5 Potential DC Universe Films James Gunn Might Be Directing Subsequent

“Superman” is successful, each with critics and audiences. We lastly have a terrific Superman film that totally understands what makes the Man of Tomorrow particular, however greater than that, the success of “Superman” is a big sigh of aid 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 probably your entire cinematic universe would have gone the best way 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 venture — one he is instantly 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 subsequent 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 large DC venture might be.

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

A team-up film targeted on the 2 characters, particularly one which offers with Brainiac (who was initially going to be the primary villain in “Superman”) makes a whole lot of sense. This is able to instantly set this model of Superman (David Corenswet) aside from earlier live-action cinematic variations, as he truly has residing 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 combat Brainiac as a follow-up to each of their motion pictures. Hell, simply usher in Kandor (the Bottle Metropolis from the comics) and totally cope with Kara and Clark’s emotions towards their tradition, their dad and mom, and their planet. How would Superman react to the potential of saving part of his ancestry after the revelations about his beginning dad and mom’ true needs for him? That is a solution value writing a film for.

Superboy is among the most complex but cool DC characters. Beginning as a easy moniker for a younger Clark Kent, the character ultimately turned its personal factor, a younger clone of Superman ultimately 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 method 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 an enchanting 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 among the best elements of each “Titans” and “Younger Justice,” so why not go three-for-three? They will even begin increase 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, this can be a superhero crew residing within the thirtieth century, time-travelers who return in time and sometimes crew 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 crew, it might be an opportunity for James Gunn to indicate off his expertise in writing crew tales. Even when the characters are from the long run, the DC Universe launched in “Superman” does really feel like one that might simply assist this type of fantastical story, specializing in a world with wild know-how that you could possibly think about persevering with to create and encourage heroes effectively into the thirtieth century.

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

After all, “Superman 2” is a quite apparent reply — apart from the truth that Gunn has repeatedly mentioned within the latest previous that he’d be engaged on a film closely that includes Superman, however not one which might be thought of a sequel. He reaffirmed this on social media following Zaslav’s announcement, saying “Superman has a serious position” nevertheless it’s not “Superman 2.”

However that also leaves some wiggle room for us to take a position. In spite of everything, you could possibly theoretically make the argument that the “Superman” film we already obtained closely options Superman in a serious position, however isn’t solely a Superman film. In spite of everything, 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 quite than a concrete affirmation that the film won’t be a Superman film.

Krypto was undeniably the perfect 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 informed and as a substitute 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 might be the superhero equal of the horror film “Good Boy,” informed from the attitude of a canine however nonetheless that includes identified heroes like Superman. What’s extra, it might even be a “Legion of Tremendous-Pets” film with a complete host of lovely tremendous animals. Marvel would not dare, so this might be the possibility for DC to fill in a necessity audiences have been clamoring for. (For what it is value, 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 isn’t a method we do not see extra of Krypto within the subsequent film that includes Superman, which is a win for us all.