A job for Superman
All about the new DC Universe and James Gunn's 'Superman' movie.
The Gist
“Superman” hit theaters today, and is expected to make around $130 million in the US over the weekend.
The movie introduces a new era for DC movies after a string of flops.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new DCU canon, upcoming releases, and comic recommendations.
This story includes some spoilers for “Superman.”
I haven’t published in a few weeks, mainly because I’ve been busy but also because of some writer’s block. But I’ve seen James Gunn’s new “Superman” movie twice already, so let’s say I’m inspired.
My review
James Gunn, the superhero whisperer.
After turning the little known Guardians into Marvel fan favorites (GOTG is still my favorite MCU movie) and revitalizing the Suicide Squad, I had high hopes for Gunn’s take on Superman — even if one of the world’s most iconic characters still seemed like a tall order for the director of SLITHER.
I’m here to say that Gunn delivers (again).
His new SUPERMAN is unapologetically sci-fi flavored and comic-book coded. It’s bursting with joy. So is the titular character, played with a saltiness and sarcasm by David Corenswet — rather than stoicism — we haven’t really seen from the character on screen.
Despite the myriad of characters, this IS a no holds barred Superman movie; so much so that Corenswet is rarely seen out of the red and blue tights. You get the sense that this Superman really just enjoys being Superman. It’s a breath of fresh air.
Box-office preview
“Superman” earned $22 million in Thursday previews, the best of the year so far. Shawn Robbins of Box Office Theory has it hitting $135 million in the US this weekend, more than 2013’s “Man of Steel” (pre-inflation).
I’d call anything around that a definitive win after the slew of struggles DC has faced in recent years that have undermined the DC brand. Even a $125 million debut would be what “The Flash” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” earned in their opening weekends combined.
Of the last six DC movies, only “Lost Kingdom” cracked $400 million worldwide. In the post-pandemic era, only “The Batman” has really worked at the box office (Gunn’s own “The Suicide Squad” was hindered by a pandemic-era Max dual release).
“Superman” should have legs; reaction is solid at an 82% Rotten Tomatoes critics score and a 95% audience score. I typically take those scores with a grain of salt (we don’t yet have a Cinemascore grade, which is a better indicator of word-of-mouth), but the fact it’s not being review bombed is a good sign. And it won’t have new competition until Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four” in two weeks.
An aside: For all the talk that WB was in trouble earlier this year, they’ve had hit after hit since “A Minecraft Movie,” followed by “Sinners,” “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” “F1,” and presumably “Superman.”
The new DCU
It’s clear from the jump that Gunn’s new DC movie and TV universe is a different beast than what was known as the “DC Extended Universe,” even if there are some familiar faces still in play.
Screen text at the beginning of “Superman” sets the stage, noting that the first metahumans appeared three centuries ago, and that three decades ago, Superman landed on earth as an infant. After that, it wastes little time in dropping the audience in the world Gunn has created and intends to explore.
I’m generally allergic to the term “canon” and fandoms tend to get way too carried away with it (ahem*Star Wars*ahem). But this new DCU does naturally raise questions about what is and isn’t “official” in the on-screen timeline. Gunn has said that fans should consider everything from his Max animated series “Creature Commandos” forward as pure canon; if a show or movie from here on out references something from the past, then that’s canon.
While “Superman” is the first movie in this new DC era, it’s already established a bunch of new characters and ideas, including the Maxwell Lord-funded “Justice Gang” (an homage to Justice League International comics but also a fun admission that this universe — and audiences — isn’t quite ready for the real Justice League yet); Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo, who voiced the character in “Creature Commandos”; and even “House of the Dragon” alum Milly Alcock as Supergirl, who will star in her own solo movie next year.
What’s next
On that note, a new Wall Street Journal story reports that DC is eyeing two movies a year. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from the new DCU and DC Studios:
“Peacemaker” season two hits HBO Max in August.
Supergirl arrives in theaters in June 2026.
“Clayface,” written by horror maestro Mike Flanagan, opens in theaters in September 2026.
HBO’s Lanterns series is currently filming and expected to debut next year.
“Dynamic Duo,” an animated movie about Robins Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, arrives 2028.
When Gunn first announced the initial slate for the new DCU in 2023, it included movies like the Batman and Robin film “Brave and the Bold,” and TV shows like “Waller” and “Paradise Lost,” set on Wonder Woman’s homeland.
But he’s been adamant since that a project won’t be greenlit until a script is ready, and that plans could shift over time; the Clayface movie wasn’t part of the initial roadmap, but Gunn and DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran were impressed with Flanagan’s script enough to fast track it.
Other projects have been in development but aren’t as far along or are facing issues, such as Authority and Sgt. Rock movies. Gunn also told EW recently that a new Wonder Woman script is being written.
Comics to read
If you loved “Superman” and are wondering how you can dig deeper into the characters and comics, here are some reading recommendations:
All-Star Superman by writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely: Gunn has cited this as an inspiration for the movie, and it’s obvious in its tone, vibrancy, and audacious sci-fi elements.
Justice League International by writers J.M. DeMatteis and Keith Giffen and artist Kevin Maguire: This classic ‘80s incarnation of the League is full of humor and heart, and a clear inspiration for the Justice Gang.
Strange Adventures by writer Tom King and artists Mitch Gerads and Evan Shaner: Technically an Adam Strange series, but just as much a Mister Terrific one, as well. If you came away from the movie wanting more of this character, this is a good bet.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by writer Tom King and artist Bilquis Evely: Next year’s “Supergirl” movie is heavily inspired by this series.
Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen by writer Matt Fraction and artist Steve Lieber: A recent Silver Age-inspired series that won the Eisner award (the Oscars of comics) for best limited series in 2021.
So that’s that. Everything you need to know about the new “Superman” movie and DC Universe (or at least everything I feel like writing). This feels like the first time in a long time that there is genuine excitement around the future of DC on the big screen. I might even see it a third time.
Beyond the Traverse
💥 Netflix says that 50% of global members are watching anime.
I wrote at length about the coming anime boom last year, yet entertainment trades are acting like this is a new phenomenon.
📺 A chart from
shows that Netflix’s share of Nielsen-charting originals is shrinking — but also that Disney+, even with Star Wars and Marvel, can barely break through.I’ve written ad nauseam about the issues facing Disney’s Star Wars shows (and the franchise in general) here and here.
🏔️ The “South Park” creators are very mad about how the Paramount-Skydance merger is impacting the schedule for the new season.
🧟♂️ Neil Druckmann is departing the “Last of Us” TV series ahead of its third season.