James Gunn‘s vision for the future of DC Studios is underway, as he and Peter Safran steer a comprehensive relaunch across movies and television, starting with the highly anticipated Superman film, which hits theaters on July 11. This new strategic approach marks the beginning of a closely connected universe, introducing revamped storytelling while leveraging some of comic book culture’s most iconic characters.
A New Era at DC Studios with James Gunn at the Helm
Having previously directed Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, James Gunn now serves as co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, taking responsibility for uniting various creative strands. His deep involvement includes active communication with fans on social media, but as he explains, the increased industry demands have shifted his day-to-day engagement. Gunn mentions that, while he still maintains direct lines of communication with fans, much of his online activity is managed or referenced by others due to the overwhelming workload.
Coming from Manchester, Missouri, Gunn recalls his early interactions with public figures and how meaningful such exchanges were to him as a kid. This has influenced his desire to maintain a respectful and interactive relationship with the DC audience. He is committed to treating fans with dignity and recognizes the importance of mutual respect between creators and audiences.
The proliferation of rumors and speculation in the digital age is another aspect Gunn addresses, sharing that he often finds himself in the role of dispelling misinformation. Although he typically refrains from responding to most unfounded claims to avoid driving attention to unreliable sources, Gunn says he intervenes if unsubstantiated reports risk damaging relationships or the reputation of those involved with DC’s projects.
When managing responsibilities, Gunn shares that his main balance is between different types of creative processes. While Peter Safran handles business matters and meetings, Gunn is focused predominantly on storytelling: leading writers and directors, generative concept development, and overseeing creative consistency across film and television. He admits the scope of responsibility has required him to prioritize and selectively focus his attention to avoid spreading himself too thin.
Gunn highlights his collaborative mindset, particularly with showrunners like Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, and Tom King on the Lanterns series for HBO. He supports their work by providing guidance, script notes, and feedback while allowing them autonomy once initial directions are established. According to Gunn, his involvement varies by project—from being heavily involved in adaptations like Supergirl, inspired by Tom King’s Woman of Tomorrow, to a more consultative role on others.
Launching the Reimagined Connected Universe: Superman Leads the Charge
James Gunn was already developing the Superman screenplay and working on other projects, such as Creature Commandos and Peacemaker season 2, before his appointment as co-chief of DC Studios. Superman was prioritized as the flagship film, given the character’s foundational significance to both DC and Warner Bros. history. David Corenswet stars as Superman, joined by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, establishing the starting point for Gunn and Safran’s interconnected vision.
Characters like Ultra Man, described as Lex Luthor’s formidable associate, and settings such as Metropolis remain central. Lex’s pervasive influence is highlighted, with Gunn acknowledging that much of the turmoil in Metropolis is inextricably linked to Luthor’s machinations.
When asked whether Superman is intended as a template for subsequent DCU films, Gunn states his focus is simply on delivering the most compelling story possible. He emphasizes how the process of making Superman differs from his previous work, noting especially the technical and creative challenges of portraying a legendary character on screen.
Building the Foundation: Gods and Monsters and Expanded Pillars
The first phase of the relaunched DC Universe has been dubbed Gods and Monsters. Gunn considers Superman and Peacemaker to be pivotal components driving the overarching narrative, even as he aims to make each story accessible on its own. Creature Commandos is noted as less crucial to the core storyline. Gunn likens the current approach to the structure of Infinity War and Endgame in the Marvel franchise but stresses that, at present, viewers will not be required to follow every installment to appreciate the next.
David Zaslav, head of Warner Bros. Discovery, recently emphasized Superman, Batman, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman as the mainstays of DC’s cinematic plans. Gunn confirms the centrality of these characters, acknowledging that current efforts are strongest with Superman and Supergirl, while work continues on establishing or recasting Wonder Woman and Batman.
Regarding casting, Robert Pattinson remains entrenched as Batman through Matt Reeves’ parallel projects, which are considered significant even as they stand outside the central DCU continuity. Gunn expresses his anticipation for the script of The Batman Part II, highlighting Matt Reeves’ ongoing creative importance.
Cohesion and Flexibility: Navigating DCU and Elseworlds Tales
One of the guiding philosophies for Gunn and Safran is ensuring a unified and coherent DC Universe, while still making space for distinctive stories under the Elseworlds banner, such as Matt Reeves’ Batman films and The Penguin series. Gunn notes that certain projects naturally fit outside the main continuity, while animated works and unique adaptations require special consideration.
The creative team works to maintain consistency within the DCU—for example, standardizing the power sets of major characters or ensuring that fictional cities like Gotham and Metropolis are properly depicted, while unique settings, such as Evergreen, help distinguish the universe from the real world. Quality control is emphasized, with Gunn cautioning against indiscriminate licensing that could compromise the studio’s standards.
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, Co-Head of DC Studios
Gunn relates an anecdote where a prominent actor pitched an Elseworlds project, highlighting the demand for originality and quality above all: the bar for non-central stories is set deliberately high.
This quality-over-quantity principle shapes DC Studios’ approach: only scripts meeting high creative standards are greenlit, avoiding the dilution of core intellectual property by relegating stories to lower-budget or externally managed endeavors. Gunn value the input of acclaimed filmmakers like Matt Reeves, considering them exceptions worthy of special consideration, so long as the scripts are strong.
New Projects on the Horizon: Clayface and Beyond
Peter Safran has indicated Clayface as an important upcoming addition, with recent casting of Tom Rhys Harries in the title role. Gunn comments enthusiastically about the script’s evolution, revealing that the project was initiated by filmmaker Mike Flanagan, who envisioned a body horror narrative within the DCU. Gunn admits initial skepticism but became convinced by Flanagan’s pitch and script, noting that Clayface was not part of the original slate but won approval through creative merit.
Gunn keeps details about Clayface’s connections to previous characters like those in Creature Commandos intentionally ambiguous, indicating that audiences will discover the links when the time comes.
Production-wise, Peacemaker season 2 and Superman are nearing completion, with sound mixing and color timing scheduled to occur in close succession. The Lanterns television show is halfway through filming, and viewers can expect to see early episodes relatively soon. Gunn hints at other projects, including his favorite yet-unannounced show and additional films in development. He underscores that many of the most exciting stories, including one he personally pitched to David Zaslav early on, have yet to reach the announcement stage.
Looking Ahead: Sequels, Mystery Projects, and Industry Rumors
Asked whether a Superman sequel is already in development, Gunn affirms ongoing work, though he stops short of calling it a direct continuation. As for the next project he might direct, Gunn says he prefers to wait until a script is finalized before committing, but acknowledges that his current, undisclosed screenplay is the probable candidate.
Yeah, I want to do this.
—James Gunn, Co-Head of DC Studios
Industry rumors about collaborations, such as Guillermo del Toro’s supposed Justice League Dark interest or Steven Spielberg’s potential Blackhawks venture, are addressed by Gunn. He clarifies that, despite longstanding public speculation, neither filmmaker has approached him directly with those proposals. Instead, such rumors tend to outgrow their origins in informal comments or one-off interview questions.
As for projects like Sgt. Rock and Paradise Lost, Gunn says both are progressing, albeit at different paces. Sgt. Rock is advancing but requires creative adjustments to meet Gunn’s standards, while Paradise Lost is moving slowly but remains a project he appreciates highly. Both are strategically connected to the broader plans for Wonder Woman and the world of Themyscira.
Wonder Woman herself is also in development, with writing underway; her character is set to be interwoven with the events of Paradise Lost. Gunn points out the direct link between Wonder Woman’s Amazonian heritage and the fate of the DCU.
Addressing Fandom, Social Media, and the Future for DC Studios
James Gunn discusses the front-facing pressures on creative leads like Matt Reeves from persistent fan inquiries on social media, especially regarding updates for The Batman Part II. He urges patience from audiences, explaining that scriptwriting is a creative process that shouldn’t be rushed for the sake of online timelines, and expresses respect for Reeves’ approach and need for space.
The impact of social media on directors and writers is a continuing theme. Gunn suggests that while creators may be attentive to public feedback, many, like Reeves, are skilled at shutting out external noise to focus on their work. Gunn reiterates his stance that demanding speed from filmmakers can be counterproductive, reminding fans that quality storytelling is rooted in creative autonomy and thoughtful development.
Regarding Superman, Gunn confirms that not all character appearances have been disclosed, maintaining an element of surprise for audiences upon release.
The Significance and Next Steps for James Gunn’s DC Universe
James Gunn’s vision for the future of DC Studios signals a deliberate, audience-aware pivot toward interconnected narrative arcs grounded in quality, cohesion, and creative ambition. With Superman about to usher in this new era and key characters like Batman, Supergirl, and Wonder Woman taking prominent roles, DC Studios is poised for a bold reinvention.
Gunn’s careful approach to project selection, continued collaboration with major filmmakers and showrunners, as well as a presence across film and television, all point to a newly unified brand under his and Peter Safran’s leadership. As new projects are announced and released, fans and industry-watchers alike will continue to observe how Gunn’s strategic vision shapes the evolving landscape of superhero entertainment.
