James Gunn Offers Insight On Plans For a Connected DC Universe

James Gunn and Peter Safran were recently named the co-heads of the DC Film and TV unit for Warner Bros. Discovery. Since that announcement, it's raised the question of how Gunn and Safran will steer the ship moving forward for DC Entertainment and motion picture content. In response to fans on Twitter, Gunn has provided some insight on where he wants to take things for the DC Cinematic Universe's future.

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James Gunn Offers Insight On Plans For Connected DC Universe Across Film And TV

When asked by a fan about planning to give more DC character TV shows that will "add to the story for the DCEU, Gunn responded, "Yes, most definitely, the DCU will be connected across film and TV (and animation)."

DCEU has commonly been the phrase used to describe the DC Universe films that began in 2013 with Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel." Gunn himself previously directed an installment in the DCEU with 2021's "The Suicide Squad," a sequel to 2016's "Suicide Squad."

https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/1596966552254828544

Gunn's comments appear to be his first verbal confirmation that he and Safran are planning a connected DC Universe for their film and TV division. How that will work and affect standalone franchises, such as Matt Reeves' "The Batman" and Todd Phillips' "Joker" remains to be seen.

Both "The Batman" and "Joker" were popular and well-received films. They also both have sequels in the works. At this year's CinemaCon 2022 Warner Bros. showcase event, the studio announced that both Reeves and star Robert Pattinson would be returning for a sequel.

Meanwhile, Phillips' "Joker: Folie A Deux" reportedly started production in the fall and is targeted for an October 2024 release. Joaquin Phoenix will reprise his eponymous role as The Clown Prince of Crime for the sequel, opposite Lady Gaga, who will portray Harley Quinn.

It raises the question if previously established standalone film franchises, such as "The Batman" and "Joker," fit into Gunn and Safran's plans for a connected DC Universe, or if they will remain standalone film series.

Gunn has experience working in massive, intricately connected film and entertainment universes before. Case in point is his longstanding association with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He directed "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" for Marvel Studios, with the Special Presentation, "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special" launching on Disney+ last week.

For the DC Universe, Gunn, as mentioned above, directed "The Suicide Squad." Despite its change in style and tone from the first movie, "The Suicide Squad" was still a direct sequel to the original, with many of the first film's actors reprising their roles.

Gunn also later helmed the HBO Max TV spinoff to "The Suicide Squad," "Peacemaker," starring John Cena. That show also tied back into the wider DCEU with some surprise cameos with actors from the films making appearances.

In short, Gunn does have comprehensive experience working in shared film universes. So unlike some of the past heads of the DC Films & TV division, he might have a better grasp on how to make it all work.

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Additionally, Gunn took the time to respond to more fans on social media. He revealed that he'd be surprised if fans didn't hear more about his and Safran's plans for the DC Universe before San Diego Comic-Con 2023.

Also, about his own future as a filmmaker with the DC Universe, he wrote that plans continuing to write and direct "select DC projects." One of those projects will likely include "Peacemaker," which has a second season in the works. As reported by The Blast, Gunn plans on writing and directing all the episodes for Season 2 of the show.

Meanwhile, James Gunn still has one more major project left with Marvel Studios, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3." The sequel and conclusion to Gunn's "Guardians" trilogy for the MCU arrives in theaters on May 5, 2023.

Also, "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special," which Gunn wrote and directed, is streaming now on the Disney+ service.