James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe is still in its early stages, and several major characters have yet to appear. Bruce Wayne/Batman and Diana Prince/Wonder Woman remain absent from the rebooted continuity, while iconic villains—from Gotham City’s Rogues’ Gallery to Superman adversaries like General Zod—are also waiting in the wings.
That makes the latest DCU development notable, as it introduces one of the franchise’s biggest threats in an unexpected format.
The newly unveiled Superman attraction at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood quietly brings Darkseid into the DCU. The experience, titled Superman Experience: Defenders Unite, draws directly from the aesthetic of Superman (2025), placing guests inside the Fortress of Solitude alongside its robotic inhabitants, the Automatons.
Watch the official teaser for the new experience below:
Related: DC's New ‘Batman' Reboot: Full Cast Revealed : Disney Fanatic
It offers the first look at the DCU’s version of Darkseid, a character last seen in Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), part of the now-defunct DC Extended Universe. It also features a new actor voicing an animated version of Corenswet's Man of Steel.
According to the official site, guests will “join the world’s greatest Super Hero and soar into an adventure like never before,” traveling across continents in “hyper-realistic, fun, immersive motion.” As the DCU builds toward its next wave of releases, even its theme park experiences are beginning to shape the larger world.
The DCU itself replaces the DCEU continuity that began with Man of Steel (2013) and concluded with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023). That reset became official with Superman (2025), written and directed by Gunn, which introduced David Corenswet (Clark Kent/Kal-El/Superman) in place of Henry Cavill (Clark Kent/Superman). Co-starring Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), and Edi Gathegi (Michael Holt/Mister Terrific), the film grossed $618.7 million worldwide.
The slate continues with Supergirl (June 26, 2026), starring Milly Alcock (Kara Zor-El/Supergirl), and Clayface (October 23, 2026), led by Tom Rhys Harries. Both precede Man of Tomorrow (July 9, 2027), which reunites Corenswet and Hoult. Watch the official trailer for Supergirl:
The DCU’s television side launched with Creature Commandos (2024) and continues with Peacemaker Season 2 (2025), but Superman Experience: Defenders Unite marks a different kind of expansion.
What do you think of James Gunn's DCU so far? Are you excited about any of the upcoming films? Will you be checking out the new Superman experience? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
