Known for portraying the role of DC superhero Arrow in the CW television series, Stephen Amell does not seem too impressed with James Gunn’s management of the new DC Universe. Gunn helmed of the DC Universe in 2022 and subsequently shared his plans for Chapter 1, Gods & Monsters, which included several projects. This includes multiple animated shows along with films featuring Superman, Batman, Supergirl, Swamp Things, and The Authority.
It’s been a year since the DC head revealed his plans and has consistently been focusing on the inaugural film of the new DC Universe, Superman: Legacy. However, the Arrow star does not seem satisfied with the pace of progress at DC Studios, leading him to share some controversial remarks about the new DCU.
Stephen Amell’s Controversial Comments on James Gunn’s Plans for DCU
During an Arrow cast reunion with Juliana Harkavy and Colton Haynes, Stephen Amell was prompted to offer advice to James Gunn, who is embarking on a fresh start with the new DC Universe. The actor answered the question, saying that he would call the Arrow creator Greg Berlanti as he brought the whole Arrowverse to life on screen.
He further highlighted the abundance of announcements and updates regarding DC and the DC Extended Universe without any concrete content being delivered. Stephen Amell further expressed his desire for action over mere discussions and announcements.
“I see a lot of announcements from about DC and about DC Extended Universe and about what they’re gonna do with the movies. You know what I’d prefer, content. I don’t think anyone has ever gone to an IMAX to watch a press conference or to like read Twitter.”
The 42-year-old actor further expressed that although he is looking forward to DC projects, he is also disappointed with the lack of any tangible development. “I’m glad you guys have all these plans,” Stephen Amell shared before adding, “Shut up and go execute them.”
James Gunn has been actively involved in developing the new DC Universe, with the first show, Creature Commandos, set for release this fall. The filmmaker has also been working on Superman: Legacy, which is scheduled for a 2025 release. However, it has encountered numerous obstacles, notably the 2023 Hollywood strikes along with the release of multiple projects under DC Extended Universe, with the most recent one hitting theaters in December 2023.
Factors Contributing to Delay in James Gunn’s DC Universe
The delay in James Gunn’s DC Universe can be attributed to various factors, notably the 2023 strikes and the concurrent release of several DC Extended Universe films like Shazam 2, The Flash, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Gunn has shared that The Flash film would serve as a reset for the ongoing DC Extended Universe, allowing him to establish a new universe and introduce the first DCU character, Blue Beetle.
With a series of DCEU films released last year, Stephen Amell’s criticism regarding a lack of “content” may not hold much weight given the broader context. As for 2024, Creature Commandos
is also the only DCU project to be released this year so far, along with the Elseworlds film Joker: Folie à Deux.
The Joker sequel has been in the works soon after the massive success of the 2019 film and animated show Creature Commandos did not face any obstacles in its development due to the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
While there have been rumors about its delay as well Gunn has denied such claims. And the filmmaker seems content with the current pace of developments in the DC Universe, as he recently shared that the fewer DC projects in 2024 are “great…for the reset.”
Creature Commandos is expected to be released in Fall 2024.
Joker: Folie à Deux is set to release on October 4, 2024.
