Superman Actor Says DCU Feels More Like Star Wars Than MCU

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Prior to the debut of “Superman”, actor David Corenswet shared his insights on how the freshly minted DC Universe compares to both Star Wars and the MCU. As the embodiment of DC Comics’ steel-hearted hero in the upcoming movie, Corenswet is instrumental in ushering in a new phase for the DC Universe on the silver screen. The latest superhero blockbuster from “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn serves as the inaugural installment in an interconnected DCU – a revitalized vision for the timeless superhero franchise, designed to rival the intricate cinematic universe woven by Marvel Studios over the past 17 years.

In the build-up to the release of “Superman,” there have been many comparisons between the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) and the DCU (DC Extended Universe). However, actor David Corenswet suggests that fans might find a different, even larger cinematic universe more fitting for comparison as we delve further into DC’s new on-screen universe with shows like “The Green Lantern Corps,” “Peacemaker,” and “Supergirl.

In a recent conversation with Comicbook, the actor portraying Superman expressed that James Gunn’s upcoming comic book film series feels closer in spirit to Star Wars rather than the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Corenswet suggested that James compares the freshly introduced DCU to the Star Wars universe, noting it’s neither a reflection of our reality nor an account of its origins.

James likens the fresh DCU to the Star Wars galaxy because it’s a different realm altogether, distinct from our own. Unlike traditional narratives that start at the beginning, this one drops you right in the thick of things, allowing you to discover its secrets piece by piece as you navigate through it.

Additionally, he playfully pointed out a shared link between these two blockbuster series on screen: both are associated with John Williams, who has given a modern twist to his iconic 1978 Superman theme music in connection with Gunn’s reinvention of the famous DC character.

One of the reasons Star Wars has been deeply ingrained in my memory for such a long time is its captivating music, as stated by the actor who played Superman. This music was also created by the esteemed John Williams, an Oscar winner.

One reason Star Wars remains vivid in my memory for so long is the captivating music, which has also led me to explore other fantastic films scored by John Williams. Being part of a film with his iconic theme underscored is truly surreal, almost like a dream come true – it’s the most exhilarating moment for me throughout this entire experience, and it’s enjoyable discussing its intricacies as a fan.

Previously, someone linked to the DCU has proposed that the upcoming cinematic universe might share more similarities with Star Wars rather than the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Previously, during the Q&A session for DC’s Chapter 1 launch in February 2023, Gunn described his vision for the DC franchise as being similar to “Star Wars,” with various settings, time periods, and events.

We’re not only designing a world similar to Star Wars, with various timelines, locations, and phenomena, but also one that mirrors ‘Game of Thrones,’ featuring characters with nuanced moral dimensions.

On the big screen, Superman initiates the DC Universe, following the debut of the animated Creature Commandos on Max towards the end of last year. This film introduces audiences to Superman portrayed by Corenswet, as well as other prominent superheroes from the DC universe such as Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and a specific Kryptonian relative of Superman that fans are eagerly anticipating.

The movie by Gunn is merely the initial offering in the DCU lineup, but there’s more to come. In August, fans will once again explore the realm of “Peacemaker,” as the highly popular Max series returns for its second season on streaming platforms. Later, superheroes like “Lanterns,” “Supergirl,” “Clayface,” and “The Brave and the Bold” are set to create a stir for the franchise over the following years.

Why the DCU Is a Different Kind of Cinematic Universe

Although the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) might appear to some like a close copy of the ambition behind the DC Universe (DCU), it’s important to note that these two superhero-centric film series have significant differences.

In simpler terms, the world being created isn’t going to kick off with the initial chapter of its grand superhero tale. Instead, it will resemble Star Wars, offering glimpses into different periods across the timeline, focusing on diverse characters, events, and realms that may not be directly interconnected, even though they all fall under the DC Universe umbrella.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but anticipate the intriguing narrative twists that the upcoming franchise may bring, similar to the epic clashes in films like “Avengers: Endgame” and the forthcoming “Secret Wars”. However, what sets this franchise apart is James Gunn’s unique and less structured approach compared to the meticulous storytelling of Marvel Studios in the MCU.

In an interview with IMDb before the release of “Superman”, the Co-CEO of DC Studios expressed that while they have a rough outline for the DC Universe’s narrative, they are also open to flexibility and seizing upon brilliant ideas as they emerge, regardless of whether these ideas were initially part of their original studio blueprint.

The quality of the forthcoming “Clayface” film by writer Mike Flanagan is particularly evident. Last year, the DC Universe “Clayface” concept was presented to James Gunn, who promptly approved it, setting it for production in late 2025.

In the original plan for the DC Universe, director Gunn never envisioned creating a Clayface movie. However, when he came across the concept, he realized it was ripe for development. Subsequently, he incorporated it into his future projects for the franchise.

In simpler terms, while it’s not impossible that a character like Clayface might appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, due to the intricate storytelling of the franchise from one project to another, it’s less likely to happen.

In simpler terms, similar to Star Wars, DCU operates in a manner that encourages ideas from directors instead of having a predetermined plan and searching for creators to execute it. This change came after the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga and some unsuccessful projects.

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2025-07-09 21:34