James Gunn’s approach to steering the DC Universe (DCU) is shifting focus away from lesser-known heroes in theatrical releases, opting instead to highlight marquee characters in upcoming films. This new direction, revealed in a recent interview, suggests that while blockbuster productions will center on familiar names like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, more obscure characters could find life on television platforms. The implications of this change, reflecting both creative and business considerations, have stirred surprise and debate among fans of the DCU and the broader superhero genre.
The Evolving Vision Behind the DCU Film Slate
When the DCU slate was initially announced in early 2023, it promised a broad mix of films that included unconventional picks such as The Authority, a lesser-known superhero team. James Gunn appeared to take inspiration from the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) model, where stories featuring relatively unknown characters found massive success by captivating audiences with compelling narratives. However, Gunn’s latest comments indicate a more cautious strategy, prioritizing commercially proven characters to build a solid foundation before venturing into riskier projects featuring obscure heroes.
Launching the DCU’s film lineup with Superman made strategic sense, given his status as the original superhero and a cornerstone of the DC canon. Batman and Wonder Woman also hold central positions in the franchise’s mythology. Meanwhile, the DCU has a rich library of fantastical and less-explored characters whose cinematic potential has been, for the most part, sidelined. The success of television projects like Creature Commandos and Peacemaker demonstrates how niche characters, when executed well, can resonate strongly with audiences. Peacemaker, largely unknown five years ago, earned enthusiastic responses following a cameo in the latest Superman film, illustrating the potential for lesser-known figures to gain popularity through cross-media exposure.
From a financial viewpoint, Gunn’s choice to focus film efforts on well-established heroes aligns with the current state of the superhero movie market. While these films remain profitable, they no longer guarantee the blockbuster success seen between 2016 and 2019. For instance, Aquaman’s record-breaking earnings were once unexpected for the character. Yet, other high-profile DC figures like Green Lantern and The Flash have experienced box office disappointments despite their iconic status. Consequently, it is uncertain whether obscure characters such as Zatanna, The Metal Men, or Vixen would find mainstream success, as they face a marketplace that demands proven appeal.
Lessons from Marvel’s Approach to Unfamiliar Characters
Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, emphasized in 2014 the risks and rewards of adapting lesser-known teams like Guardians of the Galaxy, arguing that audiences initially knowing little about characters is a common thread across many beloved films. He pointed out,
“[The Guardians of the Galaxy are] characters most people have never heard of. But when I think back to when I was watching movies, I’d never heard of RoboCop before I saw RoboCop. I’d never heard of Jaws, never heard of Close Encounters, never heard of Luke Skywalker or Marty McFly. I’d never heard of any of those until I saw them at the movies. And then I became obsessed and a huge fan. Everything is original at some point.”
Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios
This philosophy guided the MCU’s rise, transforming lesser-known heroes like Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Ant-Man, Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, and Black Panther into household names. Only after establishing these heroes did Marvel explore its traditionally bigger properties such as Spider-Man and The Fantastic Four. The modern superhero movie landscape largely stands on this foundation, which began with titles like Blade featuring characters unfamiliar to general audiences.
Unlike Marvel, the DCU controls its entire character library outright but faces the challenge of identifying which properties will flourish beyond established favorites. The introduction of Clayface as a villain-focused film marks a move toward exploring more unusual characters, while the rumored Sgt. Rock project hinted at genre experimentation and stories set in different eras, suggesting DC’s willingness to diversify beyond traditional superhero narratives. These efforts aim to balance the appeal of blockbuster staples with the fresh storytelling potential drawn from DC’s rich history of characters.
Using Television to Showcase Lesser-Known DC Heroes
Though James Gunn seems to reserve major film roles for iconic characters, he is deploying television platforms to promote obscure heroes within the DCU. HBO’s series, including Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, and the upcoming Booster Gold show, represent efforts to revitalize and expand interest in lesser-known figures. Lanterns, another forthcoming series, attempts to restore credibility to the Green Lantern brand after its previous cinematic failure. By increasing exposure across these shows, the aim is to cultivate fan interest that could eventually justify spinoffs or larger film projects.
A strategy is emerging where marquee characters—Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman—serve as gateways for wider audiences to discover secondary heroes. For example, Metamorpho and Mister Terrific, too niche to headline solo films initially, were introduced in the Superman movie to build recognition. Such characters may then feature more prominently in dedicated series, including a rumored Mister Terrific show. This method leverages the DC Universe’s breadth to weave familiar and unfamiliar characters into an interconnected tapestry, enriching narratives while offering ample room for fan-favorite figures to shine.
The DCU remains in its early stages, subject to change as new projects develop and audience responses dictate future directions. Gunn’s acknowledgment of lesser-known characters does indicate he has not abandoned his roots, as each title thus far has presented a mix of well-known heroes and hidden gems. Statements made during interviews should be seen as flexible, subject to adjustment over time. Although Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman dominate the spotlight, there remains substantial opportunity for other heroes to join the ranks. Fans anticipate that creators like Drew Goddard may soon answer the call to bring distinctive characters such as Detective Chimp to life. While the DCU’s precise trajectory is uncertain, it currently rests in experienced hands capable of balancing tradition with innovation.
