James Gunn Defends the DCU's Approach to Interconnected Stories, Doesn't Want Movies Like Clayface to Exist Just to 'Set Up' Crossovers

DC Studios co-chairman James Gunn has defended the DCU's approach to interconnected stories, saying he doesn't want movies like Clayface to exist just to "set up" crossovers. While standalone Wonder Woman and Batman movies are in the cards, projects like The People v. Gorilla Grodd seem to be further along than most, with crossover moments mostly limited so far. So, what gives? Gunn has an easy answer that might leave impatient fans wanting more, but for him, it's a solution that will keep the DCU telling quality stories for years to come.

"I couldn't agree more," he said when replying to a fan defending the cinematic universe on Threads. "DCU is just an alternate universe; we can enter at any location or time and tell THAT story. I dislike the idea that individual stories aren't meaningful unless they lead to something else." Gunn continued, saying it's "strange" to see "people not understanding this" considering Star Wars has taken a similar approach for decades.

He did admit Disney's sci-fi franchise may not have the "tonal variety" of something like the DCU , which has so far ping-ponged between serious drama and action to comedy and, most recently, horror. Still, he wants fans to know that, no matter how different each movie or show may be, there is still connective tissue holding them together.

"The Superman Saga starts with Superman and travels into Man of Tomorrow and onward, and contains many characters we've introduced in other stories," he continued in a follow-up post. "But that doesn't mean those other stories only exist to set up what's happening there. I would love people to be seeing Clayface because it's a great, fun horror movie unto itself, not because of where else Clayface will show up three movies from now."

While not everyone is pleased that DC Studios doesn't want to dive head first into crossover event films, one of the reasons others have actually been excited for Clayface is its promise to weave its way into the universe with a new Gotham City. Gunn took his time on social media today to touch base on a few other projects in the works. Creature Commandos Season 2, for example , will arrive after Man of Tomorrow's premiere next year. Speaking of the Superman sequel, a small group of people has now seen director's cuts of the film , with Gunn calling the process "exciting" as he tries "to recut over the week and screen the latest version for a few new eyes every Friday." Meanwhile, Elseworlds sequel, The Batman Part 2 , is still seemingly on track for its February 18, 2028, release date despite recent behind-the-scenes shuffling.