James Gunn Clarifies DCU Canon Status of Super
James Gunn isn’t planning to make his pre-MCU superhero movie canon to the DCU. Gunn, who previously directed all three Guardians of the Galaxy movies for Marvel, later moved on to Warner Bros. Studios, creating The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker. Eventually, he and Peter Safran were tasked with creating a new shared universe, the DCU. It officially began in December 2024 with Creature Commandos. Following this, the DCU continued with Superman and Peacemaker Season 2.
In addition to his DCU work, Gunn has consistently emphasized the importance of keeping different creative worlds separate. By maintaining Super outside of DCU canon, he allows the film to retain its unique tone and story while leaving room for playful nods to fans who are familiar with his earlier work.
About Gunn’s 2010 Film Super
Before his Marvel successes, Gunn directed a 2010 superhero movie called Super, starring Rainn Wilson, Elliot Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, and Nathan Fillion. The film was distributed by IFC Midnight. On Threads, Gunn was asked if Super could ever become canon to the DCU.
James Gunn replied,
“I’m not in charge of that. Someone else owns Crimson Bolt. But I don’t think it’s something I’d do anyway other than an Easter Egg.”
A description of Super reads:
“When sad-sack loser Frank (Rainn Wilson, The Office), a short-order cook, sees his ex-addict wife (Liv Tyler, The Lord of the Rings) willingly snatched away by a seductive drug dealer (Kevin Bacon), he finds himself bereft and unable to cope. But he decides to fight back under the guise of a do-it-yourself superhero called Crimson Bolt. With a red hand-made suit, a wrench, a crazed sidekick named Boltie (Elliot Page, June), and absolutely nothing in the way of superpowers, Crimson Bolt beats his way through the mean streets of crime in hopes of saving his wife.”
Moreover, Super has gained a cult following over the years because of its dark humor and unique take on superhero tropes. Fans of James Gunn appreciate how the film explores the limits of heroism without superpowers. It provides a stark contrast to the high-budget spectacles of mainstream superhero films.
Upcoming DCU Projects and Gunn’s Vision for the Future
Fans can look forward to Peacemaker Season 2’s finale, set to release on HBO Max on October 9, 2025. Beyond that, the DCU continues into 2026 with Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl, starring Milly Alcock. James Watkins’ Clayface will star Tom Rhys Harries, and the Lanterns television show will feature Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre. With these projects, Gunn and Safran continue to shape the future of the DCU while keeping previous works like Super separate from the canon.
Additionally, Gunn has shown interest in exploring more character-driven stories within the DCU. He emphasizes moral complexity and layered narratives. This suggests that while Super may remain outside the DCU canon, its spirit of subverting traditional superhero expectations could still influence Gunn’s future storytelling in DC projects.
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