James Gunn Confirms New DC Movie With Superman But Says It’s Not A Direct Sequel

James Gunn

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James Gunn, the director of the 2025 Superman movie, has confirmed he is writing a new DC film where Superman will have a major role. However, he clarified that this project is not a direct sequel titled Superman 2. The news has sparked excitement and confusion among fans, as Gunn’s comments suggest a different approach to continuing Superman’s story in the DC Universe.

James Gunn’s Clarification On The New Superman Project

Gunn recently posted on Threads about his current work, saying:

“Peacemaker press!! And sequel writing!!!”

This led fans to speculate if he was developing Superman 2. However, Gunn quickly clarified:

“This is the same movie. Superman has a major role. It’s not ‘Superman 2.’”

Earlier, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Gunn had hinted at this approach:

“What I’m working on is in some way… I mean, yes, yes, yes. But is it a straight-up Superman sequel? I would not say necessarily.”

This suggests that while Superman will appear in a major role, the film may not follow the traditional sequel format. Instead, it could be part of a larger interconnected DC Universe storyline.

How The New Film Fits Into The DC Universe

Gunn’s comments indicate that DC Studios is taking a broader approach to storytelling, where major characters like Superman appear across different films without strictly following a linear sequel structure. This method has been used in DC’s animated films, where characters appear in multiple projects without being tied to a single series.

The upcoming film could be similar to how Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) featured Superman in a major role but wasn’t a direct follow-up to Man of Steel (2013). Instead, it was part of a larger DC Extended Universe (DCEU) plan.

Box Office Success Of Superman (2025)

The new Superman movie, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, has been a box office hit. It recently crossed $300 million domestically, becoming the first DC film since The Batman (2022) to achieve this milestone. Globally, it has earned over $528 million, surpassing Man of Steel ($291M domestic) and Justice League ($229M domestic).

The film’s success has likely encouraged DC to fast-track future projects involving Superman, even if they aren’t direct sequels.

What Could The New Movie Be About?

While Gunn hasn’t revealed details, there are several possibilities:

  • A Team-Up Movie: Superman could appear alongside other heroes like Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, or Mr. Terrific, who were introduced in the 2025 film.
  • A Supergirl Crossover: Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El had a cameo in Superman, and her solo film Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is set for 2026.
  • A Villain-Centric Story: Lex Luthor’s defeat in Superman leaves room for new threats, possibly involving Brainiac or Darkseid.

Fans have also speculated about a Mr. Terrific spin-off, as DC recently filed a copyright for a movie centered on the character.

Fan Reactions And Speculations

The mixed messaging from Gunn has led to varied reactions:

“I mean they could work him into just about any movie as he’s got some sort of working/friendship or passing acquaintance relationship with pretty much every hero in the comics.”Gazaraki the Geek (Facebook comment)

“Did he just follow what they did in Man of Steel? Batman v Superman is not a direct sequel but Superman also played a major role.”J.r. Rosete (Facebook comment)

What’s Next For The DC Universe?

After Superman, the next major DC release is Peacemaker Season 2, arriving in August 2025. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is set for 2026, and other projects like The Authority and Swamp Thing are in development.

Gunn has emphasized that the DC Universe’s canon officially starts with Creature Commandos, followed by Superman and Peacemaker Season 2. This means future films will build on these foundations rather than the old DCEU.

Final Thoughts

While a traditional Superman 2 isn’t happening yet, James Gunn is working on a new DC film where Superman will play a key role. Whether it’s a team-up movie, a crossover, or an entirely new story, fans can expect more of David Corenswet’s Superman in the evolving DC Universe.

Also read: James Gunn’s Superman Soars Past $300 Million at the Box Office Domestically, First DC Film Since The Batman to Achieve This Milestone


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