In 2025, James Gunn’s DC Universe finally found clarity with the heartfelt reboot of Superman and the edgy second season of Peacemaker, signaling his distinct style’s promise for the franchise. The upcoming 2026 releases of Supergirl and Clayface will be crucial tests for the James Gunn DC Universe as they are the first films he neither wrote nor directed, determining whether his vision can continue without his direct involvement.
The Unique Creative Signature Behind James Gunn’s DC Universe
James Gunn’s movies are instantly recognizable due to their vibrant use of color, grotesque creatures, and classic rock soundtracks that accompany action-packed sequences. His characters are often flawed, self-aware, and searching for belonging, blending moments of trauma with quirky humor. This approach sets his DC Universe apart from the heavier, darker tones seen in Zack Snyder’s works. While Snyder’s Justice League carried a serious and epic gravitas, Gunn’s Superman offered a refreshing sense of hope and moral clarity, and Peacemaker transformed from a Snyder spin-off into a violent yet deeply emotional exploration of a flawed antihero.
However, relying heavily on one creator’s personality carries risks. The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s struggles with repetitive visuals and humor highlight the challenge of sustaining originality. Gunn’s DC Universe faces a similar crossroads where the next films, Supergirl and Clayface, must prove that the franchise can balance diversity in style and tone while maintaining coherence and audience engagement.
Supergirl’s Role in Expanding the DC Universe’s Emotional and Narrative Scope
Supergirl will be the first real indicator of the DC Universe’s ability to evolve beyond Gunn’s personal style. Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, the film centers on Kara Zor-El, played by Milly Alcock, who made a brief, humorous appearance at the end of Superman to build anticipation. Unlike the idealistic Superman, Kara’s character is shaped by trauma as a survivor from Krypton and carries a rebellious edge, shown through her reckless behavior and struggles with the effects of Earth’s yellow sun.
Nogueira’s script draws inspiration from the Supergirl: World of Tomorrow comics by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, promising a space-faring adventure that offers a stark contrast to Earth-based superhero stories and opens up visually inventive possibilities. Gillespie’s track record of finding humanity in unconventional stories, as seen in Lars and the Real Girl and I, Tonya, makes him a strong fit to develop Kara’s chaotic yet empathetic nature into a compelling lead who balances the darker shades of Peacemaker with the hopeful spirit of Superman.
Despite this promise, Supergirl will need to carefully differentiate itself tonally to avoid feeling repetitive. Mirrorings of Superman’s humor and brightness could risk turn the film into a derivative spin-off rather than an innovative chapter. Success will depend on its ability to complement the existing narrative and prove that James Gunn’s vision can inspire diverse voices rather than just being replicated.
Clayface Brings a Dark, Horror-Driven Dimension to the Franchise
While Supergirl tests emotional variety, Clayface aims to push the DC Universe into darker, uncharted territory. Directed by James Watkins and co-written by horror specialist Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, this film marks a bold move by introducing psychological horror to the superhero genre within this continuity. The character Clayface, traditionally a Batman adversary shaped by shape-shifting and tragedy, fits well with a tone that blends fear with pathos.
Gunn’s early career roots in horror and his experience incorporating grotesque elements into superhero stories suggest that Clayface could be the first DC film fully committed to a darker atmosphere. Flanagan’s skill in combining emotional depth with suspense and Watkins’ proficiency as a horror director add weight to the expectation that this film could reshape the universe’s established vibrant and humorous style.
If successful, Clayface could redefine the potential of the DC Universe by proving it can handle stark tonal contrasts, capable of accommodating both hope and horror. This will demonstrate that the franchise is not limited to Gunn’s specific creative instincts but can evolve into a more versatile cinematic world.
Challenges and Constraints of a Shared Cinematic Universe
Maintaining a shared universe presents inherent difficulties in balancing individual creative freedom with continuity. Marvel’s early triumphs came from directors like Jon Favreau, Kenneth Branagh, and Gunn himself, each bringing a unique voice. However, as their universe expanded, visual and narrative risks diminished, with many films adopting a uniform color tone and similar humor. Sam Raimi’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness faced creative limitations to maintain storyline continuity, exemplifying these challenges.
James Gunn was originally brought into the DC Universe to reshape the franchise away from the darker, more somber tone of Zack Snyder’s Batman v. Superman and Man of Steel. The Suicide Squad reboot aimed to combine gnarly, dark humor with fresh energy, while Peacemaker started within Snyder’s continuity but broke away to carve a distinct tonal identity. Yet by its second season, Peacemaker began to feel more like a link to larger DC projects rather than an independent story, signaling the dangers of over-connection.
“It’s challenging, because I am, by nature, a writer and director. I produce things, but it doesn’t come as naturally to me, it doesn’t feel like it does. I’m trying to be the best producer I can. It’s a personal challenge; I’m focused on being the best producer and supporting those creators the best I can to help tell good stories. I’m beholden to the story in those things as much as I am to the story of my own stuff.” – James Gunn
The Next Phase for James Gunn’s DC Universe Depends on Trust and Innovation
James Gunn’s influence has revitalized DC films, bringing a mix of humor, heart, and eccentricity back to the screen after years of uncertainty and failed initiatives. Yet a sustainable cinematic universe requires multiple creative voices to flourish. Supergirl and Clayface represent crucial opportunities to decentralize Gunn’s direct influence while maintaining the integrity of his vision.
If Craig Gillespie and James Watkins are given the freedom to explore unique takes that contrast with but complement Gunn’s style, the DC Universe could overcome superhero fatigue. By embracing variety that still feels interconnected, these films could fill a niche that Marvel’s offerings have struggled to occupy for years. The future of this evolving DC Universe hinges on trusting diverse storytellers, trusting audiences to welcome differing tones, and trusting that James Gunn’s universe will continue to grow beyond his personal imprint.
A Closer Look at the Supergirl Cast
The film features Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, with Matthias Schoenaerts playing Krem of the Yellow Hills. Eve Ridley appears as Ruthye Mary Knolle, and Jason Momoa takes on the role of Lobo, adding another layer of star power to this expanding universe.
