Timeline Analysis: The Gaps Between Batman vs. Superman, Justice League, and Beyond in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU)
Differences in Time Gaps Between The DC Extended Universe Films
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has been a journey filled with cinematic storytelling, leaving fans puzzled about the exact timeline between key films such as Batman v Superman (BvS), and Justice League (JL). The gap between these movies has undergone some changes in the final versions, but analyzing the details of these films provides clues to their relative timing.
Potential Year Gaps
Initially, some fans believed a full year had passed between Batman v Superman and Justice League. However, based on certain scenes and plot details, the actual gap seems much shorter. For instance, Batman v Superman depicts the Fortress of Solitude robots taking Superman back to the Fortress and him recovering quickly enough to return and defeat Steppenwolf. This suggests a much shorter gap, possibly even a single month, rather than a full year.
Evidence Pointing to a 1–3 Month Gap
Considering all the evidence available, the most plausible time gap between Batman v Superman and Justice League is around 1–3 months. Several key plot points support this argument:
Lois Lane's Pregnancy**: In Batman v Superman, Lois Lane is pregnant with Superman's child. When she returns to work, she takes a pregnancy test, which is positive, but the test is stored under her press badge in her cupboard. This indicates that Superman died recently enough for the test to still be positive, but not far enough to show any physical signs of pregnancy. News Reports and Reactions**: The obituary of Superman is being used in pigeon coops, and Lois exclaims that Superman smells good. This suggests he died recently as the smell would still be fresh, though it is somewhat gruesome to consider. Lighting of the Mother Box**: Cyborg mentioned that the Mother Box started lighting up after Superman's death. However, this was seen in an email video before Superman's death, suggesting a different timeline interpretation. Absence of Furniture**: The Kent house is described as empty, with Martha moving out at the start of the movie and moving furniture back in at the end. This would mean minimal time for Clark to have been inside the house, supporting the idea of a short gap.Sportsman’s Return: A Short 3–12 Month Window
Considering the evidence, it seems the maximum that could have passed is about 12 months, but more likely around 3 months. If Justice League had happened the week after the Doomsday fight, it wouldn't make sense for Superman to be back so quickly. Given the scenes of Bruce and Diana searching for potential Justice League members, it's reasonable to assume it took some time for these individuals to be assembled and trained.
Assumed Timeline for Maximum 6 Months
The most widely accepted estimate is a maximum of 6 months between Batman v Superman and Justice League. However, the timeline can change depending on future film releases and events. For instance, in Suicide Squad, one month passed, and in Wonder Woman, events occurred two months after Diana's victory.
Thus, while there is no exact answer, the evidence points towards a short to mid-length gap between these crucial DCEU films.