James Gunn has given the biggest update on theDC Universefranchise since the initial slate announcement, with new details about 15 potential projects from Chapter 1: “Gods and Monsters.” Following the release ofGunn’sSupermanmovie, the journey is just getting started for DC Studios' new franchise, with multiple films and series in the works.
Gunn was recently on theHappy, Sad, Confusedpodcast with Josh Horowitz, where he was asked about updates to a total of 15 DCU movies and TV shows that are potentially coming from DC Studios. The updates include more details on the DCU’s Batman and Wonder Woman, as well as some of the projects that have finished filming.
When asked about the Jimmy Olsen and Mister Terrific spinoff shows that were rumored last week, Gunn groaned, and acted as if he was about to say something before stopping himself. This question was in light of the report that emerged that the two characters are being looked at forSupermanspinoff shows. Gunn said:
Can we talk about the things that are out there that I’ve actually said, as opposed to the whispers online that are sometimes made up and sometimes real?
Gunn also addressed gettingThe Batman 2script from Matt Reeves, saying,“I like it,“when asked if he was pleased with it. The DC Studios head confirmed it’s still on track for its October 2027 release date. Gunn elaborated further by saying the following:
For sure, we’re headed in the right direction. So there’s some things we still got to work out, but it’s headed in the right direction.
Of course, the DCU’s Batman movie,The Brave and The Bold, was brought up, as Horowitz stated that the film is still being written. When asked if Gunn would want to releaseThe Batman 2andThe Brave and The Boldin the same year, he said,“Probably not. Probably not the same calendar year.”
Then Gunn was asked ifThe Brave and The Boldwould be the first time the DCU’s Batman is seen on screen, and he responded with,“I’m not going to say that…“Gunn said the movie hasn’t gotten to the casting stage yet, but he did respond to the fan-casting ofAlan Ritchson as Batman:“I am a big Alan Ritchson fan. Both as an actor and as a guy. Let’s just wait to see what happens.“Gunn said of the Batman casting:
Do I ever think about it? Sure. There’s people out there I think about, but let’s see [when] the script comes in. It’s not the furthest along thing. I mean, we have things that are much much further along than The Brave and The Bold.
Peacemakerseason 2 also got a new update, as Gunn stressed how tight the connections are going to be between the HBO Max show and hisSupermanmovie. WithPeacemakerseason 2 arriving in August, Gunn shared the following:
Peacemaker [season] 2 is a direct follow-up to Superman. We have so many characters from [Superman]. Rick Flag is in it, Hawkgirl, Maxwell Lord, Guy Gardner. It’s the direct follow-up to Superman and very R-rated.
Horowitz then moved on to theSupergirlmovie, followingMilly Alcock’s debut this summer. When Jason Momoa’s Lobo got brought up, Gunn instantly said,“Lobo is so frickin' awesome. Jason Momoa is so…Oh my god!”
Gunn moved on toLanterns, sharing,“That’s great,“before continuing on to theClayfacemovie, which is getting ready to start production very soon.
This is a total horror movie. It could be like a Blumhouse big budget horror film. But it’s within the DCU, which I think is a cool thing to do.
Horowitz asked if DC is anywhere on a Wonder Woman script, to which Gunn said"Yes,“and gave the same answer when asked if there’s a direction for it.When asked if this Wonder Woman movie feels distinct from what fans have seen before in Gal Gadot’s films, Gunn said,“Very, yes.I’m excited about Wonder Woman right now.”
Gunn also addressed whether he anticipates seeing new versions of The Flash and Aquaman in the next few years or if that is a little ways off. The DC Studios co-CEO simply said,“I wouldn’t say the next two years for either of those characters.”
The Authoritymovie, which was first announced in January 2023, was also addressed, and while it’s still on Gunn’s mind, he sighed and said,“Yeah, but that’s been a rough road.“Gunn did confirm, however, that the writer who was onThe Authorityhas been moved to another movie, which remains a secret for now.
I moved the writer on to another project in the DCU that I think he’s really killing right now.
James Mangold’sSwamp Thingmovie was also discussed, and Gunn shared,“We talked to James the other day. No, he has not delivered a script. He’s been distracted with his billions of movies!“However, Gunn stressed that"we are talking about it again.”
Gunn also got asked aboutSgt. Rock, as it seemed like the movie was very, very close to happening with Daniel Craig. When Horowitz asked Gunn if he hopes that it’s going to come back around relatively soon, Gunn replied,“Hugely. Yeah, I’m really excited about Sgt. Rock,“but not withChallengersdirector Luca Guadagnino involved anymore.
Our Take On James Gunn’s Massive 2025 DC Updates
While obviously a lot to take in, it’s great to hear Gunn so excited, but also so candid about the state of the DCU and where certain projects are at right now. Some updates are less promising than others, such as Swamp Thing and The Authority.
Additionally, it’s a little disappointing thatThe Brave and the Boldisn’t very far along. Since it’s not likely to debut in 2027, because that’s whenThe Batman2 releases, it may not be until 2028 until the DCU’s Batman movie hits theaters.
Still, there’s plenty to look forward to on the DCU’s upcoming slate, and a wide range of both movie and TV projects. Hopefully, Gunn will have even more to share later in 2025 about what is next for theDCU.
Supergirl
Cast
Supergirl will be the second movie in the DC Universe following Superman. The movie is set to follow Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, and will be inspired by the comic miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by writer Tom King and artist Bilquis Evely.
Peacemaker
Peacemaker is a television series expanding on the character from the film The Suicide Squad. Released in 2022, it follows the titular character, a determined anti-hero who upholds peace through extreme measures, as he confronts personal and external challenges in the aftermath of his previous mission.
Lanterns
Lanterns: John Stewart and Hal Jordan, intergalactic law enforcers, unite in this series to investigate a murder mystery set in the American heartland, intertwining their efforts in the defense of Earth.
The Brave and the Bold
The Brave and the Bold will introduce audiences to a new Batman in the DC Universe, focusing on the unique dynamic between the Dark Knight and his son, Damian Wayne, who takes on the mantle of Robin. This film marks yet another reboot for the iconic vigilante superhero.
The Batman Part II
The Batman Part II is the sequel to Matt Reeve’s The Batman, released in 2022, and will continue where the original film left off. The film shares a universe with the HBO Max original Penguin series and sees the return of the Riddler and a different incarnation of the Joker.
Wonder Woman
TheWonder Womanfranchise is part of the larger DC Extended Universe (DCEU), focusing on Diana Prince, an Amazonian princess and warrior who becomes the superhero Wonder Woman. The franchise began with the 2017 filmWonder Woman, which was a critical and commercial success, followed byWonder Woman 1984in 2020. These films explore Diana’s origins, her role in world conflicts, and her personal journey in adapting to the world of humans. The franchise is known for its strong feminist themes, action-packed sequences, and its portrayal of Wonder Woman as a symbol of peace and justice.
The Flash
The Flash is the superhero name given to the DC Comics character who utilizes unparalleled speed tied to a dimensional power known as the “speed force” to overwhelm their opposition. Premiering in 1939, the original Flash arrived as Jay Garrick. Still, it would be superseded by Barry Allen in popularity and featured status, but the Flash is one character that has met many of their alternate selves. The character is typically seen as a part of the Justice League in nearly all incarnations.
Aquaman
Aquaman follows Arthur Curry, a half-human, half-Atlantean, as he embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and claim his birthright as king. Released in 2018, the film explores his quest to bridge the worlds of land and sea in the DC Universe.
The Authority
The Authority is a film set in the DC Universe focusing on a team of heroes with an unorthodox approach to justice. Believing the world to be fundamentally flawed, they take matters into their own hands, determined to implement their own vision for a better world by any means necessary.
Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing follows CDC researcher Abby Arcane as she delves into a mysterious swamp-born virus in a small Louisiana town. Her investigation reveals the swamp’s mystical secrets, and as horrors emerge, the town’s safety is jeopardized. Released in 2019, the film blends elements of science fiction and horror.
DC Universe
The DC Universe is one of the biggest comic book franchises and often competes with Marvel. DC Comics started as National Allied Publications, founded by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson in 1935. Since then, the franchise has exploded with thousands of comic books, movies, TV shows, and video games. 2013 marked the beginning of the most recent iteration of the superheroes, with Zack Snyder introducing Henry Cavill as Superman. After several movies with mixed reviews, DC underwent a soft reboot under the helm of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
