Expanded universe

The term expanded universe (sometimes called an extended universe) is generally used to denote the 'extension' of a media franchise (i.e. a television show, series of featured films, etc.) with other media (generally comics and original novels). This typically involves new adventures for existing characters already developed within the franchise; however in some case entirely new characters and complex mythology are developed. This is not the same as an adaptation, which is a retelling of the same story, usually on a different medium. Nearly every media franchise with a committed fan base has some form of expanded universe. A very popular example of this is fan fictions. Fan fictions are stories created by a fan base that portrays existing characters in new and different ways.

Examples

Two prominent examples of media franchises with an expanded universe are Star Wars and Star Trek - both have a wide range of original novels, comics, video games, and other media that add to the mythology of each universe in different ways. In both cases entirely new characters and situations have been developed that exist only within the Expanded Universe media.

DC Extended Universe

The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is an American media franchise and shared fictional universe that is centered on a series of superhero films, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and based on characters that appear in publications by DC Comics. The shared universe, much like the original DC Universe in comic books, will be established by crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters.

The first film released in the DCEU was Man of Steel (2013), a reboot of the Superman film series. The next film to be released will be Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), followed by Suicide Squad (2016), with both in post-production and Wonder Woman (2017), which is currently filming. Other films in development include, The Flash (2018), Aquaman (2018), Shazam (2019), Cyborg (2020), Green Lantern Corps (2020), and a two-part Justice League film, with Part One releasing in 2017, and Part Two in 2019. Warner Bros. has also announced a sequel to Man of Steel and a stand-alone Batman film, with the intent for both to be released before 2020. All films are being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.