James Gunn has responded to criticism regarding a key DC Universe (DCU) project, as attention turns to the upcoming films in the Chapter One: Gods and Monsters lineup. The announcement that The Flash screenwriter Christina Hodson is working on the script for Batman: The Brave and the Bold sparked notable fan backlash, fueled by skepticism from her prior work within the now-defunct DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Gunn has publicly defended Hodson against the harsh criticism surrounding her involvement in the film.
James Gunn Addresses Concerns Over Screenwriting Choice
In response to questions about Christina Hodson’s role, Gunn took to Threads to clarify misunderstandings and defend Hodson’s capabilities. He stated,
“I will only say anyone maligning Christina Hodson’s screenwriting skills has almost certainly never read an actual screenplay by Christina Hodson – she’s one of the writers who was with us early in the DCU planning stages,”
emphasizing her longstanding involvement in shaping the DCU’s future. He added,
“I don’t think you can judge my writing based on films others directed, as massive liberties are sometimes taken.”
This highlights Gunn’s view that previous film outcomes do not fully reflect the writers’ contributions due to varied creative inputs and direction choices.
Past Collaborations and Mixed Receptions Characterize Hodson’s Record
Christina Hodson’s scriptwriting resume in the DCEU includes projects that met with both praise and backlash. She partnered again with director Andy Muschietti, who is leading the Batman film, continuing a collaboration first seen in The Flash. However, that film was poorly received by critics and audiences alike, earning a lukewarm 63% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and resulting in significant financial losses given its $220 million budget versus $271 million in worldwide gross revenue.
Hodson’s other notable DCEU work includes Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), which, while not a box office hit, was better received by critics and praised for offering a distinctive take on the comic book genre, securing a 79% approval rating. Despite some commercial disappointments, Hodson demonstrated an ability to engage critics and fans on a creative level.
Evaluating Hodson’s Fit for Gotham and the DCU Reboot
Despite skepticism, Hodson’s deep ties to Gotham-themed stories and the DCU reboot suggest she may be the right choice for The Brave and the Bold. She was part of the original writers’ room, alongside James Gunn and Peter Safran, tasked with mapping out the Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate, indicating her influence on the DCU’s long-term creative direction.
Her experience extends to Gotham-centric projects that never saw completion. She wrote a script for a live-action Batman Beyond film, which was reportedly well-regarded before being shelved following leadership changes at DC Studios. Additionally, she authored the script for the Batgirl feature, which Warner Bros. canceled during post-production. Leslie Grace, the film’s lead, described the cut she viewed as incredible, underscoring the lost potential of that project.
The Ongoing Collaboration Between Hodson and Muschietti
The creative partnership of Hodson and Muschietti, while controversial due to the mixed results of The Flash, brings considerable experience with DC material and a focus on character-driven storytelling combined with visually compelling direction. Their approach to Batman’s story remains under development, as Gunn confirmed the script is still being refined with an earliest release date set for 2028. This extended timeline reflects the care being taken to craft a film that meets fan expectations and contributes to the DCU’s fresh narrative landscape.
As anticipation builds, the success of Batman: The Brave and the Bold may ultimately depend on how well the creative team balances legacy elements with new voices, setting a tone for future DCU projects that fans and critics alike can embrace.
