James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has addressed the ongoing curiosity about Guillermo del Toro’s interest in helming a Justice League Dark film, providing a fresh perspective during a recent interview. The James Gunn update on Justice League Dark movie reveals that, despite years of fan speculation, there have been no actual discussions between Gunn and del Toro about moving the project forward at DC Studios.
James Gunn Shuts Down Rumors About Justice League Dark
In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, James Gunn commented on speculation surrounding projects long associated with various visionary directors. Notably, when asked about the possibility of reviving Justice League Dark with Guillermo del Toro at the helm, Gunn was direct in clarifying the status of such talks.
During the interview, Gunn explained how rumors can easily grow beyond their original scope, using both del Toro and Steven Spielberg as examples. He stated:
“By the way, Guillermo’s never said that to me. I hear all these things about, ‘Guillermo would love to do Justice League Dark,’”
—James Gunn, DC Studios co-head
“Well, Guillermo’s never said that to me. ‘Just let Steven Spielberg do his Blackhawks movie that he wants to do!’ Steven Spielberg, who I love above anyone else, has never said that to me. So these things get blown out of proportion. Years and years ago, I said I wanted to make a Thunderbolts movie. I was in a convention somewhere, and somebody asked me, ‘What did I want to do that wasn’t Guardians of the Galaxy?’ I said Thunderbolts. And for years and years, it’s like, ‘James Gunn should be allowed to make his Thunderbolts movie.’ I have a million things that I thought I wanted to do in certain moments.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios co-head
Gunn’s comments emphasize that, despite widespread reports or hopes from fans, no concrete conversations about Justice League Dark with del Toro have taken place within DC Studios’ current leadership.
The History of Guillermo del Toro’s Justice League Dark Ambitions
Guillermo del Toro, celebrated for his unique visual style and emotionally charged storytelling, once showed strong interest in bringing Justice League Dark to the screen. Early on, he envisioned assembling a team of supernatural DC Comics characters like Deadman, Swamp Thing, and Zatanna—heroes who don’t fit the mold of traditional superheroes. Del Toro’s attraction to the group stemmed from their outsider status and the eccentric, monster-centric nature of the team.
Despite his passion, del Toro’s involvement with the film never progressed to actual production. By 2018, he had fully stepped away from the prospective project, and the adaptation of Justice League Dark languished in development without further progress. At one point, J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot was set to explore both film and TV potential for the property, but those efforts failed to materialize into concrete announcements or releases.
Guillermo del Toro’s Successes Beyond DC
Though Justice League Dark never reached production, Guillermo del Toro has enjoyed notable victories in other corners of the film industry. He is the driving creative force behind acclaimed titles such as The Shape of Water, Nightmare Alley, and Pinocchio—projects that have earned him Oscars and widespread recognition. Del Toro’s highly anticipated adaptation of Frankenstein is set to premiere on Netflix this fall, adding another significant achievement to his résumé.
Although del Toro’s dream of making a Justice League Dark movie for DC Studios remains unfulfilled, his continued influence demonstrates his range as a filmmaker. Not only has he found success across award-winning dramas, but his Hellboy films cemented his prowess with comic book-inspired narratives. These films blended evocative action with compelling, deeply human characters, a blend many fans hoped he could apply to a project like Justice League Dark.
What’s Next for Justice League Dark and Del Toro’s Superhero Aspirations?
The lack of recent discussions about a Justice League Dark feature points to the uncertainty that still surrounds this part of the DC Universe. Under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, DC Studios has signaled openness to creative new directions, but certain legacy projects remain shelved. Fans have expressed disappointment, as there remains a strong hunger among viewers to see a director like del Toro tackle unconventional comic book material.
Del Toro’s acclaimed style and affinity for exploring characters who exist on the margins of society are widely recognized as ideal qualities for a Justice League Dark adaptation. Over the years, he has developed a committed audience thanks to his visually imaginative approach and strong emotional storytelling—traits that would be highly compatible with the team of magical outsiders from DC Comics.
James Gunn’s leadership might still open doors for innovative filmmaking at DC Studios. One new initiative is the Elseworlds label, reserved for projects set outside the sprawling continuity of the main DC Universe, such as Matt Reeves’ work on The Batman. This policy could, in the future, provide directors like del Toro with opportunities to create distinctive, standalone interpretations untethered from larger franchise demands. It’s a possibility that could enable visionary auteurs to revisit projects like Justice League Dark on their own creative terms.
If such options materialize, del Toro might finally have the chance to direct a Justice League Dark movie, perhaps even under Gunn’s watchful eye, but for now, those ambitions remain unfulfilled. The update from James Gunn casts doubt on a revival in the near term, leaving fans to wonder if del Toro’s take on the DC supernatural team will ever make it to the screen.
Potential for Future Reconsideration at DC Studios
The door is not entirely closed on Justice League Dark, but the prospects under current management remain dim. As the DC Universe continues to evolve, both fans and industry watchers will keep an eye on shifting strategies at DC Studios. Should priorities or creative interest shift, there might still be a path for Guillermo del Toro to revisit the concept, particularly if the studio continues to value fresh voices and unique interpretations in its expanding slate.
In the meantime, Guillermo del Toro is focused on other creative projects while James Gunn and Peter Safran work to establish their vision for DC’s future. Viewers and comic fans are left hoping that, someday, this long-discussed and eagerly awaited project might be given a new lease on life, giving Justice League Dark the kind of imaginative, visually rich treatment it deserves.
