James Gunn recently updated reporters on the DC Universe's status at a DC Studios presentation. Among other announcements, Gunn revealed he's already scripting his next DCU film after Superman. He's certainly busy!
Gunn remained tight-lipped about the project, likely delaying any announcement until after Superman's July release. However, several franchises and characters seem ideal fits for Gunn's unique style. Considering the need to prioritize projects as Gunn and Peter Safran build the new shared universe, here are some strong contenders for Gunn's next directorial effort.
DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show
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Batman: The Brave and the Bold
While Batman's a frequent big-screen presence, Batman: The Brave and the Bold generates significant buzz. This film will reboot Batman, introducing the DCU's Caped Crusader. Unlike recent iterations, it will focus on the Bat-family, including Bruce Wayne's son, Damian.
Despite Batman's Hollywood success, The Brave and the Bold faces uncertainties. Progress seems slow, and Andy Muschietti's directorial involvement remains questionable post-presentation. Introducing a second cinematic Batman alongside Robert Pattinson's presents a challenge.
The DCU needs a strong Batman. He's pivotal, and this iteration needs to be successful. If Muschietti departs, Gunn stepping in ensures the project's quality—a possibility that seems increasingly likely. Gunn's expertise in crafting emotional father-son narratives (seen in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy) makes him ideally suited for Bruce and Damian's story.
The Flash
The Flash is crucial to any DCU. A Justice League cornerstone, he often features in multiverse stories. However, his live-action history is rocky. The CW series showcases effective ensemble storytelling, while Ezra Miller's DCEU portrayal and the film's box office failure left the character tarnished.
The Flash needs a fresh start, avoiding tired tropes like Flashpoint. The film should focus on Barry Allen (and/or Wally West) rather than sidelining him for Batman.
Gunn's dynamic action sequences and ability to connect audiences with characters (evident in the Guardians films) would benefit a Flash movie immensely.
The Authority
Gunn openly discussed the challenges of The Authority, noting difficulty finding an angle that differentiates it from The Boys and similar projects.
He stated, "Honestly, Authority's been the hardest, due to the shifting story and needing to stand out in a world already influenced by it. We also have characters we love from other projects we want to integrate." He admitted it's currently on the back burner.
The Authority is vital to the expanding DCU. Announced early, María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer appears in Superman, hinting at continued exploration of the clash between optimistic heroes like Superman and the cynicism of The Authority. This film's success is important.
Fortunately, The Authority aligns well with Gunn's style. His expertise with misfit heroes and engaging team dynamics suggests he could overcome the challenges.
Amanda Waller/ARGUS Movie
Gunn acknowledged setbacks for the planned Waller series, stating it "has had a couple of setbacks." This isn't surprising given his commitments to Superman, Peacemaker: Season 2, and Creature Commandos. As these commitments lessen, prioritizing Waller, perhaps as a feature film, might be beneficial.
Waller and ARGUS are the DCU's connective tissue. Creature Commandos features Waller, ARGUS appears in Superman, and Rick Flag (Frank Grillo) appears in both Superman and Peacemaker: Season 2. Focusing on this element makes sense. If the series isn't working, a movie might be the solution.
Batman & Superman: World's Finest
Batman v Superman, despite its box office performance, fell short of expectations. Audiences tired of the dark tone. Batman and Superman deserve a collaborative film portraying them as allies.
Gunn could excel at this. Instead of solely focusing on The Brave and the Bold, combining his Superman with the new Batman in one film could be a significant success for the burgeoning DCU. A Gunn-directed Batman/Superman film is a reliable formula for growth.
Titans
The Teen Titans boast a significant fanbase, with successful comics and animated series. While Max's Titans series had flaws, it demonstrated the characters' live-action potential.
A live-action Titans movie is arguably more appealing than a new Justice League film. Their dysfunctional family dynamic differs from the League's. Gunn's success with the Guardians suggests he could create a compelling Titans film.
Justice League Dark
The DCU's "Gods and Monsters" phase, featuring Swamp Thing and Creature Commandos, indicates a supernatural focus. Establishing a supernatural Justice League counterpart makes sense.
Justice League Dark allows magical heroes like Zatanna, Etrigan, Deadman, Swamp Thing, and Constantine to tackle threats beyond the traditional Justice League's capabilities. The team's inherent dysfunction aligns with Gunn's storytelling. Including characters like Batman or Wonder Woman broadens the appeal.
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For more on the DC future, see what to expect in 2025 and all DC movies and series in development.
