James Gunn confirms one DCU film is already off the slate—but not because of drama. The script just didn’t cut it.
It’s been a long road to get the DC Universe back on track, and 2025 is shaping up to be the year where the studio finally hits the reset button. But even before Superman takes flight, one of DC Studios’ bold bets has quietly been pulled off the runway. And according to co-chief James Gunn, it’s for all the right reasons.
Gunn, speaking candidly in a recent Rolling Stone feature, revealed that one of the previously announced films in the Gods & Monsters slate has been shelved entirely. Why? The screenplay just wasn’t ready—and Gunn’s not budging on quality.
Gunn Sets the Bar High for DCU Scripts
In a studio era often criticized for rushing blockbusters into theaters, Gunn’s approach comes off like a hard reset. He says there’s simply no room for half-baked ideas or films pushed out of the oven too soon.
“I couldn’t do a movie where the screenplay’s not good,” Gunn told Rolling Stone. That might sound like common sense, but considering the history of the DCEU, it’s actually kind of revolutionary.
It’s a strong signal of intent. Gunn and co-CEO Peter Safran have inherited a franchise marred by chaos, studio interference, and critical misses. So putting story first? That’s a culture shift.
One line stood out: “Everybody wanted to make the movie. It was greenlit, ready to go.” But Gunn still shut it down.
Which Project Got The Axe?
Here’s the kicker—Gunn didn’t name the movie. So naturally, fans have been speculating.
We do know what didn’t get canceled:
-
Supergirl: Filming already wrapped, so she’s safe.
-
Clayface: Gunn called the script “so f*cking good,” which sounds more like a green light than a red one.
That leaves a few possibilities. Online chatter has pointed fingers at The Authority, a team-up flick featuring morally gray antiheroes. Rumors have swirled for months about creative issues behind the scenes, though nothing’s been confirmed.
Still, the cancellation doesn’t appear to be a dramatic event—it’s just editorial discipline. The message is clear: no script, no shoot.
DC’s Upcoming Film Slate: What’s Still Standing
Here’s what remains in development from the original Gods & Monsters announcement. For now, at least:
| Project Name | Status | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Superman | In production | David Corenswet stars; Gunn directing |
| The Brave and the Bold | In development | Focuses on Batman and Damian Wayne |
| Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow | Wrapped filming | Based on Tom King’s acclaimed comic |
| Swamp Thing | Early development | Described as horror-focused |
| The Authority | Rumored issues | Possible cancellation, not confirmed |
| Wonder Woman reboot | Recently announced | No director or casting info yet |
So, while one movie is gone, the rest of the lineup appears intact—for now.
Why Killing a Project Can Be a Sign of Progress
Think about how many superhero movies have made it to theaters feeling unfinished, overstuffed, or just straight-up incoherent. For years, that was DC’s biggest issue.
Gunn scrapping a film that wasn’t ready isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of restraint. A rare thing in blockbuster filmmaking.
There’s something refreshing about a studio saying no. And Gunn’s move signals that under this new regime, not everything gets a pass.
In fact, it may end up saving the franchise from itself.
Superman Still Leading the Charge
With all that said, it’s not like Gunn’s losing sleep over it. He’s got his hands full with Superman, which hits theaters in 2025 and stars Pearl and Hollywood breakout David Corenswet. And according to Gunn, it’s coming together nicely.
He even admitted recently that it was a classic DC character—one he hasn’t named publicly yet—that helped him “crack” the story. Sounds like there’s a bit of magic brewing.
And of course, this is the first film in the new DCU canon, so expectations are sky high.
“This isn’t just a Superman movie,” one insider told Rolling Stone. “It’s the one that sets the tone.”
The New DCU Is Still a Work in Progress
To be honest, nobody expected the whole Gods & Monsters slate to survive untouched. That’s not how development works—especially when you’re rebuilding an entire cinematic universe from scratch.
The DCU is still in its early stages. Gunn has been clear from day one: nothing gets through unless it meets his standards. And honestly, it’s kind of refreshing.
Most superhero franchises are built around release dates. DC’s new chapter seems to be built around stories instead. It might take longer, but it might finally work.
Even if we don’t know which film got axed, the real headline here is simple: James Gunn won’t let mediocrity slide. And in a genre that’s often accused of playing it safe, that’s the kind of risk the fans deserve.
