from a script by Ernie Altbacker (Batman: Hush, Justice League Dark) and Mairghread Scott (Wonder Woman: Bloodlines), who is also credited with creating the story. Amy McKenna (The Death of Superman) is producer, and Jim Krieg (Batman: Gotham by Gaslight) is co-producer. Executive Producers are Sam Register and James Tucker (Reign of the Supermen, Justice League Dark).
“Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is an epic story of supernatural proportions. A blockbuster, battle royale of a film filled with intense action and heartfelt emotions, serving up spotlight moments for our cast of unique characters,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Senior Vice President, Originals, Animation and Family Marketing. “This incredible thrill-ride takes us to the edge of the DC universe and sets the stage for an exciting new chapter.”
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War Special Features 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital
• DC Showcase: Adam Strange (Animated Short) – On an asteroid mining colony, mysterious drifter Adam Strange is dismissed as an interplanetary derelict. But when the miners open a fissure into the home of a horde of deadly alien insects, his true identity is exposed. He is space adventurer Adam Strange, whose heroic backstory is played out in flashbacks as he struggles to save the very people who have scorned him for so long. Charlie Weber provides the voice of Adam Strange, alongside with Roger R. Cross, Kimberly Brooks, Ray Chase and Fred Tatasciore. Adam Strange is produced and directed by Butch Lukic (Batman Unlimited franchise), who also conceived the original story – which is written by J.M. DeMatteis (Constantine: City of Demons).
• Darkseid: New God/Evil Classic (New Featurette) – This documentary explores the machinations of one of fiction¹s greatest Super Villains as we learn more about what fuels Darkseid¹s drive to becoming a galactic Atilla the Hun and the importance of Deities in our classic and modern fiction.
• Filmmaker Audio Commentary – Observations and behind-the-scenes insight from Executive Producer James Tucker, Directors Matt Peters and Christina Sotta, and Screenwriter Ernie Altbacker.
• Look Back: Justice League Dark (Featurette) – John Constantine leads a group of misfit characters that use magic to vanquish their opponents. This is the dark version of the Justice League taking on the malevolent forces that go beyond our plane of existence.
• Look Back: Batman and Harley Quinn (Featurette) – Take a peek at the animated feature film, Batman and Harley Quinn, featuring the creators and talented voice cast.
• From the DC Vault: Justice League Action, “Zombie King”
• From the DC Vault: Justice League Action, “Abate and Switch”
• From the DC Comics Vault: Teen Titans, “Nevermore”
• A Sneak Peek at the next DC Universe Movie, Superman: Man of Tomorrow – An advanced look at the next animated film in the popular DC Universe Movies collection.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War will also be available on Movies Anywhere. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can access all their eligible movies by connecting their Movies Anywhere account with their participating digital retailer accounts.
DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS
On May 5, 2020, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War will be available to own in high definition and standard definition from select digital retailers including Amazon, the Apple TV app, FandangoNOW, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. On May 19, 2020, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War will be made available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.
ABOUT MOVIES ANYWHERE
Movies Anywhere is a digital movie platform that enables movie fans to discover, access, and watch their favorite digital movies in one place. Movies Anywhere brings together a library of nearly 7,500 digital movies from Sony Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Film, The Walt Disney Studios (including Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), Universal Pictures (including DreamWorks and Illumination Entertainment) and Warner Bros., and will continue to expand the consumer experience as more content providers, digital retailers and platforms are added. By connecting participating digital retailers that include Amazon Prime Video, the Apple TV app, FandangoNOW, Google Play, and Vudu, movie fans can now bring together their digital movie collections (whether purchased or redeemed) in one place and enjoy them from the comfort of their living rooms, and across multiple devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire devices; Android devices and Android TV; Apple TV, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; Chromecast; Roku® devices and popular browsers. Movie fans can also redeem digital codes found in eligible Blu-ray and DVD disc packages from participating studios and enjoy them through Movies Anywhere. Movies Anywhere – your movies, together at last.
ABOUT DIGITAL
Digital movies or TV episodes allow fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital movies or TV episodes are included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. With digital, consumers are able to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through retail services. For more information on compatible devices and services go to wb.com/digitalmoviefaq. Consult a digital retailer for details and requirements and for a list of digital-compatible devices.
BASICS PRODUCT SRP
4K UHD Combo Pack $39.99 USA, $44.98 Canada
Blu-ray Combo Pack $24.98 USA, $29.98 Canada
Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish, French
Blu-ray Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
4K Blu-ray Languages: English, Spanish, French
4K Blu-ray Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Running Time: 90 minutes
Rated R for bloody violence, language and some sexual references.
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.:
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment’s home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.
ABOUT DC
DC is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics and graphic novels in the world and home to some of the most iconic and recognizable characters ever created. As a creative unit of WarnerMedia, DC is charged with strategically integrating its stories and characters across film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, interactive games and the DC Universe subscription streaming service. For more information visit dccomics.com.
About Warner Bros. Animation
Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, producing and developing projects for multiple platforms, both domestically and internationally. Theatrically, WBA’s full-length film, Teen Titans GO! to the Movies, released on July 27, 2018. WBA’s TV series include Teen Titans Go!, Unikitty! and the upcoming DC Super Hero Girls and ThunderCats Roar for Cartoon Network; Be Cool Scooby-Doo!, Bunnicula, Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, The Tom and Jerry Show, New Looney Tunes, Wacky Races and the upcoming Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who? and Yabba Dabba Dinosaurs for Boomerang; Mike Tyson Mysteries for Adult Swim; Green Eggs and Ham for Netflix; Harley Quinn and Young Justice: Outsiders for DC Universe; Animaniacs for Hulu; and the upcoming Looney Tunes Cartoons content initiative. As home to the iconic animated characters from the DC, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries, WBA also produces highly successful animated films — including the DC Universe Animated Original Movies — for DVD, Blu-ray® and digital media. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has won six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).
Keep an eye right here at The World’s Finest for additional and exclusive Justice League Dark: Apokolips War content, and much more. The next installment in the DC Universe Movie line, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War will be available on Digital starting May 55, 2020 and on 4K UltraHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Combo Pack on May 19, 2020. Click on the link below to discuss this news.
Warner Bros. Animation and DC Universe announced the upcoming Harley Quinn animated series will debut Nov. 29, 2019 on the DC Universe streaming service. The premiere date was announced at the annual New York Comic-Con. Also announced was a mixed media BizarroTV anthology series, upcoming titles coming to DC Universe and more. Continue below for the press release.
HARLEY QUINN ANIMATED ORIGINAL SERIES
DEBUT DATE ANNOUNCED AT GRAND OPENING OF
ART GALLERY POP-UP DEDICATED TO THE DELIGHTFULLY DERANGED SUPER-VILLAIN
Additional Live Action and Animated Shows Coming from Blue Ribbon Content to the Subscription Platform in 2020
Open Call for Unscripted Video Pitches and Launch of a New Robust Fan Community Initiative Rounded Out the Announcements During New York Comic-Con
DC Universe continues to deliver new content, robust community engagement, and real-world experiences to its members. During the grand opening reception of a new, pop-up activation titled, DCU HQ, the subscription service highlighted updates to the platform and previewed new content coming in 2020.
Timed to New York Comic-Con, the DCU HQ also includes an art retrospective dedicated to Harley Quinn and the character’s colorful history throughout animation, comics and film titled The Fantabulous Evolution of One Harley Quinn Gallery. Included in the gallery space are props from the hotly anticipated film Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of one Harley Quinn), in theaters February 7, 2020, from Warner Bros. Pictures: her fan-favorite Mallet, Harley Grenades, Fur-Covered Brass Knuckles, Black and Red Roller Skates donned by Harley Quinn herself for a hard-hitting Roller Derby scene, and many more never-before-displayed items.
In addition, many original art pieces are on display including, a development sketch of Harley Quinn for her first appearance in “Joker’s Favor”; original cel art from Batman: the Animated Series; comic book covers by Amanda Conner, Rachel Dodson and Jim Lee among others; plus original art by Bruce Timm and Amanda Conner created exclusively for the pop-up gallery.
The opening night festivities included a presentation featuring a line-up of DC executives, artists, producers and even Krypto was on hand, the fan-favorite super dog who will soon be appearing on the DC Universe original series Titans. The evening got underway with artist Jim Lee, DC’s Chief Creative Officer and Publisher, creating live art on the walls within The Fantabulous Evolution of One Harley Quinn Gallery. Timelapse video available in the media kit.
DC UNIVERSE ORIGINAL SERIES AND EXCLUSIVES
Harley Quinn Debuts on November 29!
Executive Producers Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker were on hand to officially announce the premiere date for the original adult-animated comedy series Harley Quinn. DC artist Amanda Conner was on hand as well to share her inspiration to create some of the art that inspired the animated series. Her art is featured within the immersive pop-up installation at DCU HQ.
BizarroTV from Blue Ribbon Content
DC Universe announced a new anthology series, titled BizarroTV, that will feature fan favorite characters from the more obscure corners of the DC universe. This mixed media series is coming to DC Universe in 2020. Produced by Blue Ribbon Content, Warner Bros. Television Group’s digital production unit, this new show demonstrates the Television Group’s commitment to create original and compelling programs for the digital marketplace. Blue Ribbon taps into the Studio’s established creative team, while also identifying new and innovative talent to deliver cutting-edge series in the short form format. A showcase of experimental styles and creative voices and visions that will be a mix of live action and animation; deep cuts from the DC portfolio of characters such as Space Cabbie, Ambush Bug, Slam Bradley and the Creeper!
New Home Entertainment Releases
More WB Home Entertainment releases will be coming to DC Universe in 2020, particularly because the movies have been so popular with members. The most watched movie on the DC Universe to-date is the animated original Reign of the Supermen, which debuted on the service January 29, 2019. Due to its popularity, even more home entertainment movies will be coming in 2020, including Wonder Woman: Bloodlines, Superman: Red Son and Justice League Dark: Apocalypse. These original animated movies will be available on DC Universe just 90 days after their physical release date.
DC IS FOCUSED ON GIVING BACK TO ITS FANS
DCYou Unscripted
In another fan first, DC Universe unveiled a partnership that – for the first time – provides DCU members the opportunity to create an unscripted series that has the opportunity to launch on DC Universe.
“Since the launch of this service just over a year ago, we’ve established a community that has far exceeded our ambitions. We’ve hosted unforgettable member events – creating places and spaces where fans could have a voice. We’re working to take it to a whole new level in our second year by giving our fans an opportunity to submit their own concepts for an unscripted show that will potentially become a series on DC Universe next year,” commented DC Universe Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sam Ades.
Abe Mohammadione, Vice President of Creative & Production for Ideas United, presented the new initiative designed to harness the creativity and talent of DC fans and unleash a new unscripted concept and video series. DC Universe, in association with Ideas United, kicked off DCYou Unscripted, inviting emerging creators and dedicated fans alike to submit unscripted series ideas, drawing on all things DC.
New Community Engagement
Many DC Universe members are familiar with Jackie Cole as the Community and Rewards Manager and oft-moderator in the DC Universe community. She provided an overview of the new features launching on DC Universe this month. New features will be available to members starting on October 23, 2019 as a part of “Community Week”, a special event for members on the service. It will include special guests and top-notch creators from comics, TV, animation, and more, who will join the fun by participating in Q&As, book club discussions, live Watch-Alongs with behind-the-scenes insights and deep dive explorations of the shows and scripts. Community week will kick off with a Q&A with Titans series star, Anna Diop.
The upgrade is a meaningful evolution of the platform in direct response to member feedback. The new features will give fans more opportunities to interact, participate in live Q&A’s with DC talent, find their niche fandom with comic book and fan clubs, earn badges and level up for even more exciting opportunities and exclusive rewards.
“DC Universe is designed to deliver an unparalleled experience in video, comics and conversations with the intent to give fans a voice and a shared sense of place in the DC world,” said Ades. “Now, in its second year of service, our plans to evolve have turned to breaking down barriers between fans and creators and fulfilling our promise to deliver the ultimate fan experience digitally online and offline.”
Comic Books
Jim Lee wrapped up the evening with a rundown of data pulled from comics readership patterns on the service. DC Universe members have read over 9.5 Million comics on the platform to date, just over this inaugural year. That’s about 395,000 comic books read each month! With the ability to read comics page-by-page or auto-play on a big screen – members are guzzling comics on the service.
The top comic on DCU is DC Universe: Rebirth No. 1 (2016). And it is no surprise that The New Teen Titans (1980) No. 1 comes in as the second most-read comic.
Speaking of favorite characters, the titles most read on the service coincide with hard-to-find classics, including Batman from 1940, as well as Injustice: Gods Among Us from 2013. Here are the top five books that dominate:
Injustice: Gods Among Us (2013) Batman (1940) Batman (2016) Batman (2011) Injustice 2 (2017)
News Recap: Coming Soon to DC Universe
-Original animated series Harley Quinn will debut on November 29, 2019.
–BizarroTV is a new anthology series created in partnership with Blue Ribbon Content which will be exclusive mixed media content provided specifically for DC Universe.
-Home video releases coming to DC Universe in 2020 include: Wonder Woman: Bloodlines, Superman: Red Son and Justice League Dark: Apocalypse.
-New community features will launch during “Community Week” on October 24, 2019
-DC Universe in partnership with Ideas United announced DCYou Unscripted, inviting emerging creators and dedicated fans alike to submit unscripted series ideas, drawing on all things DC.
-Artist Amanda Conner unveiled a new Harley Quinn original art piece created exclusively for The Fantabulous Evolution of One Harley Quinn Gallery immersive pop-up installation at DCU HQ. Conner also revealed the cover art for a new Harley Quinn and the Birds of Prey comic book coming in February 2020.
ABOUT DC UNIVERSE
DC Universe is a first-of-its kind digital subscription service that fans can join today to stream highly-acclaimed original series, watch animated and live action films and series, and read more than 23,000 digital comic books that span 80 years of iconic stories. It is a membership like no other, designed for DC fans, an experience in video, comics and community that provides a shared place to gather around all things DC. With exclusive member rewards and merchandise, an exclusive daily DC news show and a thriving community fans can watch, read, shop, connect and explore like never before for only $7.99 per month or $74.99 annually (plus taxes, where applicable). DC Universe is available in the U.S. on, Amazon Tablets and Fire TV, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromebook, iOS, the Roku platform, Xbox One as well as the web and mobile web. To learn more and purchase today, visit dcuniverse.com and follow DC Universe on social networks including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. DC Universe is not intended for children.
ABOUT DC
DC is one of the largest English-language publishers of comics and graphic novels in the world and home to some of the most iconic and recognizable characters ever created. As a creative unit of WarnerMedia, DC is charged with strategically integrating its stories and characters across film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, interactive games and the DC Universe subscription streaming service. For more information visit dccomics.com.
Harley Quinn debuts Nov. 29, 2019 on the DC Universe streaming service. Stay tuned for select Harley Quinn coverage in the coming months right here at The World’s Finest.
Revealed during the San Diego Comic-Con 2019 Batman: Hush World Premiere panel, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced three DC Universe Movie titles slated for 2020, which include an adaption of the acclaimed Superman: Red Son Elseworlds story, a new Justice League Dark adventure, and an original Superman animated feature. Following Batman: Hush, now available on Digital HD and coming to physical media and the DC Universe streaming on August 6, 2019, the next entry in the DC Universe Movie line is Wonder Woman: Bloodlines. Details on that title will be released in the coming weeks. Continue below for DC Comics’ official release.
A Superman: Red Son Animated Movie is On the Way
It’s a maxim known to comics and superhero fans worldwide. Superman fights for “truth, justice and the American way.” But what if baby Kal-El’s ship left Krypton just a little bit earlier than it did, and rather than crashing down in Kansas, Kal landed in the middle of 1950s-era Russia?
Such is the intriguing idea behind Superman: Red Son, the seminal graphic novel by Mark Millar, Dave Johnson and Killian Plunkett that serves as the inspiration behind 2020’s first DC Universe Movie. Announced this evening at San Diego Comic-Con during the Batman: Hush World Premiere panel, Superman: Red Son will kick off next year’s three-movie lineup, which also includes an original Superman tale and a sequel to one of DC’s 2017 animated films.
The DC Universe Movies are a long-running, critically acclaimed series of animated films featuring the heroes and villains of DC that generally target more sophisticated and mature superhero fans. Boasting a mix of comic book adaptations and original stories, they’ve proven to be an enduring success with DC readers, who year-after-year attend the movies’ World Premiere screenings at conventions like Comic-Con and WonderCon and engage in watchalongs of earlier movies on the DC Universe digital service.
Superman: Red Son will likely continue the success of recent DC Universe Movies, while also exposing newer fans to one of the Man of Steel’s most memorable storylines. Originally released in 2003, Superman: Red Son is considered one of the defining Elseworlds storylines—DC’s line of comics set outside regular continuity which place familiar heroes like Superman, Batman and Green Lantern in new, drastically different settings and scenarios. Set in the thick of the Cold War, Red Son introduces us to a Superman who landed in the USSR during the 1950s and grows up to become a Soviet symbol that fights for the preservation of Stalin’s brand of communism. Other popular Superman characters play key roles, notably Lex Luthor, who from an American perspective can be seen as the hero of the story.
This will be the first Superman: Red Son movie, though Millar’s storyline did get a loose adaptation this season on The CW’s Supergirl, when a Supergirl clone was revealed to have been found and trained in Kaznia under the influence of Lex Luthor. While the details of the animated take on the comic are still to be revealed, it’s likely to adhere much closer to the source material than the Supergirl storyline.
Spring will see the release of Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, a follow-up to 2017’s successful Justice League Dark. One of DC’s few R-rated animated movies, Justice League Dark saw Batman helping to assemble a team of occult and magic-based heroes to combat a series of supernatural attacks. Featuring the likes of John Constantine (who was voiced by Matt Ryan), Zatanna, Swamp Thing, Deadman, Etrigan and Black Orchid, the 2017 movie blended heroics with horror, bringing some of the darker corners of the DC Universe to a broader audience.
While it’s unsure which heroes will be returning for Apokolips War, the title suggests we might be seeing some of Jack Kirby’s New Gods, meaning it likely has some pretty big stakes for the ongoing DC Universe continuity.
The 2020 DC Universe Movie slate will then wrap up with a standalone film called Superman: Man of Tomorrow, making this the first time two Superman-centered DC Universe Movies will be released in the same year. Unlike Red Son, Man of Tomorrow will be a fully original story featuring a young Superman early in his career. We’ll have to wait for additional details on what we can expect from this one, including who the villain or villains of the movie may be and what other characters may appear alongside the Man of Steel.
Finally, it’s worth noting that along with the three full-length animated movies, 2020 will also bring us several animated “DC Showcase” shorts, which will be included with the films as bonus content. Announced earlier this year, the shorts feature Sgt. Rock, Adam Strange, Death, The Phantom Stranger and an adaptation of Batman: Death in the Family (which will hopefully help soothe any Batman fans who are bummed that the Dark Knight isn’t getting a movie next year).
Further details are expected to be released in the coming months for all four upcoming DC Universe Movie titles, including cast details, release dates and trailers. Stay tuned to The World’s Finest for more content, images, videos and exclusive content.
Discuss these upcoming titles and more right here at The World’s Finest by clicking on the links below.