The DCU is starting to take shape, but more than three years after James Gunn revealed the first batch of projects, things haven’t gone exactly according to plan. James Gunn took over the newly formed DC Studios, alongside his co-CEO Peter Safran, at the end of 2022, and shortly after that, Gunn announced several projects due to be released within the DCU proper.
This announcement included 10 unique films and TV shows, which would lay the foundations of the DC Universe for years to come under the special moniker, Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. While Gunn has been able to keep to the schedule for some of the eagerly anticipated releases, it would be fair to say that the lineup looks a little different three years later.
James Gunn Introduced The DCU’s Chapter 1 In 2023
James Gunn discusses a scene with David Corenswet in Superman’s behind the scenes
At the end of January 2023, James Gunn revealed the roadmap for his new DCU at a press conference attended by Screen Rant. Along with confirming the final entries still to come from the DCEU, and clarifying that there would be additional projects that exist outside the central storyline in the DC Elseworlds (like The Batman: Part II), Gunn revealed 10 projects that would kick off this new universe of storytelling.
James Gunn’s Initial Chapter One Announcement Slate
Project
Movie/TV
Status
Creature Commandos
TV
Season 1 released December 2024. Season 2 is now in production
Waller
TV
In development
Superman: Legacy
Movie
Title changed to Superman. Released July 11, 2025 as planned
Lanterns
TV
Releasing Summer 2026
The Authority
Movie
Uncertain
Paradise Lost
TV
Uncertain
The Brave and the Bold
Movie
2028 release window
Booster Gold
TV
In development
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Movie
Title changed to Supergirl. Release Date: July 26, 2026
Swamp Thing
Movie
In development
In addition, Gunn confirmed that the DCU would have a much more interconnected feel thanks to characters being portrayed by the same performers in film, TV, live-action, and even video games. Since the announcement, there has been a lot brewing at DC Studios, with some new additions to this lineup, and some changes and setbacks along the way.
Which James Gunn DCU Projects Have Come Out So Far
Creature Commandos Season 1 Ep 7 scene with Weasel the Bride and Doctor Phosphorus walking
Image via Max
To date, Creature Commandos season 1 served as the debut project in the DCU, with Superman coming out a few months later with a minor title change from Superman: Legacy to Superman, precisely on the date it was announced to release back in 2023. In addition, Peacemaker season 2 also came out a short time later.
As far as the rest of the slate is concerned, Lanterns is set to come out on HBO late Summer 2026, Supergirl (also getting a title change from Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow) is scheduled to hit theaters on June 26, while others remain in early development, or uncertain due to a lack of updates.
Why Some DCU Projects Have Been Stuck In Limbo
Damian Wayne threatening Batman with a sword in DC Comics
When it comes to making films, it can often take years to progress to the point of being ready for general distribution. Add to this the fact that these projects are supposed to exist within the context of a larger universe, and it amplifies the challenge to an even greater extent. This is certainly partially responsible for delays and setbacks.
On the other hand, James Gunn has been very vocal about his approach to building the DCU, and ensuring that every project has a strong script in a finished state prior to progressing production. While other studios may be willing to begin production while the script is still being developed, Gunn wants to ensure that each project has a strong foundation.
For projects like The Brave and the Bold, this has resulted in several delays, as scripts are rejected, reworked, and refined, but it should also pay off in terms of the quality of the projects being delivered. This is also the reason why a movie like Clayface, written by Mike Flanagan, was able to overtake other previously announced projects, because the story was already up to Gunn’s standards.
Of course, it can be frustrating for eager fans who want to see their favorite DC Comics characters join the DCU, but the pace is already beginning to pick up as multiple DCU projects are set to release in 2026 and the coming years. Hopefully the additional releases can tide fans over until their favorite characters make their debut.
We Still Don’t Know What The DCU Will Look Like
Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart and Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan walk down a road in Lanterns series
The future of the DCU remains uncertain. With more experimental projects like Creature Commandos and Peacemaker displaying Gunn’s signature style, it’s clear that his influence will be instrumental in creating the wider DCU, but so far only projects that Gunn has either personally written, directed, or both, have made it to the screen.
In 2026, three new DCU projects, featuring writers and directors other than Gunn, will join the lineup. Supergirl, Clayface, and Lanterns will all provide a fantastic insight into what can be expected from the wider world of the DCU, and how different creative voices will blend in with Gunn’s tone and style.
The truth is, the DCU is at an exciting point in its development. With plenty of new projects in the pipeline, and several that were announced previously still being developed, there’s a lot to look forward to. And with every new release, the fuzzy idea of what this shared universe will be will finally start to clear, as the DC heroes and villains get a chance to shine in the expanding DCU.