The comic book world was rocked with the news that Marvel Comics and DC Comicswere delivering their first crossover in over 20 yearswithDeadpool/Batman #1byZeb Wells&Greg CapulloandBatman/Deadpool #1byGrant Morrison&Dan Mora. The Dark Knight and the Merc with a Mouth are probably the lastcharacters fans expected to meet,but the possibilities of this crossover open up so many doors—especially since there are plans for more Marvel/DC crossovers in 2026. “Our big thing is we want to do something that is a lot of fun, showcase comics, generate excitement, and bring new readers or lapsed readers back into the industry,” Marvel Comics & Franchise’s PresidentDan BuckleytoldEntertainment Weeklywhen the crossover was first announced. DC Comics' Publisher/Chief Creative OfficerJim Leeechoed this statement, saying, “The timing has to be right in that you don’t want to do these too often. You want them to feel special.”
With Marvel and DC Comics finally delivering a crossover, one question is on comic fans' minds:could a crossover between Marvel Studios and DC Studios happen down the line?Both have big things in the pipeline; this summer will see the release ofSuperman, which kicks off DC Studios' first chapter, “Gods and Monsters,” whileAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Warsare currently in production—and could have a massive impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But there are a few roadblocks that both sides will have to clear before a Marvel/DC movie becomes a reality, including rights issues and timing.
Kevin Feige and James Gunn Have Floated the Idea of a Marvel/DC Crossover…When the Time Is Right
Believe it or not, a Marvel and DC crossoverhas been discussed by the heads of Marvel Studios and DC Studios, respectively. Marvel Studios chiefKevin Feigesaid that he “occasionally"thinks about the ideabut tends to focus on whatever projects Marvel Studios currently has in the works. “I don’t know when in the heck that would ever happen or how that would happen. But we’ve been talking too long for me to go, ‘Never! We’d never be able to do that.’ We’ll never say never,” Feige said. DC Studios co-headJames Gunnechoed those statements during an interview with Empire, saying that he and Feige have had discussions—which makes sense, given that Gunn previously helmed theGuardians of the Galaxy trilogyfor Marvel Studios. “I think we have to establish what we’re doing [at DC] first.I would be lying to say that we haven’t discussed it,“Gunn told Empire.
Beyond Marvel Studios' packed slate and DC Studios starting to build its own foundation,there’s also the matter of rights.Marvel is owned by Disney, and DC is owned by Warner Bros. Pictures;the two studios have only worked together on one film,Who Framed Roger Rabbit, andeven that came with a strict set of rules. There’s also the fact that while all of DC’s characters are under Warner Bros.' umbrella, Marvel has had to lend out other characters over the years—most notably Spider-Man, whose tangled web of rights has impacted other Marvel projects. If Feige and Gunn put their heads together for a Marvel/DC crossover, they’ll more than likely have to set some ground rules or pick certain characters who can appear, which could be tricky to shape into a narrative. Luckily,the answer to a Marvel/DC movie lies in the pages of a recent comic.
One Comic Teased a Marvel/DC Crossover That Would Be Perfect for the Big Screen
In 2017, DC Comics launchedDoomsday ClockbyGeoff JohnsandGary Frank, which blended the worlds ofWatchmenand the DC Universe together. InDoomsday Clock #12, Dr. Manhattan has a vision of the “Secret Crisis”:an event that hurls Superman into the Marvel Universe,pitting him in battle against Thor and the Hulk. Fans will immediately recognize that “Secret Crisis” pays homage toCrisis on Infinite EarthsandSecret Wars, which were the first big “event comics” for DC and Marvel, respectively. In fact,Avengers: Secret Warscould be a major reboot for the MCU—which would be the perfect time to explore the “Secret Crisis” storyline.Chris Hemswortheven recently posted a message that potentiallyhinted at the end of his tenure as Thor, but the idea of the God of Thunder and the Man of Steel potentially duking it out would be worth coming back for. It might be a while before DC and Marvel’s heroes cross paths on the silver screen, but the Batman and Deadpool crossover is a reminder that anything’s possible.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
