James Gunn reveals DC Studios plans for Comic-Con 2024 as the event approaches San Diego from July 24 to 27, letting fans know that Peacemaker will be the main focus, while hinting at possible surprises but no expansive studio panels. The announcement comes after DC Studios skipped last year’s convention, and with Marvel Studios expected to sit out this year, all attention turns to Gunn, John Cena, and the returning DC team.
DC Studios Returns to Comic-Con with a Singular Focus
As anticipation builds for the annual San Diego Comic-Con, confirmation has arrived that DC Studios will be back at the event after sitting out the previous year. This year’s appearance was shared through a recent report and further specified through James Gunn’s comments. However, his update was met with mixed reactions, as it suggested DC’s approach would not mirror the high-profile reveals fans have come to expect from Marvel Studios in previous years.
James Gunn, who leads DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, clarified that this year’s event would highlight a specific property rather than a full slate of upcoming projects. Responding to questions from fans, Gunn offered an unusual level of directness regarding their plans.
“It’s just me and John [Cena] and Peacemaker,”
he told a fan questioning the focus of the panel.
“Though of course I’ll talk about everything.”
—James Gunn, Co-CEO, DC Studios
What Attendees Should Expect from the DC Studios Panel
This focus suggests that the spotlight will fall almost entirely on Peacemaker, the show Gunn created and writes, with few, if any, updates on upcoming DCU movies or other series. The approach stands in contrast to events like those held by Marvel Studios, which famously brought unexpected announcements and major casting news, such as Robert Downey Jr. joining Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
While some hope remains for additional teasers, such as a possible trailer for the Lanterns project or smaller reveals, significant casting announcements—like the actor set to play Batman in the new DC Universe—are unlikely to materialize this year, based on Gunn’s recent statements.
With competing studios like Marvel rumored to skip Comic-Con 2024, Sony Pictures may instead take the opportunity to promote Spider-Man: Brand New Day, but even that is tempered by the delayed timeline of upcoming superhero blockbusters.
Peacemaker’s Second Season to Premiere This August
Attention at the convention will land squarely on Peacemaker and its upcoming second season. The series continues to chronicle Christopher Smith, also known as Peacemaker, as he struggles with reconciling his past and firm ideals about achieving peace, even as he battles villains in his own unconventional way.
James Gunn, in addition to writing all eight episodes of the new season, directs three, including the premiere. Joining him as executive producers are Peter Safran and John Cena, with Greg Mottola, Peter Sollett, and Althea Jones stepping in to direct select episodes.
The returning cast features John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick. Newcomers such as Frank Grillo, David Denman, Sol Rodriguez, and Tim Meadows will add fresh dynamics to the series.
Fans can look forward to seeing the next eight episodes of Peacemaker when they arrive on HBO Max starting August 21.
Significance of DC Studios’ Scaled-Back Approach
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s “one year at a time” philosophy highlights a shift in DC Studios’ approach to major fan events like Comic-Con. The absence of broad, headline-grabbing announcements reflects a level of caution following previous challenges, such as the unreleased Sgt. Rock project. For attendees and followers of comic book entertainment, this measured approach may keep expectations in check, but it also primes the floor for focused, quality engagement directly from Gunn and his collaborators regarding Peacemaker’s future and DC Studios’ evolving strategy.
