James Gunn Debunks Rumor That Dua Lipa Has Joined the DCU

As a longtime observer of the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood, I have to admit that the rumors surrounding Dua Lipa and her alleged multi-picture deal with DC Studios initially piqued my interest. However, after reading James Gunn‘s clear debunking of these reports, I find myself relieved and not a little amused.


Reports circulating about pop star Dua Lipa being contractually bound to multiple films by DC Studios were contradicted by director James Gunn of Superman fame over the weekend. It was said that Dua Lipa had agreed to a “ten-year deal,” but Gunn, who co-heads DC Studios, expressed doubt about this term, as contemporary Hollywood contracts typically focus on the number of projects rather than employment length. The rumors suggested that Dua Lipa would portray Zatanna, the magician known for her ability to speak backward and her association with the Justice League, as well as her relationship with John Constantine, a persistent magical troublemaker.

Gunn, known for frequently challenging misinformation regarding his ventures, faced queries on social media concerning the gossip. Admiting he wasn’t aware of this specific rumor, he swiftly dismissed it.

On Threads, Gunn stated that up until now, it wasn’t either of those things, but as of now, it has been disproven too. Regarding the 10-year contract, he joked, “Do they think this is still the 1930s?” He clarified that he’s a fan of Dua Lipa, but no.

It’s clear that some might argue about the wording, claiming Gunn didn’t exactly confirm Dua Lipa didn’t sign a specific deal, merely denying the reported one. However, such a debate seems pointless. Gunn is recognized for debunking false information and also tends to be discreet when there’s even a hint of truth in a story. It appears that engaging in a “gotcha” game with the internet doesn’t align with his usual approach.

Zatanna is part of Justice League Dark, a team that’s seen many unrealized plans recently. Originating in 1964, the character first came to live-action life on Smallville, where Serinda Swan played her. Prior to this and afterward, she’s shown up in various animated productions as well as video games.

Since 2005, several projects involving Zatanna have been canceled, such as two different attempts at solo movies, a Justice League Dark film by Guillermo del Toro, and another Justice League Dark project that JJ Abrams was developing for Max. This all changed when Discovery bought Warner Bros., altering the course of DC projects. Initially, reports suggested each member of the Justice League Dark would have their own standalone Max productions (either films or series), eventually leading to a collaborative Justice League Dark project mirroring Marvel’s approach with Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and other Defenders-verse shows on Netflix.

Read More

2024-10-29 00:40