The new DCU timeline is in full swing, and with the most recent release of Supergirl, it's time that we all start keeping track of the interconnected plotlines of this new era.
As the MCU has proven time and again, it's worth getting on top of these chronological-shaped headaches now before it soon sprawls out into something altogether more tricky to follow. That's where we come in. We're here to fill you in on the complete DCU timeline, focusing on all the released DC movies and TV shows from James Gunn's rebooted universe in chronological order. We won't be mentioning any DCEU titles, so if you want to know about that particular timeline, then you'll need to head to our guide on how to watch the DC movies in order.
However, if you want all the latest explanations on developments from the current DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters plan, then you are in the right place. Join us as we run through the DCU timeline and answer your burning questions. For more information, there's also our guide to upcoming DC movies and our brand new Supergirl review to check out, too.
DCU timeline
Right now, we're keeping things simple. The DCU timeline is as follows (though completionists may want to scroll down): Creature Commandos comes first, then Superman, followed by Peacemaker season 2, and finally Supergirl. On the page, the DCU timeline looks like this:
- Creature Commandos
- Superman
- Peacemaker season 2
- Supergirl
Unlike the MCU, there are currently no exact years and dates attached to when these projects take place in-universe, though it (roughly) equates to a timeframe similar to how they're releasing in real life – i.e. Superman takes place in the summer of a year that could easily be read as 2025.
On the convoluted notion of canon, DC Studios boss James Gunn has mentioned several times that anything referred to from the DCEU in these movies and shows – such as the events of The Suicide Squad or Peacemaker season 1 – are canon, but may be slightly tweaked to fit into the new universe. Case in point is one of Peacemaker season 2's big retcons: the DCU's Justice Gang show up in the season 1 finale, not the DCEU's Justice League.
For those who want a fuller picture of the DCU timeline, there are more aspects we can zero in on. Namely, that there is a six-month jump (give or take) between the events of Peacemaker season 1 and season 2. Each series also takes place multiple years after the Corto Maltese incident (as depicted in The Suicide Squad).
The Peacemaker season 2 premiere also refers to the events of Superman happening this past summer, which suggests the two take place in pretty close proximity to each other, possibly even just a few months.
For wider context, other events on the DCU timeline come into play: Clark Kent first officially became Superman three years before the events of 2025's Superman (as revealed in the opening text of the film). We also know that metahumans have existed in the DCU for 300 years, with superheroes' rich history being typified by a mural of heroes situated in the Hall of Justice.
As for Supergirl, that takes place roughly a year after the events of Superman in 2026. We might even know the exact dates, as Kara Zor-El is 'celebrating' turning 23 at the beginning of the movie, and Supergirl's canonical birthday in DC comics is September 22, though that isn't confirmed in the movie.
Thanks to a recent interview, we also know when upcoming DCU show Lanterns will be set, but it's a little complicated as the show will unfold across two timelines. While the bulk will be set in 2026 (which explains how Green Lantern John Stewart will figure into Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow), part of the show will unfold in 2016, making it the first project on the current DCU timeline. We also don't know if Lanterns' 2026 sections will put it before or after the events of Supergirl just yet.
To make matters even more complicated, James Gunn has already confirmed that upcoming horror movie Clayface is set before Superman, making it the first movie on the DCU timeline. But we don't yet know the year it's set, or whether its placement puts it before Lanterns' 2016 sections on the timeline.
Then there's the small matter of Creature Commandos showing off a possible future, via Circe's vision, of Gorilla Grodd and Princess Alana taking over the Earth – though it remains to be seen whether that comes to pass.
So, for a more complete picture of the confirmed DCU timeline, using Superman as a useful 'zero point' read below:
- Metahumans arrive on Earth (300 years before Superman)
- Kal-El arrives on Earth (30 years before Superman)
- Kal-El becomes Superman in the DCU (3 years before Superman)
- The Suicide Squad (non-DCU, ~ 2-3 years before Superman)
- Peacemaker season 1 (non-DCU, ~ 6 months before Superman)
- Creature Commandos
- Superman
- Peacemaker season 2
- Supergirl
- Circe's apocalyptic vision in Creature Commandos (may not come to pass, year undefined)
For more, check out our guide to the best Supergirl comics, or dive into our Supergirl review.
