James Gunn's Next DCU Film: Our Suggestions

James Gunn, the visionary behind the DCU, recently provided a status update on the evolving universe during a DC Studios presentation. Amidst the flurry of announcements, Gunn revealed he's already deep into scripting his next directorial venture following the much-anticipated Superman movie set for release in July. His dedication to the DCU is evident as he juggles multiple projects, keeping fans eagerly awaiting what's next.

While Gunn kept the details of his current project under wraps, it's clear he won't spill the beans until after Superman hits the theaters. However, the speculation is rife about which DC franchises and characters would best showcase his distinctive storytelling flair. As Gunn and his partner Peter Safran continue to expand this new shared universe, certain movies stand out as prime candidates for his next focus.

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

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Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Batman: The Brave and the Bold has sparked significant interest despite the Dark Knight's frequent appearances on the big screen. This film aims to reboot Batman, introducing the DCU's version of the Caped Crusader while focusing on the broader Bat-family, including Bruce Wayne's son Damian. Although Batman is a staple in Hollywood, the progress on The Brave and the Bold has been slow, and there's uncertainty about whether Andy Muschietti will continue as director. The challenge of coexisting with Robert Pattinson's Batman adds another layer of complexity.

Given Batman's central role in the DC Universe, it's crucial to get this film right. If Muschietti steps away, Gunn's involvement could ensure the project's success, especially considering his knack for crafting compelling father-son narratives, as seen in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy.

The Flash

The Flash is a cornerstone of the DC Universe and the Justice League, often central to multiverse stories. However, the character's live-action portrayal has faced challenges, with the recent Flash movie underperforming at the box office. Despite this, The Flash remains a vital character needing a fresh, innovative approach that focuses on Barry Allen or Wally West without overshadowing them with Batman.

Gunn's talent for dynamic action and character development, as demonstrated in the Guardians films, could revitalize The Flash, offering audiences a deeper connection with the hero.

The Authority

Gunn candidly discussed the challenges of developing The Authority, emphasizing the difficulty of differentiating it from similar projects like The Boys. He admitted that the film is on the back burner due to its complex narrative and the need to avoid redundancy.

However, The Authority remains crucial to expanding the DCU's scope, especially with characters like María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer set to appear in Superman. Gunn's ability to handle misfit heroes and team dynamics makes him an ideal fit to tackle this project once it's ready.

Amanda Waller/ARGUS Movie

The planned Waller series has faced setbacks, but as Gunn's commitments to other projects like Superman, Peacemaker: Season 2, and Creature Commandos ease, focusing on Waller could be a strategic move. Transforming the series into a feature film could be the solution, especially since Waller and ARGUS are pivotal to the DCU's narrative, connecting various projects.

Batman & Superman: World’s Finest

The 2016 Batman v Superman film, despite its box office success, fell short of expectations due to its dark tone and focus on conflict rather than collaboration. A new film showcasing Batman and Superman as allies, working together against formidable threats, could be a surefire hit. Gunn's knack for crafting engaging team-ups and heroics could make this the perfect project to follow Superman.

Titans

The Titans franchise has a rich history and a dedicated fanbase, making it a prime candidate for introduction into the DCU. The dysfunctional yet loving family dynamic of the Titans sets them apart from the Justice League, offering a unique narrative. Gunn's success with turning the Guardians into a cohesive family could translate well to the Titans, potentially making it one of DC's greatest cinematic teams.

Justice League Dark

With the DCU's first phase titled "Gods and Monsters," and projects like Swamp Thing and Creature Commandos on the horizon, the supernatural side of the DC Universe is set to be explored deeply. Justice League Dark could serve as the perfect vehicle for this, featuring magical heroes like Zatanna, Etrigan, and John Constantine. Gunn's ability to handle unconventional teams could make this an exciting addition to the DCU.

Which DC movie would you like to see James Gunn direct after Superman? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.