Why James Gunn Is Right About DC's 2024 Movie Release Schedule
Exploring the reasons why James Gunn's approach to DC's 2024 movie release schedule is the right move for the franchise's future success.
The Need for a Break
All eyes are on James Gunn's DCU to reinvigorate DC's cinematic presence, and the new DC Studios co-CEO is already striking the right chords with his approach. Unfortunately, the DCEU is set to fizzle out with a disappointing box office projection for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the franchise's final movie, before the DCU takes the reins. While this is bad news for those involved in making the movie, it does suggest that audiences are eager to move on with DC's cinematic offerings, looking ahead to the reboot to pick up the slack.
Jason Momoa as Aquaman grimacing in the rain in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until 2025 for the DCU to start in earnest with Superman: Legacy. This means that there will be no official DCU cinematic release next year, with Joker: Folie \u00e0 Deux in October 2024 being an Elseworlds title. When asked via Threads if he was nervous about the lack of DCU releases in 2024, however, Gunn was pretty clear on the matter: 'I think it's great for us for the reset.' On this matter, Gunn is right.
James Gunn Threads Post DCU reset
With the DCEU coming to an end at the tail-end of 2023, starting up the new franchise right away would feel rushed and risk contributing to the issues plaguing the current cinematic universe. Instead, the DCU needs time to breathe, with enough of a break between DC releases of different franchises to let audiences forget the old one while ramping up enthusiasm for the new. Information about the debut movie, Superman: Legacy is steadily emerging, but enough time to release information over the course of a year and drum up even more enthusiasm will be a net benefit for the movie.
Custom image of David Corenswet and Superman from the comics.
Not only that, but the studio needs time to assess what happened with the DCEU. It would be somewhat reckless to launch straight into the new franchise without a substantial debrief - and time to assess the state comic book movies more widely. The DCU should feel like a new beginning, which a release so close to its predecessor will only confuse. James Gunn has said that he is open to including DCEU actors in the new DCU franchise in different roles, but none have been confirmed yet.
Custom image of DCU creative chief James Gunn and a montage of David Corenswet in a Superman costume
Rushed productions rarely ever lead to good movies. The pressure is on for Superman: Legacy, perhaps more than any other DCU movie, to land well with audiences lest the DCU crash before it has a chance to take off. This means the studio needs to take its time with the production of the new Superman movie - which is something that should extend across the board. A year's leeway to facilitate the best possible product is integral if the DCU wishes to start off on the right foot.
Zachary Levi's Shazam looking scared in Shazam! Fury of the Gods
It is no secret that one of the main issues plaguing the MCU at the moment is the sheer number of new releases. James Gunn admitted recently that one of the biggest mistakes committed by the DCEU was oversaturation, following a similar model to the MCU by churning out multiple cinematic releases a year. This has no doubt led to the dreaded 'superhero fatigue' that now seems to plague comic book movies across the board. A year off, aided by the fact that the MCU will only release one movie next year, will help to assuage this.
David Corenswet as Superman with Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern and John Cena as Peacemaker with red background
Proper Time for Movie Creation
With the DCEU coming to an end at the tail-end of 2023, starting up the new franchise right away would feel rushed and risk contributing to the issues plaguing the current cinematic universe. Instead, the DCU needs time to breathe, with enough of a break between DC releases of different franchises to let audiences forget the old one while ramping up enthusiasm for the new. Information about the debut movie, Superman: Legacy is steadily emerging, but enough time to release information over the course of a year and drum up even more enthusiasm will be a net benefit for the movie.
Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman standing on a bridge in The Flash
Not only that, but the studio needs time to assess what happened with the DCEU. It would be somewhat reckless to launch straight into the new franchise without a substantial debrief - and time to assess the state comic book movies more widely. The DCU should feel like a new beginning, which a release so close to its predecessor will only confuse. James Gunn has said that he is open to including DCEU actors in the new DCU franchise in different roles, but none have been confirmed yet.
John Cena showing off his biceps as Christopher Smith in Peacemaker
Rushed productions rarely ever lead to good movies. The pressure is on for Superman: Legacy, perhaps more than any other DCU movie, to land well with audiences lest the DCU crash before it has a chance to take off. This means the studio needs to take its time with the production of the new Superman movie - which is something that should extend across the board. A year's leeway to facilitate the best possible product is integral if the DCU wishes to start off on the right foot.
Ezra Miller's Flash looking shocked and standing in a damaged road in The Flash
Avoiding Superhero Fatigue
It is no secret that one of the main issues plaguing the MCU at the moment is the sheer number of new releases. James Gunn admitted recently that one of the biggest mistakes committed by the DCEU was oversaturation, following a similar model to the MCU by churning out multiple cinematic releases a year. This has no doubt led to the dreaded 'superhero fatigue' that now seems to plague comic book movies across the board. A year off, aided by the fact that the MCU will only release one movie next year, will help to assuage this.
Michael Keaton in his Batman suit without the cowl in The Flash
A reduced output - at least for the first 'chapter' of the DCU - would probably be beneficial overall for the DCU. Allowing the audience to build anticipation for each release should help to prevent the cinematic universe from becoming overwhelming for casual audiences, especially if the connections between each new movie make the others required viewing. Either way, a chance for everybody to take a step back and reignite their passion for comic book movies would be healthy for the DCU's first cinematic outing.
Harley Quinn with new hair and sunglasses in Birds of Prey
