James Gunn will write and direct the next installment centered on the “Super-Family,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav confirmed during a recent company earnings call. The announcement clarifies that Gunn will reprise his dual role from the recent “Superman” reboot, which he also wrote and directed.
While Gunn had previously indicated he was writing a new film featuring David Corenswet’s Superman, his role as director had not been confirmed until now. The decision follows the significant success of “Superman,” which launched the newly rebooted DC Universe and has earned over $550 million globally since its early July debut.
Gunn and co-head of DC Studios, Peter Safran, were brought on in 2022 to spearhead a 10-year interconnected plan for the franchise, aiming to rival Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe. The upcoming slate includes the second season of “Peacemaker,” followed by the film “Supergirl” and the television series “Lanterns” in 2026. The movie “Clayface” is also scheduled to begin filming this year, alongside development on a new “Wonder Woman” project.
Gunn has emphasized that each project within the new DCU will possess a distinct tone. He explained that the goal is to avoid a uniform “company style,” citing “Clayface” as a “complete horror film” despite existing in the same universe as “Superman.” This strategy aims to keep audiences engaged by offering varied cinematic experiences, much like the diverse genres found in comic books.
Zaslav has praised the duo for “breathing new life and excitement into one of the most iconic storytelling franchises in the world.” However, the path forward presents challenges. While “Superman” benefited from the hero’s global recognition, upcoming titles like “Supergirl” and “Clayface” are centered on less-established characters. This presents a potential hurdle, as the MCU has demonstrated with its own uneven box office results for lesser-known heroes.
Despite these considerations, Zaslav expressed strong confidence in the studio’s new direction, stating after the release of “Superman,” “The DC vision is clear, the momentum is real. I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”
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