James Gunn is once again reshaping expectations for the DC Universe. Fresh off wrapping production on Superman (formerly Superman: Legacy), the DC Studios co-head has revealed that he’s already developing a new project centered on the Man of Steel. But don’t call it Superman 2 just yet.
In a recent interview, Gunn clarified that while the next installment will build upon Superman‘s story, it isn’t a “straight-up sequel.” That wording has ignited a storm of speculation across the fandom — especially since it suggests a creative direction that broadens the DCU rather than merely continuing Kal-El’s personal arc.
“What I’m working on is in some way… I mean, yes, yes, yes, yes. But is it a straight‑up Superman sequel? I would not say necessarily.”
— James Gunn
A New Era, A New Structure
This ambiguous tease aligns with how Gunn is structuring the new DCU: not as a linear sequence of isolated character films, but as an interconnected narrative with room for genre shifts, team-ups, and even tonal experimentation. The idea that the next project might not focus solely on Superman opens the door to something bigger — possibly even World’s Finest, a legendary pairing of Superman and Batman that fans have been clamoring to see done right on screen.
Unlike the previous Snyderverse approach, which leaned into mythic intensity, Gunn’s DCU is said to draw more from the comics’ tonal diversity. His Superman is expected to be a beacon of hope — and introducing Batman alongside him in a meaningful way could serve as a thematic counterbalance, echoing their dynamic in comics like Batman/Superman and World’s Finest.
Could Batman Be Coming Sooner Than Expected?
Although The Brave and the Bold is already confirmed to introduce a new Batman (separate from Robert Pattinson’s), Gunn’s comments may suggest the character could show up earlier than expected — possibly even in the post-Superman project. This wouldn’t be unprecedented: DC has been more willing to jumpstart characters without lengthy solo setups, and Superman and Batman’s bond has long been considered the emotional heart of the Justice League.
Rumors swirling in the industry point toward a strategic ramp-up to World’s Finest as a way to deepen character relationships before a full-blown Justice League reboot. With Wonder Woman and Supergirl also key pieces in Gunn’s vision, DC may be laying the foundation for a more character-focused, emotionally resonant shared universe.
Laying the Groundwork for the Justice League
Gunn has said explicitly there’s “no Justice League yet” in his DCU — emphasis on “yet.” That’s not a denial, it’s a delay. His approach appears more Marvel Phase One than Snyder Cut: build the individual characters, weave in meaningful crossovers, and gradually bring them together for something climactic down the line.
In that sense, this “not quite a sequel” project might be the glue — a crossover or ensemble piece that advances multiple arcs while expanding the universe’s tone and scope. Think The Winter Soldier for Cap or Civil War for the Avengers — technically sequels, but built to serve the broader franchise.
What We Know vs. What’s Likely
| What We Know | What’s Being Teased |
|---|---|
| Gunn is writing a follow-up to Superman | It’s not a traditional solo sequel |
| Superman will remain a central DCU figure | Possible Superman/Batman “World’s Finest” project |
| No Justice League exists yet in this DCU | Future projects may quietly set it up |
| Batman’s full introduction is still coming | He could appear sooner in a crossover-style format |
With Superman releasing July 11, 2025, all eyes are now on how it sets the tone for the next decade of DC storytelling. Will Gunn’s next move expand the DCU sideways with a crossover or upward with a Justice League seed? One thing is certain: this isn’t just a sequel — it’s a signal that DC is playing the long game, and playing it smarter this time.
Stay tuned. The new era of Superman is just getting started.
Key Takeaways
- James Gunn is developing a Superman-related project that isn’t a traditional sequel but expands the character’s presence in the DCU.
- Superman is positioned as one of four essential characters for the long-term success of DC Studios’ cinematic universe.
- The 2025 Superman film and its follow-up are crucial building blocks in Gunn’s larger vision for a cohesive superhero franchise.
James Gunn’s Vision for the Superman Follow-Up
James Gunn is charting a unique path for his Superman-related projects within the DCU. His comments suggest a creative approach that expands beyond traditional sequel formats while maintaining connections to the upcoming Superman film.
Clarifying the Notion of a Non-Traditional Sequel
Gunn has been intentionally cryptic about his next Superman-related project. When discussing future plans, he acknowledged working on something connected to Superman but hesitated to call it a “straight-up sequel.” This careful wording suggests he may be exploring a side story, spin-off, or thematically connected narrative rather than a direct continuation.
His approach aligns with DC Studios’ broader vision to build interconnected stories. The project might focus on supporting characters introduced in the first film or explore different aspects of Superman’s world.
Gunn’s creative choices often subvert audience expectations, as seen in his previous work with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. This pattern indicates his Superman follow-up may take unexpected narrative directions.
Key Creative Influences and Inspirations
Gunn’s Superman projects draw inspiration from multiple comic eras. His upcoming film already shows influences from both classic and modern Superman stories, particularly emphasizing Clark Kent’s role at the Daily Planet.
For the follow-up project, Gunn likely continues drawing from his deep knowledge of DC comics. As both director and DC Studios co-CEO, he can shape the character’s cinematic future by blending beloved comic storylines with fresh interpretations.
James Gunn’s Superman represents a significant departure from previous film versions. The follow-up will likely continue this direction, potentially exploring more cosmic elements or Superman’s relationships with other DC characters.
Continuity Within the DC Universe
The Superman follow-up will play a crucial role in Gunn and Peter Safran’s “Gods and Monsters” chapter of the DCU. This first phase of their plan aims to establish a cohesive universe across film, television, and animation.
Gunn’s careful planning suggests the follow-up will connect to other upcoming DC projects. This approach differs from previous DC films that often existed as standalone stories.
Warner Bros. Discovery has given Gunn significant creative control as DC Studios co-CEO. This position allows him to ensure the Superman follow-up serves both as an engaging standalone story and a building block for the larger DCU narrative.
Superman: Legacy and Its Impact on the DCU
James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy is set to redefine the DC Universe with new casting choices and a fresh approach to the iconic superhero. The film serves as the cornerstone of DC Studios’ ambitious relaunch of their cinematic universe.
New Casting: David Corenswet as Clark Kent
David Corenswet steps into the legendary role of Clark Kent/Superman, bringing a new interpretation to the Man of Steel. Unlike previous Superman introductions, Corenswet’s character will already be well-known to the people of Metropolis when the film begins. This established presence suggests a departure from traditional origin storytelling.
The casting decision came after an extensive search to find the perfect embodiment of both Clark’s humble Kansas roots and Superman’s heroic presence. Corenswet’s physical resemblance to the comic book Superman, combined with his acting range, made him Gunn’s choice to anchor the new DCU.
The film will explore Clark’s dual identity challenges as he balances his work at the Daily Planet with his responsibilities as Superman.
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane and Key Supporting Roles
Rachel Brosnahan brings her award-winning talent to the role of intrepid reporter Lois Lane. Her chemistry with Corenswet’s Clark Kent is expected to be a central element of the film’s emotional core.
The supporting cast includes several Justice League heroes, signaling the interconnected nature of the new DCU. Nathan Fillion joins as Guy Gardner, one of Earth’s Green Lanterns, while Isabela Merced portrays Hawkgirl.
James Gunn has confirmed that these cast members will appear in other DCU projects, establishing Superman: Legacy as the foundation for future storytelling. This ensemble approach mirrors Gunn’s successful work with ensemble casts in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Kryptonian Heritage and Fresh Origin Elements
While avoiding a traditional origin story, Superman: Legacy will explore Clark’s Kryptonian heritage in new ways. Gunn aims to balance respect for Superman’s iconic history with fresh elements that make this interpretation distinctive.
Krypto the Superdog has been confirmed to appear in the film, adding another beloved element from Superman lore. This suggests the film will embrace some of the more colorful aspects of Superman’s comic book history.
The film takes place in a DCU where superheroes already exist, creating a rich backdrop for Superman’s adventures. This established superhero community allows Gunn to explore how Superman fits into a world with other powered individuals.
Filming, Post-Production, and Release Date
Superman: Legacy began principal photography in early 2024, with shooting locations including Atlanta and real-world locations that will bring Metropolis to life. Gunn’s hands-on approach as both writer and director ensures his vision remains consistent throughout production.
Post-production will feature extensive visual effects work to realize Superman’s powers in a way that feels both spectacular and grounded. Gunn’s experience with visual effects-heavy films serves him well in creating the film’s action sequences.
The film is scheduled for theatrical release on July 11, 2025, positioning it as Warner Bros. Discovery’s major summer blockbuster. As the first feature film in the new DCU slate, its performance will significantly influence the trajectory of future DC Studios projects.
Exploring the Future of the DC Cinematic Universe
James Gunn’s DC Universe plan sets a bold new direction with multiple interconnected projects spanning both film and television. The DCU’s first chapter, dubbed “Gods and Monsters,” promises to revitalize DC’s superhero landscape with fresh takes on beloved characters.
Upcoming Projects: Creature Commandos, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, and More
The DCU begins fully with Superman, but several projects are already in development. Creature Commandos, an animated series, will likely be the first official DCU release. This team of monster-inspired heroes represents Gunn’s willingness to spotlight lesser-known DC properties.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will introduce Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El in a story that promises to differ significantly from previous portrayals. The film draws inspiration from Tom King’s critically acclaimed comic run.
Other announced projects include:
- The Brave and the Bold (introducing a new Batman)
- The Authority (featuring morally complex heroes)
- Waller (continuing the story of Amanda Waller)
- Swamp Thing (exploring horror elements)
- Paradise Lost (set on Themyscira before Wonder Woman)
Expanding Character Arcs Beyond Superman
The DCU plans to develop richer character journeys that extend beyond single films. Gunn’s cryptic comments about Superman’s follow-up suggest potential crossovers rather than traditional sequels.
James Gunn’s DC Universe plan revealed in early 2023 showed his intention to create a more cohesive universe. Characters like Green Lantern will receive proper development through the Lanterns series, a detective story set on Earth.
Booster Gold and Peacemaker Season 2 will explore more comedic elements of the DCU. These diverse tones allow the universe to feel more textured and multidimensional than previous DC film efforts.
The Role of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s Leadership
As DC Studios co-CEOs, Gunn and Safran have taken a hands-on approach to reshaping the DC cinematic landscape. Gunn particularly brings storytelling expertise as both a writer and director.
Their leadership represents a significant shift from previous DC film strategies. The duo announced the initial plan for the new DCU in January 2023, emphasizing a connected approach between films and TV shows.
Fan reactions have been mixed, with some questioning the complete reboot of previously established characters. However, Gunn and Safran’s clear vision provides something the previous DC films often lacked: a coherent plan with consistent creative direction.
Context Within Superman and DC Film History
James Gunn’s approach to Superman represents a significant shift in how DC handles its most iconic character. His comments about a non-traditional follow-up reflect broader changes in the studio’s creative direction.
Comparisons to Man of Steel and the DCEU Era
The original DCEU began with Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel in 2013, which established a darker, more serious tone for Superman. Henry Cavill’s portrayal spanned multiple films but eventually stalled without a proper sequel.
Unlike Snyder’s mythology-heavy approach, Gunn appears to be creating a more character-focused narrative. The DCEU’s interconnected storytelling strategy led to mixed results with films like Black Adam and The Flash.
Gunn has been open about learning from these missteps. He’s explained how past DC films influenced his current strategy, suggesting his Superman will avoid the rushed universe-building that characterized the early DCEU.
This more measured approach likely extends to how sequels and follow-ups will be developed.
Influence of All-Star Superman and Other Iconic Stories
Gunn’s Superman draws inspiration from Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s acclaimed All-Star Superman, a story that balanced heroic optimism with complex storytelling.
This influence signals a return to Superman’s inspirational roots while maintaining modern storytelling sensibilities. All-Star Superman is known for distilling the character to his essence rather than reinventing him.
Unlike previous adaptations that cherry-picked elements from various comics, Gunn appears to be embracing a more cohesive vision. His storytelling approach has been described as balancing reverence for source material with creative freedom.
The non-traditional sequel approach mirrors how comic storylines often evolve beyond standard narrative structures, creating extended sagas rather than direct continuations.
Notable Collaborations and Casting Changes
The most visible change in Gunn’s Superman is the casting of David Corenswet replacing Henry Cavill. This decision marked a clean break from the previous era of DC films.
Behind the camera, Gunn has assembled a team that combines DC veterans with new collaborators. His casting choices, including Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., suggest connections to his broader DCU vision.
The production has navigated industry challenges, including the cancellation of adjacent projects like Wonder Woman 3. Gunn has addressed rumors about studio interference, emphasizing his creative control.
These collaborations suggest Gunn’s follow-up plans may involve characters introduced in Superman appearing across different projects rather than in a traditional sequel format.
Frequently Asked Questions
James Gunn has provided some insights about his plans for future Superman projects, though many details remain unclear. Here are answers to common questions about what we know so far about his follow-up to the upcoming Superman film.
What type of project is James Gunn developing in connection with the Superman franchise?
James Gunn has confirmed he is “pre-writing” his next DC project while still working on Superman: Legacy and Peacemaker Season 2. He clarified that while it connects to Superman, it isn’t necessarily a “straight-up” sequel.
This suggests the project may be more of a spin-off or related story set in the same universe rather than a direct continuation of the first film’s main storyline.
Can we expect any new characters or storylines in James Gunn’s follow-up to his Superman film?
While specific details haven’t been revealed, Gunn’s comments hint at exploring new directions within the Superman universe. His work typically introduces fresh characters and unexpected storylines.
As co-CEO of DC Studios, Gunn has access to the vast DC character library. This position allows him to potentially weave in characters from across the DC universe.
Has James Gunn discussed the genre or style of his planned Superman-related project?
Gunn hasn’t specifically discussed the genre or style of this follow-up project. His previous work spans from cosmic adventures to gritty anti-hero stories.
Given his comment that it’s not a “straight-up sequel,” the project might explore different tones or genres while maintaining connections to his Superman film.
Will the upcoming project by James Gunn exist within the same universe as the original Superman film?
Yes, the project will almost certainly exist within the new DC Universe that Gunn and Peter Safran are building. Gunn has emphasized creating a more cohesive universe across DC films and TV.
This approach aligns with DC Studios’ vision of building interconnected stories across their properties.
What are James Gunn’s creative goals for the continuation of the Superman story?
While not explicitly stated, Gunn’s track record suggests he aims to honor the character’s legacy while bringing fresh perspectives. His emphasis on it not being a traditional sequel indicates creative ambition.
Gunn has previously identified Superman as one of the crucial characters in the superhero universe he’s building, suggesting long-term plans for the character.
How does James Gunn’s approach to the Superman sequel differ from traditional superhero movie sequels?
Gunn’s approach appears to diverge from the standard formula of direct sequels that continue the same narrative with the same central characters. His comments suggest a more expansive view of storytelling.
Rather than simply continuing Superman’s personal journey, Gunn seems interested in exploring different aspects of the universe established in his first Superman film.
