DC Studios co-chairman James Gunn has voiced his support for an interconnected storytelling approach in the DC Universe that prioritizes the intrinsic value of individual projects. He stated that films like the recently released Clayface should not exist merely to "set up" future crossover events.
Clayface, a bloody body horror film with an R rating, has entered the DCU, presenting a more adult narrative. Despite receiving solid scores from critics and fans, some viewers have expressed dissatisfaction, suggesting that executives like Gunn and co-chairman Peter Safran have not effectively utilized smaller stories to build towards larger, interconnected projects. The DCU's timeline officially began with the animated series Creature Commandos, followed by the theatrical release of Superman, and subsequently Peacemaker Season 2, Supergirl, Lanterns, and Clayface.
Gunn addressed these criticisms on Threads, agreeing with a fan who defended the cinematic universe's structure. He explained that the DCU operates as an alternate universe where stories can be entered at any point, and he dislikes the notion that individual narratives are only meaningful if they directly lead to something else. He drew a parallel to Star Wars, which has maintained a similar approach for decades, though he acknowledged the DCU might possess greater tonal variety.
He further elaborated that "The Superman Saga starts with Superman and travels into Man of Tomorrow and onward, and contains many characters we've introduced in other stories." However, he emphasized that these other stories do not exist solely to set up Superman's narrative. Gunn expressed a desire for audiences to appreciate Clayface as a compelling horror movie in its own right, rather than viewing it solely through the lens of its potential future appearances in other DCU projects.
While the idea of prioritizing standalone narratives over immediate crossover events may not satisfy all fans, the approach has generated excitement for films like Clayface. The movie's exploration of Gotham City and its clear focus on establishing a solid foundation for the DCU, rather than rushing into a large team-up, has been noted.
Gunn also provided updates on other DCU projects. Creature Commandos Season 2 is slated for release after Man of Tomorrow premieres next year. Director's cuts of the Superman sequel are currently being reviewed, with Gunn describing the process as "exciting" as he works on recuts and screenings. The Elseworlds sequel, The Batman Part 2, remains on track for its February 18, 2028 release date, despite recent behind-the-scenes adjustments. Updates regarding the DCU's Batman and the broader DC movie pipeline are available elsewhere.