James Gunn, the writer, director, and co-chair of DC Studios, has revealed that the next chapter in the James Gunn Superman Saga Next will arrive earlier than fans might expect. Speaking at the Peacemaker Season 2 red carpet event, which debuts on HBO MAX on August 21, Gunn suggested that the iconic hero’s story is progressing swiftly despite the current DCU Superman’s theatrical run winding down.
Gunn shared his enthusiasm for returning to production on the Superman saga, emphasizing that the project is already well underway. This announcement brings renewed anticipation for Superman’s next on-screen adventure.
Next Superman Saga Film Development and Production Plans
In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Gunn confirmed he has completed the treatment for the upcoming film in the Superman saga, stating,
I’ve already finished the treatment for the next story in what I’ll call the Superman saga,
and adding,
And I’m working on that, and hopefully going into production on that, not too, too far away from today.
These remarks indicate that the groundwork for the film’s narrative is thoroughly planned and that Gunn aims to advance soon into production phases.
Though this next movie will not serve as a direct sequel to the recent blockbuster hit, leadership at Warner Brothers Discovery has expressed confidence about the direction. CEO David Zaslov mentioned on an earnings call that Gunn’s
next movie [is] in the Super-Family
, highlighting a strategic focus on extending the Superman universe through related characters. This alignment between Gunn and Warner Brothers executives underscores a coordinated vision for the DCU‘s trajectory. The emphasis also points to strong expectations for the Supergirl film, scheduled for release in June 2026, positioning the Super-Family as a central element moving forward.
While Gunn’s treatment is highly developed, production will likely begin after several months of additional script writing and preparation. Fans can expect David Corenswet to reprise his role as Superman when filming commences.
Strategic Approach to the Super-Family Strengthens DCU Foundations
Insights from Gunn and Zaslov suggest that the upcoming Superman saga installment will involve collaboration between Superman and his cousin, Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl. Their chemistry, showcased humorously at the end of the previous Superman film, presents a fresh and compelling dynamic for the DCU. This approach to highlighting core characters before expanding broadly promises a more focused and accessible cinematic universe.
Gunn appears to be embracing lessons learned from Marvel’s approach to universe-building, which saw audiences occasionally overwhelmed by an influx of new characters and complex storyline requirements. By concentrating on character development through individual films and then introducing key team-ups, the DCU aims to establish a sturdy narrative base. Upcoming projects like Clayface and the Lanterns series are slated for next year, alongside Supergirl. However, prioritizing the Super-Family narrows the scope in a way that could appeal to both dedicated fans and casual viewers alike, avoiding the need for extensive background knowledge or multiple origin stories.
This strategy shows promise, especially considering the strong performance of the recent Superman film, which grossed $583 million worldwide and earned a certified fresh rating. These successes suggest that Gunn’s measured and deep storytelling resonates well with audiences.
Superman’s Availability and Broader DCU Context
The recent Superman movie will be available on VOD beginning August 15, giving viewers a timely opportunity to catch up on the hero’s latest exploits ahead of new developments. As the DCU continues to evolve under Gunn’s leadership, the focus on core characters like Superman and Supergirl signals a carefully crafted roadmap designed to maintain momentum and audience interest.
Gunn’s comments and the alignment with Warner Brothers Discovery reflect a cautiously optimistic outlook for the future of the DC Universe, balancing creative vision with fan expectations and market demands.
