DC Studios Unveils Exciting New Projects: What to Expect from Gunn and Safran!

Two years ago, James Gunn and Peter Safran unveiled their transformative plan for DC Studios in a video that left fans in the geek community buzzing, much like when Kevin Feige makes big studio announcements. However, this one felt different – a unique blend of well-known titles and lesser-known gems, with a focus on showcasing beloved comic book writers’ best work. Today, we can see the fruits of their labor, as the first project – the critically acclaimed animated series “Creature Commandos” – has already aired, with a second season in production. Not to mention, there’s a movie about a caped man set for release this summer.

Safran and Gunn extended invitations to a limited number of media outlets, including TopMob, for an exclusive presentation at a small screening room on the Warner Bros. studio lot. During this event, they provided insights into the current status or future plans of their various film and TV projects underway. In keeping with his transparent approach, Gunn openly disclosed that certain projects have been postponed until a robust script is in place.

How Many Projects Can We Expect?

Gunn and Safran set an ambitious target each year: they aim to produce two live-action movies, one animated movie, as well as two live-action TV shows and two animated TV series. While not every project will be part of the official DC Universe, it includes ongoing animated series like Harley Quinn. This goal certainly gets us pumped up!

State of the Original Announced Titles

Superman

As a film enthusiast, let me share some exciting updates! You might’ve heard, but I’m deeply immersed in the post-production phase of ‘Superman’. Currently, James Gunn is meticulously handling the editing, special effects, and even overseeing the productions of ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’ and ‘Lanterns’. Needless to say, he’s a man of many projects!

Gunn stated, “I’m completely engrossed in post-production right now, and it’s astounding that I’m part of this project at all given how absorbed I am by these minor edits, adjustments, and minute improvements we’re making to enhance the film. Yet, I find myself fully immersed within it, and things are progressing smoothly. The effects are shaping up wonderfully.

He goes on to say, “It’s been an extraordinary honor for us to spin tales about characters we both adored growing up. It’s been quite exciting to contribute to preserving the legacy of these iconic figures such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman in the future. Not only that, but also to give more attention to lesser-known characters like Peacemaker from Suicide Squad, the Creature Commandos, so that they become more familiar to the public.

Superman hits theaters July 11 of this year.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

From the very start, Ana Nogueira’s script for the upcoming movie, featuring Milly Alcock under Craig Gillespie’s direction, has shown almost flawless potential. Production on this project is currently underway.

Safran stated, “We’ve long considered this transformative tale a crucial pillar in our vision for the DCU’s future. Upon seeing Ana Nogueira’s exceptional take on Tom King and Bilquis Everly’s comic book series, we immediately recognized it as the next chapter in our ongoing story.

In one of the early decisions we made upon our arrival, the script was approved by us. Ana’s initial script was outstanding and just kept improving. She has been a joy to work with. Craig Gillespie was an ideal choice for me. He has proven to be everything I could have hoped for as a director on a project of this scale. To put it simply, working with him is like a dream come true, even though it sounds strange to say so, I enjoy collaborating with him.

Another significant figure joining the cast of Supergirl is the roving interstellar bounty hunter, Lobo. Interestingly enough, despite his previous role as Aquaman and still playing Aquaman under Gunn and Safran’s leadership, Jason Momoa was eager to take on the part of Lobo as well.

Gunn mentioned that Jason was one of the first people to text him after the announcement, and his message read something like, “Let me see if I can remember.” It was incredibly swift. As I recall, it was just “Lobo Baby” in capital letters, followed by a massive number of exclamation marks. Essentially, this gave me the impression that it could be a solid idea. So, it had always been part of our plans, and I didn’t have any reservations about him having played Aquaman previously.

Peacemaker Season Two

The show had completed its first successful season with excellent feedback and high ratings prior to Gunn and Safran officially taking charge. However, it was always expected that a second season would follow.

The project titled ‘Peacemaker’ has been completed. Currently, I am engrossed in editing it simultaneously while working on ‘Superman’. It’s been an enjoyable ride. Many seemed taken aback by John Cena’s performance skills in the first season, but he truly excelled. Notably, his growth from season one to two is astonishing, and he delivers an incredible performance, as does the entire cast.

Lanterns

The initial major TV production unveiling is the Green Lanterns adaptation, titled “Lanterns,” from Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, and Tom King in the vein of “True Detective.” We’re thrilled about Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre portraying Hal Jordan and John Stewart. With more information already available, our anticipation is heightened even further.

Gunn praises the assembly of a fantastic team consisting of Tom King, Damon Lindelof, and Chris Mundy. He’s been impressed with their work as he’s seen their daily footage. It’s exciting because this project is linked to Superman since we have Guy Gardner involved, and there are also green lanterns present. The tone of this production differs significantly from that of Superman, which aligns perfectly with Gunn’s vision for the DCU: creating unique films and TV series that contribute to a unified universe while maintaining distinct atmospheres.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold…or The Batman 2, whichever comes first

Discussing Batman’s cinematic adventures has been quite intriguing. Neither Matt Reeves’ follow-up to “The Batman” within the Epic Crime Saga nor the screenplay for “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” set in the DCU have started filming just yet.

Currently, the anticipated release of The Batman Part II is tentatively scheduled for October 2027. However, Safran has assured us that this date will definitely be met, whether it’s The Batman film directed by Reeves or another movie that will hit the screens in October 2027. In other words, all we can confirm at this moment is that there will indeed be a Batman movie in October 2027.

Regarding speculation about Robert Pattinson’s Batman character transitioning from the Reeves-verse into the main DC Universe, Gunn clarifies that this is not the current intention. He expresses fondness for Pattinson, but emphasizes the need to introduce a new Batman character in the DCU. Accordingly, the plan for The Brave and the Bold involves introducing a new DC Universe Batman.

Swamp Thing

I must admit, I got quite thrilled when I heard about James Mangold working on a Swamp Thing movie. Sadly, the whole project hinges on him, so there’s currently no definite roadmap for its production.

The director-writer has moved on to create another small film titled “A Complete Unknown“. Gunn stated that they eagerly anticipate his return to “Swamp Thing>” when he’s prepared, as they value him as a filmmaker and are patient. It is not crucial for the larger narrative being developed in the series. Too bad.

Waller

The offshoot of “Peacemaker” featuring Viola Davis’ character, Amanda Waller, leading her own show, is currently being worked on but has encountered some obstacles. There are no new developments to report on this project right now.

The Authority

Among the unconventional movie options mentioned by Gunn was “The Authority,” a gritty, aggressive spin on superhero stories. According to Gunn, this project remains one he is fond of and hopes will be produced, but he admits it has been the most challenging of his projects to perfect.

Gunn acknowledged that dealing with ‘The Authority’ has been particularly challenging for him. This is due to the evolving narrative overall and the need to stay faithful to the source material while also considering shows like ‘The Boys’ and other works inspired by ‘The Authority’ comic, which emerged afterward. Additionally, there are several beloved characters from ‘The Authority’ that have already been filmed and whose stories we wish to continue and intertwine. As a result, ‘The Authority’ is currently taking a bit of a back seat.

Booster Gold

A proposed TV series featuring the celebrity-craving hero from the future, Booster Gold, was one of Gunn’s initial announcements but hasn’t made significant progress so far. All we’ve heard is that “Booster Gold is doing well.

Paradise Lost

As a captivated movie critic, I must say, the idea of a TV series set in Themyscira before Wonder Woman has me hooked. According to Safran, the project is currently deep into the scripting and pilot-writing stage. Gunn’s reassurance that “Paradise Lost” remains crucial and they are putting in significant effort into its development only adds to my excitement.

Titles That Jumped the Line

One intriguing aspect of Gunn and Safran’s DCU strategy that stirs my enthusiasm is their approach to prioritizing completed scripts for production, regardless of the characters or previously announced plans. Among these, a title that initially flew under everyone’s radar is third in line for production.

Clayface

In a glowing review, Safran praised Mike Flanagan’s script for the origin story of one of Batman’s saddest adversaries.

This upcoming summer marks the filming of “Clayface,” a gripping body horror movie that delves into the captivating origins of a well-loved Batman antagonist. The script for this project, penned by Mike Flanagan, is so exceptional that it’s earned a place on our production schedule. We are currently in talks with James Watkins regarding directing duties, and once we finalize the deal, casting will commence immediately. The film is set to be released in fall 2026. Although Clayface may not be as popular as characters like the Penguin or the Joker, we believe his tale carries an equal resonance, intrigue, and a level of horror that surpasses theirs.

The duo were thrilled to discover that a chilling body-horror film could harmoniously coexist within the DCU, sharing screen space with characters such as Superman and Peacemaker. This move would add depth to the range of tones the universe can present. Moreover, this project is expected to have a significantly smaller budget compared to something like Superman, which could be advantageous.

We’re genuinely thrilled about the entire cosmos, and if “Peacemaker” and “Creature Commandos” live up to their promise as they have so far, it promises to be something truly extraordinary.

Kyle Anderson serves as the Senior Editor at TopMob, where he also hosts a weekly podcast delving into pop culture called Laser Focus. His film and television critiques are available here, and you can keep up with him on Letterboxd.

2025-02-24 21:04