James Gunn, the visionary director behind Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and the co-head of DC Studios, recently sat down for the latest episode of the DC Studios Showcase podcast to discuss the studio’s upcoming projects. From the much-anticipated Superman: Legacy to the surprising inclusion of Clayface, Gunn offered an insightful look at the creative choices shaping the new DC Universe (DCU).
Superman Takes a New Direction
One of the most intriguing revelations came when Gunn discussed Superman: Legacy, which he is both writing and directing. Known for his skillful use of music, Gunn’s films—especially Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) with its beloved Awesome Mixtapes—are often defined by their soundtracks. However, Gunn shared that Superman will take a different approach.
“I love putting songs in movies. And there’s two—you know, a couple of songs in Superman, but mostly it’s score,” Gunn revealed. “You know, one of the ways I feel like that I’m able to grow as a director or an artist is to take away things that I rely on.”
Gunn’s Awesome Mixtapes in the Guardians franchise elevated the films, blending classic rock hits with emotional storytelling. But his choice to minimize needle drops in Superman signals his intent to explore new artistic ground for the Man of Steel.
Creature Commandos and the Stakes of Storytelling
Reflecting on the DCU’s early successes, Gunn praised the reception of Creature Commandos, an animated series that follows a group of misfit monsters on covert missions. Critics and fans alike have hailed the show for its sharp humor, thrilling action, and heartfelt character arcs. Gunn emphasized the importance of stakes in his storytelling, particularly when it comes to character deaths.
“I will say I’m pretty big on killing people and not bringing them back,” Gunn said. “When you start doing that all the time, then it doesn’t mean anything. And I want for people to go see my shows and my movies and everything else and be like, if somebody’s life is at stake, that has real stakes.”
The Journey from Animation to Live Action
Gunn also touched on the challenges and joys of adapting characters from animation to live action. He highlighted the importance of character consistency, even when shifting between mediums.
“It is grittier. It is more grounded. It is all these things,” Gunn explained. “When you’re filming these same characters, same actors in a totally different type of situation and role that’s much more based around character than it is around plot, there’s a totally different vibe to it.”
He teased that some familiar faces from Peacemaker will appear in Superman: Legacy, further weaving the threads of the DCU’s interconnected stories.
Supergirl and the Rise of Lobo
Another major topic was Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Gunn confirmed that Jason Momoa will portray Lobo, a fan-favorite antihero who Gunn called “in some ways, the biggest comic book character that’s never been in a film.” The film also stars Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon) as Supergirl, a casting choice Gunn said was clear from the start.
“I knew I wanted her in the role from the moment I saw her on House of the Dragon,” Gunn shared. Alcock’s casting has been met with widespread excitement, with fans eager to see her take on the iconic character in a story that promises to explore themes of isolation and resilience.
Lanterns: A Grounded Cosmic Tale
Gunn described the upcoming Lanterns series as “a very grounded, real show” despite its fantastical premise. “I mean, it’s taking this outlandish concept of space cops with magic rings and putting it in as close to reality as it can possibly be.”
The series will feature Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. Positioned as a detective-style drama, Lanterns will explore the duo’s investigations across Earth and beyond, exploring the cosmic side of the DCU.
Clayface: A Surprise Entry
Gunn closed the interview by discussing the unexpected addition of Clayface to the DCU. Initially unplanned for the first phase, the character’s standalone film will delve into the realm of body horror.
“Like, it’s just a great horror movie that is a great, smart, fun, fun horror movie in a genre that I happen to love, which is body horror,” Gunn said. He also confirmed that the film will carry an R rating, ensuring it can fully embrace its dark, unsettling premise.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the DCU
As the DCU takes shape, fans can look forward to a robust slate of projects. Superman: Legacy is set to release on July 11, 2025, while Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and Lanterns are slated for 2026. With Gunn’s bold vision and commitment to storytelling, the DCU promises to offer a fresh, dynamic take on the superhero genre.
Whether it’s the grounded drama of Lanterns or the terrifying transformation of Clayface, James Gunn’s DCU is shaping up to be an ambitious and exciting chapter in cinematic history.
Which upcoming DCU project are you most excited to see come to life?
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