James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios and key writer for the DC Universe (DCU), will not be credited as a writer on any DCU projects released in 2026, marking a notable change in the franchise’s creative approach. Since 2021’s The Suicide Squad, followed by the series Peacemaker and the DCU’s early phases like Creature Commandos and Superman, Gunn had been deeply involved in scripting, guiding the tone and narrative style for the expanding franchise.
While Gunn will return to writing for the 2027 film Man of Tomorrow, the 2026 schedule will feature works penned entirely by other writers, even as Gunn retains a strong production role overseeing the continuity and universe framework.
New Creative Voices Power DCU’s 2026 Slate
Though James Gunn steps back from writing duties, his influence remains present in the overall management of the DCU’s direction. The 2026 projects, however, offer a clear spotlight on fresh storytelling perspectives and genre experimentation, expanding the universe’s breadth beyond Gunn’s notable voice and style.
Supergirl Puts a New Spin on Kara Zor-El’s Origin
Leading DC Studios’ theatrical slate in 2026 is Supergirl, premiering on June 26. The film adapts the acclaimed comic run by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, focusing on Kara Zor-El, who possesses four formidable superpowers. Unlike traditional Superman tales, this story emphasizes Kara stepping out from her cousin’s shadow into a gritty cosmic revenge narrative. Directed by Craig Gillespie, known for his nuanced work on I, Tonya and Cruella, the film promises a visually distinct and intense experience.
The screenplay, written by Ana Nogueira, an accomplished actress and playwright, offers a unique insight into Kara’s character. Nogueira initially worked on a Supergirl film under Warner Bros.’ previous regime, but after Gunn and Peter Safran took leadership at DC Studios, they chose to discard the earlier version in favor of her new script. This fresh take delves into Kara’s profound isolation, having witnessed the destruction of her home planet while Superman was nurtured safely on Earth.
Lanterns: A Gritty HBO Mystery Series Featuring Iconic Green Lanterns
On television, Lanterns arrives as the sole live-action DCU HBO series planned for 2026, with a summer release. Defying typical expectations of space-based superhero tales, the show is a grounded mystery, likened to a superhero version of True Detective. The plot centers on veteran Hal Jordan and young John Stewart investigating a dark, ancient secret buried in America’s heartland—an element tied deeply to the broader DCU narrative, as teased by Gunn.
The creators behind the series lend it considerable weight: showrunner Chris Mundy of Ozark fame leads the project, with Damon Lindelof, known for the critically acclaimed Watchmen and The Leftovers, shaping the story’s complex mystery elements. Comic writer Tom King also contributes, further elevating the series’ ambitions. Starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, Lanterns aims to blend a procedural crime drama with superhero mythology, prioritizing atmosphere and character depth.
Clayface Reimagined as a Psychological Horror
Rounding out the 2026 releases is Clayface, targeting a September 11 release. Departing from previous campy versions, this film explores a darker, more tragic narrative about Matt Hagen, an actor whose desperate pursuit of fame and a freak accident lead to a gruesome transformation. Directed by James Watkins, whose portfolio includes the tension-filled horror Speak No Evil and survival thriller Eden Lake, Clayface aims to inject horror and psychological depth into the DCU.
The screenplay is a collaboration between horror expert Mike Flanagan, known for The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, and Hossein Amini, acclaimed for his work on the stylized thriller Drive. Flanagan is renowned for humanizing monstrous characters, suggesting the film will explore the heartbreaking aspect of Hagen’s descent. Amini adds cinematic precision, crafting a standalone horror story that meshes with the broader universe yet maintains a distinct, terrifying identity.
Why James Gunn’s Step Back Is a Necessary Move for DCU’s Growth
Although James Gunn’s absence from the 2026 writing credits might raise concerns, this change is a crucial step toward the DCU’s creative sustainability. Avoiding overreliance on a single voice helps prevent the franchise from feeling repetitive or confined, a common pitfall seen in other cinematic universes when one creator dominates too heavily.
Gunn’s decision to step away from scripting allows him to avoid burnout and focus on his wider responsibilities as co-CEO, guiding the health and direction of Warner Bros. Discovery’s superhero slate. Additionally, this move addresses critics worried the DCU would become a niche “Gunn-verse” dominated by lesser-known characters, obscure references, and specific stylistic signatures.
Entrusting key projects to diverse creators like Craig Gillespie, Mike Flanagan, and Damon Lindelof demonstrates DC Studios’ commitment to exploring varied genres and storytelling modes. From cosmic revenge tales to body horror and gritty crime dramas, the universe is positioned to become a multifaceted and dynamic world.
James Gunn’s ongoing role as a producer ensures tonal consistency and narrative cohesion, even as new filmmakers bring fresh energy and perspectives. This balance will help the DCU mature into a living, breathing universe, capable of growth and innovation beyond any single individual’s authorship.
