DC Strategy: Gunn Clarifies Diamond Character Hierarchy
The co-head of DC Studios explains which heroes anchor the franchise and which supporting roles are designed to evolve, pushing back against calls for a unified narrative.
By Maya Sokolov ·
James Gunn clarified the structural role of specific heroes in his DC universe, distinguishing between anchor figures and characters with potential for elevation. He posted on Threads to address ongoing debate about the long-term plan for the franchise.
Gunn identified Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman as the "diamond characters" of the studio. He stated that these three figures serve as the primary focus of the current strategy. He also named Krypto, John Stewart, and Peacemaker as smaller characters that could "turn into diamonds" over time.
The co-head of DC Studios responded to a deleted post to explain the scope of the 8 to 10 year roadmap first outlined in 2022. He noted that the plan included more than just story points. It also covered the overall direction for DC, including how to support filmmaker freedom and allow for various tones and ratings.
Gunn referenced the influences of Star Wars and George RR Martin on the project. He said the plan was designed to allow multiple narrative structures. He pointed out that some stories, like the upcoming Clayface film, will be standalone. Others, such as the Superman Saga, will form part of a larger narrative.
He emphasized that each piece of the larger story should function independently. Viewers should not need to watch every previous entry to understand the current film. This approach mirrors how Star Wars has operated for 50 years across movies, shows, games, and books.
Gunn rejected the idea that individual stories lack meaning unless they lead to a major crossover event. He described the DCU as an alternate universe where creators can enter at any location or time. He called it strange that people do not understand this model, given the long history of expanded universe storytelling in other franchises.
The next major release in the series is Superman: Man of Tomorrow. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on July 9, 2027. Gunn expressed excitement about seeing the pieces start to come together for that specific project.
Source: Variety
