For a few weeks now, director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran have been responsible for the DC universe. Now Gunn took a lot of time to hint at his plans and explain things that should make fans of Batman and Co. optimistic.
James Gunn is known for communicating very openly and using short message services like Twitter for direct exchanges with fans. Over the weekend, he answered many questions from fans on Twitter – on the one hand about his “The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special” (aka “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2.5”), which was just released on Disney+, but especially about his upcoming plans with comic book company DC.
As is well known, Gunn, together with producer Peter Safran (“Aquaman”, “Shazam!”), has been chosen to lead DC Movies and finally create a coherent world, as Kevin Feige has already managed to do so successfully for so long at Marvel. That’s where Gunn is now, even if he’ll have to split his time a bit between his new DC duties and contractual promo obligations for Marvel until “Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3” hits theatres in early May.
Mr. Gunn I been hearing alot of people getting mad at you because your promoting Marvel more than DC will you be promoting the upcoming DC movies in
– Lawrence (@Lawrencesnyder0) November 26, 2022
A CANON FOR DC: FILM AND SERIES – AS WELL AS ANIMATION AND VIDEO GAMES!
As James Gunn has now explicitly clarified once again in response to fan demand, he is responsible for all DC adaptations. Films and series are under him, whether live action or animation. And video games are also part of his remit. He only has no access to the comics themselves, but there is a lively exchange here.
Gunn also made it clear that he will create a coherent universe. As is currently the case at Marvel, series will also be created in the future that are set in the world of the upcoming DC films such as “Aquaman 2”, “The Flash” and co. Gunn also explicitly includes animated projects in this canon. For example, there will also be animated series set in the same world as Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman or Henry Cavill’s Superman. Video games are also to be part of this coherent universe.
Yes, most definitely, the DCU will be connected across film and TV (and animation). https://t.co/IIiqkMJkuW
– James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 27, 2022
This does not mean that all projects are now necessarily arranged in a canon, a single coherent narrative. When asked if there were any animated or live-action series that were not set in this large world, Gunn answered in the affirmative several times. But it is supposed to be the exception. Even though he always refers to series or animated projects, we can assume that this naturally also applies to feature films (first and foremost the sequel to “Joker”, probably also the sequel to “The Batman”).
Will there still be some standalone animation or live-action shows that take place in separate worlds (like Harley Quinn)?
– Revolver Ocelot (@LiquidSnake0) November 27, 2022
WHEN WILL THERE FINALLY BE SOMETHING SOLID ON THE FUTURE OF DC?
But James Gunn is not making any concrete announcements yet. He is not yet revealing any films or series that are definitely coming. He doesn’t name any characters that he will introduce or expand. There is a good reason for this: first of all, the plan for the next ten years needs to be set in stone.
But fans don’t have to wait too long for more. When asked if there will be announcements at the upcoming Comic-Con in July 2023, Gunn explained that he would be surprised if there wasn’t at least a little more to hear sooner.
Just one question James, just one, are we going to hear more about this plan before SDCC 2023 ? Please answer 😭 thanks 🙏🙏🙏 @JamesGunn
– Amanda Waller (@TheThinkerFr) November 27, 2022
At the moment, however, one should not expect leaks, as Gunn has repeatedly made clear in recent days and weeks. At the moment, only he and Safran are in discussion. Even Warner boss David Zaslav does not know anything about their plans. So there are no ways in which anything can leak.
JAMES GUNN DEBUNKS BIG WORRY FROM HIS FANS
Besides all these answers about the future of DC, Gunn also addressed a concern of many fans. Will he even have time to make films himself in addition to his role as the new DC boss? He will “write and direct selected DC projects”, Gunn said. So he is not thinking of giving up his previous career as a writer and director.
Sir, Just one Question… Will we get any projects written/ Directed by you in the future, or will you just be looking over them since you have alot more stuff now to do than ever? @JamesGunn
– Obaid🏌️ (@Superman_07_) November 27, 2022
It is very likely, however, that his focus will be entirely on DC. He did not respond to the question of whether he might develop and realise original material again in addition to comic adaptations. After all, he will probably have his hands full with DC for many years to come.
For most fans, this should not be a problem. They are now optimistic that there is someone at the helm who wants to develop and pursue a plan that also communicates openly. Many fans are therefore optimistic that golden times are finally ahead for DC and their favourite heroines around Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Co.
