James Gunn reveals how The Flash “resets” the DC Universe

James Gunn reveals a little more on how The Flash will reset the original DCEU into the DC Universe.

Last month, DC Studios co-chairmen and CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran revealed their upcoming slate of DC films and shows as part of the new DC Universe.

A lot of DC fans were confused as to whether there be a soft reboot of the DC Extended Universe or a complete reboot. The DCEU started with the launch of Man of Steel back in 2013, but following the news of a younger iteration of Superman appearing in Gunn’s standalone film, Superman: Legacy, which is set for release July 11, 2025, it looked like the DCEU as it was is over.

However, now Gunn has cleared things up a little after a response from a fan to his Creature Commandos post on Instagram asked how some DCEU characters will return in the new chapter but others won’t, replying:

"“Flash resets many things, not all things. Some characters remain the same some do not.”"

So there you have it. The DCU is a soft reboot and for all intents and purposes is a spiritual successor to the DCEU. And this lines up with the fan theories about the upcoming movie, as The Flash is loosely based on the Flashpoint storyline, with Barry Allen’s time-altering actions having huge repercussions for the world around him.

While fans of Zack Snyder’s original DCEU are still using the hashtags #SellZSJLtoNetflix and #SellSnyderVerseToNetflix, it seems the days of the original DCEU are over.

Which actors will remain in the DC Universe after the DCEU reset?

After Henry Cavill was let go as Superman (just weeks after his return), it was clear DC Studios was moving on from the DCEU. It seems that a return in the future isn’t entirely off the table, but it is unlikely. The Flash reset has allowed Gunn and Peter Safran to pick and choose which of the original DCEU cast and characters remain and depart.

Right now, Viola Davis is the only DCEU actor confirmed with an imminent return in the DCU, as she is set to reprise her role as Amanda Waller in the live-action series called Waller. But the cast of Gunn’s own Peacemaker such as John Cena, Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) and Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks) are also expected to return in both Waller and Peacemaker season 2. Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, and Gal Gadot are under seemingly consideration to return at some point in the future and Zachary Levi and Xolo Maridueña may reprise their roles if their respective films, Shazam! Fury of the Gods and Blue Beetle, perform well. Margot Robbie seems open to returning to reprise her role as Harley Quinn but her future in the role has not been discussed.

The actors we can definitely rule out are Ben Affleck, Jared Leto, and Dwayne Johnson. While Affleck will be replaced by yet another DCU actor as The Dark Knight, Gunn expressed an interest in him going behind the camera to direct a DCU film rather than in a starring role. As for the latter two, the reception from the audience and box office receipts probably speak for themselves.

What do you think of The Flash as the reset that changes the entire DC Universe? Are you looking forward to that refresh? Is there anything you dislike about it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!