What Should James Gunn's Second DCU Movie Be? We Have Ideas

James Gunn recently updated reporters on the DC Universe's status at a DC Studios presentation. He revealed he's already scripting his next DCU film after Superman, showcasing his busy schedule.

While Gunn remained tight-lipped about the project, likely saving the announcement for after Superman's July release, we've considered which franchises and characters best suit his style and the DCU's priorities under Gunn and Peter Safran. Here are our top picks for his next directorial effort:

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

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Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Despite Batman's cinematic ubiquity, Batman: The Brave and the Bold generates significant buzz. This reboot introduces the DCU's Caped Crusader, focusing on the Bat-family, including Bruce Wayne's son, Damian. However, the film faces uncertainty. Progress seems slow, and Andy Muschietti's directorial involvement remains questionable, adding to the challenge of introducing a new Batman alongside Robert Pattinson's iteration.

The DCU needs a strong Batman. If Muschietti departs, Gunn stepping in could ensure the project's success (a possibility that seems increasingly likely). His expertise in crafting emotional father-son dynamics, showcased in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, makes him ideally suited to explore Bruce and Damian's relationship.

The Flash

The Flash is crucial to the DCU, a Justice League cornerstone and a key figure in multiverse narratives. However, his live-action history is turbulent. While The CW series offered a strong ensemble model, Ezra Miller's DCEU portrayal proved problematic, resulting in a box-office failure.

The Flash needs a fresh start, avoiding overused storylines like Flashpoint, focusing on Barry Allen (and/or Wally West) instead of overshadowing Batman. Gunn's dynamic action sequences and ability to connect audiences with heroes make him a strong candidate.

The Authority

Gunn acknowledged the challenges of adapting The Authority, citing difficulties in finding a unique angle distinct from The Boys and similar projects. He stated it's currently on the back burner due to story complexities and existing character commitments.

The Authority is vital to the expanding DCU, originally announced alongside other projects, with María Gabriela de Faría's Engineer appearing in Superman. The film will likely explore the conflict between optimistic heroes like Superman and the cynical Authority, making it crucial to execute well.

Gunn's talent for portraying misfit heroes and engaging team dynamics makes him a suitable director. While challenging, The Authority aligns with his strengths.

Amanda Waller/ARGUS Movie

Gunn mentioned setbacks for the planned Waller series. This isn't surprising given his commitments to Superman, Peacemaker: Season 2, and Creature Commandos. However, as his schedule frees up, prioritizing Waller, potentially as a feature film instead of a series, could be beneficial.

Waller and ARGUS are crucial to the DCU's cohesion, appearing in Superman and Peacemaker. Focusing on this aspect, especially with the challenges of the series, makes a film adaptation a logical next step.

Batman & Superman: World's Finest

Batman v Superman fell short of expectations, despite being a landmark team-up. The film's dark tone alienated many. A new approach showcasing their friendship and collaborative efforts against overwhelming threats is needed. Gunn's style is well-suited to this.

Instead of solely focusing on The Brave and the Bold, combining Gunn's Superman with the new Batman in a film could yield a significant box office success, solidifying the DCU's foundation.

Titans

The Teen Titans boast a vast fanbase and rich history. While Max's Titans series had flaws, it demonstrated the characters' live-action potential. A Titans film offers a unique dynamic, showcasing a dysfunctional yet loving family dynamic unlike the Justice League. Gunn's success with the Guardians suggests he could effectively translate this dynamic to the big screen.

Justice League Dark

The DCU's "Gods and Monsters" phase and the prominence of Swamp Thing and Creature Commandos indicate a focus on the supernatural. A Justice League Dark film featuring magical heroes like Zatanna, Etrigan, Deadman, Swamp Thing, and John Constantine, alongside characters like Batman or Wonder Woman, could introduce the DCU's mystical side to a wider audience.

For more on the future of DC, see what to expect in 2025 and review all DC movies and series in development.