Starting in 2024 (with Gods and Monsters), James Gunn’s new DC Universe is a fresh start. None of the old movies or shows will matter here. While some familiar characters will stick around, but each film will tell its own story—not worrying about building a big shared universe or teaming up.
Gunn and Peter Safran will manage all DC Universe (DCU) projects. On top of that, Gunn takes a more active role, writing for projects like Creature Commandos. He’ll also lead both the writing and directing of Superman: Legacy. Recently, he shared bleak news about the movie.
James Gunn Reveals Disheartening News on the Upcoming Superman: Legacy
The new Superman movie is set to get excited with James Gunn‘s creative direction. In June 2023, it was announced that David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan will be Superman and Lois Lane, respectively.
Earlier in December, Gunn confirmed Nicholas Hoult as Superman’s arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor. Alongside casting news, the DC boss shared a somber update, revealing Batman won’t feature in the upcoming DC Superman film.
Responding to a fan question on Threads, Gunn confirmed that Batman won’t be in Superman: Legacy “because he’s not in the script.”
His response came after a fan asked, “Why can’t Batman appear in Superman Legacy, and can we see Batman in some other production before his film?” tagging the DC studio executive.
The query likely stemmed from a peculiar rumor earlier this year that Ryan Gosling had been cast as Batman in the forthcoming film (per Screen Rant), making it clear that Ryan Gosling wasn’t Batman. However, he didn’t explicitly deny a Batman in his Superman, leading to persistent questions.
Even though Batman won’t be in Superman: Legacy, it’s likely he’ll appear in The Brave and the Bold—based on the comic series, expected to showcase the Bat family.
What is the Upcoming Film Superman: Legacy About?
Superman: Legacy marks the debut film in Gunn and Safran’s new DC Universe, following the conclusion of the previous franchise with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
The film delves into Superman’s struggle to balance his Kryptonian roots with his human upbringing as Clark Kent. A brief movie synopsis released in late December reads:
“It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks that kindness is old-fashioned.”
Anticipated by fans, Superman: Legacy is slated to hit theaters in the United States on July 11, 2025.
