5 Potential DC Universe Films James Gunn May Be Directing Subsequent

“Superman” is a success, each with critics and audiences. We lastly have an awesome Superman film that absolutely 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 seemingly all the cinematic universe would have gone the best way of the “Darkish Universe.”

Now, not solely is the fast way forward for the DC Universe secure, 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 undertaking — 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 have interaction in some good old school hypothesis about what Gunn’s subsequent huge DC undertaking may very well be.

The obvious film Gunn could be engaged on, which undoubtedly 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 awesome tease for the following DC movie, however a pleasant option 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 a variety of sense. This might 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 struggle Brainiac as a follow-up to each of their motion pictures. Hell, simply usher in Kandor (the Bottle Metropolis from the comics) and absolutely take care of Kara and Clark’s emotions towards their tradition, their mother and father, and their planet. How would Superman react to the opportunity of saving part of his ancestry after the revelations about his beginning mother and father’ true needs for him? That is a solution price 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 finally turned its personal factor, a younger clone of Superman finally given the identify 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 will!) give attention to.

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 and make part of himself as tremendous as Superman. This might 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 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 possibly James Gunn would be the one to vary that. Created in 1958, this can be a superhero group residing within the thirtieth century, time-travelers who return in time and sometimes group 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 group, it may very well be an opportunity for James Gunn to indicate off his abilities in writing group tales. Even when the characters are from the long run, the DC Universe launched in “Superman” does really feel like one that might simply help this type of fantastical story, specializing in a world with wild know-how that you can think about persevering with to create and encourage heroes nicely into the thirtieth century.

Sadly, there’s one little concern with this. Gunn already spoke with Rolling Stone earlier this yr and mentioned that, whereas he is thought of 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 scripting this new film, it appears unlikely he’d tackle a topic he is not very inquisitive about. However then once more, he might all the time change his thoughts!

After all, “Superman 2” is a slightly 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 may very well be thought-about a sequel. He reaffirmed this on social media following Zaslav’s announcement, saying “Superman has a significant position” nevertheless it’s not “Superman 2.”

However that also leaves some wiggle room for us to invest. In any case, you can theoretically make the argument that the “Superman” film we already obtained closely options Superman in a significant position, however isn’t solely a Superman film. In any case, the movie additionally options the Justice Gang in an enormous position, notably 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-about a “Superman” film even when it additionally has Batman within the title. This might be Gunn managing expectations slightly than a concrete affirmation that the film is not going to be a Superman film.

Krypto was undeniably the very best and most shocking 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 not often 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 may very well be the superhero equal of the horror film “Good Boy,” advised from the angle 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 a complete host of lovely tremendous animals. Marvel would not dare, so this may very well be the prospect 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 aspect character, there isn’t a manner we do not see extra of Krypto within the subsequent film that includes Superman, which is a win for us all.