James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios, has confirmed he is currently developing five new DC projects, highlighting the breadth of ongoing work under his leadership as the architect of the DCU. These James Gunn DC projects developing span both film and television, reflecting a complex and evolving slate for the revered superhero franchise.
James Gunn’s Expanding Role at DC Studios
As DC Studios co-CEO, James Gunn is entering his fourth year at the helm, overseeing not just his own creative endeavours but the overall direction of DC’s cinematic and television output. His responsibilities include personally crafting stories—such as writing and directing key features—while also facilitating and supporting work by a variety of other filmmakers. His involvement goes far beyond his famous work on the Superman franchise, shaping the broader creative landscape of the DCU and its interconnected canon.
Despite the scale of these duties, Gunn is known to directly engage with fans. He continues to offer insights into his work through social media, giving the public a rare look at DC Studios’ development process. Responding to a fan’s query about his daily routine, Gunn emphasized the variability of his role, saying,
“The fun of the job is there is no average day! The majority of days currently are spent prepping ‘Man of Tomorrow’ – storyboarding & department meetings & scouting & casting, interspersed with going over cuts of ‘Supergirl’ & ‘Lanterns,’ discussing marketing on all the projects, reading & making notes on new scripts, supporting ‘The Batman 2’ crew to make sure it goes smoothly, waiting for 1st cut of ‘Clayface’ (can’t wait!), okaying designs for all kinds of stuff, & I’m sure many things I’m forgetting.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO. This statement encapsulates the multifaceted nature of his day-to-day responsibilities, which shift constantly in response to creative opportunities and production needs.
The Current Five Projects on Gunn’s Slate
Gunn’s ongoing projects demonstrate the sheer diversity of the current DC Studios portfolio. Only a month ago, he cited a notably different roster, showcasing both the dynamic pace of change and the sheer volume of work in progress. Here’s a closer look at each title that currently has Gunn’s direct attention.
“Man of Tomorrow” Marks a New Era for Superman
Slated for release in 2027, “Man of Tomorrow” is also known by fans as Superman 2, and it now stands at the center of Gunn’s focus. With Gunn once again serving as both writer and director, the upcoming sequel is deep in the pre-production phase. Key activities occupying Gunn’s schedule include storyboarding, attending department meetings, and coordinating logistics such as location scouting and casting—essential groundwork for a blockbuster of this scale.
Recently, Gunn shared evidence of his work: a considerable stack of storyboards charting the direction for Superman’s next chapter, and it has been revealed that he has already crafted at least four drafts of the script. “Man of Tomorrow” is being positioned as a defining installment in the franchise, set for a July 9, 2027 debut in theaters, and continues the story that Gunn helped relaunch with his successful take on Superman.
“Supergirl” Readies for Launch Under New Direction
The second ever major film to be introduced within the new DCU canon, “Supergirl” is not being written or directed by Gunn, but he maintains an advisory and editorial role. Instead, the creative direction falls to Craig Gillespie—well known for “I, Tonya”—while Ana Nogueira provides the script, having also been tapped for the upcoming Wonder Woman feature.
Gunn’s hands-on support is evident as he continues to review finished cuts of “Supergirl” and help shape the film’s marketing ahead of its scheduled June 26, 2026 release. His involvement ensures the new chapter fits cohesively with the evolving DCU, even as he entrusts much of the execution to Gillespie and the production team.
“Lanterns”: A Bold Green Lantern TV Adventure
Also nearing completion is “Lanterns,” a Green Lantern TV series destined for an HBO debut. The show has wrapped principal production and Gunn is receiving edits and rough cuts for review. Drawing on the investigative tone established by “True Detective,” “Lanterns” aims to chart new territory in superhero television, integrating seamlessly with Gunn’s broader narrative plans for the DCU.
Gunn’s signature flexibility is on display, as he supports the creators’ autonomy while overseeing continuity and future story planning for the evolving shared universe.
Supporting “Batman 2” in the DC Elseworlds Continuity
Though Gunn takes a somewhat hands-off role with “The Batman 2,” his influence is still present. Directed by Matt Reeves, this sequel belongs to DC’s Elseworlds label, meaning it operates outside of the mainline DCU Gunn oversees. However, he has given ongoing support by providing notes on the script and working closely with Reeves’ team to facilitate a smooth production as it gears up for a 2026 start date.
“The Batman 2” signals an ongoing commitment to both interconnected storytelling and creative autonomy for filmmakers, as Gunn juggles his multiple duties across different facets of the DC brand.
The Anticipated “Clayface” Thriller
The fifth major project on Gunn’s current docket is “Clayface,” directed and written by horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan. Billed as a genre-bending entry blending horror with the superhero formula, “Clayface” is scheduled to open in theaters on September 11, 2026. Gunn recently conveyed his anticipation by stating he is
waiting for 1st cut of Clayface
—James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO, reflecting close oversight on the project’s creative direction.
As the DCU’s first major foray into Gotham City, “Clayface” is expected to test how well the universe can support more experimental and diverse storytelling approaches, and may set the tone for future content set in one of DC’s most storied locations.
What Gunn’s Project Slate Signals for DC’s Future
Taken together, the ensemble of projects under Gunn’s leadership signals a transformative moment for DC. By developing a simultaneously interconnected and creatively diverse roster, Gunn and his team at DC Studios, including key collaborators like Mike Flanagan, Ana Nogueira, and Craig Gillespie, are staking out ambitious new territory for the brand. As productions like “Man of Tomorrow” and “Supergirl” race toward release, and with properties like “Lanterns,” “Batman 2,” and “Clayface” advancing on multiple fronts, the next years promise ongoing evolution and experimentation within the DCU and beyond.
Whether these new James Gunn DC projects developing succeed in realizing the studio’s vision will become clearer as release dates approach, but for now, DC fans have a robust and varied slate to anticipate in cinemas, on television, and across the burgeoning world Gunn is helping to build.
