DCU Chapter One: 6 DC films we need to see from James Gunn

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Superman costume from the 2013 Man of Steel film worn by Henry Cavill and designed by Michael Wilkinson and James Acheson is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: A Superman costume from the 2013 Man of Steel film worn by Henry Cavill and designed by Michael Wilkinson and James Acheson is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /
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Superman, Black Superman, Kal-El, DCU
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: A Superman costume from the 1978 Superman film worn by Christopher Reeve and designed by Yvonne Blake is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /

A Superman sequel is a must

One of the most annoying things about being a DCEU fan was the Man of Steel sequel we never got. Superman was a glorified cameo character for every film thereafter. Gunn doesn’t need to make that same mistake. Two years after we get our first look at Superman, we need to get another film. In this scenario we already have a film inspired by Superman: For Tomorrow. The next film should continue to show a different side of Superman. One story that does that is What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way? written by Joe Kelly and illustrated by Doug Mahnke.

Mostly known as Superman vs the Elite, the story explores the theme of Superman’s values and how they are challenged by a new team of heroes who are willing to use brutal methods to fight crime. The story also explores the theme of the cost of being a hero and the consequences of fighting crime. This is another great opportunity to explore Superman’s values and how they are challenged by a new team of heroes.

The animated film Superman vs The Elite (2012), provides a great blueprint for how this story arc could be adapted into a live-action film. We’d get to see Superman dropping gems like, “Dreams save us. Dreams lift us up and transform us. And on my soul I swear until my dream of a world where dignity, honor, and justice becomes the reality we all share, I’ll never stop fighting. Ever!”

Before we see Superman with the Justice League, we need to see him dominate on his own in two character-driven stories in Gunn’s first chapter of his DCU — this is it. Introducing Lobo or Brainiac is another option.