Following the launch of Superman, DC Universe steward James Gunn is now writing and preparing to direct the next movie in the ‘Super-Family,’ Warner Bros. has announced.
Confirmation comes from CEO David Zaslav in a financial call in which he said Superman marked “the beginning of a new era for DC Studios.”
"We're thrilled to share that James Gunn is already writing and preparing to direct the next installment within the 'Super-Family,'" Zaslav said.
But what is this mystery Superman follow-up? Gunn has spoken in the past about his next writer / director project for DC Studios, which sounds like it's sort of a Superman sequel, but isn't really.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Gunn confirmed he has already begun working on Superman's next DCU appearance, although he wouldn't go so far as to call it a sequel. "What I'm working on is in some way… I mean, yes, yes, yes, yes," was his response to Superman getting a follow-up movie. "But is it a straight-up Superman sequel? I would not say necessarily."
Here's what we know so far: in film, DC Studios has Supergirl and Clayface coming out in 2026, and the next Wonder Woman, which doesn't have a release window. The Batman II, from Matt Reeves’ self-contained the ‘Batman Epic Crime Saga.’ will begin shooting next spring, with a release date set for 2027. Gunn has also talked about a Sgt. Rock adaptation, and a Justice League teamup starring Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. In February, Gunn and co-DC Studios CEO Peter Safran confirmed The Brave and the Bold will introduce a new Batman into the DCU, ruling out current Batman actor Robert Pattinson in the process.
In TV, the Batman Epic Crime Saga looks set for The Penguin Season 2, with DCU entry Peacemaker Season 2 out soon and a Lanterns series due in 2026. Gunn is reportedly considering TV spinoffs for characters such as Mister Terrific and Jimmy Olsen following their well-received supporting roles in Superman.
"In a precise and measured way, the DC franchise will increasingly overlay across the studio’s broader efforts: from film and TV to consumer products, games, experiences and social," Warner Bros. said.
Superman now has a global box office take of $551.2 million after weekend four. Domestically, it added another $13.855 million last weekend, marking a strong hold of 44%, to hit $316.211 million. Gunn has offered his thoughts on why Superman is doing better business in North American theaters than internationally.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
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