In 2021, DC continued to expand its cinematic universe by releasing films like Zack Snyder's Justice League and The Suicide Squad. Both films were praised by fans of the franchise, finding the new direction of the universe promising. To keep up with this momentum, DC has announced the release of many new projects in 2022 and beyond.

These new projects will appear on both the small and big screens and will feature quite a few returning characters. As exciting as the returns of some of these characters are, many are buzzing about the new characters that will be making their debut in the DC Universe. Here are some characters that are set to appear on the big screen in 2022 and where you can find them.

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Krypto

Krypto

Superman's four-legged companion will be voiced by Dwayne Johnson in the animated film DC League of Super-Pets. As Superman's companion, Krypto possesses a few of the same skills as his owner, including the ability to fly and an increased feat of strength. He will put together a group of pets equipped with superpowers in an effort to save Superman and several other members of the Justice League from the clutches of Lex Luthor. Like Superman, Krypto will have his hands full with a quirky group of heroes that he hopes to lead.

Ace

Ace the Bat Hound

The super-heroic hound will appear in DC League of Super-Pets, voiced by Kevin Hart. The crime-fighting dog is known by another name, Ace the Bat-Hound in some of the DC Comics. His known affiliation with Batman may cause some strange tension to arise between Krypto and Ace, though they should be able to put aside their differences to save the Justice League. Ace will hope to offer his help by utilizing his super-strength and the impressive skill of invulnerability.

Merton

Merton

The iconic crime-fighting turtle will be voiced by Natasha Lyonne in DC League of Super-Pets. Merton is also known under the guise of Terrific Whatzit. The turtle possesses the ironic powers of super-speed and super-strength. In the DC comics, Merton is often associated with The Flash. The CW series The Flash, briefly referenced the superheroic turtle, but not in the capacity of an official character. Instead, Merton was briefly mentioned as a stuffed animal that Barry once had as a child.

Chip

Chip

The superheroic squirrel Chip will also appear in DC League of Super-Pets. Chip (typically spelled Ch'p) is a known affiliate of the Green Lantern Corps. Chip will be voiced by Diego Luna in the upcoming DC animated film and will receive the ability to shoot electric beams. During the squirrel's comic history, he experienced a number of impressive accomplishments, which include serving as Green Lantern.

PB

PB

The final member of the focal animal team in DC League of Super-Pets is PB. Like the other pets, PB will come into a newly acquired set of powers and has a history with one of the Justice League heroes. The pot-bellied pig has a human companion in Wonder Woman and notably stands out amongst the other pets. PB's size advantage over the other pets continues as the pig becomes equipped with the ability to increase in scale. The animal will be voiced by Vanessa Bayer.

Black Adam

Black Adam

Black Adam will be the star of his self-titled film, played by Dwayne Johnson. The teaser released by DC FanDome presents Johnson's Black Adam with a thirst for power and vengeance. The character was briefly referenced in the 2019 production Shazam!, but Black Adam will be the first official sighting of the new anti-hero in the DC Universe.

Hawkman

Hawkman

Hawkman will be played by Aldis Hodge and will join Johnson in Black Adam. Hawkman is one of the original members of the Justice Society of America and will introduce the group to the DCEU with three others. Aside from his ability to fly, Hawkman also possesses enhanced abilities including strength and sight, as well as the daunting skill of reincarnation.

Doctor Fate

Doctor Fate

Like Hawkman, Doctor Fate is also a co-founder of the Justice Society of America. Doctor Fate possesses a wide range of skills that can be linked to the Helmet of Fate as well as his own mastery of sorcery. Doctor Fate will join Hodge and Johnson in Black Adam and will be portrayed by former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan.

Atom Smasher

Atom Smasher

Noah Centineo will portray Atom Smasher in Black Adam. As his name suggests, Atom Smasher has an altered atomic mass. Atom Smasher has the ability to manipulate his size and strength, allowing him to grow larger and naturally, becomes more dangerous for his opponents to square off against. The impressiveness of Atom Smasher's unique abilities is increased by the enhancement of other skills including speed and stamina.

Cyclone

Cyclone

The final member of the Justice Society of America set to appear alongside Hodge, Brosnan, and Centineo in Black Adam is Cyclone. She will be portrayed by Quintessa Swindell in the film. She is the granddaughter of Ma Hunkel, the Red Tomato, and is equipped with powers that will lend Black Adam to have some stunning visual moments. The superheroine has the ability to control the wind, create cyclones, tornadoes, twisters, or simply manipulate these pre-existing conditions.

Supergirl

Supergirl

Despite having her own film slated for future release, Supergirl will make her official DC debut in The Flash. The iconic heroine will be played by Sasha Calle in the film, despite Melissa Benoist's portrayal of the character on the television series. Benoist's televised series Supergirl ran for a successful six seasons. Supergirl's change in actress won't impact the powers the heroine possesses. The superheroine is equipped with the ability to fly and possesses a number of super senses, much like her male counterpart, Superman. She also has super speed, which often puts her in competition with The Flash.

Batman

The Batman Robert Pattinson Zoe Kravitz Catwoman

The Batman is already one of the most anticipated releases of 2022. The protector of Gotham City is no stranger to the DC Universe and has been played by the likes of Michael Keaton, Christian Bale, and Ben Affleck over the years. Even though this won't be Batman's first appearance in the realm of DC films, it will be Robert Pattinson's first appearance in the role.

2022 will also feature the heroic returns of Jason Momoa as Aquaman and Amber Heard as Mera in the aquatic sequel, Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom. Other DC heroes will appear in television series like Peacemaker, which will appear on HBO Max in January.

The Batman releases in theaters on March 4, 2022. DC League of Super-Pets premieres in theaters on May 20, 2022. Black Adam debuts in theaters on July 29, 2022. The Flash premieres in theaters on November 4, 2022. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom releases in theaters on December 16, 2022.

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