James Gunn has offered insight into how he chooses movie titles for DC Studios, revealing a clear method behind the naming of films within the developing DC Universe (DCU). As Gunn prepares to direct his second superhero film, the sequel titled Superman: Man of Tomorrow, which will enter production later this year, some fans have expressed concern over the title’s departure from the traditional “Man of Steel” branding. This shift, however, appears to be part of a deliberate title approach by Gunn and other DC executives.
Responding to fan queries on Threads, Gunn explained why the DCU avoids using colons in movie titles, stating,
“I try to avoid the colons. No double-entendres intended.”
This statement clarifies DC Studios’ distinctive naming convention, which contrasts with common industry trends. Despite rumors, Gunn confirmed that the title for the upcoming Superman sequel would remain Man of Tomorrow without reverting to a more familiar subtitle style.
Previous examples provide context for this strategy: Gunn’s first DCU film originally carried the title Superman: Legacy but was shortened to just Superman before release. Similarly, the upcoming Supergirl movie once included the subtitle Woman of Tomorrow but dropped it ahead of its premiere. This pattern indicates a consistent effort within the DCU to steer clear of titles featuring colons.
The DCU is set to return on June 26 with the release of Supergirl. The franchise’s slate also includes the HBO series Lanterns, expected later this summer, and the R-rated graphic horror film Clayface, scheduled for October 23.
Why James Gunn Prefers Colons-Free Titles for DC Movies
James Gunn’s avoidance of colons in movie titles goes against modern Hollywood’s prevailing habits, especially when compared to Marvel Studios. Where many studios use colons to attach sequels or subtitles, perhaps to mask their status as follow-ups, the DCU under Gunn favors simpler, standalone titles.
Marvel has transitioned away from numbered sequels like Iron Man 2 or 3, instead using subtitles after colons, such as in Avengers: Doomsday or Captain America: Brave New World. Gunn’s method, however, opts for fresh titling with unique names like Man of Tomorrow, rather than referencing the original hero’s name or numbering sequels explicitly.
Interestingly, Gunn’s inclination seems deeply rooted in the DCU’s comic heritage, where story arcs often bear distinct titles unrelated to merely the hero’s name or numbering. Films like Man of Tomorrow or The Brave and the Bold echo the nomenclature style found in classic DC comic runs. In contrast, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has consistently included the main hero’s name prominently in all titles, even as subtitles vary.
Since the DCU is still in its formative stages, it’s possible that future projects may adopt different naming techniques, but for now, James Gunn appears set on defining a new path for DC Studios’ movie titling approach.
