James Gunn Assures Superman’s Focus Remains Intact Despite Lanterns Connection

In the upcoming Superman movie, scheduled for release next summer, James Gunn, the writer-director and co-head of DC Studios, alongside producer Peter Safran, ensures the film stands robustly on its own.

Despite potential traces of other DC Universe elements, like ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 and the HBO series ‘Lanterns’, Gunn insists that the primary focus remains on Superman’s individual narrative.

During a set visit, Gunn shared with ComicBook his views on integrating universe-building elements.

He remarked, ‘Maybe two little things, two moments that tie into the broader universe. But if it’s just to set something up, forget it.’

He stressed the importance of each element serving the current film’s narrative, with the possibility of cutting anything not directly enhancing this story by the editing stage.

The superhero saga, which nests between the animated series ‘Creature Commandos’ and ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, hints at connections within the DCU.

Notably, the film features Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner Green Lantern, suggesting ties to the upcoming ‘Lanterns’ series.

This series, described by Gunn and Safran as a detective story, lays foundational stones for the new DC Universe they aim to build starting with Superman.

Gunn clarified that while the film might set up future narratives like in ‘Peacemaker’, it will not compromise the film’s integrity. He emphasized, ‘Every moment in the movie exists for the movie itself.’

In terms of cast, ‘Superman’ stars David Corenswet as Kal-El/Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, with Nicholas Hoult playing the arch-nemesis Lex Luthor.

The Kent family is portrayed by Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell, with additional cast members including Skyler Gisondo, Beck Bennett, Mikaela Hoover, Christopher McDonald, and Wendell Pierce as the Daily Planet staff.

Unlike Gunn’s ensemble casts in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ or ‘The Suicide Squad’, this film introduces key superheroes in supporting roles, contributing significantly to the plot.

Characters such as Mister Terrific, played by Edi Gathegi, and Hawkgirl, portrayed by Isabela Merced, are more than mere cameos; they play substantial parts in the unfolding story.

The film, originally titled ‘Superman: Legacy’, delves into Superman’s quest to balance his Kryptonian heritage with his upbringing as Clark Kent from Smallville, embodying traditional values in a modern world.

Looking ahead, DC Studios’ lineup titled ‘Gods and Monsters’ includes ‘Superman’, ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’, ‘Clayface’, and the animated ‘Dynamic Duo’, with other projects like ‘The Authority’, ‘Swamp Thing’, and ‘Batman: The Brave and the Bold’ yet to be dated.

Additional TV projects include ‘Lanterns’, ‘Waller’, ‘Booster Gold’, and the ‘Themyscira’-set ‘Paradise Lost’ series, promising a rich expansion of the DC universe.