DC Universe Gets a Complete Overhaul by James Gunn
If you’ve ever been frustrated by the DCU’s tangled timelines, here’s some news with real bite—James Gunn and Peter Safran are scrapping decades of confusing crossovers in favor of a laser-focused, all-in approach. This isn’t just a couple of sequels and the usual superhero churn; Gunn wants to make sure every year feels like an event for DC fans, with at least two live-action films, one animated project, and plenty of TV series hitting screens.
The spark for all this? The brand-new Superman film with David Corenswet flying the cape, which kicks off what Gunn hopes will become an interconnected universe tighter than anything DC’s pulled off before. Gone are Henry Cavill’s Superman and Ben Affleck’s Batman—no more double-dipping or toeing the line. Gunn confirmed that while they talked with the actors about possible new roles, they’re hitting the reset button on leading characters. Get used to a different face, not just for Superman and Batman, but possibly for Aquaman too. Jason Momoa is in talks to jump from King of Atlantis to playing Lobo, the intergalactic bounty hunter with a cult following—that’s about as hard a left turn as it gets in superhero casting.
The first chapter of this bold vision technically starts with The Suicide Squad from 2021, continuing with the animated follow-up, Creature Commandos, set to arrive in 2024. Gunn is making these bridges clear: Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) and Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) are staying in the spotlight, but don’t expect every past star to return. Even so, a few ties to Zack Snyder’s Justice League linger, especially through Peacemaker’s cameo-packed TV world.
What’s really raising eyebrows is Gunn’s plan to launch new TV shows straight off his Superman movie—think Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and everyone’s favorite photographer, Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo). These aren’t just background players—they’re set to anchor their own series, giving fans reasons to care about more than the headline heroes. It’s all part of a slow-burn build, leading up to that Justice League reboot DC has been tiptoeing toward for years.
New Projects and Continuity Control
Let’s get into the details of the upcoming projects that have diehard fans buzzing:
- Lanterns: This isn’t a cosmic space opera—expect a gritty, suspenseful HBO Max series borrowing the moody tone of True Detective, following Hal Jordan and John Stewart. The hope is to bring serious detective storytelling to a universe known for its wild alien fights.
- Dynamic Duo: Swinging in for 2028, this animated film focuses on Jason Todd and Dick Grayson. What’s wild? It plans to mix classic animation with puppetry and stop-motion. That’s a right turn from the bright CGI most superhero films rely on.
- Rumors on Deck: Gunn’s playbook isn’t just public announcements—rumblings point toward a Wonder Woman reboot and a movie centered on villains Bane and Deathstroke, though nothing’s on the record yet.
Gunn’s taken to social media more than once to calm fans who stress over character continuity. His answer: be patient. The next few years are about weaving a single, unified story across all entertainment—movies, TV, animation, even video games. Everything will connect in some way, and you’ll be able to follow your favorite characters’ journeys no matter the format.
One thing’s for sure: Gunn is betting big on this shared universe model. The goal—give every character, from big names to unexpected picks, space to shine. It’s a risky reset, but if you’re tired of messy timelines and scattered stories, this vision promises a DCU that finally fits together.