The Biggest Highlights Of The DC FanDome 2021 Event

After the success of the inaugural DC FanDome last year, the decision to once again host a virtual event for the dedicated fans of DC Comics was a no-brainer. With a large and impressively diverse slate of theatrical superhero films, HBO Max original series and movies, and the continuing seasons of popular CW shows, DC is primed to reach greater heights than ever before.

Next year is sure to be the biggest year DC has ever had. With huge, blockbuster films like Matt Reeves’ The Batman and the Dwayne Johnson starring anti-hero epic Black Adam, DC is ready to make waves at the box office and introduce audiences to exciting new characters and worlds.

DC decided to kick things off with one of the biggest stars they have, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Black Adam

A character with a dark past and gray morals. This first panel captures an appropriate tone is crucial to keeping audiences invested and believing in the story. The first look teaser for Black Adam assured fans that director Jaume Collet-Serra understands this and is prepared to show everyone why the man in black is to be feared.

The teaser only shows a brief clip of Black Adam fighting some hired guns. Despite this, it does a fantastic job of showing off the sheer power of its title character. Black Adam holds a man in the air and melts him to nothing but bones. It becomes very clear what Dwayne Johnson has been hinting at when he says the hierarchy of power in the DC Universe is about to change.

Black Adam will be released on July 29th, 2022.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

With the production currently filming, a teaser trailer would have been way too early for the sequel to the billion-dollar hit 2018’s Aquaman. Although, director James Wan and his crew were kind enough to offer fans a behind-the-scenes reel. This features intriguing concept art, early looks at the new suits for Black Manta and Aquaman, and input from the film’s stars such as Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson. Wan teases the film’s larger scope and action, giving fans many reasons to be excited about the sequel.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will be released on December 16, 2022.

The Flash

The highly anticipated first live-action film focusing on the Scarlet Speedster himself has been stuck in development hell for years. With the hire of It director Andy Muschietti and Birds of Prey screenwriter Christina Hodson, the project finally took off the ground.

A short teaser was shown at FanDome. It features a new suit for Ezra Miller’s Barry Allen aka the Flash, a look at Michael Keaton’s Batman and Batcave, and an alternate version of Barry Allen that appears to be along for the ride. Not much is fully known about the movie. Although the teaser does its jobs and teases. Fans will be in for a multiverse-spanning adventure film that is sure to pack in plenty of surprises.

The Flash releases on November 4th, 2022.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods

Similar to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Shazam! is too far off for a trailer. However, a fun behind-the-scenes look was shown featuring looks at the fantasy and Greek mythology aspects of the film. Most notably shown are the film’s two primary villains. Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu’s character portrayals were shown off in all their glory. The sequel promises to be a bigger, action-packed, and more fantasy-oriented adventure.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods releases on June 2th, 2023.

The Batman

The next DC film was saved for last. The panel for the next iteration of Batman was arguably the best of FanDome. Featuring a conversation with director Matt Reeves and stars Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz, behind-the-scenes footage, and a brand new trailer, the panel ended the event with a bang.

The Batman releases March 4, 2022.

HBO Max Shows and Movies:

Blue Beetle and Batgirl

This is an effort to draw subscribers to HBO Max. DC is working on developing multiple films and shows that will premiere exclusively on the streaming service. While filming has yet to commence for Blue Beetle and Batgirl, the directors and stars of the two films appeared in brief panels that offered fans a look at the concept art of the title characters in their costumes.

Peacemaker

The standout star of this year’s The Suicide Squad, John Cena’s Peacemaker, is getting his own show on HBO Max from director James Gunn. The first trailer premiered at FanDome, promising plenty of humor, action, and deep-cut DC characters.

Peacemaker premieres on January 13th, 2022.

Titans and Doom Patrol

The two DC Universe original shows found a new home on HBO Max. There, they have enjoyed the expansion of their worlds and characters. Both series received an official season 4 renewal, with Doom Patrol also premiering a trailer for the remaining episodes of the season.

The CW

Loyal fans of the CW DC shows were treated to exclusive looks at Superman & Lois, Supergirl, and a brand new series, Naomi, coming in 2022. DC also took time to celebrate Legends of Tomorrow reaching 100 episodes with a look back at the highlights of the series.

Video Games

Panels for Gotham Knights and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League featured exciting trailers showing off the stories, characters, and tones of these two upcoming games.

Gotham Knights revealed more of the game’s antagonists, the Court of Owls. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League showed its twisted versions of the Justice League and the unlucky members of Task Force X charged with taking them down. Gotham Knights is targeting a 2022 release and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is aiming for 2023 at the earliest.

What was missing?

DC fans were treated to exciting looks at many upcoming films and shows. However, a few confirmed projects were absent at the event.

The upcoming Green Lantern HBO Max show had no mention at FanDome despite recent casting news this summer. Fans of the Green Lantern universe of characters were likely disappointed in the lack of attention given to this upcoming project.

Superman fans were also left wanting more for the Man of Steel. The J.J. Abrams-produced Superman reboot that was announced early this year was also absent at FanDome. The project is likely still very early in development. Although, a brief message from Abrams himself would have been a welcome surprise.

Justice League Dark and Zatanna projects have been confirmed to be in development, with Abrams again having a role as a producer. With such a rich world and characters, fans of the Justice League Dark franchise will have to wait longer for news.

Finally, the recently confirmed Black Canary spinoff film for HBO Max wasn’t included in the event, despite having writer Misha Green officially attached to the film.

What did you think of DC FanDome? Did the first look teasers and panels leave you satisfied?

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