James Gunn’s Superman (2025) was supposed to be the dawn of a bold new era for DC. Financially, Warner Bros. seems to have gotten what it wanted: at $615 million worldwide, the movie scored relatively big at the box office (although its inflated $200 million+ budget must be taken into account). But the reality among DC fans is far less enthusiastic.
Reviews for Superman were mixed, with many critics calling the film safe and underwhelming. That’s a troubling sign for a project meant to serve as the foundation of a new cinematic universe. What should have been a triumphant reset already has fans questioning whether the DCU is truly any different from the troubled DCEU it replaced.
Upcoming DCU Projects
The next few years will test that skepticism. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is slated for release in 2026, with Milly Alcock leading the adaptation of Tom King’s comic book series. Warner Bros. have now also announced Superman: Man of Tomorrow for 2027, signaling their intent to build a Superman-led universe.
Other planned films, including The Authority and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, are still in early stages of development.
Problems With Canon
But even as Gunn promises a clean slate, he’s also blurring the lines of continuity. Peacemaker Season 2, which is now streaming on HBO Max, is officially tied to this new DCU, despite being a continuation of a DCEU-era series.
This has already confused and angered fans who were promised a fresh start, and many feel the raunchy tone and adult humor undermine the supposed seriousness — and family-friendly nature — of DC’s new direction. Unbeknownst to many, Creature Commandos, a violent animated series that premiered on Max last year, is actually the first installment in the new DCU, not Superman.
Related: Brand-New Batman/Superman Crossover Gets First Official Trailer
Superman‘s Box Office Success Doesn’t Mean Much
For many, Superman’s success feels hollow. Yes, audiences turned up to theaters for the Man of Steel, but the trust between Warner Bros. and its fanbase clearly hasn’t been repaired — that might take years. But it’s a luxury the studio doesn’t have.
Confusion over canon, unease with Gunn’s comedic instincts, and a lack of confidence in long-term planning all threaten to undo any momentum Superman may have set up.
The harsh truth is that DC fans don’t just want one good movie—they want an entire universe they can believe in. And right now, it’s looking even messier than the DCEU.
Superman (2025) is now available to watch at home.
The film stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, Isabela Merced as Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt/Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Anthony Carrigan as Rex Mason/Metamorpho, María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica/The Engineer, and Krypto the Dog.
What are you first impressions of James Gunn’s new DC Universe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
