5 Potential DC Universe Films James Gunn Might Be Directing Subsequent

“Superman” is a success, each with critics and audiences. We lastly have an incredible Superman film that totally understands what makes the Man of Tomorrow particular, however greater than that, the success of “Superman” is a large sigh of reduction for DC Studios and the way forward for the DC Universe. This was successfully the final probability for a “Superman” film, and if it had failed, it is seemingly the whole cinematic universe would have gone the way in which of the “Darkish Universe.”

Now, not solely is the instant way forward for the DC Universe protected, however Warner Bros. appears to be fast-tracking extra of Supes. We all know “Supergirl” is popping out in 2026, however now James Gunn simply confirmed one other tremendous mission — one he is straight taking cost of.

Throughout an earnings name for Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav confirmed (through Selection) that James Gunn is writing and can direct “the following installment within the Tremendous-Household.” Now, what might this imply, precisely? The reference to “Tremendous-Household” narrows down our choices, however let’s interact in some good old style hypothesis about what Gunn’s subsequent massive DC mission could possibly be.

The obvious film Gunn is likely to be engaged on, which positively matches the “Tremendous-Household” label, is a film specializing in Superman and Supergirl. In any case, Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El having a cameo on the finish of “Superman” isn’t just an incredible tease for the following DC movie, however a pleasant technique to set up the dynamic between her and her cousin Kal-El.

A team-up film centered on the 2 characters, particularly one which offers with Brainiac (who was initially going to be the principle villain in “Superman”) makes numerous sense. This is able to instantly set this model of Superman (David Corenswet) other than earlier live-action cinematic variations, as he truly has dwelling Kryptonian household that he cares about — a cousin who understands his powers, his tradition, and his issues.

The neatest transfer is to have Superman and Supergirl star in their very own team-up film and battle Brainiac as a follow-up to each of their motion pictures. Hell, simply herald Kandor (the Bottle Metropolis from the comics) and totally cope with Kara and Clark’s emotions towards their tradition, their mother and father, and their planet. How would Superman react to the potential for saving part of his ancestry after the revelations about his start mother and father’ true needs for him? That is a solution price writing a film for.

Superboy is likely one of the most complex but cool DC characters. Beginning as a easy moniker for a younger Clark Kent, the character finally grew to become its personal factor, a younger clone of Superman finally given the title Conner Kent (and Kon-El in Kryptonian). It’s this second model of the character {that a} DC Universe film written and directed by James Gunn might (and may!) concentrate on.

The likeliest manner this might occur is to make Superboy a fail-safe from Lex Luthor after the defeat of Ultraman, one other clone that was additionally given a few of Lex’s DNA in a weird try to make part of himself as tremendous as Superman. This is able to make for a captivating story of self-discovery as Conner struggles with the duality of his origins: the evil half he inherited from Lex, and the beacon of hope his Superman-ness brings. That made the character the most effective components of each “Titans” and “Younger Justice,” so why not go three-for-three? They will even begin build up the Superboy-Prime storyline that leads into “Infinite Disaster.” Plus, Superboy’s look with the leather-based jacket and glasses matches the punk-rock theme from “Superman.”

“The Legion of Superheroes” hasn’t had its second within the highlight (although they did get a cartoon in 2006), however perhaps James Gunn would be the one to vary that. Created in 1958, it is a superhero workforce dwelling within the thirtieth century, time-travelers who return in time and infrequently workforce up with a teenage Superman. That is as a result of the Legion was particularly impressed by a younger Superboy.

Although not precisely a part of the Tremendous-Household, they’re intricately linked to Superman, and given they’re a workforce, it could possibly be an opportunity for James Gunn to indicate off his expertise in writing workforce tales. Even when the characters are from the longer term, the DC Universe launched in “Superman” does really feel like one that would simply help this sort of fantastical story, specializing in a world with wild expertise that you can think about persevering with to create and encourage heroes nicely into the thirtieth century.

Sadly, there’s one little challenge with this. Gunn already spoke with Rolling Stone earlier this yr and stated that, whereas he is considered bringing the Legion into the DC Universe, he is “not a time-travel individual” and is not into that type of story. Given he’s personally penning this new film, it appears unlikely he’d tackle a topic he is not very enthusiastic about. However then once more, he might at all times change his thoughts!

In fact, “Superman 2” is a fairly apparent reply — aside from the truth that Gunn has repeatedly stated within the current previous that he’d be engaged on a film closely that includes Superman, however not one which could possibly be thought of a sequel. He reaffirmed this on social media following Zaslav’s announcement, saying “Superman has a serious position” however it’s not “Superman 2.”

However that also leaves some wiggle room for us to take a position. In any case, you can theoretically make the argument that the “Superman” film we already received closely options Superman in a serious position, however isn’t solely a Superman film. In any case, the movie additionally options the Justice Gang in an enormous position, significantly Mister Terrific. A “Superman 2” might nonetheless occur, however have much more from different characters. Technically, one thing akin to “Batman & Superman: World’s Most interesting” might nonetheless be thought of a “Superman” film even when it additionally has Batman within the title. This might be Gunn managing expectations fairly than a concrete affirmation that the film won’t be a Superman film.

Krypto was undeniably the very best and most stunning a part of “Superman,” a chaotic, lovely doggo that stole each scene he was in. James Gunn managed to make the character greater than only a cute animal sidekick that hardly ever does as he is advised and as an alternative an integral a part of the plot. If anybody is able to making a full Krypto film (in live-action, as we already had an animated film about Krypto), it is Gunn. 

A Krypto film could possibly be the superhero equal of the horror film “Good Boy,” advised from the attitude of a canine however nonetheless that includes recognized heroes like Superman. What’s extra, it might even be a “Legion of Tremendous-Pets” film with an entire host of lovely tremendous animals. Marvel would not dare, so this could possibly be the possibility for DC to fill in a necessity audiences have been clamoring for. (For what it is price, Gunn as soon as revealed that he was initially engaged on a Krypto-centric film earlier than he shifted his focus to Superman.)

In any case, whether or not as a protagonist or a facet character, there is no such thing as a manner we do not see extra of Krypto within the subsequent film that includes Superman, which is a win for us all.