James Gunn confirms Justice League plans for DCU, clarifying that the famous team does not currently exist in the upcoming universe, even as Superman introduces a new lineup of heroes. The evolving DCU landscape raises anticipation about who might eventually join the Justice League and how they could differ from past iterations.
Justice League Not Formed Yet, According to Gunn
With the new Superman film expanding its roster beyond the title character, fans have speculated whether the Justice League already exists in this updated DC Universe. DCU establishes a world where metahumans and superheroes are longstanding figures, a backdrop made clear by themes explored in Creature Commandos. This world-building prompted many to question if a Justice League is already at play, potentially recruiting Superman rather than positioning him as one of its founders.
Responding to Entertainment Weekly’s query about shared universe plans and a potential team-up film, James Gunn made the current status of the legendary group unmistakable, stating,
“Of course, of course. But there is no Justice League in this world…not yet.”
—James Gunn, Director/Writer
The upcoming Superman movie is set to feature an ensemble of superheroes—Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, and Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern included—but these characters will form a uniquely original crew called The Justice Gang. According to Gunn, this team is distinct from the classic Justice League because, while they are heroic, they lack saintliness. David Corenswet, who takes on the role of Superman, commented cautiously on the future of the Justice League in the DCU:
“I mean, that sounds awesome. I don’t take it upon myself to think ahead in that kind of way, just because one would hate to get one’s hopes up about anything in particular and then have it go in another direction. What I like to do is stay blissfully ignorant, and then when James tells me what’s going to happen, I get to have a wonderful surprise. So if Justice League is in the back of his mind, that sounds great to me. I’ll put it at the back of my mind and we’ll see what happens.”
—David Corenswet, Actor
Potential Lineup and Distinctions From Previous Justice Leagues
Initial glimpses of the Justice Gang in Superman suggest the team operates with corporate interests, supported by matching uniforms and potentially steered by Maxwell Lord, portrayed by Sean Gunn. This speculative setup is reinforced by recent appearances of Maxwell Lord and other Justice Gang figures such as Hawkgirl and Guy Gardner, who were seen conducting interviews with Christopher Smith—Peacemaker’s alter ego, played by John Cena—hinting at his possible recruitment for the group. Gunn appears to critique the notion of superhero ownership, setting the stage for the eventual Justice League to function as a fully autonomous collective, distinctly not beholden to any company, not even Wayne Enterprises, despite Bruce Wayne/Batman’s involvement.
James Gunn has also underscored the separate importance of Matt Reeves’ own exploration of Batman, indicating that multiple interpretations of the character will exist in parallel but serve different purposes within the larger DC narrative framework.
Which Heroes Might Join the Team?
Speculation about the DCU’s ultimate Justice League lineup is building. Traditionally, the team’s core consists of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. A new Batman project, The Brave and the Bold, is in development, while plans for a new Wonder Woman film were confirmed by Gunn, signaling that these key characters will have significant roles. Upcoming series like Lanterns will feature Hal Jordan and John Stewart, two iconic Green Lanterns, and Hawkgirl, played by Isabela Merced in Superman, could reference a roster closer to that of the DC Animated Universe’s beloved series, perhaps even including John Stewart’s Green Lantern and Hawkgirl as principal members.
The classic Justice League comprises seven members, leaving room for additional heroes. While Aquaman and The Flash are natural choices to round out the team, there are abundant options in the DCU. Characters such as Supergirl, Mister Terrific, Metamorpho, Blue Beetle, and Peacemaker each present compelling possibilities. Additionally, popular figures fans have long awaited for cinematic debuts—Zatanna, Vixen, Martian Manhunter, and Captain Atom among them—could strengthen and diversify the team’s future composition.
Anticipation as the DCU Justice League Takes Shape
After the previous DCEU’s rocky attempts at establishing a cohesive Justice League on film, optimism persists that James Gunn and DC Studios can reinvent the team and deliver an interpretation worthy of both long-time fans and new audiences. The DCU’s gradual buildup, with cautious confirmation of plans and a clear distinction between teams like the Justice Gang and the Justice League itself, has generated considerable excitement and curiosity about how the iconic team will eventually come together. As cast details, such as the involvement of Ben Affleck as Batman and Henry Cavill’s historical portrayal of Superman, remain at the forefront of discussion, the evolution of DC’s new cinematic universe will be closely watched for announcements and character reveals. Ultimately, Gunn’s confirmation of Justice League plans—while emphasizing patience—signals a promising future for the legendary team in the DCU.
