DC Universe Unveils James Gunn’s Plans For Superman, Batman, Green Lantern And More

It didn’t take long for James Gunn and Peter Safran, the new co-chairmen and CEOs of Warner Bros. Discovery’s
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DC Studios, to show the world that the DC Universe is headed in a different direction. The studio today announced an ambitious slate of 10 new film, TV and animation projects under the pair’s creative direction, centered on the theme of “Gods and Monsters.”

The keystone project is Gunn’s big reboot of Superman, Superman: Legacy, which is headed for the screen on July 11, 2025. The film will explore a familiar theme in the Superman canon, the balance between Kal-El’s alien origins and human upbringing.

“Superman: Legacy is the true foundation of our creative vision for the DC Universe,” said Gunn in the announcement. “Not only is Superman an iconic part of DC lore, he is also a favorite character for comic book readers, viewers of earlier movies, and fans around the world. I can’t wait to introduce our version of Superman who audiences will be able to follow and get to know across films, movies, animation and gaming.”

Moving to a Supes-centric model is a big but natural step for DC, after relying on Batman as the main tentpole since the late 1980s. But fans of the Dark Knight need not despair. The Batman – Part II, following on 2022’s gothic version starring Robert Pattinson, will follow in September, 2025.

The upcoming slate of new films reaches deeper into the DC catalog, bringing forward properties like The Authority, Booster Gold and Creature Commandos alongside better known or previously established characters like Supergirl, Green Lantern, Swamp Thing and Suicide Squad’s Amanda Waller. The latter, with Viola Davis reprising the role as the no-nonsense director of the secret organization ARGUS from Suicide Squad, Peacemaker and Black Adam, appears to have a prominent role in the relaunched film universe. More coverage on this from my Forbes colleague Paul Tassi here.

“As we craft the plan for DC Studios, we are thrilled to share with fans the first 10 stories they can expect from the unified DC Universe featuring some of our most well-known characters as well as the next generation of marquee characters” said Safran. “Chapter 1 tells cohesive stories that highlight love, compassion, and the innate goodness of the human spirit, all designed to minimize audience confusion and maximize audience engagement across platforms.”

According to the announcement, The upcoming slate of projects includes these films:

• Superman: Legacy – written by Gunn, the film will hit theaters on July 11, 2025, and focus on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.
• The Authority – WildStorm characters will join the DCU as members of The Authority take matters into their own hands to do what they believe is right
• The Brave and the Bold – the DCU will introduce its Batman and Robin in this unusual father-son story inspired by Grant Morrison’s comic series
• Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow – this science fiction adventure, which will be based on Tom King’s amazing, award-winning recent comics stories, presents a Supergirl viewers are not used to seeing
• Swamp Thing – the film will investigate the dark origins of Swamp Thing

And these television projects for HBO Max.

• Creature Commandos – a seven-episode animated show in which Amanda Waller creates a black ops team out of monstrous prisoners; Gunn wrote all the episodes of the first season
• Waller – starring Viola Davis, this series features Team Peacemaker and will be written by Christal Henry (Watchmen) and Jeremy Carver (Supernatural)
• Booster Gold – Booster Gold uses basic technology from the future to pretend to be a superhero in present day
• Lanterns – this enormous TV event series follows intergalactic cops John Stewart and Hal Jordan as they uncover a dark mystery
• Paradise Lost ­– set in Themyscira, home of the Amazons and birthplace of Wonder Woman, this drama focuses on the genesis and political intrigue of an island of all women

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