James Gunn Officially Responds to DCU Rumors: Batman, Wonder Woman Casting, Clayface Trailer & More

James Gunn has been addressing rumors about the future of the DC Universe on social media. 2026 will be a key year for DC Studios, marking the first time they’ll try to build a major franchise around lesser-known characters. The movie Supergirl is planned to follow up on the success of Superman (2025), and Lanterns will be a high-quality, dramatic series exploring the Green Lantern universe on HBO. An unexpected horror film focusing on Clayface, written by Mike Flanagan, is also in the works.

A lot of the online buzz around the DC Universe isn’t about what’s already been announced, but about what might happen next. Rumors fly around weekly regarding key characters like Batman, Wonder Woman, and Darkseid, and who might portray them. James Gunn recently addressed these rumors and more in a clear and efficient way, also earning praise from fans.

DCU Batman & Wonder Woman Have NOT Been Cast

A fan asked James Gunn if it was true that actors were auditioning for the role of Batman in late 2025, after seeing the rumor online. Gunn quickly dismissed these rumors, along with any talk of auditions for Wonder Woman, stating they were completely false.

He clarified that he isn’t minimizing the significance of Batman and Wonder Woman within the DC Universe, stating, “I absolutely believe both are incredibly important.”

More Updates From the DCU Batverse

Although a Batman actor hasn’t been cast through auditions yet, there’s news about the first Batman movie in the new DC Universe. James Gunn confirmed that a finished script for The Brave and the Bold isn’t currently available.

James Gunn clarified that Matt Reeves’ The Batman: Part II currently has full creative control over the Batman universe. He explained that production on Batman 2 is already well underway, and he doesn’t want to complicate things while that film is being made. He agreed with a fan that releasing The Batman 2 in 2027 helps keep the character in the public eye, giving the DCU time to develop and prepare for The Brave and the Bold. Gunn also stated he doesn’t want two Batman movies to be released in the same year.

So, I was reading up on what James Gunn said about the DC Universe, and it sounds like a lot is still in flux. He specifically said the animated series focusing on Dick Grayson and Jason Todd – Dynamic Duo – isn’t officially part of the main DCU storyline. As for the Clayface movie directed by James Watkins, we’re still a ways off from even a glimpse of footage. Apparently, Gunn hasn’t even seen a first cut yet, as Watkins is still working on it! He explained that the director gets some time to refine things before people like him and Peter Safran give their feedback. But, good news! Gunn insists Clayface is still on schedule for its September 2026 release, which is a relief.

Man of Tomorrow Is Still Casting (Sort of…)

Entering the Fortress. #Superman

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) January 19, 2026

The upcoming Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, has announced Lars Eidinger will play the villain Brainiac. According to James Gunn, this is likely the only major casting news, as most of the main and supporting cast will return from the first Superman film. However, Gunn also mentioned they are currently casting some smaller roles. Given that Superman successfully introduced several other DC heroes, these smaller parts in Man of Tomorrow could still lead to important new characters in the DC Universe.

James Gunn addressed rumors about Wonder Woman appearing in Man of Tomorrow, explaining they are currently casting a female character and speculation about it being Wonder Woman is just a guess. When asked if the rumors about Batman or Wonder Woman being in the project were false, he simply confirmed that was the case.

Finally, Sam McCurdy (Game of Thrones, Shōgun) was confirmed to be the cinematographer on the film.

Grant Gustin is NOT the DCU Flash

Grant Gustin, known for playing The Flash in the Arrowverse, was seen with blonde hair, leading many DC Universe fans to speculate he’d been cast by James Gunn to reprise his role as Barry Allen. When asked about the rumor, Gunn jokingly responded that he had no idea why Gustin had changed his hair color.

Grant Gustin recently responded to questions about potentially reprising his role as The Flash. He stated he’s always open to returning, but clarified that he currently has long, blonde hair for a different, non-superhero project. He added that he appreciates the enthusiasm from fans.

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2026-01-19 23:13