With the debut of Superman in 2025, James Gunn’s and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe (DCU) has officially arrived on the big screen, showcasing the promising direction of the franchise. The movie has garnered warm praise from critics and audiences alike while performing well at the domestic box office, signaling a fresh start for the DC brand after years of setbacks. Central to this revival is James Gunn, widely regarded as one of today’s top superhero directors, known for his genuine passion and deep understanding of comic book storytelling. His previous success with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy has built goodwill that he now brings to the helm of the DCU.
To date, Gunn has overseen three DCU projects: a feature film and two television series, each marked by his distinctive energy, humor, and respect for the source material. Although these projects vary in style and tone, one clearly stands out as the best representation of Gunn’s vision within the DCU so far. It’s worth noting that The Suicide Squad is excluded from this ranking, as Gunn has confirmed it does not fit within the DCU continuity, calling it “an imperfect memory.”
3. Superman (2025): A New Hope for a Legendary Hero
Reviving Superman for modern audiences was an enormous challenge for James Gunn, who faced the difficult task of restoring a beloved character after a decade of mixed reactions and a reputation for being outdated. Despite skeptical critics and fans predisposed to dismiss the film, this iteration of Superman delivered an engaging narrative that laid the groundwork for a rebuilt DCU. The movie balances honoring Superman’s classic “Boy Scout” values with contemporary storytelling, reinforcing that the character can still resonate deeply today.
While Superman is far from flawless and may be Gunn’s most uneven project, it benefits from a strong cast led by David Corenswet, who offers a fresh take on Clark Kent. The story attempts to juggle multiple plotlines, serving as both a franchise launchpad and a personal character study, which sometimes feels too packed and disjointed. Notably, the romantic chemistry between Clark and Lois Lane (played by Rachel Brosnahan) is underdeveloped, with limited scenes shared by the two. The ensemble cast occasionally competes for attention, and some of Gunn’s signature humor misses the mark, reflecting his edgier instincts. However, the film’s enthusiasm and hopeful tone make it easy to overlook these imperfections. It ultimately proves that Superman’s iconic integrity remains intact and that the hero can thrive in today’s cinematic landscape.
2. Creature Commandos (2025): An Animated Series Bringing Dark Action and Humor
As the DCU’s animation debut, Creature Commandos presents a supernatural black-ops team drawn from the comics, consisting of monsters and other unusual beings under Amanda Waller’s command. The seven-episode series introduces a colorful ensemble featuring voice talents like Indira Varma, David Harbour, Sean Gunn, Alan Tudyk, and Frank Grillo, building a strong foundation for the expanding universe.
Creature Commandos highlights Gunn’s strengths in crafting ragtag groups with chaotic yet endearing chemistry, reminiscent of the dynamic he perfected in Guardians of the Galaxy. Indira Varma’s character, known as the Bride, stands out as the reluctant leader who promises an important role within the DCU’s future. Gunn’s sincere affection for these misfit characters is evident, inviting viewers to invest emotionally in their story. The show balances moments of explosive violence with humor, maintaining a tone that is edgy without resorting to cheap exploitation. Although some jokes lean into Gunn’s more crude impulses and don’t always hit their target, Creature Commandos remains a compelling and amusing addition to the DCU, reflecting the creative freedom Gunn enjoys as a storyteller.
1. Peacemaker (2022–Present): Transforming a Minor Villain into a Cult Favorite
Few could have predicted that Peacemaker, originally a D-list villain resurrected by James Gunn in The Suicide Squad, would evolve into one of the most popular and influential entries in the DCU. When John Cena first took on the role, the reaction was largely driven by Cena’s star power rather than enthusiasm for the character itself. The announcement of a spinoff series sparked some skepticism, exemplified by one viewer’s blunt remark:
We’re just giving shows to everyone now, huh?
Nevertheless, Peacemaker defied expectations, becoming a wild, quirky, and unexpectedly emotional character-driven series disguised as a sci-fi comedy adventure.
Peacemaker showcases Gunn’s unfiltered creative vision, fully embracing an R-rated tone that is brash, irreverent, and darkly humorous. Cena delivers a committed and charismatic performance, relishing every offbeat and outrageous moment, while the supporting cast, particularly Freddie Stroma as the vigilante antihero, adds depth and charm. Beyond the chaos and vulgarity, the show explores serious themes such as guilt, loss, and the search for meaning, giving the series emotional weight rarely seen in superhero fare. This project represents Gunn at his most authentic, displaying his comfort and command over the material. With Peacemaker Season 2 set to premiere later this year, the character’s prominence in the DCU is only expected to grow stronger.
The Future Trajectory of James Gunn’s DCU Works
James Gunn’s DCU projects, ranging from grounded superhero films to audacious TV series, are collectively reshaping the franchise with renewed energy and a clear creative direction. While Superman lays the foundation and Creature Commandos expands the universe’s darker, supernatural corners, Peacemaker stands as Gunn’s most fully realized and successful work to date. These projects demonstrate Gunn’s ability to blend humor, action, and heart while honoring beloved comic book characters.
As the DCU evolves throughout 2025 and beyond, expectations are high for Gunn’s continued influence to strengthen the brand’s cohesion and appeal. The reception so far confirms that his distinct style and passion resonate with audiences, setting the stage for a vibrant and connected DCU that can finally fulfill its long-promised potential.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household, and he has shared that prayer still matters a lot to him. However, he also described himself as being “anti-religion” in some aspects.
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. Gunn previously collaborated with Marvel Studios on the Guardians of the Galaxy series. In 2022, he became co-CEO of DC Studios. Before taking this role, he directed “The Suicide Squad” (2021) for DC. This happened after Marvel initially let him go, but later rehired him for Guardians of the Galaxy 3.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Ozu inspired the new CGI version of Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman movie. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and still finds prayer important. However, he has also described himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
