DC Studios Charts Ambitious Future with Diverse Slate of Films and Series
James Gunn and Peter Safran unveil a dynamic lineup to rejuvenate the DC Universe, emphasizing fresh narratives and character revivals.
At a recent press event, DC Studios co-head James Gunn expressed a commitment to revitalizing iconic characters: “We don’t want these characters to die out. We aim to introduce them to new generations through compelling stories.”
Since assuming leadership in November 2022, Gunn and co-chair Peter Safran have been proactive in unifying the DC brand, which previously suffered from fragmented creative directions. Safran noted, “The DC brand was being defined by different creative teams… this fracture proved very challenging to consumers and it chipped away at the identity of the brand.”
The duo has outlined an ambitious production schedule, aiming for two live-action films and one animated movie annually, complemented by two live-action and two animated series each year for Max. This strategy allows for a diverse range of genres and project scales, catering to a broad audience. “We don’t serve one kind of audience, so why make one kind of movie?” Safran remarked.
Upcoming Projects:
Superman: Set to release on July 11, 2025, this film, written and directed by Gunn, will explore Superman’s balance between his Kryptonian heritage and human upbringing. David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent/Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow: Currently in production in London, this film is slated for a June 26, 2026 release.
Lanterns: An HBO series featuring Hal Jordan and John Stewart, which began filming in Los Angeles last week.
Clayface: A body horror thriller centered on the Batman villain, scheduled to shoot this summer for a September 11, 2026 release.
Sgt. Rock: A period war film directed by Luca Guadagnino, currently casting its lead role.
Dynamic Duo: An animated movie in pre-production.
The Batman Part II: The sequel to Matt Reeves’ 2022 film is slated for release in 2027
Peacemaker Season Two: The action-comedy series returns this August on Max.
Additionally, the studio has acquired the documentary “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” which has recently garnered awards from BAFTA and the PGA. They have also unveiled “Creature Commandos,” their first animated series for Max.
Gunn and Safran emphasize a writer-driven approach, ensuring scripts meet their standards before greenlighting projects. This philosophy has led to the elevation of projects like “Clayface,” which Gunn described as “one of the best scripts that we’ve read.”
While some projects have faced challenges—such as “Waller,” a spinoff starring Viola Davis, and “The Authority,” which has struggled in script development—the studio remains flexible, adjusting plans as needed. Safran stated, “We’ve laid out internally a plan but we’re happy to pivot as we discover things… there’s a flexibility built into it even though we know where the larger story is headed.”
Looking ahead, Gunn and Safran have a six-year plan culminating in an event reminiscent of Marvel’s “Avengers: Endgame.” This roadmap reflects their dedication to cohesive storytelling while allowing each project to stand independently. Gunn noted, “We remain steadfast that each of these projects work as a standalone… although if you can, there will be special things in there for people who have seen both.”
As DC Studios embarks on this new chapter, fans can anticipate a blend of beloved characters and fresh faces, all crafted with a renewed commitment to storytelling and unified vision.
