A potential major crossover event in the DC Universe (DCU) may have surfaced through a recent copyright trademark registration. The James Gunn DCU crossover project seems to be hinting at a significant development following the studio’s initial releases.
DC Studios, led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, officially launched the DCU in December 2024 with the animated series Creature Commandos. This debut was followed by Gunn’s Superman film in July 2025 and the conclusion of Peacemaker Season 2 on HBO Max earlier this month, setting the stage for future interconnected stories.
Salvation Run Trademark Suggests Possible Storyline Direction
DC Studios filed a copyright trademark for Salvation Run, which many interpret as a clue toward an upcoming crossover movie. Knight Edge Media reports this filing, although there has been no formal confirmation from DC or Warner Bros. Pictures that a Salvation Run crossover film is currently planned.
The conclusion of Peacemaker Season 2 raised questions when Christopher Smith, played by John Cena, was abducted and sent to a harsh prison planet called Salvation. This location is intended by Rick Flag Sr., portrayed by Frank Grillo, as a secure prison for metahumans, clearly hinting at a narrative thread that could expand further.
Salvation Run’s Comic Roots and Potential Adaptation
In the original DC Comics, Salvation Run is a seven-issue miniseries crafted by writers Bill Willingham and Lilah Struges with artwork by Sean Chen, Walden Wong, Joe Bennett, and Belardino Brabo. The story features some of DC’s most infamous supervillains exiled to the planet Cygnus 4019, where they must navigate survival far from Earth.
The similarity between the comics and the TV show’s ending suggests that Gunn and Safran might intend to explore this arc further within the DCU. However, it remains uncertain whether this will lead to a dedicated crossover feature or be woven into upcoming movies and TV series, such as Man of Tomorrow.
Next Steps in the DCU Plan and Uncertain Future of Salvation Run
While the trademark for Salvation Run fuels speculation, it may also simply serve to protect the studio’s intellectual property amid various DCU developments, including the planned Bane/Deathstroke film. Upcoming projects like the HBO Lanterns series, Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl movie, and James Watkins’ Clayface film, all set to release in 2026, could clarify the DCU’s overall path.
As of now, no official announcements have been made regarding a Salvation Run crossover film. The unfolding DCU roadmap remains tense and uncertain for fans awaiting the next major crossover event in James Gunn’s ambitious cinematic universe.
