James Gunn on avoiding MCU mistakes in DC Studios has become a focal point of discussion as Gunn applies lessons from his work at Marvel while leading DC Studios. In a recent interview published by Rolling Stone, Gunn explained how his outlook differs from Marvel’s approach during the Multiverse Saga era, highlighting the importance of patience and creative quality over meeting corporate demands for volume.
Gunn Reflects on Marvel’s Streaming-Driven Strategy
Drawing from his tenure with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), James Gunn addressed why the franchise has faced challenges in its recent phases. He observed that the push for a large quantity of content stemmed largely from Disney’s desire to expand its streaming library through Disney+, leading to a production mandate for more movies and series. Gunn clarified he does not fault individuals at Marvel for this strategy. Instead, he pointed out the pressures involved, stating,
“I don’t even know if it’s really their fault,”
—James Gunn, Director/Co-CEO, before emphasizing further,
“That wasn’t fair. It wasn’t right. And it killed them.”
—James Gunn, Director/Co-CEO.
Gunn explained that this period in the MCU coincided with the release of his final Marvel film, while he was already formulating his plans for an entirely new vision at DC. He saw firsthand how excessive production could result in diminished quality and fan fatigue. The corporate pressure to satisfy streaming goals, according to Gunn, created a situation where creative integrity was often compromised.
Setting a New Standard of Quality at DC Studios
Now as co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn aims to implement a contrasting approach, stressing the necessity for deliberate project development rather than chasing quotas. He made it clear that DC does not operate under a demand to release a certain number of films or shows annually. Instead, projects will move forward only when there is genuine confidence in the creative direction. Gunn explained his personal standard for greenlighting projects, stating,
“We have to treat every project as if we’re lucky,”
—James Gunn, Director/Co-CEO, and continued,
“We don’t have the mandate to have a certain amount of movies and TV shows every year. So we’re going to put out everything that we think is of the highest quality. We’re obviously going to do some good things and some not-so-good things, but hopefully on average everything will be as high-quality as possible. Nothing goes before there’s a screenplay that I personally am happy with.”
—James Gunn, Director/Co-CEO.
Gunn’s method involves a strong focus on the development phase, refusing to allow production to proceed without a script that meets his standards. He explained that DC Studios recently decided not to move forward with a much-anticipated project due to a script that failed to meet these requirements. This underscores his belief in quality over speed and volume, which he believes is essential to differentiating DC Studios in the competitive superhero genre.
Script-First Approach and the Industry’s Broader Challenges
Gunn argued that many current problems in the film industry arise from launching productions without fully completed screenplays. In his view, this trend has led to inconsistency and contributed to the struggles faced by major studios. Reflecting on the urgency to deliver content for streaming platforms, he stated that the root of recent missteps is clear: projects are greenlit before their foundations are secure.
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, Gunn’s critique aligns with opinions from other creative professionals and industry leaders like Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. Although Feige has not publicly commented on these reports, sources from Marvel Studios described internal frustration as corporate demands for more content grew, ultimately placing creative teams under intense pressure. The push toward quantity became a burden, and some within Marvel expressed relief when the studio was allowed to slow down and return to a more manageable pace.
Implications for the Future of Superhero Franchises
With Gunn steering DC Studios, he is determined not to repeat the cycle of oversaturation that hit the MCU during the Multiverse Saga. By promising that “nothing goes” without a finished, high-quality screenplay, Gunn is setting up DC Studios for more thoughtful growth. This marks a shift from reactive strategies and represents a deliberate effort to restore faith in the superhero genre.
The upcoming release of Superman, set to arrive in theaters on July 11th, will offer a first glimpse of Gunn’s philosophy as it is brought to the screen. Shortly after, Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps debuts, making July a pivotal month for both DC and Marvel. The response to these upcoming films will likely reveal whether the new direction under Gunn can revitalize not just the DC Universe, but the broader world of blockbuster superhero cinema. By prioritizing story and creative excellence, James Gunn on avoiding MCU mistakes in DC Studios could set a lasting example for studios seeking to balance corporate goals with audience trust and excitement.
