DC Universe, James Gunn has just confirmed what we hoped for Batman and Superman

The co-CEO of the renewed DCU has highlighted what will be the distinctive aspect of the next productions

James Gunn and Warner Bros. Pictures

James Gunn has confirmed a decision that could mark a crucial turning point for the future of the DC Universe: the new cinematic course will not propose the origins of Batman and Superman, preferring to focus on innovative stories that can explore new aspects of the characters, now rooted in the collective imagination. After the failure of the DCEU to find a stable direction, Gunn, as co-CEO of DC Studios, has chosen an approach that enhances both the main characters and lesser-known figures of the comic book universe, to diversify the narrative offer. This turning point marks a clear departure from past strategies, in which the backstories of heroes like Batman and Superman were continuously re-proposed, often at the expense of originality.

Responding to a fan on Threads who criticized the lack of new origin stories for the main characters, Gunn clarified that he doesn’t think it’s necessary to retell them, since they are already universally known. At the same time, he reclaimed the importance of characters like Swamp Thing, considered by some to be “niche,” and stressed that they also deserve space and recognition: “I’m not going to retell the origins of Batman and Superman because everyone knows them. And don’t underestimate Swamp Thing, who has a long history in the comics, a TV series, and a successful movie.”

This change of direction is not without precedent. Films like Matt Reeves’ The Batman, which explores Bruce Wayne already during his career as a vigilante, or series like Superman & Lois, which avoid dwelling on the superhero’s origins to focus on current and personal events, have shown that audiences appreciate stories that go beyond traditional debut tales. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice also portrayed the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne, an iconic scene that has been reinterpreted several times, to mixed reactions.

With this new philosophy, the DCU seems to be on a promising path. The initial phase of the new universe will start with Creature Commandos, followed by Superman: Legacy, the first major film project directed by Gunn. David Corenswet will play the new Superman, accompanied by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, in a film that aims to honor the character's roots as a symbol of truth, justice, and hope. In addition to this, projects such as Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which will offer a unique perspective on the character, The Brave and the Bold, which will introduce a new version of Batman and Damian Wayne, and the HBO series Lanterns, centered on the Guardians of the Universe, are already in development.

A distinctive aspect of the revamped DCU therefore seems to be the strategic approach adopted by Gunn, who aims for quality rather than quantity. Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the goal of the DC Universe is not to saturate the market with an excessive number of productions but to focus on well-written stories and projects that can really leave their mark. In this regard, the director explained that each project is approved only when the script is fully developed, a practice that could restore strength and credibility to the DC brand.

Source: Threads