The Injustice series has treated fighting game aficionados to two exhilarating installments, showcasing some of DC’s most iconic heroes and villains. NetherRealm Studios, renowned for its long-standing Mortal Kombat franchise, has artfully applied its expertise to bring a captivating comic book twist to their formula.
Injustice weaves a gripping narrative where Superman, tragically deceived by the Joker into killing Lois Lane, morphs into an authoritarian ruler. This transformation, spurred by Lois’s death and the annihilation of Metropolis, offers a unique and darker portrayal of the Man of Steel. With whispers about an Injustice 3 stirring the gaming community, speculation abounds about new potential storylines. Although nothing is officially confirmed, a third installment would need to evolve beyond simply revisiting old stories, especially as it aligns itself with the evolving DC Universe.
In 2022, Warner Bros. ushered in a fresh era of the DC cinematic universe under the direction of James Gunn and Peter Safran. The duo’s tenure commenced with last year’s animated hit, Creature Commandos, with Superman slated as the first major film of this revived phase.
Since Gunn and Safran took the helm, fans have eagerly speculated on the future direction of the DC universe. Creature Commandos received favorable feedback, but all eyes are now on the anticipated Superman reboot. Intriguingly, both Gunn and Safran have had discussions with NetherRealm and Rocksteady, Warner Bros.-owned developers, hinting at potential collaborations that have delighted followers of both Injustice and Arkham series. Safran remarked, “James and I meet with the heads of studios like NetherRealm and Rocksteady, discussing characters and storylines we’re eager to explore.” This tease has certainly sparked plenty of excitement, even if it’s not an outright confirmation of new games in either series.
With Superman gracing cinemas on July 11, 2025, featuring David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicolas Hoult as Lex Luthor, fans are on tenterhooks.
For the Injustice series to thrive, NetherRealm could benefit from embracing the transformations within the DCU. While the game can retain its distinctive dark, alternate timeline, integrating elements from the reboot could attract new players. Fresh additions like Booster Gold and Guy Gardner as Green Lantern might just be the change needed to rejuvenate Injustice and capture both long-time fans and new audiences alike.
Though rumors circulate about the cancellation of NetherRealm’s third Mortal Kombat 1 DLC, this remains unconfirmed. If true, it might signify a significant shift in the developer’s focus.
Currently, the possibility of a third Injustice game remains shrouded in uncertainty. While it might seem like an elusive dream, there’s still hope. Aligning with the shifts in the new DCU could provide NetherRealm with valuable insights into which creative risks to take. As the new era of DC dawns, it might just invigorate the series. The true test will come once Superman hits theaters, leaving fans to wonder if NetherRealm will seize the opportunity for DC-related announcements.
