DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran exclaimed, "Whoa, déjà vu," as he entered a modest screening room at the Warner Bros. studio lot in Burbank. In January 2023, both Safran and his co-chief James Gunn presented the inaugural slate for the newly relaunched DC Universe to a small group of journalists in the same room. Fast forward to February 21st, 2025, and the duo returned to deliver an official update about their slate to a similar audience.
“It’s weird sitting here, because it does feel like no time has passed and yet so much has happened,” Gunn remarked. Safran humorously noted, "We look so much older," to which Gunn agreed, "Yeah, you really do."
A lot has transpired within the DC realm over the past two years. Gunn is deeply immersed in post-production on "Superman," the first DC Studios movie, which he both wrote and directed. Simultaneously, he is also working on Season 2 of the Max series "Peacemaker." Meanwhile, Director Craig Gillespie is halfway through production on the summer 2026 film "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow," starring Milly Alcock. Production has also commenced on the Green Lantern HBO series "Lanterns," featuring stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, aiming for an early 2026 debut.
Gunn and Safran elaborated on several topics, including the status of their initial slate of five films—such as "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" and "The Authority"—and five TV series, including "Waller" and "Booster Gold." They also confirmed several other projects like a film about Batman villain Clayface, a potential live-action Teen Titans movie, and an animated series about Blue Beetle.
Safran highlighted that DC Studios aims to release two live-action films and one animated film annually, alongside two live-action and two animated TV series each year. However, Gunn and Safran emphasized their guiding creative philosophy: no project will be greenlit until they are satisfied with a completed screenplay. Gunn stated, "It is hard enough making a good movie with a good script. It's almost impossible making a movie with a script that you're writing on the run."
This approach contrasts with Marvel Studios, known for announcing many movies and their release dates without finished scripts. Gunn and Safran's method prioritizes a completed screenplay first, as exemplified by their decision to greenlight "Clayface" due to Mike Flanagan's compelling screenplay.
Gunn and Safran spent considerable time discussing DC Studios' expansive intentions for the Caped Crusader. First, "Clayface" is confirmed to be directed by British director James Watkins as a "body horror film." They plan to start shooting this summer, and the casting process is already underway. Although Alan Tudyk has voiced Clayface in DC animated series, he won’t reprise the role in the feature film.
Safran provided a brief update on "The Batman Part II," mentioning that writer-director Matt Reeves has not yet delivered a full script, but what they've read so far is promising. Regarding a second season of the spin-off series "The Penguin" with Colin Farrell, Safran said, "We don't know," referring to the various moving pieces, including Farrell's availability.
Animation ProjectsDC Studios is in pre-production on the animated feature film "Dynamic Duo" about the two Robins, Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. The studio is also developing an animated series about "Blue Beetle," continuing events from the 2023 feature film. Three new "younger-skewing" animated series have been greenlit, including "My Adventures with Green Lantern," "DC Super Powers," and "Starfire," each overseen by executive producer Sam Register and produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios.
Other Rumored ProjectsSafran clarified that Daniel Craig was never attached to a "Sgt. Rock" movie, contrary to rumors. Gunn and Safran also discussed a screenplay about the Teen Titans by Ana Nogueira, although it's not yet ready. Additionally, a prospective Deathstroke/Bane script is under development by Matthew Orton, though not officially confirmed.
The duo emphasized maintaining an open dialogue with media and fans, acknowledging the challenges of running a superhero studio where even speculative projects can generate headlines.
Upcoming Projects: "Booster Gold," "Paradise Lost," and MoreGunn and Safran provided updates on previously announced projects like the "Wonder Woman" prequel series "Paradise Lost" and the superhero comedy series "Booster Gold." The horror film "Swamp Thing" and the "Peacemaker" spinoff series "Waller" have faced development challenges, while "The Authority" has moved to the back burner due to overlapping story elements with other fast-tracked films.
Gunn’s Perspective on Superheroes in Trump's AmericaWith Gunn’s "Superman" film set to release six months into the second Trump administration, he was asked how his version of Superman fits into the current cultural moment. Gunn stated, "In some ways, I would say it’s the right Superman because I don’t think he’s a part of the cultural moment." He emphasized Superman's timeless values and integrity, which transcend current political climates.
When asked about diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Gunn proposed a strategy of focusing on storytelling. "I just try to tell the best stories I possibly can, and that’s all I care about," he said, emphasizing his commitment to creating the best stories with the best characters.
