DC Studios Plans Distinct Tones for Each Film,Following “supermans” Box Office Success – James Gunn,co-CEO of DC Studios,revealed plans for a diverse range of tones and genres within the newly rebooted DC universe (DCU),emphasizing that each film will have a unique identity akin to individual comic book titles. This strategy follows the successful theatrical release of “superman,” starring David Corenswet, which grossed $180.9 million domestically as of July 28, 2024, according to Box Office Mojo.
Gunn, speaking in an interview highlighted by CBS Mornings, stated that upcoming projects like “Clayface” will diverge significantly in genre. “‘Clayface’ is a totally different thing. Even though it’s in the same universe, it’s a complete horror film, and that’s one of the things we want to do,” he explained. “There’s not a company style. It’s not like every movie is gonna be like ‘Superman.’ The artists and the directors and the writers that create each one will bring their own sense to it.… We don’t want people being bored.”
This approach marks a important shift for DC Studios,which,alongside co-CEO Peter safran,was brought in by Warner Bros.Discovery in november 2022 to revitalize the DC film franchise and compete with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The pair have outlined a complete 10-year plan encompassing interconnected sequels and spinoffs. The next major releases are slated for 2026 with “Supergirl” and “Clayface,” followed by a reimagining of “Wonder Woman.” Production for “Supergirl” is expected to begin in early 2025 at leavesden Studios in Hertfordshire, England.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has publicly endorsed Gunn and Safran’s vision, stating thay are “breathing new life and excitement into one of the most iconic storytelling franchises in the world.” Though, the success of future projects hinges on building audience recognition for lesser-known characters. While “Superman” benefited from being one of the most globally recognized superheroes, “Supergirl” and “Clayface” will require more audience investment. This challenge is underscored by recent box office trends, including the underperformance of Disney’s “Fantastic Four” reboot, which earned $64.8 million domestically during its opening weekend, as reported by Variety.
Despite potential hurdles, Zaslav remains optimistic. Following “Superman’s” release, he declared, “The DC vision is clear, the momentum is real,” emphasizing his confidence in the future of the DCU.The studio is currently developing scripts for at least eight additional projects,including “Batman: The Imposter” and “Booster Gold,” with release dates planned through 2030.
