Following the conclusion of 2025’s Superman film, James Gunn’s DC Universe (DCU) officially takes the helm as the future direction for DC’s cinematic storytelling, with all new films set in this shared world unless designated as Elseworlds projects. This development marks a clear shift away from the earlier DCEU, often called the Snyderverse, which was characterized by Zack Snyder’s distinctive influence from Man of Steel through to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
While James Gunn’s DCU established a fresh lineup of characters and narratives with distinct creative goals, emerging details suggest it is beginning to incorporate elements reminiscent of the Snyderverse, signaling a nuanced blending of the two universes.
Junkie XL to Compose Music for Upcoming Supergirl Film
Supergirl, scheduled to premiere globally on June 26, 2026, is the next major release in James Gunn’s DCU. As the movie nears the end of its post-production phase, new information reveals that Junkie XL, also known as Tom Holkenborg, will provide the musical score. Junkie XL’s involvement is notable because of his previous work scoring several Zack Snyder-directed films within the DCEU.
Holkenborg’s past collaborations include co-composing Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice with Hans Zimmer and composing for Zack Snyder’s Justice League. His transition from the DCEU to scoring a key project in the new DCU highlights a continuity in the franchise’s musical identity, bridging Jenkins’s and Snyder’s eras through his compositions.
Impact of Junkie XL’s Musical Work on Snyderverse Identity
Junkie XL’s scores played a pivotal role in shaping the atmosphere and tone of the Snyderverse. The soundtrack for Batman v Superman stood out as unusually distinct among superhero films, delivering a dramatic and uniquely textured soundscape uncommon for the characters featured. Moreover, Holkenborg’s original score for Zack Snyder’s Justice League was restored in the Snyder Cut, replacing Danny Elfman’s 2017 theatrical music; many fans viewed this as a significant enhancement that better matched the film’s tone.
Given that Junkie XL’s work has become synonymous with the Snyderverse aesthetic, his appointment for Supergirl marks a surprising yet intriguing connection between the former DCEU and James Gunn’s evolving DCU vision.
Return of Snyderverse Talent Continues with Jason Momoa in Supergirl
Further deepening the ties to Snyder’s era, Jason Momoa will reprise a DC role in Supergirl, though in a new guise. Momoa, who portrayed Aquaman in the Snyderverse and starred in its concluding film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, will return as Lobo, a tough intergalactic bounty hunter. This casting choice links Supergirl to the legacy of the earlier franchise while presenting a fresh character within the new universe.
The involvement of both Junkie XL and Jason Momoa connects Supergirl more closely to the Snyderverse than previous DCU entries, suggesting that James Gunn’s approach may retain some tonal or stylistic elements from that era. Whether additional collaborations or narrative overlaps will occur between the two universes remains to be seen as Chapter One of the DCU, titled Gods and Monsters, progresses.
Supergirl Film Cast and Characters
The upcoming Supergirl film features Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl, intricately portraying the hero’s complex journey. Matthias Schoenaerts takes on the role of Krem of the Yellow Hills, adding depth and new perspectives to the storyline. Eve Ridley appears as Ruthye Mary Knolle, contributing to the expanding narrative of the DCU. Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Lobo infuses the film with a darker, more rugged edge, highlighting a new facet of this universe.
As these familiar and new faces assemble, the film’s release marks an important step in James Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe, blending legacy elements with reinvention to create an expansive, enriched comic book world.
