“That Promise Depends on a Lot of Things”: James Gunn Casts Doubt Over the Fate of the DCU Despite “Significant” Plans

James Gunn recently revealed an exciting, though somewhat uncertain, future for the DC Universe. After the release of Superman this year, his plans include films featuring Supergirl, Clayface, Lanterns, and Man of Tomorrow. However, beyond those projects, Gunn has a larger vision for the DCU, though its realization depends on factors outside of his control. While some of his original plans from 2023 have evolved, he appears to have a comprehensive long-term strategy.

Ever since James Gunn revealed his initial plans for the DC Universe – known as “Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters” – those plans have been evolving. Gunn has consistently stated he’s had a long-term vision, even as specific projects shifted. We’ve seen significant changes over the past two years, with films like Swamp Thing and The Authority being replaced by Clayface and Man of Tomorrow. In a recent interview, Gunn highlighted that Man of Tomorrow isn’t the final piece of the puzzle, but also hinted that unforeseen circumstances could still lead to further adjustments.

They’ve really surpassed what ‘Man of Tomorrow’ achieved. Whether I’ll be the one to build on that success is uncertain and depends on many factors.

The main uncertainty revolves around the possible sale of Warner Bros. If a company like Comcast or Netflix buys the studio, the new owners might have different plans for DC movies and TV shows than James Gunn does. Currently, everything is uncertain, and Gunn’s plans could easily be changed or canceled if the sale goes through.

Could DC Studios Be Overhauled Again?

When James Gunn and Peter Safran became the heads of the new DC Studios, many believed they were starting a 10-year plan for DC films and TV shows, and that they would lead the creative direction for at least that long.

While Superman performed better at the box office than some recent DC films from Warner Bros., it didn’t reach the $1 billion mark. It’s become harder for movies to achieve that level of success, as evidenced by the fact that even Marvel Studios has had few films surpass $1 billion in recent years.

It’s unlikely that moviegoers will suddenly rush back to theaters, even with new leadership at DC. Many people are now comfortable waiting to stream movies months after they’re released, rather than seeing them immediately. While Superman is a major comic book character, his movies haven’t performed as well as Marvel’s superhero films. Batman consistently attracts large audiences, so it will be interesting to see how the upcoming The Batman Part II and The Brave and the Bold perform. By the time those films are released, the future of the DC Universe should be much clearer.

Read More

2025-10-23 17:04