James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, revealed plans for six new DC animated shows as part of the expanding DC Universe, highlighting a strong focus on animation alongside live-action projects. The announcements were made as Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios prepare to bring fresh stories for many of DC’s most popular characters to audiences worldwide.
Introduction of Mister Miracle and Its Dark Universe Threat
The newest adult animated series announced is Mister Miracle, showcased at the Annecy Animation Festival in France. Based on the celebrated 12-issue comic series created by Tom King and Mitch Gerads, the story follows Scott Free, the legendary escape artist, who enjoys a peaceful life on Earth with his wife, Big Barda. However, when Scott’s adoptive father, the powerful Darkseid, acquires the devastating Anti-Life Equation, he aims to seize control of the universe. This dark force challenges Mister Miracle mentally and threatens everything he cherishes, positioning him as the last hope against this cosmic conquest.
Detailed Preview of James Gunn DC Animated Shows in Development
Alongside Mister Miracle, five other animated series are underway within the newly launched DC Universe led by James Gunn and Peter Safran. These projects will expand the scope of storytelling across various characters and genres.
Blue Beetle’s Return in Animated Form
Xolo Maridueña, who starred as the lead in the 2023 live-action Blue Beetle film, is set to reprise his role in an upcoming animated Blue Beetle series, anticipated to stream on HBO Max. While the connection between the original movie timeline and this new animated series remains uncertain, Maridueña’s involvement is confirmed. The series will be helmed by showrunner Miguel Puga, with Cristian Martinez writing the script, and original film director Angel Manuel Soto along with screenwriter Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer serving as executive producers. Though no official release date has been announced, Maridueña has expressed hopes that the series will debut in 2026.
Creature Commandos Prepare for a Second Season
The Creature Commandos are returning for a second season following their debut in 2024 under James Gunn’s DCU initiative on HBO Max. The first season featured significant character losses, with the team reshaping around members like The Bride, Weasel, GI Robot, and King Shark. Showrunner Dean Lorey has confirmed to The Direct that Season 2 is progressing rapidly, reflecting DC Studios’ desire to continue this dark and action-packed narrative without delay.
Introducing My Adventures with Green Lantern Featuring Jessica Cruz
Following the style of My Adventures with Superman, DC Studios is developing My Adventures with Green Lantern, which will feature Jessica Cruz as the protagonist. The animated series will explore Cruz’s life as a Mexican-American high school student who acquires a Green Lantern power ring and soon faces alien adversaries alongside repercussions from a space war involving the Lantern Corps. Executive producers include My Adventures with Superman creator Jake Wyatt and co-executive producer Stephanie Gonzaga, though no release schedule is currently available. It remains unclear if this story will fit within the official DCU continuity or serve as an Elseworlds interpretation.
Starfire’s Galactic Journey Explored in New Series
An origin story focused on Starfire, the beloved Teen Titans member, is also in the works. The narrative follows her escape from her home planet Tamaran aboard an ancient spaceship, where she embarks on a cosmic adventure with
the magical Princess Amethyst of Gemworld
and
uncover the deepest reaches of the DC universe.
Josie Campbell, known for her work on My Adventures with Superman, is attached as an executive producer, with Brianne Drouhard as co-executive producer, promising a rich and imaginative exploration of Starfire’s past and the wider universe.
DC Super Powers Targets Young Audiences with Hero Training
DC Super Powers is the final animated series in development, designed to engage younger viewers by featuring iconic heroes such as Plastic Man, Flash, Green Lantern, and Aquagirl as students at the Alliance School for Heroes. Under the guidance of Principal Martian Manhunter, these young heroes prepare to protect Earth as the next generation of champions. Matt Beans serves as executive producer, while Michael Chang is on board as supervising producer, shaping a fun and educational narrative aimed at inspiring future heroes.
The Growing Significance of Animation Within the DC Universe
James Gunn’s unveiling of these six animated series underscores DC Studios’ commitment to expanding the universe through diverse formats, enriching the storytelling experience for both longtime fans and new audiences. By developing shows that span mature themes in Mister Miracle to kid-friendly adventures in DC Super Powers, the studio is rounding out the DC animated content slate with balanced appeal.
As these projects progress, viewers can expect innovative narratives, fresh character interpretations, and a deeper connection to the DC Universe’s vast mythology. The focus on animation is likely to increase DC’s cultural reach and establish new benchmark stories for familiar superheroes and villains alike.
With Mister Miracle and Creature Commandos already moving forward effectively, along with promising details for Blue Beetle, Green Lantern, Starfire, and DC Super Powers, James Gunn and Peter Safran’s direction may reshape how audiences experience DC’s rich storytelling tradition across multiple mediums.
