DC's TV Division Reportedly Scrapped Two Key TV Projects, Rejected Pitches for Catwoman and Poison Ivy Shows
DC Studios has reportedly pulled the plug on two previously announced TV shows and rejected pitches for other promising projects.
According to a new report from The Ankler, DC Studios has killed two projects that were initially announced when the current DC universe was launched. The studio will no longer move forward on Paradise Lost, a TV series that would've centered around Amazonian warriors on Themyscira and likely tied into the future of Wonder Woman. Entertainment Weekly noted that sources indicated this project could return in the future, though. DC is also scrapping plans for Waller, a TV series that would've featured Viola Davis' mean, no-nonsense government official who led the Suicide Squad.
Three of the 10 projects that were announced at the start of this DC universe have been scrapped, with the third being The Authority. There are still a lot of question marks over the DCU's own Batman film, The Brave and the Bold, which is separate from Robert Pattinson's Batman series. Some wonder if DC is waiting for Matt Reeves to conclude his Batman story before moving forward, or else they risk confusing audiences. Additionally, there has been next to no movement on Swamp Thing since its announcement, and director James Mangold is attached to a Star Wars film, as well as a variety of other original projects.
Despite cancellation rumors earlier this year, a Booster Gold series is still in development, with the studio searching for a new writer. DC Studios also fielded and considered pitches for some big Batman-adjacent projects, including a Poison Ivy TV series and a Catwoman show. Unfortunately, neither will move forward. It's unclear if those shows would've been set in Matt Reeves' Batman universe, following a similar structure as The Penguin, but if so, it would suggest Poison Ivy may play a role in the films.
Some fans have longed to see a Catwoman-centered show, as Zoe Kravitz's take on Selena Kyle is not expected to return in The Batman Part 2. The first film ended with her leaving Gotham City, and while she will likely return one day, a standalone story set between movies would be a great way to expand her character.
Following the news, some fans couldn't help but notice that all four of these deserted projects are female-led. This created speculation that some of these projects died or were rejected following the massive underperformance of Supergirl in June. In addition to mediocre reviews, the film made a disappointing $126 million at the box office on a budget of $170 - $186 million, which doesn't include money spent on marketing. Although the character will return in the Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, next year, some worry that the character won't get a second solo outing, and this may hurt the future of other heroic DC women.
Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN's news team. He covers all things entertainment, including gaming, film, and more. You can find him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.