James Gunn Promises Superman Will Stay the Focus, Despite ‘Lanterns’ Link

In the upcoming Superman movie, set to release next summer, James Gunn, the writer-director and co-head of DC Studios, along with producer Peter Safran, promises the film will focus mainly on Superman’s story.

While there may be small hints of other DC Universe elements, like ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 and the HBO series ‘Lanterns,’ Gunn makes it clear that the main focus will be on Superman. During a visit to the set, Gunn spoke to ComicBook about how these universe connections will be handled.

He explained, “Maybe two little things, two moments that tie into the broader universe. But if it’s just to set something up, forget it.”

Gunn emphasized that every part of the film should serve its own story, and anything that doesn’t directly contribute to that might be cut during editing.

The superhero saga, which sits between the animated series ‘Creature Commandos’ and ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, subtly hints at connections within the DCU.

The film features Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Green Lantern, hinting at connections to the upcoming ‘Lanterns’ series.

Gunn and Safran describe the ‘Lanterns’ series as a detective story that will help lay the groundwork for the new DC Universe, beginning with Superman.

While Gunn acknowledged that the film may hint at future stories, like in ‘Peacemaker’, he assured that the movie will remain focused on its own narrative. He stated, “Every moment in the movie exists for the movie itself.”

The cast includes David Corenswet as Kal-El/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as the villain Lex Luthor.

The Kent family is played by Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell, with Skyler Gisondo, Beck Bennett, Mikaela Hoover, Christopher McDonald, and Wendell Pierce rounding out the cast as Daily Planet staff.

Unlike Gunn’s past ensemble casts in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘The Suicide Squad’, this film features key superheroes in supporting roles who have an important impact on the story.

Characters like Mister Terrific, played by Edi Gathegi, and Hawkgirl, portrayed by Isabela Merced, aren’t just cameos; they have significant roles in the plot.

The film, originally called Superman: Legacy, explores Superman’s struggle to balance his Kryptonian roots with his upbringing as Clark Kent in Smallville, all while embracing traditional values in a modern world.

Looking ahead, DC Studios’ upcoming slate, titled Gods and Monsters, includes Superman, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Clayface, and the animated Dynamic Duo, with other projects like The Authority, Swamp Thing, and Batman: The Brave and the Bold still awaiting release dates.

There are also several TV shows in the works, including Lanterns, Waller, Booster Gold, and Paradise Lost, a series set on Themyscira, promising to expand the DC universe even further.

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