By James Gunn‘s Superman won’t merely showcase the iconic Kryptonian with a fresh visage (hello, David Corenswet!), the forthcoming film is designed to launch an entirely new franchise focused on some of DC’s most beloved characters.
Named the DCU, this “soft reboot” will revamp everything we’ve perceived about figures like Kal-El, Batman, Wonder Woman, and others thus far, as recognizable champions begin anew while different heroes step into the spotlight for the first time.
Although it’s not genuinely an origin tale, Superman focuses on a younger Kal-El than we’ve witnessed previously, as he grapples with balancing his job as a reporter at The Daily Planet alongside his caped, city-rescuing adventures. It will also show him developing a romance with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and confronting Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult).
So it’s not linked to the DCEU, which was primarily led by Zack Snyder, at all? Understood. Well, actually, it’s somewhat more intricate than that because apparently some existing works remain canon while others do not – although it seems Gunn and his co-leader of DC Studios, Peter Safran, are still attempting to sort all of that out.
In a conversation with Collider back in November 2024, Gunn humorously remarked that “whatever” titles are referenced in works like Creature Commandos, Superman, Supergirl, and other upcoming DCU projects are canon. If not, fans are advised to disregard them. For the time being…
“Listen, Peacemaker is quite straightforward. Peacemaker season 1 is essentially canon, except for the Justice League’s appearance at the conclusion, which will be referenced in Peacemaker season 2,” he continued. “Suicide Squad may be slightly less defined. We know that Rick Flag Sr. is upset because his son was killed by Peacemaker, so that scenario occurred in the past; we have some context to visualize what that might entail. However, that remains canonical because it was mentioned in Creature Commandos, not necessarily due to its existence in Suicide Squad. I consider both Suicide Squad and Peacemaker as somewhat unreliable recollections of the events in the DCU.”
One clear sign that Superman isn’t genuinely associated with any prior cinematic endeavors is that Jason Momoa, who gained recognition portraying the DCEU’s Aquaman, will appear as Lobo, a completely different DC character, in Supergirl. Both titles within the DCU, Supergirl and Superman are connected, thus…
As it stands, while we clearly know Corenswet is the DCU’s Superman, following in the red-booted legacy of Christopher Reeve, Tom Welling, Brandon Routh, Tyler Hoechlin, and Henry Cavill, Batman and Wonder Woman are two significant roles yet to be filled. It’s only a matter of time before they also receive a revamp, however, with Gunn recently affirming to Deadline that we can expect to see the trio together eventually.
Currently, Matt Reeves’ Batman universe is expected to remain outside the DCU continuity, so we shouldn’t anticipate seeing Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne ever interact with Corenswet’s Clark Kent. Instead, fans will need to suspend their disbelief as they did when Pattinson and Ben Affleck donned the cowl simultaneously onscreen in The Batman and The Flash, respectively. That said, there’s always a possibility…
“Ultimately, it hinges on whether it makes sense,” Reeves responded. “What’s been remarkable is that there was a narrative I wished to portray with what we’re labeling The Epic Crime Saga and all that, which serves as the core of our intentions. And it’s been crucial for me to be able to execute that. [DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn] and Peter [Safran] have been extremely supportive regarding this and they’re allowing us to proceed with that.
“What the future holds? I can’t genuinely say