James Gunn’s Upcoming DC Slate Gets 4th Major Delay

by

Launching the first chapter of the new DC Universe, ‘Gods and Monsters,’ is turning out to be more difficult than expected for DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran, with another major project facing delays. The Lanterns TV series has officially been pushed back, joining a number of other high-profile projects that have experienced similar setbacks.

The DC Universe got off to a good start, but getting all its planned projects released by 2026 is looking more challenging. The delay of the movie Lanterns, as reported by The Wrap, is the fourth significant project to have its release date pushed back.

The upcoming series Lanterns, starring Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, was initially planned for release in early 2026. However, it’s now expected to premiere after the Supergirl movie on June 26th, meaning it won’t arrive until late summer at the soonest. Despite filming being completed, this shift in schedule means Lanterns has been added to the growing number of projects facing delays.

Fans are eagerly awaiting “Lanterns,” the second TV show planned for the DCU in 2026, as it will bring these popular characters to the screen after a long hiatus.

Other Delayed DCU Projects 

Waller

One of the first TV shows planned for the new DC Universe was a series focusing on Amanda Waller, played by Viola Davis. It was originally intended to come after the first season of Peacemaker and might have premiered as soon as 2024.

The project is taking longer than expected. James Gunn, a co-head of DC Studios, explained to People that getting the story right for Waller has been a challenge. Peter Safran, co-CEO, added that the team has been working hard to perfect the script and won’t start filming until it’s completely ready. They’re prioritizing a strong script over rushing production.

The show will continue the stories started in The Suicide Squad, both seasons of Peacemaker, and Creature Commandos. Christal Henry, who previously worked on Watchmen, is still leading the project. While the show is delayed, it seems James Gunn is taking the time to craft a story that respects the characters’ history and positions them well within the future of the DC Universe.

The Authority

Among the first announced projects from the Gods and Monsters line, The Authority stood out as a bit of a surprise. It centers on a group of unconventional heroes from the WildStorm universe who deal with worldwide crises in a direct and often forceful manner.

James Gunn has openly discussed the difficulties in making the film, acknowledging it’s been somewhat challenging to develop. The main issue is that The Authority, with their extreme tactics and beliefs, is very different from typical DC heroes. It’s been harder than anticipated to fit this unconventional anti-hero team into the overall DC Universe storyline, and the script has needed complex solutions to explain how they coexist with heroes like Superman.

With popular shows like The Boys and Invincible already using a similar darkly satirical take on superheroes, it’s challenging for The Authority to feel fresh and establish its own distinct voice.

James Gunn has reassured fans that the project is still in development, and he recently had a promising conversation with a talented writer about the story. However, it’s become less of a focus for DC Films compared to other upcoming movies like Supergirl, Clayface, and The Brave and the Bold.

Swamp Thing 

Production on the Swamp Thing movie, planned as a spooky and atmospheric horror film, is facing delays. This is because of scheduling issues with the director, James Mangold, who is known for films like Logan and Ford v Ferrari.

DC Studios is willing to be patient with James Mangold because they were so impressed with his ideas for the project that they approved it. Peter Safran explained that work on the film hasn’t moved forward much because Mangold is currently busy with other big commitments, like directing a future Star Wars movie.

Unlike many other projects that have been pushed back, Swamp Thing will exist as its own separate story within the DC Universe. According to James Gunn and Peter Safran, it won’t be directly connected to the main storyline they’re building. This means the studio can take its time with the release without disrupting the overall continuity of the first phase of the DCU. When it does arrive, Swamp Thing is expected to be one of the scariest creatures in James Gunn’s cinematic universe.

Will James Gunn’s DCU Face Further Delays?

Considering the initial delays detailed in Chapter 1, we can expect further postponements. These delays show the studio values creative quality more than sticking to strict deadlines. While this suggests the final product will be good, it also makes the release schedule unpredictable. The studio seems to prioritize having a fully polished script before starting filming, and delays are simply a result of that process.

Several of the projects recently announced are likely to face delays due to their ambitious scope. For example, the Paradise Lost series explores the complex politics of Themyscira, while Booster Gold features a time-traveling hero and requires detailed writing and significant visual effects. If the writers need more time to perfect the stories or resolve complicated plot points, the studio will likely accommodate them.

Expect some scheduling issues, like the ones with James Mangold’s work on Swamp Thing. The new DC Universe is aiming to work with the best directors and actors, and those talented people are often already committed to other projects. This means coordinating their busy schedules could cause delays down the road.

Read More

2025-12-07 05:35