James Gunn Confirms The Theatrical Release of New Animated Projects

The DC Universe’s future is getting brighter with the approval of a “revamped” universe by DC Studios Co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. They have revealed ten films and Max-exclusive TV shows that will be a part of their “Chapter One: Gods & Monsters” slate, with a promise of more to come.

In a recent post on Thread, James Gunn revealed that there will be at least one theatrically-released animated movie among those additional projects.

 

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In a recent conversation with a fan, James Gunn confirmed that the upcoming Watchmen and Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths animated movies are “Elseworlds” stories and not a part of the DCU slate. When asked if “we can expect theatrical animated projects” in the future, Gunn answered with a “Yes.” Following the recent success of animated superhero blockbusters like Sony’s Spider-Verse franchise, there’s no telling how ambitious that movie might be.

What Are the DCU’s Animated Projects?

Gunn and Safran confirmed in January that animation would be a part of their upcoming blockbuster relaunch of the DC Universe, starting with a Creature Commandos Max-exclusive series.

“Creature Commandos is based on the great team from DC,” Gunn explained at the time. “What we’re doing with the DCU is, we are having animation tied directly into live action. Television, movies, and games all intertwined within the same universe. We’re going to cast actors that are going to be able to play the characters in this as well as in other things, some of which we’ve already cast. I’ve written all seven episodes of the show, and it’s in production. So that’s the first thing, and I love it.”

What is on the DC Universe Slate?

DC Studios recently announced their impressive lineup for the highly anticipated “Gods and Monsters” series. The slate includes movies for Superman: Legacy, The Brave and the Bold, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Swamp Thing, and The Authority. It will include the HBO Max television shows Waller, Booster Gold, Lanterns, Paradise Lost, and an animated Creature Commandos series. The release date for Legacy has been confirmed for Summer 2025 and the cast includes David Corenswet playing Clark Kent / Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho.

“We got James Gunn and Peter (Safran) working very hard on DC, which is going to be a very big growth driver for this company,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav explained earlier this year. “We are very bullish on DC. The Superman script first draft is done. Gunn is on a mission from god. It is a really good moment to prove to DC what we got and how strong it is globally for long-term sustainable growth.”

Share your excitement for DC’s upcoming animated movies and TV shows in the comments below! let us know what are your hopes for their theatrically-released animated movie.