James Gunn recently provided an update on the DCU during a presentation to a group of reporters, revealing that he's already busy scripting his next directorial project following the upcoming Superman film set to release in July. Although Gunn kept the details of his new project under wraps, the anticipation for what he might tackle next in the DCU is palpable. As Gunn and his partner Peter Safran work to build out this new shared universe, several franchises and characters stand out as perfect fits for Gunn's distinctive storytelling style. Here are our top picks for the DC movies he might consider next.
DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show
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Batman: The Brave and the Bold
The Dark Knight has graced the silver screen numerous times, yet there's significant buzz around Batman: The Brave and the Bold. This film aims to reboot Batman, introducing the DCU's take on the iconic hero while emphasizing the broader Bat-family, including Bruce Wayne's son, Damian. Despite the Bat-franchise's proven success, the project's progress has been slow, and it remains uncertain whether Andy Muschietti will still direct. The challenge of coexisting with Robert Pattinson's Batman adds another layer of complexity. Given Batman's crucial role in the DCU, it's vital to get this right. If Muschietti steps away, Gunn could step in, leveraging his talent for emotional father-son narratives, as seen in the Guardians of the Galaxy series, to craft a compelling story around Bruce and Damian.
The Flash
The Flash is a cornerstone of the DCU, central to both the Justice League and multiverse stories. However, the character's recent live-action portrayals have been inconsistent, with the CW series offering a successful ensemble approach and Ezra Miller's DCEU Flash resulting in a box office disappointment. A fresh take on The Flash, focusing on Barry Allen or Wally West and avoiding overused plotlines like Flashpoint, could revitalize the character. Gunn's flair for dynamic action and character depth, as seen in the Guardians films, makes him an ideal candidate to bring a new, engaging perspective to The Flash.
The Authority
During the presentation, Gunn candidly discussed the challenges of developing The Authority, citing the need to differentiate it from similar projects like The Boys and the broader influence of Authority-inspired works. He mentioned the project is on the back burner due to these complexities and the need to integrate characters already filmed. Nonetheless, The Authority is poised to play a significant role in expanding the DCU's scope, particularly in exploring the tension between traditional heroism and post-modern cynicism. Gunn's knack for handling misfit heroes and crafting engaging team dynamics could be the key to unlocking this challenging project.
Amanda Waller/ARGUS Movie
The planned Waller series has faced setbacks, as Gunn is currently juggling multiple projects including Superman, Peacemaker: Season 2, and Creature Commandos. As these commitments lighten, it might be prudent for Gunn to prioritize Waller, potentially converting the series into a feature film. Waller and ARGUS are central to the DCU's narrative, appearing in various projects like Superman and Peacemaker. Focusing on this aspect of the universe could provide a cohesive thread through the DCU, with Waller as the puppet master orchestrating the action.
Batman & Superman: World’s Finest
The 2016 Batman v Superman film, while successful, did not meet the high expectations set for a Batman and Superman team-up, partly due to its dark tone. Fans crave a portrayal of these iconic heroes as friends and allies, tackling threats too large for one to handle alone. Gunn could excel in crafting such a crossover, leveraging his experience with the Guardians to bring a fresh, hero-centric narrative to the DCU. A film uniting his Superman with The Brave and the Bold's Batman could be a surefire hit, helping the new DCU gain momentum.
Titans
The Teen Titans have a rich history in comics and animation, with a dedicated fanbase eager for their introduction to the DCU. Despite some flaws, the Max series Titans demonstrated the potential for these characters in live-action. A Titans movie could offer a unique take on superhero teams, showcasing their dysfunctional yet loving family dynamic. Gunn's success in transforming the Guardians into a cohesive family unit suggests he could bring a similarly compelling approach to the Titans.
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 elements of the DC Universe are set to play a significant role. Justice League Dark could serve as a supernatural counterpart to the traditional Justice League, featuring magical heroes like Zatanna, Etrigan, Deadman, and John Constantine. Gunn's affinity for dysfunctional teams could make this an intriguing and accessible entry into the DCU's more bizarre corners, potentially featuring Batman or Wonder Woman to draw in a broader audience.
Which DC movie do you want to see Gunn tackle after Superman? Cast your vote in our poll and let us know in the comments below.
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