James Gunn sets high standards for Elseworlds projects within the new DC Universe, stating that only scripts of the highest quality will move forward—even if pitched by major Hollywood stars. This rigorous approach aims to ensure that stories told outside the main DCU continuity reflect exceptional creative ambition and meet audience expectations for innovation, with the first big screen project under Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership set for release on July 11, 2025, in the USA.
Stringent Criteria for Elseworlds Stories
Projects placed under the Elseworlds label, now guided by James Gunn and Peter Safran, are subject to the most demanding standards in the DC Universe’s history. With the winding down of the DCEU to clear the path for the reimagined DCU, several properties exist independently under Elseworlds. Matt Reeves’ The Batman Epic Crime Saga, for example, is set to continue its expansion, including properties such as The Penguin.
James Gunn has repeatedly emphasized the critical importance of a compelling screenplay, particularly for stories positioned outside the DCU’s main continuity. According to Gunn, the threshold for Elseworlds projects surpasses even the usual requirements for the primary cinematic universe. This uncompromising stance is designed to deliver a consistently high level of quality, wherever the stories reside in DC’s narrative architecture.
Major Hollywood Talent Eager for Elseworlds
Interest in Elseworlds entries has extended to the uppermost ranks of Hollywood, with a renowned movie star in active discussions to develop an original story under the label. Regardless of their stature, Gunn and the DC creative team remain unwavering in their commitment to excellence, declining to move forward on any project that does not reach their high bar.
Gunn recounted a specific instance where a well-known actor pitched an Elseworlds concept. He stated,
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It depends on how the screenplay comes out…If it’s a masterpiece, I’ll make it, but it has to be a masterpiece.
”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Head. The actor’s reaction was candid, responding,
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I don’t know if it’s a masterpiece.
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—Unnamed movie star.
Gunn shared that despite the lighthearted exchange, the actor remains invested in developing the script, and the door remains open should it evolve into something truly exceptional. As Gunn explained,
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Masterpiece might be pushing it, but it’s got to be really great.
”
—James Gunn, DC Studios Head.
Speculation Surrounds Project and Actor
Although Gunn has not confirmed the identity of the movie star involved, speculation has pointed toward Michael B. Jordan due to longstanding rumors of his involvement in bringing the Val-Zod character—part of the Black Superman storyline—to screens. Michael B. Jordan has consistently been seen as one of the most recognizable and promising Hollywood talents of his generation, making him a plausible contender for such a high-profile Elseworlds endeavor.
Amid a significant shift in direction for DC, the Black Superman feature, once reported to be written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, remains unconfirmed as either scrapped or in active progression. Despite the lack of recent updates, many observers believe Jordan remains attached to the concept, championing the story’s realization within the new regime’s creative framework.
Raising the Bar Amid Audience Fatigue
This heightened demand for excellence under the Elseworlds label is seen as a response to widespread cinematic fatigue, particularly surrounding uninspired superhero movies. Gunn’s strategy of prioritizing inventive, high-quality storytelling is meant to answer both industry trends and the evolving demands of moviegoers. As the DCU prepares to launch its mainline universe with Superman in 2025, this approach may well set a new standard for future comic book adaptations across the genre.
James Gunn’s commitment positions the DCU and its Elseworlds brand to redefine expectations. As Elseworlds projects continue to develop, all eyes will be on whether major stars like Michael B. Jordan and creative teams can meet the unprecedented benchmarks now required to bring these unique stories to life.
