James Gunn‘s leadership of the DC Universe (DCU) is reconnecting with a key figure from the Snyderverse in the upcoming Supergirl film, marking a notable return since Zack Snyder’s Justice League. While DC Studios and Gunn have restarted the DCEU timeline, the continuation of familiar Snyderverse actors and crew, including composer Tom Holkenborg and Jason Momoa, illustrates a respectful blending of past and present creative influences in the franchise.
Key Snyderverse Contributors Rejoin for Supergirl
The upcoming Supergirl movie confirms that composer Tom Holkenborg, widely known as Junkie XL, is scoring the film, returning to the DC fold after his last contribution on Zack Snyder’s 2021 director’s cut of Justice League. Holkenborg’s involvement marks his third scoring role in the DC universe and reestablishes his creative partnership with DC Studios under James Gunn’s direction.
Junkie XL’s connection to the DC brand runs deep, as he co-created music with Hans Zimmer on Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Although he was originally replaced by Danny Elfman during the troubled Justice League post-production after Snyder’s exit, Gunn’s willingness to reinstate Junkie XL highlights a renewed trust in his musical vision, especially for a film centered on Supergirl and the anti-hero Lobo.
This composer change signals recent behind-the-scenes decisions; notably, a previous credit for Ramin Djawadi appeared in the teaser trailer’s description just two months prior. Gunn’s prior substitution of David Fleming for John Murphy on the Superman score also demonstrates a tendency to adjust the creative team late in production to align with his vision.
Holkenborg’s signature dynamic and intense music style, famously heard in Mad Max: Fury Road, aligns well with the dramatic and heroic tones of the Snyderverse scores. This style is expected to complement the film’s focus on characters like Lobo, portrayed by Jason Momoa, who is also returning to the DC universe after his Aquaman role. Additional lead cast includes Milly Alcock as Supergirl, Eve Ridley as Ruthye Marye Knoll, Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem of the Yellow Hills, and David Corenswet as Superman.
Potential Future for Zack Snyder Within the DC Universe
Despite the reboot and a shift in creative direction, Zack Snyder remains a figure many fans hope to see reintegrated into DC’s future projects. Although there is a vocal group seeking Snyder’s return and James Gunn’s departure, the two directors share a professional camaraderie, with Gunn even having written Snyder’s 2004 film Dawn of the Dead. Their friendship lays a foundation for possible cooperation within the DCU down the line.
With projects like The Authority on the horizon, the DCU provides a promising platform that could welcome Snyder’s style and storytelling. There is also the possibility of completing the Snyderverse saga in a new format, such as an Elseworlds animated project, which fans might find appealing. For now, Snyder is focusing on his war thriller The Last Photograph, while DC Studios concentrates on its 2026 release lineup, including Supergirl, Lanterns, and Clayface.
The integration of Snyderverse stars like Jason Momoa and composer Junkie XL into the DCU reflects a cautious but optimistic blending of past and current creative leadership. This move may open doors for further collaboration, reaffirming the relevance of Snyder’s work within the evolving cinematic landscape of the DC franchise.
