Zach Cregger, director of the upcoming horror film Weapons, has generated strong buzz with early praise for his latest project, signaling a breakthrough moment that could capture James Gunn’s attention. With the movie’s theatrical release scheduled for next month, the timing is critical for Gunn to consider Cregger’s Gotham City movie script, which the filmmaker wrote but has not yet pitched to DC or Warner Bros.
Cregger first shared his Gotham script publicly in a 2022 interview after making waves with his previous film Barbarian. At that time, he revealed the script was a personal favorite, despite remaining unshared with DC Studios. Given the rave reactions to Weapons, which many describe as wildly intense and unpredictable, Cregger’s rising reputation suggests his Gotham concept deserves a closer look from DC’s new leadership.
Zach Cregger’s Rising Profile and the Potential of His Gotham City Script
Having gained recognition with Barbarian, Zach Cregger’s follow-up, Weapons, is receiving enthusiastic responses from early screenings. Critics and viewers alike have noted the film’s unhinged finale, elevating expectations for Cregger’s work and marking him as a notable director in horror. This momentum is making waves in Hollywood and underscores why James Gunn, who now leads DC Studios, should reconsider Cregger’s Gotham movie idea.
During an earlier conversation with ComicBook.com, Cregger said about his script:
There’s a script I wrote before Barbarian that takes place, um, in Gotham City. And, uh, I actually love… I think that’s my favorite thing I’ve written.
—Zach Cregger, Director
Although he has yet to present the script officially to Warner Bros. or DC, Cregger’s proven track record suggests Gunn could find value in exploring this Gotham-based story. With DC Studios actively rebuilding its film slate, Cregger’s creative input may offer a fresh approach to the iconic city and its lore.
Integrating Zach Cregger’s Gotham Story Within James Gunn’s Vision for the DC Universe
James Gunn and Peter Safran have been reshaping the DC Universe (DCU), demonstrated by their approval of a Clayface horror film set within the shared universe. Meanwhile, Matt Reeves’ Batman series remains distinct under the Elseworlds label, separating it from Gunn’s DCU plans. This separation opens a pathway for Cregger’s Gotham script to be adapted either as a standalone project or integrated into the main DC cinematic landscape.
Gunn has openly discussed the challenge of defining a unique tone for the DCU’s Batman narrative to differentiate it from previous versions. A Gotham City-focused film could serve as a foundational piece, establishing the city’s atmosphere and themes before introducing Batman himself in the shared universe. This would allow DC Studios to develop Gotham as a character in its own right under Gunn’s guidance.
Conflicting reports about Cregger’s Gotham script’s plot have been circulated. Industry insider Daniel Ritchman claimed the story revolves around Batman villains Joker and Harley Quinn. However, another source, @ApocHorseman, disputed this, stating the script centers on a henchman and does not feature the iconic duo. These discrepancies suggest that exact plot details remain uncertain, encouraging cautious anticipation.
What Zach Cregger’s Gotham Project Could Mean for DC Studios and Fans
Bringing Zach Cregger’s Gotham movie to life holds significant potential to enrich James Gunn’s evolving DCU. The early excitement around Weapons indicates that Cregger can handle the dark, twisted tones that a Gotham story demands, perhaps offering a fresh perspective on the city’s complex characters and underworld.
As Warner Bros. and DC Studios continue to expand their lineup, including more horror-influenced projects, Cregger’s distinct voice and vision could help redefine Gotham’s cinematic identity. With such a project in the pipeline, fans and industry observers are eager to see how Cregger and Gunn might collaborate to balance psychological horror with superhero mythology.
Weapons is officially set for release in the United States on August 8, 2025. The film’s success and critical reception will likely influence the scope of Cregger’s future involvement with the DC Universe, making it an important milestone for James Gunn to consider when planning upcoming DC projects.
