The future of James Gunn’s DC Universe (DCU) is currently uncertain as Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) undergoes a major sale process. While some projects already completed or in production are moving forward, developments beyond 2026 remain stalled as the new ownership decides the direction for DC Studios.
Projects such as Man of Tomorrow, scheduled to film next year with a 2027 release, and the already filmed Supergirl and Clayface set for release in 2026, are still on track. Similarly, Lanterns is expected to debut on HBO Max in early 2026. Gunn’s animated series, including Creature Commandos Season 2 and Mister Miracle, are also in the works. However, if no new productions begin by 2026, any further projects will have to wait for decisions made by whoever acquires WBD.
Batman and Wonder Woman Projects Hit Roadblocks
The highly anticipated DCU Batman film is currently on hold amid these uncertainties. Although reports suggested Wonder Woman’s project had been fast-tracked, its future now appears unclear. Internal concerns at Warner Bros. had already surfaced regarding Gunn’s plans for Batman before the disappointing performance of Peacemaker Season 2.
Batman remains a cornerstone character for Warner Bros. and the DC brand, heightening anxiety about the franchise’s future. Gunn faced significant backlash over Peacemaker Season 2, which he described as a spiritual sequel to Superman. The season suffered a steep loss in viewership, dropping nearly half its audience, while Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam outperformed Superman on HBO Max during the same time frame.
James Gunn’s Contract and Uncertain Role
Gunn has confirmed he will not develop his version of the DCU Batman while Matt Reeves works on The Batman: Part II slated for 2026, meaning if Gunn’s Batman project happens, production would begin only after his contract expires that same year. The director has expressed uncertainty about his continuation at DC following the release of Man of Tomorrow.
Sources indicate that the sale of Warner Bros. Discovery will bring a new direction for DC. Director Andy Muschietti also advised waiting a few months before discussing DCU Batman, reflecting the ongoing transition and its impact on upcoming projects.
Ongoing Delays and Canceled Projects
Several projects, including the Sgt. Rock movie and James Mangold’s Swamp Thing, have been put on hold, aligning with the expiration of Gunn’s contract and the pushing of key developments to 2027 or beyond. It is uncertain if these films will proceed under new leadership.
Additionally, Peacemaker will not receive a third season, and the Viola Davis-led Waller series has been canceled. Insiders reveal that Gunn has quietly shifted away from his initial concept of a Superman Family Saga, acknowledging the impracticality of expanding the DCU while Warner Bros. Discovery faces imminent sale.
The Impact of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Sale on DCU Leadership
There remains speculation about whether Gunn will remain involved with DC after the WBD sale. Early indications suggested that if Comcast/Universal were to buy WBD, they might retain Gunn. However, the divisive and reportedly unprofitable results of Gunn’s DCU efforts have complicated this outlook, a situation previously reported and subsequently supported by Forbes.
If Skydance acquires WBD, sources say the best-case scenario involves Mike De Luca taking charge of DC. De Luca recently dated the Minecraft sequel shortly after Gunn’s Man of Tomorrow, signaling a shift in focus that could sideline Gunn’s vision.
In a recent interview, Gunn appeared uncertain about developments such as Lanterns, despite holding the title of DC Studios head. This suggests a disconnect from key projects and a transition towards working independently, rather than orchestrating a cohesive studio strategy.
Recently, Gunn has increased his presence in various YouTube interviews, likely aiming to maintain visibility amid the WBD sale turmoil. This activity may also be a reaction to Zack Snyder sharing new DCEU images, which renewed fan enthusiasm for Snyder’s version of the DC Universe.
