The upcoming James Gunn Superman DCU reboot introduces a new chapter for one of DC’s most iconic heroes, with David Corenswet taking on the role of Superman. Launching the DCU as a soft reboot, this film aims to redefine the franchise by resetting familiar characters like Kal-El, Batman, and Wonder Woman, while also spotlighting new heroes within this fresh continuity.
Though not a traditional origin story, the movie explores a younger Kal-El balancing his role as a reporter at The Daily Planet and his responsibilities as Superman, while developing a relationship with Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan. The story also features Nicholas Hoult as the antagonist Lex Luthor, setting the stage for new conflicts in this revamped universe.
Clarifying the Continuity: What Is Canon in the DCU?
One key question fans have is how James Gunn’s DCU fits with previous DC projects, especially those under Zack Snyder’s direction. The situation is nuanced. Some past titles remain canon, while others are disregarded or considered only loosely connected, as Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran continue defining the new shared universe.
In a November 2024 interview with Collider, Gunn explained that the canon status depends on which titles are referenced within upcoming DCU properties like Creature Commandos, Superman, and Supergirl. Titles not mentioned should be treated as non-canonical for the time being.
“Listen, Peacemaker is pretty easy. Peacemaker season 1 is basically canon outside of the appearance of the Justice League at the end, which you’ll see something about that in Peacemaker season 2,”
Gunn said.
“Suicide Squad is probably a little bit looser. We know that Rick Flag Sr. is angry because his son was killed by Peacemaker, so we know that situation happened in the past, we have something to refer to to think of what it might be like that that happened, but that exists as canon because it was mentioned in Creature Commandos, not necessarily because it existed in Suicide Squad. I think of Suicide Squad and Peacemaker as pretty unreliable memories of what happened in the DCU.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
Distinct Paths for Key Characters and Universes
A clear sign that Gunn’s Superman is set apart from previous big-screen versions is the casting of Jason Momoa, the DCEU’s Aquaman, as Lobo in the DCU’s Supergirl. Both Supergirl and Superman belong to the DCU continuity but feature different interpretations from past movies.
While David Corenswet steps into the iconic role of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman remain uncaught in the casting spotlight. James Gunn has confirmed that all three heroes will eventually appear together in the DCU timeline, although the current Batman universe directed by Matt Reeves remains separate.
Reeves’ Batman, featuring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne, is not expected to cross into the DCU continuity. Instead, audiences will maintain a suspension of disbelief similar to when Pattinson and Ben Affleck portrayed Batman simultaneously in different films such as The Batman and The Flash.
“It really comes down to whether or not it makes sense,”
Reeves stated.
“What’s been great is there was a story that I wanted to tell with what we’re calling The Epic Crime Saga and all that, which is the thrust of what we want to do. And it’s been important to me to be able to play that out. And [DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn] and Peter [Safran] have been really, really great about that and they’re letting us do that.”
—Matt Reeves, Director
“What the future brings? I can’t really tell you. I have no idea right now except that my head is down now about getting The Batman Part 2 shooting and to make it something really, really special which, of course, is the most important thing.”
—Matt Reeves, Director
Upcoming Releases and Franchise Impact
Superman is scheduled for release in cinemas on July 11, marking the debut of the DCU’s Chapter One. This launch will redefine how fans engage with the mythology of Kal-El while opening the door for a broader roster of heroes to emerge and evolve in the new shared universe.
James Gunn’s approach not only resets the narrative but also reimagines the relationships and histories of established characters, distancing itself from the previous DCEU timeline led by Zack Snyder. This creates an opportunity for fresh storytelling and introduces new dynamics within the DC universe.
As the DCU progresses, fans can expect more interconnected stories involving Superman, Supergirl, and other key players, with the potential for future crossovers that honor both the past and the redefined canon. Meanwhile, titles like Creature Commandos and Peacemaker continue to expand the universe and clarify which story elements remain part of this new continuity.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he has also described himself as “in some ways, against religion.”
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. Once Gunn took on the role of co-CEO at DC Studios, he committed fully to that brand. This meant he stopped working on Marvel Studios projects. Everyone knows he built strong relationships with the cast of the Guardians of the Galaxy series.
