SUPERMAN Director James Gunn Confirms That DC Studios Is Working On "Elseworlds" Opening For Non-DCU Projects

DC Studios boss James Gunn has shared an update on creating an "Elseworlds" logo for DC projects not set in the DCU, confirming that it's something he and Peter Safran remain hard at work on. Check it out!

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By JoshWilding - Jan 19, 2025 07:01 AM EST

Filed Under: DC Studios

When DC Studios' DCU plans were first revealed, it was confirmed that James Gunn and Peter Safran would release both movies, TV shows, and video games set in the same world and "Elseworlds" projects.

The Penguin was the first of those, while The Batman sequel also looks set to fall under that banner. The DC Studios intro has already been revealed and, according to Gunn, the plan is to put Superman front and centre in a bid to make him the face of the studio similar to MGM's lion.

However, we still haven't seen an "Elseworlds" logo which can be used to differentiate those alternate reality projects from the main DCU continuity.

Responding to a fan on social media, the DC Studios co-CEO and Superman director explained, "All DC television [and] film projects are now under DC Studios. Because Harley Quinn was developed long before us we didn’t think it was fair to put the DC Studio fanfare on there."

"On Penguin, which we had a small hand in developing, we have a different DC Studios anim at the end," Gunn continued. "We’re currently working on the DC Studios Elseworlds opening."

At the end of 2023, the filmmaker explained what a movie or TV show needs to be for a release under this "Elseworlds" banner.

"One of the problems with DCEU content in the past was there was no real consistency within the universe itself. This never meant - [and] I never said, as this is how we always envisioned it - all animated [and] video game content would be in the DCU."

"I did ([and] still) say MOST TV [and] film will be in the DCU with the occasional Elseworld tale (like Matt's The Batman), but it will have to be exceptional. Never mentioned streaming services but I like more people able to watch DC stories."

The comments below mark the first time we've heard from Gunn on DC since before the holidays. Hopefully, he'll return to sharing various DCU updates from here, particularly when Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and the likes of Lanterns, Sgt. Rock, and Clayface are right around the corner.

The comments below mark the first time we've heard from Gunn since before the holidays. Hopefully, he'll be back to sharing various DCU updates soon particularly with Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and the likes of Lanterns and Sgt. Rock right around the corner.

Check out his comments in full below and stay tuned for updates as we have them.

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36 Comments

UncleHarm1 - 1/19/2025, 7:12 AM

If your movie is too different to fit in the DCU, maybe make a different movie or a different DCU

KennKathleen - 1/19/2025, 7:18 AM

@UncleHarm1 -

Why begin breaking into off-world stories? Why not make the best version of the universe... first?

HashTagSwagg - 1/19/2025, 7:27 AM

@UncleHarm1 - They're keeping their options open, If Superman bombs, they still have Reeve's mediocre Batman universe to continue Batman for while longer, if Gunn's entire universe fails, they bring back the Synder cut universe

HashTagSwagg - 1/19/2025, 7:15 AM

Yes, you already told us they were making a non-connected solo film for Swamp Ass

bkmeijer1 - 1/19/2025, 7:25 AM

I'm kinda hoping it's the same logo in a different color with Red Son Superman and it saying "Elseworld" instead of "Studios". Simple but effective.
?feature=shared

harryba11zack - 1/19/2025, 7:27 AM

I dont care for shared universes anymore, just aim to make good movies.

THEKENDOMAN - 1/19/2025, 7:32 AM

@harryba11zack - Here Here. For fuccks sake

THEKENDOMAN - 1/19/2025, 7:37 AM

harryba11zack - I had to comment on this twice. Well said. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

dragon316 - 1/19/2025, 8:38 AM

@harryba11zack - cut all others make it one again

THEKENDOMAN - 1/19/2025, 7:32 AM

You all know how frustrated I get when I see or hear Gunn run his mouth about his plans.

In fact, @POWERDUDE to put your own frustration to rest about why I swear so much and the birth of my signature- For [frick]s Sake, you can blame Gunn for that.

I mean why can't this man just surprise us, it's bad enough you still haven't completed your Gods and Monsters slate, and now you're going on about a [frick]king opening.

This Elseworlds opening better blow our minds. Since you have announced your hard at work. [frick]ing hell this guy.

So now that comment pretty much confirms Patty Baby is not going to be the DCU’s Batman.

[frick]ing stop teasing us and surprise us.

For Fuccks Sake 🤬

bkmeijer1 - 1/19/2025, 7:38 AM

@THEKENDOMAN - well, he was asked about the opening fanfare. This is just part of his answer.

And I rather have him debunk stuff or clear things up on social media, because otherwise rumours really start running rampant and setting unmeetable expectations.

THEKENDOMAN - 1/19/2025, 7:41 AM

@bkmeijer1 - I rather have him shut the [frick] up like Feige. Why does he need to give an answer to everything.

How about… Wait and see. Or You’ll love it or No comment.

bkmeijer1 - 1/19/2025, 7:46 AM

@THEKENDOMAN - he does only really answer a fraction of the stuff he's asked though, so for the most part he does shut the fuсk up.

And you don't have to read them, so you can still wait and see.

THEKENDOMAN - 1/19/2025, 7:53 AM

@bkmeijer1 - Stop. How does he answer just a fraction?? I think you confusing giving away the plot to giving away direction. DC had gone through so much of giving away the direction and underperforming, it’s time we bring in the suspense and overperform.

And you're right, I don’t have to read it but I’m a fan so I will and as I fan I’ll have my opinions and express them anytime and anywhere for everyone or no one to read or listen.

bobevanz - 1/19/2025, 8:20 AM

@THEKENDOMAN - Feige let's all these fake rumors run rampant because they think it's free advertising, instead it makes them look like fools

RedFury - 1/19/2025, 8:57 AM

@THEKENDOMAN - lol and you're allowed to express you're opinion and disdain towards Gunn because you say you're a fan, but you wish HE would shut up and stop answering fans questions and clearing things up about the DCU?

The hypocrisy here is quite funny to me. I suggest you stop projecting your dissatisfaction with superhero movies onto other people, and just enjoy this stuff for what it is; entertainment. It doesn't have to be that serious man...

bkmeijer1 - 1/19/2025, 8:58 AM

@THEKENDOMAN - because he gets asked a lot of questions on threads (from what I can tell), but he answer far from all of them. And I am indeed confused, because at no point did I mention plot or direction.

Also, yeah that's fair you do read them and have opinions.

TDKRnry88 - 1/19/2025, 9:01 AM

@THEKENDOMAN - So you'd rather him not clarify aspects of his universe & shoot down b.s. rumors? You'd rather be rudderless? That makes no sense. He doesn't spoil things. He puts things in perspective. So now people can shut up about The Batman being folded into the DCU. And oh my god, he reveals they're working on a DC Elseworlds logo/opening! What a spoiler!!!! The movies are ruined!!!!! Come on, man 🙄

THEKENDOMAN - 1/19/2025, 10:04 AM

@bobevanz - But guess what? They are winning

THEKENDOMAN - 1/19/2025, 10:05 AM

@RedFury - Hell No, its serious. My life depends on this. 🙌😎🤦‍♂️

THEKENDOMAN - 1/19/2025, 10:06 AM

@bkmeijer1 - 👊

THEKENDOMAN - 1/19/2025, 10:08 AM

@TDKRnry88 - He needs to stop talking. Period!

AllsNotGood - 1/19/2025, 7:38 AM

This studio will not have the legs. They will get 10 projects at the most. It's just not popular there isn't enough Gunn sheep and the box office numbers will show

dragon316 - 1/19/2025, 8:47 AM

@AllsNotGood - James gun. Fans have nothing do with it .,
People see movies regardless who’s in them who’s in control if movie looks good to them fun watch that’s all it matters to them who makes them who’s in them who’s in charge of dc have nothing do with it I can guarantee you people who do buy comics who do not look up movie news on internet does not know James Gunn is ceo of dc they just want fun movie watch as they where made in 80-90 sit down watch there it is like it fine don’t like for it be boring not enough action fine.,

It’s same with new transformer fans small amount like cartoon transformers but other new transformer fans mostly will only stick with live action movies unless they have kids then take kids see transformers one

WEAPONXOXOXO - 1/19/2025, 8:15 AM

AllsNotGood - 1/19/2025, 8:25 AM

@WEAPONXOXOXO - not robotic enough

Forthas - 1/19/2025, 8:28 AM

So all of this time that Gunn has been CEO he still hasn't created an Elseworlds opening logo. He had one ready for Creature Commandos. Maybe if there was a DC CEO that cared as much about other people's projects as he does his own there would be an equal level of attention paid to ALL DC projects and they could ALL thrive together. Just a thought!

epc1122 - 1/19/2025, 8:39 AM

@Forthas - I don’t think holding off on a 15 sec animated logo equates to not caring, it’s just not high on the list of priorities considering you’re getting off the ground multiple projects at roughly the same time. Especially considering the else world projects under his time haven’t really been completed.

Forthas - 1/19/2025, 8:55 AM

@epc1122 - Penguin came out a month before Creature Commandos in 2024 and James Gunn had already been CEO since the end of 2022. In all that time he did not have the ability to commission someone to develop a logo? If he is that much of a micro-manager, then again my point stands. He cared enough about his upcoming projects to take the time to develop a logo, but when it came to projects that were not in his control he somehow did not have enough time? He may go down as the worst studio executive ever.

TDKRnry88 - 1/19/2025, 9:04 AM

@Forthas - Use your brain. He was also busy... MAKING A SUPERMAN MOVIE! So what if he didn't have an Elseworlds banner ready yet? You have no idea how long & how much goes into making a movie, especially one as huge as Superman, do you?

Forthas - 1/19/2025, 9:12 AM

@TDKRnry88 - But he had one for Creature Commandos! If he has time for making a logo for that then he had time to do one for Penguin which came out in November one month before Creature Commandos. In fact he just stated he is STILL working on it this late into January. Where is Peter Safran the supposed co-CEO is he busy making a movie too? Gunn has plenty of time to answer fan questions. He has plenty of time to make the rounds to sit down for interviews.

epc1122 - 1/19/2025, 9:37 AM

@Forthas - again, 10-15 second intro for an elseworld title is such a small aspect to all of this. The guy is creating a new universe, directing movies, reading scripts, etc. He even tries to find the time to answer fan questions so we’re somewhat included. Fans may not like the end product which is understandable, can’t make everyone happy, but he should be applauded for what he’s trying to take on and not being nitpicked for a 10 second intro which doesn’t really affect the quality of the program. When penguin came out Gunn was working on Superman as well as peacemaker.

xfan320 - 1/19/2025, 9:25 AM

The reason we don't have an Elseworlds logo yet is because we all are living IN AN ELSEWORLD and we just can't see it! 😋

WakandaTech - 1/19/2025, 9:34 AM

Gunn acts like DCU is a guaranteed success and
at the same time has no idea what he’sdoing.

epc1122 - 1/19/2025, 9:41 AM

@WakandaTech - I don’t see him thinking the dc universe is a guaranteed success. I think he’s even said that he needs to see how Superman does before really moving forward with a lot more projects. I think that’s why not a lot has been approved to move forward. I think you have to have a confidence with your plan but like life, nothing is guaranteed.

micvalpro - 1/19/2025, 9:57 AM

@WakandaTech - No one ever actually knows what theyre doing. Thats life.

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SUPERMAN Director James Gunn Confirms That DC Studios Is Working On "Elseworlds" Opening For Non-DCU Projects

DC Studios boss James Gunn has shared an update on creating an "Elseworlds" logo for DC projects not set in the DCU, confirming that it's something he and Peter Safran remain hard at work on. Check it out!

RUMOR: DC Studios Moving Forward With PLASTIC MAN Movie - Could BLACK SWAN's Darren Aronofsky Direct?

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DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.