James Gunn vows not to juggle DCU projects simultaneously after revealing the pressure he faced developing Creature Commandos, the new Superman film, and Peacemaker Season 2 during the early construction of DC Studios’ slate. This decision follows a period marked by intense workload, as Gunn undertook major creative and executive roles amid launching the DCU’s first animated and live-action series and films.
Gunn Confronts Overload While Building the DCU
In the wake of Creature Commandos premiering in late 2024, James Gunn took on the formidable challenge of launching multiple new additions to the DCU in rapid succession. With Superman scheduled for release soon and Peacemaker Season 2 set to arrive on HBO Max later in the year, Gunn found himself wearing the hats of co-CEO of DC Studios and the principal visionary behind all three projects. The strain was palpable, as he shouldered creative duties ranging from scripting and directing to overseeing the franchise‘s strategic rollout, revealing how the workload quickly became unmanageable.
While speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Gunn opened up about the pressure of ushering in Peacemaker’s second season. He candidly admitted that the lengthy gap between the show’s first and second seasons was the result of his own schedule. Even before becoming DC Studios’ co-CEO, other commitments delayed his return to Peacemaker.
“Once I was done with ‘Peacemaker,’ I had to do ‘Guardians 3,’ and then when I was about ready to jump [back] into ‘Peacemaker,’ I got hired to be the head of DC. As soon as I got that job, I made a couple of calls, and the first one was to [Marvel’s] Kevin Feige telling him that I’m taking the [job as] head of DC. The second one was to John Cena, and I said, ‘I’m getting this gig, and I still want to do ‘Peacemaker,’ but it’s going to have to wait. We’re going to have to get ‘Superman’ working first.’”
—James Gunn, Co-CEO, DC Studios
Project Pile-Ups Lead to Gunn’s Firm Resolution
Gunn’s challenges multiplied once he assumed leadership of DC Studios, which forced several creative processes into sequence rather than parallel. The animated Creature Commandos series had to be completed before Superman could progress, while Peacemaker Season 2 would follow. Gunn described how this required continuous creative pivoting and immense planning, including mapping out the DCU’s initial chapter. He acknowledged that the time between scripts felt compressed, since competing priorities filled every gap.
“As soon as I was done writing ‘Superman,’ I was able to write season 2 of ‘Peacemaker.’ I know it seems like a long time for other people, but for me it all seems awful short because there was so many things I did in between.”
—James Gunn, Co-CEO, DC Studios
The succession of overlapping deadlines and directions took a personal toll, with Gunn stretched beyond what he considered manageable. He stated clearly his intention to prevent this situation in the future:
“I will never do it again. I will tell you that much. It was way too much.”
—James Gunn, Co-CEO, DC Studios
Threads Connecting Peacemaker, Superman, and Future DCU Projects
Despite the difficulties, Gunn took advantage of developing Peacemaker Season 2 in parallel with other DCU initiatives. By shaping the show in conjunction with Superman and Creature Commandos, Gunn strengthened the connective tissue between the projects, aiming to establish a more unified DCU storyline.
“I developed it along the way, in conjunction with the other DC projects that we’re doing, so it’s very much connected to ‘Superman’ and it’s very much connected to what comes after. I had a rough idea of what I was going to do, but it was actually quite different than what the show ended up being.”
—James Gunn, Co-CEO, DC Studios
Gunn’s approach means that Peacemaker’s new season will not only continue John Cena’s role as the titular character—it will also reflect key changes and themes introduced with the debut of David Corenswet as Superman. The screenplay’s evolution was influenced by shifts in the broader DCU narrative, with Creature Commandos also providing groundwork for future crossovers and stories.
During this window, Gunn was also responsible for the overall guidance and management of all DCU-related initiatives in development, working with fellow co-CEO Peter Safran and other creative teams to ensure the franchise’s continuity and quality moving forward.
Release Dates and What Fans Can Expect
New releases are approaching quickly: Peacemaker Season 2 arrives on HBO Max on August 21, 2025. John Cena returns as Peacemaker, intertwining his storyline with the events of the forthcoming Superman film. Superman, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, debuts in theaters July 11, 2025. Each project is positioned as both a standalone story and an integral piece of Gunn’s interconnected DCU vision.
Lessons from Marvel’s Expansion—and Gunn’s Decision’s Wider Impact
James Gunn is mindful of not overwhelming audiences or himself by committing to too many projects at once, especially as superhero fatigue has become a concern for major franchises. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige previously reflected on the pitfalls of oversaturation, with fans expressing frustration at the MCU’s expansive schedule leading to declining engagement and perceived quality lapses. In this environment, Gunn’s decision to manage the DCU’s growth more cautiously seems especially strategic.
Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has often adhered to a regular, high-volume release calendar, the DCU’s approach appears deliberately restrained. Rather than committing to a dense slate of yearly output, Gunn’s preference is for fewer, more focused releases. This method is designed to avoid creative burnout, ensure each project receives due attention, and allow fans to remain engaged without exhaustion. By aiming for roughly one or two films and television series annually, Gunn hopes the DCU will stay fresh and accessible, without losing momentum or overwhelming its audience.
The lessons of the past—and Gunn’s recent experiences—highlight the importance of sustainable creativity in franchise filmmaking. By promising not to balance so many projects at once, James Gunn seeks to protect his own well-being while safeguarding the long-term success and coherence of the DCU for years ahead. This new philosophy marks a pivotal shift from previous industry practices, potentially setting a more sustainable standard for large-scale cinematic universes moving forward.
