In October 2022, James Gunn and producer Peter Safran stepped into the DC universe as the new co-CEOs of DC Studios, marking a significant shift away from the Zack Snyder era.
Their mission? To revitalize and reshape the cinematic DC landscape, taking it in a direction that promises a departure from the DCEU.
With only Blue Beetle and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom as remnants of the old regime, the impact of Gunn’s vision will become increasingly evident starting in 2024. Here are five significant ways James Gunn’s DC Universe will differ from Zack Snyder’s DCEU.
More Than Just Movies for James Gunn
James Gunn DC Universe promises a diversified content portfolio beyond feature films. While the DCEU primarily focused on movies since its inception in 2013, Gunn’s approach will be more expansive. Notably, the animated series Creature Commandos is set to debut on HBO Max in 2024, opening the door to a slew of DC Studios TV series.
Expect titles like Waller, Peacemaker Season 2, Booster Gold, Paradise Lost, and Lanterns to enrich the DC narrative. Gunn has also hinted at the possibility of future DC video games becoming canon in the DCU, though none have been officially announced.
Not a Hard Reboot (Actors & Characters)
Unlike a hard reboot that completely erases previous continuity, James Gunn’s DCU will maintain some ties to the past. Familiar faces like Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, John Cena as Peacemaker, and Sean Gunn as Weasel will continue to be part of this evolving universe.
However, new actors will take on iconic roles, with David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan stepping into the shoes of Superman and Lois Lane, respectively, showcasing a blend of continuity and fresh perspectives.
James Gunn DC Universe Consists of Heroes That Already Exist
James Gunn’s world begins with Superman: Legacy, setting a different tone from Zack Snyder’s DCEU.
Here, the audience is introduced to a world where superheroes already exist, embracing the presence of multiple heroes from the outset. This contrasts with Snyder’s approach in Man of Steel, where Superman was initially presented as the sole superhero until later films expanded the roster.
Creative Flexibility, Not Bound by Release Dates
One of the significant departures from the previous regime is Gunn’s commitment to script completion before production. Unlike the DCEU’s history of releasing films with unfinished scripts, Gunn emphasizes a more flexible approach.
He acknowledges that schedules may shift, but this will allow for a more polished final product and potentially reduce the need for costly reshoots, a common feature in the MCU and the DCEU.
A Story-Driven Writers’ Room
Gunn’s dedication to storytelling is reflected in his assembly of a talented writers’ room to craft a coherent narrative for the DC Universe.
This committee, including names like Tom King, Christal Henry, Christina Hudson, Drew Goddard, and Jeremy Slater, will help establish a cohesive framework across movies, series, and video games.
This approach sets the stage for an interconnected and immersive storytelling experience in the DCU.
James Gunn’s tenure at the helm of DC Studios promises a fresh start for the DC Universe. With an array of content beyond movies, a blend of continuity and new faces, a world where heroes are already established, a commitment to script quality, and a strong emphasis on storytelling, fans can anticipate a DC Universe that evolves and engages in exciting ways.
The journey begins with Creature Commandos in 2024 and soars to new heights with Superman: Legacy in theaters on July 11, 2025.