James Gunn Explains How He’s Approaching Interconnectivity In The DCU Compared To The MCU, And I Think This Is A Good Move
As a fervent admirer of James Gunn‘s work, I can confidently say that he has consistently shown his affection for comic books and his knack for crafting narratives that harmoniously blend humor, emotion, and intense action. Ever since he assumed the role as co-CEO of DC Studios, he hasn’t shied away from expressing his vision for the DCEU. His upcoming Superman movie appears to be a bold endeavor aimed at rejuvenating the DCEU. From the trailers we’ve seen so far, the visual style alone is a departure from DC’s usual approach. Gunn has hinted that he’s incorporating lessons from his Marvel experience to innovate his approach, and I find this concept truly exhilarating.
Recenty, Gunn had a discussion with Entertainment Weekly about his aspirations for the DCEU and the influence the growth of the MCU has had on his approach to building his own cinematic universe. He highlighted the significance of the overall narrative in linking this initial phase of superhero films, yet also underscored the importance of individual tales and self-contained movies within the universe. He mentioned:
“The overarching story plays a crucial role in connecting this initial phase of superhero movies, but it’s equally important to focus on unique stories for each film within the universe.
I’m making sure each reader can easily follow the upcoming story without feeling left out, as all other tales serve to enrich the overall viewing experience by offering additional depth.
In recent times, Marvel has faced criticism for what’s called “superhero burnout,” as it seems to prioritize a unifying plot across its movies and shows instead of standalone stories. This approach can make some films puzzling, given the extensive content that viewers need to absorb to truly grasp each piece. The abundance of material has left many fans feeling overwhelmed, causing a significant decrease in casual Marvel Universe followers.
James Gunn, who previously helmed the Guardians of the Galaxy movies within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, aims to avoid a similar predicament in the DCEU (DC Extended Universe). He emphasized that while some tales might be more interconnected, each film should stand alone and offer an enjoyable experience for viewers without relying on prior knowledge. In his words:
“The stories may have connections, but it’s crucial to allow audiences to enjoy each film independently as a complete experience.
As we delve further into the mysteries of this universe, things might evolve in unexpected ways. It could resemble the Marvel films Infinity War and Endgame, where understanding the former is crucial for grasping the latter. However, I’m aiming to make it so that you don’t need to watch Superman to understand Supergirl, much like how you can enjoy Peacemaker without having seen all of Superman’s story. Although there are connections between Superman and Peacemaker, they are not essential for appreciating Peacemaker on its own.
We’ll find out if Gunn can maintain this plan as the Marvel universe continues to grow. For quite some time, Marvel managed to make each film a standalone success while still contributing to an overarching narrative, such as the enduring popularity of the Iron Man and Captain America films, along with crowd-pleasers like Thor: Ragnarok and Ant-Man. However, once the number of films reached 20 or more, including television series, the franchise began to stray from its original path.
Currently, the first installment of Superman appears to be a promising start for the revamped DCEU in cinemas. Similarly, the initial season of Peacemaker has received positive feedback, and fans are eagerly awaiting Season 2, set to premiere on HBO Max in August for subscribers. The public is putting their trust in Gunn to maintain this early success as the creative force behind this new chapter in superhero films, hoping that this fresh approach will prove beneficial for both DC and its audience at this time.
On July 8th, 2025, you’ll have the opportunity to watch James Gunn’s “Superman” in theaters across the nation. For updates on other thrilling movies set to premiere this summer, be sure to refer to our 2025 movie calendar.
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2025-06-23 19:08