At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, James Gunn revealed three major developments concerning the DC Universe (DCU), intensifying anticipation around the franchise’s future. These announcements focused on upcoming projects like Peacemaker Season 2 and hinted at possible shifts in the DC Studios’ lineup, drawing significant attention from fans eager to see how the DCU evolves after Superman’s recent release.
Continuity Strengthens as Familiar Superman Characters Return in Peacemaker Season 2
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has historically faced criticism over inconsistent storytelling and weak connections between projects. However, James Gunn emphasized at SDCC that the new DCU is focusing on a unified narrative. During the Peacemaker Season 2 panel, Gunn confirmed that several characters appearing in the recent Superman film will also feature in the upcoming HBO Max series installment, which premieres on August 21, 2025.
Confirmed casting includes Nathan Fillion reprising his role as Guy Gardner, Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl—all of whom previously appeared in Superman. Beyond these, Gunn teased that additional Superman-related characters could emerge in Peacemaker Season 2. The season’s storyline will involve exploring at least one alternate universe, opening the door for alternate versions of known characters to appear, expanding the narrative complexity and interconnectivity within the DCU.
Introduction of Sasha Bordeaux Brings New Layers Without Batman Connections — For Now
Peacemaker Season 2 will also introduce the character Sasha Bordeaux, portrayed by Sol Rodriguez, marking her first appearance in the franchise. In comic lore, Sasha has strong ties to Batman and Bruce Wayne, but Rodriguez made it clear during an IGN interview at SDCC that this connection will not be established in the series‘ current iteration.
“I think Sasha’s essence is still there from the comics, but she’s bringing new vibes. New vibes, new mission, and she’s a badass, yeah. But, no, she has nothing to do with that.”
—Sol Rodriguez, Actress
Shortly after Rodriguez’s statement, James Gunn interjected with a single word: “yet,” implying that while Sasha Bordeaux will not link to Batman in Peacemaker Season 2, her character may serve as a future bridge to the Dark Knight and other characters within the DCU. This sets expectations for future story arcs where Sasha could play a pivotal role connecting key figures across the franchise.
Uncertainty Surrounds The Authority’s Status in the Upcoming DCU Slate
Since the launch of the new DCU chapter, multiple projects like Clayface, Wonder Woman, and Sgt. Rock have been announced to expand the franchise. However, The Authority, a previously planned project, has drawn speculation regarding its current status after James Gunn’s ambiguous response at SDCC.
During a panel discussion about upcoming DCU projects, Gunn acknowledged the significance and exciting progress of each announced title. Yet, when mentioning The Authority, he laughed and refrained from offering any specific update, leading many to speculate that the project might be cancelled or temporarily shelved.
While no official confirmation has been issued, Gunn’s reaction suggests that The Authority is not currently in active development, despite initial hopes for its inclusion in the DCU’s near-term plans.
What These Announcements Mean for the DCU’s Path Forward
James Gunn’s updates at SDCC signal a clearer and more interconnected roadmap for the DCU, with Peacemaker Season 2 positioned to deepen the franchise’s narrative scope by connecting with established characters from Superman and introducing new ones like Sasha Bordeaux. These moves aim to strengthen continuity and expand the universe’s complexity to satisfy longtime fans and newcomers alike.
At the same time, the lack of clarity regarding The Authority points to potential reshuffling within the DC Studios’ project lineup, underscoring ongoing challenges and adjustments as the franchise builds momentum. Going forward, fans will watch closely for further announcements to see how these elements assemble into a cohesive DCU vision, as James Gunn and co-heads continue shaping the future of this beloved comic universe.
