James Gunn‘s approach to standalone Superman and Supergirl films marks a distinct shift in DC’s strategy, aiming to make each movie accessible without requiring audiences to watch several interconnected releases. As both DC and Marvel attempt to regain audience interest, this new direction could reshape how fans engage with superhero films and elevate DC’s standing in a competitive landscape.
Gunn’s Distinctive Standalone Strategy in the Superhero Genre
The superhero film genre has long valued complicated story continuity, with movies often intricately linked, requiring viewers to keep up with an expanding sequence of releases to follow overarching storylines. For years, this strategy defined both DC’s and Marvel’s cinematic universes, especially during the era led by Zack Snyder for DC Studios. However, since Zack Snyder’s departure and James Gunn’s takeover, DC is exploring a dramatically different approach focused on independent story arcs.
James Gunn revealed that, unlike Marvel’s habit of intertwining every project, the upcoming Superman and Supergirl films will not be tied together in narrative. David Corenswet will star as Superman and Milly Alcock as Supergirl, and Gunn has emphasized these movies are being designed so viewers can enjoy each without prerequisite knowledge.
“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, DC Studios Head
According to Gunn, one of his main goals is to ensure viewers can step into any new DC film without feeling lost if they haven’t watched prior installments. He mentioned specifically that watching Superman will not be a requirement for understanding Supergirl, signaling a broader trend of avoiding interconnected mandatory viewing.
Moving Away from the Franchise Homework Model
Marvel Studios, helmed by Kevin Feige, has prided itself on deep continuity, but this has come at a price. As the franchise expanded, the number of required films and series for story comprehension has ballooned, frustrating audiences who feel overwhelmed by the “homework” involved in keeping up with new releases. This oversaturation led to some fans disengaging entirely, unable to catch up with the constant stream of content.
Although Marvel has slowed down its frenetic pace, past choices still impact audiences. The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, for example, reportedly presumes viewers have watched at least ten previous projects to follow the narrative—a tall order for even the most committed fan. In contrast, James Gunn’s audience-first outlook sets DC apart, offering relief from content fatigue and a more relaxed moviegoing experience.
Potential Impact on the DC and Marvel Rivalry
James Gunn and Kevin Feige continue to steer their respective franchises through evolving audience expectations and industry changes. For years, debates raged between DC and Marvel fans regarding the superiority of their chosen universe. However, declining engagement across both camps has forced the studios to reevaluate their approaches, emphasizing survival and adaptation.
While both companies have stabilized somewhat after a tumultuous period, DC’s willingness to let films stand alone may be its competitive advantage. As Gunn places trust in audiences‘ intelligence and preferences, allowing them to select stories that appeal to them without penalty, it improves accessibility and lowers the entry barrier for new and returning fans.
This competitive angle could rejuvenate DC’s presence in the superhero market, especially if viewers become increasingly weary of Marvel’s intricate and exhaustive story web. By bringing Milly Alcock’s Supergirl and David Corenswet’s Superman to the screen as independent entries, DC is signaling a fresh phase focused on individual narratives rather than strict adherence to a dense franchise tapestry.
What Comes Next for Superhero Cinema?
The film industry is at a pivotal moment, with studios responding to shifting audience demands and franchise fatigue. James Gunn’s approach to standalone Superman and Supergirl films might introduce a new standard for accessibility and viewer satisfaction. If successful, DC’s current direction could inspire other studios—including Marvel—to rethink their reliance on interconnected universes.
By centering audience preferences and resisting the urge to mandate extensive viewing, DC hopes to win back former fans and attract newcomers. As competition between the two giants intensifies, the outcome may redefine how superhero stories are told and consumed in theaters around the globe.
