James Gunn Kept His Favorite DCU Project a Secret: “I Felt Like It Was Too Easy to Rip Off By Another Company”

The DC Universe is gearing up for a fresh start, and James Gunn is at the helm with bold ideas. In a recent chat with Entertainment Weekly, Gunn, who now leads DC’s creative efforts alongside Peter Safran, shared exciting updates about upcoming projects.

While the Superman movie is set to launch the revamped DCU, Gunn teased that other big plans are in the works, some so unique he’s kept them under wraps even from Warner Bros. executives.

Superman, hitting theaters on July 11, stars David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

It marks the first major film in Gunn and Safran’s vision for a connected DC Universe. After directing Guardians of the Galaxy for Marvel, Gunn is now shaping DC’s future, and he’s clearly thrilled about what’s coming.

One project has Gunn particularly fired up: an unannounced TV show he’s developing. He’s so passionate about it that he left it out of his initial announcement.

“There was one thing that I knew about from the very beginning, that when I pitched to David Zaslav what the DCU would be, I pitched to him, but we did not announce in that first meeting because I felt like it was too easy to rip off by another company,” Gunn said.

Gunn is juggling multiple projects. Peacemaker season 2 is nearing completion, with editing and sound work wrapping up around the same time as Superman.

The HBO series Lanterns is halfway through filming, with early episodes expected soon. Supergirl has finished shooting, and Clayface is prepping to start production. Gunn also revealed that several scripts are in development, one is nearly ready, another is just beginning—and he’s personally writing a new project that he’s likely to direct. “I always leave saying I’m going to direct something till I’m actually done with the screenplay, and then I say, ‘Yeah, I want to do this.’ But it’s probably what I will direct,” he said.

While Superman is the immediate focus, Gunn is already thinking ahead. When asked about a sequel, he hinted at plans but kept things vague. “What I’m working on is in some way…I mean, yes, yes, yes, yes. But is it a straight-up Superman sequel? I would not say necessarily,” he said. This suggests the DCU could take unexpected turns after Superman’s debut.

With a mix of films, TV shows, and secret projects, Gunn’s DC Universe is shaping up to be ambitious and unpredictable. Fans can expect surprises as this new era unfolds.

James Gunn’s enthusiasm for DC is infectious, and his decision to keep some projects secret shows he’s thinking strategically to stand out in a crowded superhero market. The mystery TV show sounds like a game-changer, and I’m curious to see how it fits into the bigger DCU puzzle.

Superman is a solid starting point, but these unannounced projects could define DC’s future. What do you think about Gunn’s plans for the DC Universe? Are you excited for Superman, or are you more curious about his secret projects? Share your thoughts in the comments below!