HBO resistance to James Gunn‘s DCU television plans could pose significant challenges for the highly anticipated DC Universe reboot, with the network reportedly hesitant about Gunn’s proposed series after the upcoming Superman film’s launch. As mounting insider reports indicate internal disputes and creative changes, the future of the new DCU television slate appears increasingly uncertain.
James Gunn, who has been charged with shaping a new era for the DC Universe alongside Peter Safran, is preparing to introduce a reimagined Superman to audiences. Starring David Corenswet, this film is positioned as the DCU’s foundational chapter, scheduled to debut in the United States on July 11, 2025. Yet, recent developments behind the scenes suggest that Gunn’s broader vision for interconnected movies and prestige television series may not be progressing as planned, particularly on HBO and Warner Bros.’ Max streaming platform.
Industry Insider Reveals HBO Doubts Over Gunn’s TV Projects
Following months of anticipation, concerns have emerged from within the industry that HBO may not be fully on board with the ambitious TV projects Gunn is developing for the DCU. The reports, stemming from respected commentator Jeff Sneider, indicate HBO is hesitant to support certain television adaptations envisioned by Gunn, introducing a significant obstacle to the interconnected narrative he aims to build.
Sneider highlighted these frictions in a recent episode of the Hot Mic podcast, where he shared rumors of HBO pushing back against Gunn’s television concepts:
“I’d heard something about like, you know, TV shows and like HBO blocking Gunn’s ideas for TV shows.”
—Jeff Sneider, Industry Insider
This revelation suggests that the network, which historically values creative autonomy, could be at odds with Warner Bros.’ larger ambitions for the DCU’s multimedia expansion. The implication is that several proposed series may face delays or be shelved if an agreement isn’t reached. Notably, this comes despite HBO already working on the Lanterns series, a DCU show featuring actors Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in prominent roles.
As Gunn moves forward with the TV slate, the outcome of these internal negotiations will set the tone for how future DCU media projects are received and developed across networks.
Superman Film Undergoes Behind-the-Scenes Changes
The uncertainty regarding the DCU’s television outlook is coupled with reported adjustments to Gunn’s Superman film, intensifying speculation over the broader strategy. With less than two months until its release, Superman has reportedly gone through test screenings with mixed feedback, prompting new rounds of creative changes.
Sneider provided insight into the film’s evolving status, commenting on active editing and restructuring efforts currently underway:
“Like they are tinkering with things, they are restructuring things with Superman specifically.”
—Jeff Sneider, Industry Insider
According to these reports, Gunn’s Superman is moving away from a more episodic format in favor of a streamlined cinematic structure during the final editing stages. It is alleged that both a new editor and a new music composer have been enlisted, accompanied by an additional week of reshoots, as efforts intensify to refine the film’s narrative and pace.
Such post-production adjustments reveal a sense of urgency and underscore the mounting pressure on the project, given its importance as the DCU’s cornerstone. The changes point to a recalibration aimed at meeting both creative expectations and anticipated audience standards.
Implications for the Future of the DCU
The brewing tension between HBO and James Gunn’s DCU television plans signals a critical turning point in Warner Bros.’ strategy to reinvent the superhero franchise on both big and small screens. Should HBO maintain its current reservations, Gunn’s vision for interconnected stories unfolding across films and TV may be severely limited, affecting not only potential series but also the broader rollout of the DCU slate.
The internal changes underway in the Superman project further highlight the volatility of this relaunch period, as last-minute creative shifts suggest studios are acutely aware of the high stakes involved. With the outcome for both the film and television arms of the franchise hanging in the balance, the next few months will be pivotal in determining the scope of the new DCU and the roles played by key entities such as HBO, Warner Bros., and creative leaders like Gunn, Safran, and the series’ stars. Fans and industry watchers alike will be observing developments closely, knowing their outcomes could shape the direction of superhero storytelling for years to come.
