James Gunn warns that some projects in his DCU slate may not see the light of day

DC Studios' James Gunn has shed light on the DCU's “Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters,” detailing its direction and sharing insights into the future of the upcoming movies and TV series. His comments give a clearer picture of what fans can expect from this new chapter in the DC Universe.

In January 2023, DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran revealed an ambitious slate of new movies and TV shows, marking a fresh start for the renewed DC universe after the DCEU reboot. Now James Gunn clarifies the studio's strategy and sets expectations that nothing is locked in. Even previously announced projects could see major changes – a move that will draw strong reactions from fans.

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In a recent thread, James Gunn took the opportunity to clarify his previous comments regarding the DC Universe disc. This comes on the heels of an article titled “James Gunn assures every announced DCU project is still coming despite lack of updates.” In his response, Gunn focused on some crucial nuances, stating that while the Chapter 1 disc of the DCU was indeed announced as “in development,” this does not guarantee that every movie and TV show will see the light of day. Emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity, Gunn said, “Just to clarify, I said everything we originally announced was still in development, not that it's still coming. It all depends on the scripts! We're never going to put a half-assed script into production only because it was announced.” DCU's upcoming lineup includes anticipated films such as SupermanSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, The Brave and the Bold, The Authority, and Swamp Thing. Fans can look forward Creature Commandos, Lanterns, Paradise Lost, Waller, and Booster Gold for TV. So while the excitement builds, fans should remember that good things come to those who wait – and only if the scripts are up to par.

James Gunn's latest comments suggest that the future of the DCU's Chapter 1 isn't as solid as fans might have hoped. While he stops short of saying outright that some of the announced movies and TV series won't make it to screens, it's clear that these projects are still in development and not all of them may come to fruition. This raises a valid question: was it wise to announce projects that are only in the works rather than those that are guaranteed to launch? It's hard not to remember the DCEU reveal, which delighted fans of titles like Zack Snyder's Justice League 2only for these projects to fade into obscurity. When asked why these projects were announced in the first place, Gunn explained, “Because they were all going to come out there with or without us announcing it, so we just announced the projects we put in development.” He added, “I wish we lived in a world where I could wait to get a script before starting development on a project.”

The 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike briefly slowed development in the DC universe, but now momentum is building. Creature Commandos approaching the premiere, Superman is in post-production, and Supergirl: The Woman of Tomorrow is soon ready to roll the camera. In the meantime, Lanterns is busy assembling its star-studded cast. The DCU's roadmap continues to change, with Season 2 off Master of Peace surprise fans with their sudden return. Reports have also surfaced of animated projects for Blue beetle and “Robin,” as well as feature films focusing on Teen Titans, Destructionand Deathstroke. However, the clarity of many titles announced last year remains elusive, leaving fans eager for more definitive updates. As the DCU evolves, there always seems to be something new around the corner.

Specific DCU projects like Superman and Batman are poised to play crucial roles in the future of the franchise in terms of generating buzz, attracting critics, attracting viewers and raking in box office dollars. However, titles such as Booster gold and Wooden thing must not bear the same weight. The dynamic nature of the entertainment landscape means that priorities can change quickly, influenced by audience reactions and the growing market. Fortunately, James Gunn and Peter Safran remain nimble and ready to adapt, a smart approach that reflects hard-earned lessons from Marvel Studios, especially during the ups and downs of Phase 5 of the MCU. This flexibility could position DC executives to not only survive but thrive in the ever-changing world of superhero movies.

The DCU launches on December 5 with Creature Commandos.

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Source: Threads