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James Gunn Cautions Some Projects in His DCU Slate May Not See Light of Day

Published

4 weeks ago

October 26, 2024

Christoph Rediske

Key Takeaways

Projects in the DCU’s Chapter 1 slate are still in development, uncertain if all will come to fruition.
Despite WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, momentum grows with projects like Creature Commandos nearing premiere.
Superman and Batman are key to DCU’s future, but flexibility is crucial for survival and success in superhero cinema.

DC Studios’ James Gunn has shed light on the DCU’s “Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters” slate, detailing its direction and sharing insights on the future of the upcoming movies and TV series. His comments provide a clearer picture of what fans can expect from this new chapter in the DC Universe.

In January 2023, DC Studios’ co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran revealed an ambitious slate of new movies and TV shows, marking a fresh start for the revamped DC universe after the DCEU reboot. Now, James Gunn is clarifying the studio’s strategy and setting expectations straight that nothing is locked in. Even previously announced projects could see major changes—a move bound to stir up strong reactions among fans.

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In a recent Threads post, James Gunn took the opportunity to clarify his earlier comments regarding the DC Universe slate. This comes on the heels of an article titled “James Gunn Assures Every Announced DCU Project Is Still Coming Despite Lack of Updates.” In his response, Gunn focused on some crucial nuances, stating that while the Chapter 1 slate of the DCU was indeed announced as “in development,” this doesn’t guarantee that every film and TV show will see the light of day. Gunn emphasized the importance of quality over quantity, stating, “Just to clarify, I said everything we originally announced was still in development, not that it’s still coming. That all depends on the scripts! We’ll never put a half-assed script in production just because it was announced.” The DCU’s upcoming lineup includes anticipated films like Superman, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, The Brave and the Bold, The Authority, and Swamp-Thing. Fans can look forward to Creature Commandos, Lanterns, Paradise Lost, Waller, and Booster Gold for TV. So, while excitement builds, fans should remember that good things come to those who wait—and only if the scripts are up to par.

James Gunn and DCU characters from Kingdom Come

James Gunn’s recent comments suggest that the future of DCU’s Chapter 1 isn’t as solid as fans might have hoped. While he stops short of outright saying that some of the announced films and TV series won’t make it to screens, it’s clear that these projects are still very much in development and may not all come to fruition. This raises a valid question: was it wise to announce projects that are merely in the works rather than those guaranteed to launch? It’s hard not to recall the DCEU slate reveal, which excited fans about titles like Zack Snyder’s Justice League 2, only for those projects to fade into obscurity. When asked why these projects were announced in the first place, Gunn explained, “Because they would all get out there with or without us announcing, so we simply announced the projects we were putting in development.” He added, “I wish we lived in a world where I could wait to have a script before the development of a project got out.”

The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023 briefly put the brakes on developments within the DC Universe, but now the momentum is growing. Creature Commandos is nearing its premiere, Superman is in post-production, and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is ready to roll the camera soon. Meanwhile, Lanterns is busy assembling its star-studded cast. The DCU’s roadmap continues to shift, with season 2 of Peacemaker surprising fans with its sudden return. Reports have also surfaced about animated projects for Blue Beetle and “Robin,” as well as feature films focusing on the Teen Titans, Bane, and Deathstroke. However, clarity on many titles announced last year remains elusive, leaving fans eager for more definitive updates. As the DCU evolves, it seems there’s always something new around the corner.

Specific DCU projects like Superman and Batman are poised to play pivotal roles in the franchise’s future when it comes to creating buzz, garnering critical acclaim, attracting viewers, and raking in box office dollars. In contrast, titles such as Booster Gold and Swamp Thing may not carry the same weight. The dynamic nature of the entertainment landscape means that priorities can shift quickly, influenced by audience reactions and the evolving market. Luckily, James Gunn and Peter Safran are staying nimble and ready to adapt, a savvy approach that reflects hard-earned lessons from Marvel Studios, particularly during the ups and downs of Phase 5 of the MCU. This flexibility might position the DC chiefs to not just survive but thrive in the ever-changing world of superhero cinema.

The DCU launches on December 5th with Creature Commandos.