DC Studios Shocks Fans by Cancelling First Project in James Gunn’s DCU

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James Gunn, one of the co-CEOs at DC Studios, announced that one project they had already approved has been scrapped. The DC Universe’s initial phase, titled “DCU’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters,” is set to introduce fresh characters and narratives across 11 movies and 6 TV series. The cinematic debut of the David Corenswet-led Superman marks the beginning of this grand saga. The latest news about the DC Universe’s lineup includes the confirmation of a new Wonder Woman on the big screen, although details about her introduction and the specifics of her storyline remain scarce.

With the high-octane launch of Superman set for July 11th by DCU, an unexpected piece of news about a cancelled movie within their lineup from James Gunn has surfaced online. This announcement concerning a potential solo character or team storyline could suggest a possible change in the trajectory for the DCU, making it a noteworthy development.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn stated that the studio had abandoned a project because he couldn’t work on a film with a subpar script.

Gunn explained to Rolling Stone that the studio had scrapped a project due to its poor screenplay, as he wouldn’t agree to make a movie without a strong script.

One of the main guidelines you’ve established for DC is ensuring that they always work with completed script versions.

James Gunn: “Indeed, we’ve unfortunately had to abandon a project. There was a lot of enthusiasm for creating the film, it had been approved and was set to start production. However, the screenplay wasn’t finalized yet, and I can’t move forward with a movie when the script isn’t up to par.

Although the filmmaker didn’t explicitly mention the project, Gunn went on to express high praise for the other confirmed DCU productions, specifically pointing out that the scripts for Supergirl, Green Lantern, and Clayface are exceptional.

We’ve been incredibly fortunate thus far, as the scripts for “Supergirl”, “Lanterns”, and “Clayface” were exceptionally well-written from the start. It seems we’ve either made shrewd decisions or found ourselves in a fortunate streak when it comes to these projects.

Following the launch of “Superman” on July 11, 2025, the next venture under the DC Universe banner will be the second season of “Peacemaker,” airing on Max in August 2025. In theaters, the movie “Supergirl,” featuring Milly Alcock, is scheduled to debut on June 26, 2026. Subsequently, “Clayface” is set to hit the big screen on September 11, 2026 (for more information about the 11 confirmed DC Universe movies, check out this link).

Which DCU Project Did DC Studios Cancel?

In February 2025, James Gunn provided an open statement regarding the DC Universe’s schedule, revealing that at least four upcoming DCU productions – Waller, Booster Gold, The Authority, and Swamp Thing – are encountering difficulties before their debut.

Since Waller and Booster Gold are television series, it’s likely they have secured their continuation. Therefore, the recent news from Gunn might pertain to either The Authority or Swamp Thing as potential shows facing cancellation.

It seems like Swamp Thing is in a secure position, as Gunn mentioned they still discuss the project with director James Mangold from time to time. However, actual production might still be quite some distance off.

For director Gunn, “The Authority” serves as a cherished passion project. Previously, he mentioned that the script for the movie had faced some challenges and hadn’t been high on his list of priorities, suggesting it might be a project temporarily put aside or potentially shelved.

Nevertheless, there are other potential films in the pipeline, like the “Sgt. Rock” movie that faced a setback earlier this year when its main actor, Daniel Craig, departed from the project. Previously, it was reported that the production is moving forward again with Colin Farrell rumored to step into the title role. Filming for this movie is scheduled to commence in the U.K. this summer, coinciding with other DC Studios projects.

Gunn might also encompass other DC ventures that haven’t started yet, such as the rumored “Bane & Deathstroke” movie penned by Matthew Orton, who wrote “Captain America: Brave New World,” or an unpublicized project that has not been disclosed.

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2025-06-16 20:36