We may be getting a Superman sequel even faster than expected if James Gunn’s words are right!
James Gunn is flying high right now as he passed the first test of his new DC Cinematic Universe. The new Superman film, written and directed by Gunn in his first outing as the leader of DC Comics movies scored well as a hit closing in on $600 million worldwide. It also won over many critics and fans for the fine cast and action.
Obviously, this is meant as the beginning of not only a new Superman movie series but the overall new direction of DC, which faltered with lackluster finishes in 2023’s The Flash and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
The plans for the new DCU are vast, with new takes on not just Batman and Wonder Woman, but lesser-known characters such as Metamorpho, Clayface, and others. However, a Superman sequel appears to be a priority, as the character remains in high demand.
In an interview with Collider to promote the second season of Peacemaker, Gunn confirmed the surprising news that he’s already done with his treatment for a Superman sequel, and filming can begin very soon.
“We’re scheduling it now. I’m totally done with the treatment. My treatments are incredibly intense. They’re not regular treatments. They’re 60-page treatments with dialogue and everything. And so, now I’m just turning that into a script. We’re planning out when we’re going to shoot that. It’s going to be much sooner rather than later.”
This is naturally going to excite fans as to what direction the franchise goes next!
What could Superman 2 be about?
Naturally, Gunn isn’t sharing any hints about the story for the new movie. It’s expected to have the entire cast back with David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman, Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), and Wendell Pierce (Perry White). It’s also possible for Milly Alcock to appear as Supergirl even as she’s getting her own solo movie next year.
It should be noted that there are plans for possible TV spinoffs focusing on Jimmy Olsen and Edi Gathegi's Mr. Terrific. For the sequel, an obvious idea would be for it to concentrate on Brainiac. The computerized alien tyrant was intended to be the villain of Superman III and a sequel to Superman Returns, but neither project was realized. As he’s the second most famous Superman foe after Luthor, making Brainiac the clear choice.
However, given Gunn’s love for “deep dives” in the DCU mythos, he may use a different Superman enemy like the Parasite or the Cyborg Superman. Also unknown is if Gunn will continue with the Superman/Lois relationship and even possibly have a child, as the comics have found major success with the storylines focusing on Jon Kent.
With Gunn’s busy schedule, it’s likely that production won’t begin until early 2026 at the earliest. It’s no secret Warner Bros and DC will want to get a sequel made right away to keep up the momentum of the new DC Universe films, although Gunn will want to make sure the film’s story is ready first.
Yet the fact that Gunn already has the story set and is pushing to start production soon means fans won’t have to wait too many years for the Man of Steel to fly back into theaters.