After working on successful projects like the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and The Suicide Squad, James Gunn will oversee the newly-renamed DCU—giving him control over his own comic book universe.
In January 2023, the 57-year-old disclosed some of the characters appearing in the first chapter of the DC Universe, named Gods and Monsters. He announced the progress of ten new projects spanning movies, television, and animation.
In the midst of that, the filmmaker also hinted at his involvement with a Justice League story for the DC Universe (DCU) that was overlooked years back. So, does it mean it’s in the line up?
James Gunn Might be Hinting at Plans for Overlooked Justice League Story
Back in December 2022, James Gunn shared on social media that he’s “making plans.” Fans were buzzing about the information because of the graphic he used.
The co-CEO of DC Studios posted a picture showing the heroes of Kingdom Come at a conference table on Green Lantern’s satellite of Oa. Check out his post below:
Making plans. pic.twitter.com/cubPgga066
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 30, 2022
The picture, originally used as the cover for the Kingdom Come 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition hardcover, shows Kingdom Come Superman at the center. It also includes characters from live-action DC Universe projects, like Atom Smasher, Hawkman, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman.
Fans were speculating if this means Kingdom Come could be in development. But, it’s important to note it’s just a image of many DC superheroes gathered around a table—presumably making plans.
So, the message could be as straightforward as that. Or maybe Gunn is probably drawing inspiration from the overall feel and portrayal of characters in that storyline.
New ‘S’ Logo for Superman Draws from Kingdom Come
Today, Isabela Merced, who plays Hawkgirl in Superman: Legacy, shared a new image revealing what appears to be the first look at the ‘S’ on Clark Kent’s chest.
The sneak peek is a photo from Merced’s Instagram story, showing her nametag from the production’s table read. The ‘S’ logo is from the popular DC storyline Kingdom Come.
Kingdom Come is a four-issue comic book mini-series set in the near future. In it, a new generation of heroes emerges but lacks moral guidance. This leads to the Justice League intervening to restore true heroism.
Created by Alex Ross from a story by Ross and Mark Waid, the series gained widespread acclaim when it was published in 1997. It has since had a meaningful influence on many major Superman stories.
Since its release, many fans have urged for an adaptation of Kingdom Come. Some suggest an animated movie would be the most feasible option due to its extensive scope and large cast of characters.
On top of that, during The CW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths event in 2019, Brandon Routh portrayed the Kingdom Come Superman alongside Tyler Hoechlin‘s Superman from the Arrowverse. Fans loved Routh’s performance—leading to petitions for a Kingdom Come Superman TV series or movie. Check out some fan reactions:
He needs his own series. . . Kingdom come series 🙌 https://t.co/3hEMUWVRKM
— Harls20 (@HKundhi) November 7, 2023
Would love to see Brandon back in the suit. He's so perfect in the role. A Kingdom Come series would be must see television. pic.twitter.com/sxCKdn5hP9
— Mark (@CitizenKandor) January 14, 2023
If they made a kingdom come movie, I hope they do right by Brandon and bring him on board to play superman, as for a show, I would like for it to be centred around his superman, maybe explore the loss he experienced and showing his perseverance and hope pic.twitter.com/FrH9KsHMiI
— KAMETOONZ (@_Prav_10) February 19, 2024
@JamesGunn If you saw Crisis On Infinite Earth's ArrowVerse event, would you make a Kingdom Come Superman series/movie with Brandon.
— Lee (@AshtonWales36) February 16, 2024
Yeah sure make an Elseworlds series with him. Kingdom Come adaptation or something cool. https://t.co/AWl8R3zOhx
— JD7 (@Jd14762) February 16, 2024
Interestingly, in 2023, it was disclosed that plans for an animated adaptation of Kingdom Come were initially halted.
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