📽️ The In-Universe Chronology
Scroll horizontally to trace DC's cinematic journey. From Themyscira to Metropolis, from Snyder's vision to Gunn's reboot. Each node placed where events actually occur in-story.
The complete DC Extended Universe in chronological in-story order — from Themyscira in WWI to the Flashpoint reset and the new Gunn DCU. From Zack Snyder's vision to James Gunn's reboot, every era laid out in sequence.
Scroll horizontally to trace DC's cinematic journey. From Themyscira to Metropolis, from Snyder's vision to Gunn's reboot. Each node placed where events actually occur in-story.
When Barry Allen ran back in time. When Zack Snyder returned to his cut. When James Gunn took the keys. The DCEU was never just one timeline — it was several, overlapping and rebooting.
The Flash (2023) brought together three actors who've worn the cowl across DC film history. For a moment, multiple universes collapsed into one.
The moments that reshaped DC's cinematic universe.
Zack Snyder launches what will become the DC Extended Universe. Superman kills General Zod — a controversial character decision that establishes the darker, grittier tone that defines the entire Snyder era.
Superman dies confronting Doomsday. Batman and Wonder Woman assemble the Justice League in his absence. Lex Luthor hints at Darkseid and "the bell has been rung." The shared universe structure becomes explicit.
After a three-year #ReleaseTheSnyderCut fan campaign, HBO Max releases Snyder's original 4-hour vision. Completely rebuilt Steppenwolf, Darkseid revealed, Knightmare sequel teased. Effectively creates a canonical alternate branch that diverges from the 2017 Whedon cut.
Following Warner Bros Discovery restructure, David Zaslav appoints James Gunn and Peter Safran co-CEOs of the new DC Studios. They announce a complete continuity reboot. Henry Cavill's Superman return is cancelled. The DCEU as it existed for 10 years is ending.
Barry runs back to save his mother, creating Flashpoint. The resulting chronobowl shows every version of Superman and Batman across film history — Reeve, Routh, Cain (briefly), Keaton, Clooney, Affleck. The DCEU is canonically reset, paving the way for Gunn's DCU.
The James Gunn-led DCU officially launches with the animated Creature Commandos series. Viola Davis's Amanda Waller returns, establishing that Gunn's The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker remain canonical in the new continuity. A hybrid reboot that selectively carries over.
The first live-action film of the new DCU. David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. James Gunn writes and directs. The new era of DC on film begins with hope, optimism, and a Superman who still believes in doing good.