Writer, director, and now co-chairman and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn, has declared that the long-discussed crossover between Marvel and DC is now “more likely” since he was put in charge. Speaking with Empire Magazine, Gunn revealed that he has had fun toying with the idea of a Marvel Vs. DC movie but, should it ever actually come to fruition, it won’t be for a while yet.
“I’m certain that’s more likely now that I’m in charge [at DC]. Who knows? That’s many years away, though. I think we have to establish what we’re doing [at DC] first. I would be lying to say that we haven’t discussed it. But all discussions have been very, very light and fun.”
Gunn certainly sounds a little more optimistic about the prospect of a Marvel versus DC project than he has in the past. Discussing the idea back in 2021, Gunn said, “I’ve casually talked to the powers-that-be at both Marvel & DC about it. I would love for it to happen. I don’t think it’s likely, but I don’t think it’s an impossibility either. THAT SAID, just constantly seeing crossovers & mashups is less enchanting to me than a strong story.”
The two comic giants have come face-to-face before in comic book form, and with the recent emergence of the cinematic multiverse, seeing the likes of Superman and Batman doing battle (before inevitably teaming up) with the likes of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange would be far less confusing to audiences than it would have perhaps been years ago.
Still, even if it has edged ever closer, Gunn remains dedicated to story over big, crossover events. Besides, the filmmaker has revealed what he would do with such a project before, focusing on the lesser-known side characters rather than the heavy hitters. “What would be your dream Marvel and DC crossover-team up project? King Shark, Rocket, Weasel, & Groot,” he said.
The DCU Will Begin in 2025 with Superman: Legacy
James Gunn is now in charge of the DCU alongside producer Peter Safran, with Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters all set to begin on July, 11, 2025 with the Superman reboot, Superman: Legacy. The Superman reboot will be followed by the superhero team-up flick The Authority, a Batman project titled The Brave and the Bold, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, a Swamp Thing reboot, a Wonder Woman prequel series titled Paradise Lost, the animated series Creature Commandos, a series centered on Amanda Waller, a Green Lantern series titled Lanterns, and a series about Booster Gold.
As for the MCU, Phase 5 will continue with James Gunn’s own Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which is scheduled for release on May 5, 2023. The rest of the Phase includes The Marvels, Captain America: New World Order, Thunderbolts, and Blade on the big screen, and Secret Invasion, Loki Season 2, Ironheart, What If…? Season 2, Echo, Agatha: Coven of Chaos, and Daredevil: Born Again on the small screen.
