Injusticehas been dormant for quite some time now, with the last entry in the series released all the way back in January 2017. After almost eight years of radio silence, some fans may have begun to wonder ifInjusticehas a future at all. What doesn’t help matters is that the last several years have been a bit of a tough time for the DC brand as a whole.
Injustice 2was only the second entry in the series, but it still managed to garner a sizable following in its heyday. With so much going for it, the lack of any new entry has become a bit of a head-scratching subject in the fighting game community. Of course, NetherRealm Studios has had its hands fullthanks toMortal Kombat, but there’s nothing to suggest that developers have ruled outInjustice 3. In fact, with the launch of the DCU beginning withCreature Commandosand kicking into full gear withSuperman, now may be the perfect time to announce and releaseInjustice 3.
Injustice 3 Could Be Perfect Cross-Promotion for the DCU’s Superman
TheInjusticeseries is only two games strong, but it has a wealth of depth for fans to explore. This is in part thanks to an incredibly expansive comic series that was released alongside both games. One can assume that apotentialInjustice 3gamewould release alongside its own comic series, and this may give it the legs to be a valuable asset for the upcoming DCU. DCU higher-ups have already hinted at canon video games becoming a part of the universe’s roll-out, and this immediately bringsInjusticeto mind, considering its two releases are some of the highest profile DC video games. However, one does have to consider if a relationship betweenInjusticeand the DCU would be as mutually beneficial as it seems.
With the DCU having an Elseworlds category for films set in different universes, perhaps the easiest approach would be to treatInjustice 3like an Elseworlds property.
The DCU is Ushering In a New Era
The DCU is the current nomenclature for DC Comics' latest attempt at constructing a cinematic universe. DC has had some decisively bad luck on the big screen in the past, though there are some gems that were able to stand out. With James Gunn now at the helm, the DCU has a clear intention to make up for the mistakes that arose from the relativelack of organization in the DCEU.
James Gunn directed theGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy, as well asThe Suicide SquadandPeacemaker. The former consists of some of the most widely beloved comic book movies to come out of Marvel Studios, so it’s no surprise that he would be tapped as a visionary leader for this sort of project. The DCU will soon move full steam ahead with the release ofSupermanin July 2025, which is a make-or-break project for the universe as a whole.
Why Injustice 3 Directly Connecting to the DCU is Highly Unlikely
If the DCU is going to succeed, it’s going to need to keep a positive reputation for its characters among general audiences. Naturally, the broad appeal ofInjusticemakes it the perfect candidate to help with this effort. However, the biggest strength of this potential connection may also be the biggest weakness: that being the two universes' shared focus on Superman.
Injusticetakes place in an alternate reality in which Superman has become an evil dictator that rules the world with an iron fist. This is a remarkably different tone from the optimism that definesDavid Corenswet’s Superman, and which James Gunn seems to be focusing on in the DCU as a whole. If anything, the tone ofInjusticecould even be perceived as too similar to the bleak world fans were exposed to in the early days of the DCEU, back when that universe was at its most controversial.
Why Injustice Still Deserves Another Chance
While this makesInjusticeseem tonally incompatible with the future of the DCU, this could make a revival of the franchise just as worthwhile. If the Superman of the DCU is going to be more reflective of the enduring hope at the heart of the character, there is no better way to emphasize this than by contrasting it with his polar opposite. By continuing theInjusticestoryline, DCEU fans interested in the dark, gritty Superman that was teased inBatman vs. Supermanwould have something to enjoy. Similarly, comic book fans who prefer a more traditional Superman will be getting a faithful adaptation on the big screen in a matter of months. By releasingInjustice 3andSupermanclose together, two versions of the Man of Steel that are polar opposites from one another would be presented, showing the depth of the iconic character and allowing DC to have its cake and eat it too.
Injustice 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Power up and build the ultimate version of your favourite DC legends in INJUSTICE 2.EVERY BATTLE DEFINES YOU: With every match you’ll earn gear to equip, customise and evolve your roster.A NEW THREAT RISES: Picking up where Injustice left off, Batman struggles against Superman’s regime, as a new threat appears that will put Earth’s very existence at risk.THE BEST OF DC: Choose from the biggest DC Universe roster ever and battle across iconic locations in epic-scale battles.BUILT BY NETHERREALM: Developers of the best-selling and critically acclaimed MORTAL KOMBAT franchise.
