WARNING: This article includes SPOILERS from Superman.James Gunn addresses whichDC Universeproject will be a crucial one to follow to see where the franchise is going after theSupermanmovie. A new era for DC is now fully underway, asGunn’sSupermanmoviehas not only brought the Man of Steel back to the big screen, but also kicked off the larger DCU.
While centering primarily on Krypton’s last son, theSupermanmovie also paved the way for numerous other characters who will be regulars in the DCU franchise. With multipleChapter 1: “Gods and Monsters” movies and TV showson the way, the DCU is just getting started, with larger payoffs coming down the line.
ScreenRant’sown Ash Crossan caught up with Gunn forSuperman, though the discussion also turned to what is lying ahead for the franchise. While discussing Krypto’s progression in the story, Gunn was asked if the Super-Dog may play a similar role to how Rocket Raccoon was utilized in hisGuardians of the Galaxytrilogy - but it turns out there is a different DCU player fans should be keeping a closer eye on:
ScreenRant: And with Krypto too—I thought he was going to be this cute little messy sidekick, but he’s actually… he’s very integral to the story and also seems to be the connective tissue. Do you have a larger plan for Krypto? It’s almost like when I think of Guardians and how it ended up being Rocket’s story.
James Gunn: Yeah. I don’t think it’s Krypto’s story. I think… I do know whose story it is. And it probably isn’t anyone anyone would ever expect.
ScreenRant: Is it someone we’ve seen?
James Gunn: Yeah.
ScreenRant: Okay. So you have a throughline. And are you building towards a big event?
James Gunn: Yeah. Yeah. And it’s not what anyone thinks. It’s not what anyone would guess. But I think that if people watch the next season of Peacemaker, they’ll see where a lot of these things are going, and have a little bit more of a sense of maybe what can happen.
What James Gunn’s DC Universe Comments Mean
Peacemakerseason 2 is slated to premiere on August 21 on HBO Max, and it’s already been confirmed that the next season takes place aftertheSupermanmovie’s ending. While many returning and new characters have been announced forPeacemakerseason 2,the mystery player Gunn is referring to could potentially be someone who was inSuperman.
WithSupermanmovie characters like Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Maxwell Lord showing up inPeacemakerseason 2, any of them could fit into what Gunn is foreshadowing. But what is coming through with his comments is that even if a character starts out as a supporting player,their arcs could come to be crucial for the DCU as the franchise grows.
Our Take On James Gunn’s DC Universe Comments
While time will tell who Gunn is actually teasing about,it wouldn’t be shocking if Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. was the character Gunn was referring to regardingPeacemakerseason 2. After his appearances inCreature Commandosseason 1,Superman, and his upcoming return inPeacemakerseason 2, the DCU is definitely giving the character an expanded role.
As DC Studios intends to let each DCU project have its own stamp, it’s still great to see the overall connectivity that Gunn is aiming for with this franchise, which was always a big problem with the DCEU. With everything that went down inSuperman, time will tell howPeacemakerseason 2 will impact the larger DCU.
Superman
Cast
Superman (2025): Superman follows the dual life of Clark Kent, a journalist in Metropolis, as he endeavors to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the film explores his journey of identity as he navigates his existence in a complex world.
Peacemaker
Peacemaker is a television series expanding on the character from the film The Suicide Squad. Released in 2022, it follows the titular character, a determined anti-hero who upholds peace through extreme measures, as he confronts personal and external challenges in the aftermath of his previous mission.
