James Gunn‘s vision for a standalone DC Universe is set to distinguish DC Studios from its Marvel counterpart, aiming to give audiences the freedom to enjoy each story independently. In a recent interview, Gunn discussed his approach to the upcoming DCU, emphasizing an experience that does not force viewers to watch every previous entry to grasp the current film’s plot.
James Gunn Charts a Distinct Path for the DC Universe
While both the DC Universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe revolve around iconic superheroes from well-known comic publishers, Gunn intends for the DCU to forge its own style. Gunn, now the co-CEO of DC Studios, brings years of experience, having entered the superhero genre in 2010 and later writing and directing for the widely praised Guardians of the Galaxy series at Marvel Studios. Through these roles, Gunn observed important differences between shared universes and has expressed his intent to avoid certain pitfalls that have developed within the MCU.
Gunn’s experience spans more than a decade, taking him from his early work on Super to overseeing major projects like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. This background has given him a broad perspective on what can make or hinder a superhero universe, and he now seeks to implement lessons learned into the DCU’s structure.
A New Viewing Experience: No Prerequisites for Enjoyment
Gunn explained his intentions during an interview with Entertainment Weekly about the upcoming Superman film. He described his dedication to making DCU films accessible to all viewers, regardless of their familiarity with earlier entries.
I am really trying to be careful that anybody can dip in and see the story that is up next and not feel like they’re missing information,
—James Gunn, co-CEO, DC Studios
This philosophy marks a departure from the evolving formula used by Marvel Studios, especially since Marvel’s The Avengers in 2012. While early Phase 1 movies in the MCU featured mostly self-contained plots, later phases became interwoven, linking characters and events across multiple films and shows. As a result, following a single story often means catching up on dozens of previous installments, requiring fans to commit hours just to have the full context.
For instance, Marvel Studios’ recent film Thunderbolts* references events and characters from a range of past movies, including the Avengers series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Black Widow, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Captain America: Brave New World, further demonstrating the complexity of the MCU’s interconnected narrative.
Standalone Stories with an Overarching Narrative
Despite his focus on independent stories, Gunn clarified that the DC Universe will still have underlying connections between its projects. He noted that while most entries can be enjoyed on their own, there will be an extended narrative tying the universe together.
The most important thing is the specific stories, but there is also a much bigger story that we’re telling that will take a little bit longer to tell,
—James Gunn, co-CEO, DC Studios
That’s sort of where my next couple of things are going to be.
—James Gunn, co-CEO, DC Studios
This strategy aims to balance immediate accessibility for newcomers with overarching intrigue for long-term fans, promising both standalone enjoyment and depth for those who follow the entire saga.
What’s on the Horizon for the DC Universe
The revamped DC Universe officially begins on July 11, 2025, with the debut of Superman in theaters. With Gunn’s leadership, fans and newcomers alike can anticipate a fresh direction that prioritizes easy access, while gradually revealing a more extensive story for those who want to delve deeper. As the DCU prepares to redefine shared universe storytelling, industry watchers and comic fans await the rollout of these ambitious standalone yet interconnected films.
