James Gunn and Peter Safran assumed control of DC Studios in November 2022. In a shocking move, they declared a major overhaul of the DCEU, transforming it into the newly formed DCU. On January 31, 2023, the new DC CEOs unveiled the lineup of films for the first chapter of the DCU, titled Gods and Monsters. On the one-year anniversary of that announcement, Gunn has some interesting updates to share on the progress of the projects.
While fans were aware that Superman: Legacy was set to begin production soon for its July 2025 release date, Gunn surprisingly had a few other updates as well. Notably, DC fans will be treated with an exciting project this year itself.
James Gunn’s Latest DCU Updates Get Fans Excited
In 2013, when Zack Snyder made his Superman film, Man of Steel, he had no intention of establishing a DC film universe. However, MCU’s success prompted DC executives to try a similar approach, and the unplanned nature of it all reflected poorly in some of the films. By 2022, the DC universe had faced many critical issues, including 25 canceled projects. Change became inevitable, and in November 2022, James Gunn and Peter Safran were brought on board as CEOs.
DCEU was scrapped in favor of DCU, representing James Gunn’s vision for a futuristic film universe. It took only months for Gunn to come up with a roadmap for the first chapter of the DCU, titled Gods and Monsters. Gunn announced his first directorial venture, Superman: Legacy, along with a few other projects in the new DCU slate. A year later, Gunn has now provided some updates on the progress of this roster.
The Suicide Squad director revealed that Superman: Legacy will begin production soon to meet its release date, July 11, 2025. The animated series Creature Commandos will hit the screens later this year, as Gunn revealed that episodes of the series are approaching completion.
Moreover, Gunn revealed that two more projects will start production in the next couple of months. While he did not name these projects, many expect one of these projects to be Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, as Milly Alcock was cast in the titular role a couple of days ago. Gunn wrote on Threads:
“One year ago today Peter Safran & I introduced our DC slate for the 1st time – thanks to all of you for the support you’ve given us throughout the year. Today, Superman Legacy is about to start production, episodes of Creature Commandos are being finished that will release later this year, at least 2 more projects are gearing up to go in the next couple months, amazing scripts keep coming in, & incredible talent are being attached to new projects, planned & unplanned. Thank you!!”
James Gunn also shared that amazing scripts and talents continue to join the DCU unplanned, hinting at the possibility of DCU exploring some out-of-slate projects. It is also possible that some of these ‘unplanned’ projects may take place in the Elseworlds Universe.
James Gunn’s Announced DCU Slate – A Quick Recap
Creature Commandos, an animated series on HBO Max, is expected to be the first project from DCU Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters. Gunn intends to bring back Viola Davis to her DCEU role of Amanda Waller in the titular series Waller. The Guardians of the Galaxy director will helm the first movie in the slate, Superman: Legacy, featuring David Corenswet as the Kryptonian superhero.
Lanterns, another HBO Max project, will explore the adventures of the Green Lanterns, John Stewart and Hal Jordan. DCU’s first ensemble film will be The Authority, which will explore the anti-hero team’s adventures. Before introducing DCU’s Wonder Woman, Gunn will introduce the history behind the Amazonian’s home, Themyscira, in the HBO Max series, Paradise Lost.
DCU will introduce an established Batman at the head of “the Bat-family” in The Brave and the Bold. Interestingly, DCU will explore the story of the fame-seeking hero from the future in another series, Booster Gold. Supergirl will get a full-length movie in this universe, titled Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Gunn also plans to explore the supernatural side of DC with the film Swamp Thing.
