News Analysis India

Tag: James Gunn

  • ‘Wonder Woman 3’ still on cards 

    By Express News Service

    In an unexpected turn of events, Gal Gadot is set to return as Diana Prince in Wonder Woman 3 under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran at DC Studios. Gadot’s future as Wonder Woman almost came to an end when Patty Jenkins reportedly walked away from the project, however, the director denied the news later.

    Speaking to a media portal prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike, Gadot spoke of her love for Wonder Woman and revealed that she had talked to both Gunn and Safran about returning for another sequel. Whether or not Jenkins is involved remains to be seen, but that’s a story for another time. 

    It is also unclear if this sequel would bring Gadot into the new DC Universe created by Gunn, alongside his new Superman and Lois Lane, or an Elseworlds tale, like the sequels to The Batman and Joker.

    Gadot continued to appear as Wonder Woman in DC projects even after the cancellation of Wonder Woman 3, making cameos in both Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash.

    In an unexpected turn of events, Gal Gadot is set to return as Diana Prince in Wonder Woman 3 under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran at DC Studios. Gadot’s future as Wonder Woman almost came to an end when Patty Jenkins reportedly walked away from the project, however, the director denied the news later.

    Speaking to a media portal prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike, Gadot spoke of her love for Wonder Woman and revealed that she had talked to both Gunn and Safran about returning for another sequel. Whether or not Jenkins is involved remains to be seen, but that’s a story for another time. 

    It is also unclear if this sequel would bring Gadot into the new DC Universe created by Gunn, alongside his new Superman and Lois Lane, or an Elseworlds tale, like the sequels to The Batman and Joker.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Gadot continued to appear as Wonder Woman in DC projects even after the cancellation of Wonder Woman 3, making cameos in both Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash.

  • Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced join Superman: Legacy

    By Express News Service

    Following the revelation of David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as Clark Kent, aka Superman, and Lois Lane, respectively, Superman: Legacy, the upcoming resetter of the DC Universe, has expanded its cast with three new actors joining the project, with Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl and Edi Gathegi will be Mister Terrific.

    The upcoming pic is written and directed by James Gunn, marking it as the first film from the DCEU after Gunn was designated as the co-CEO of the DC studios along with Peter Safran. It was Peter Safran who disclosed the new cast members to Vanity Fair, and he also serves as the producer of the film. The film will hit theatres on July 11, 2025.

    On Wednesday, taking to Twitter, Gunn penned a brief note welcoming the cast onboard, “Welcome to the cast of Superman: Legacy: Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific.”

    Meanwhile, Nathan Fillion earlier collaborated with Gunn for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and The Suicide Squad. The actor’s upcoming film, titled Skincare, is in the post-production stage.

    Isabela Merced’s best-known acting credits include Transformers: The Last Knight, Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Sweet Girl, among others. The actor has a slew of films in the pipeline, including Madame Web and Turtles All the Way Down.Edi Gathegi is currently seen in the third season of Apple TV+’s sci-fi drama For All Mankind. 

    Following the revelation of David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as Clark Kent, aka Superman, and Lois Lane, respectively, Superman: Legacy, the upcoming resetter of the DC Universe, has expanded its cast with three new actors joining the project, with Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl and Edi Gathegi will be Mister Terrific.

    The upcoming pic is written and directed by James Gunn, marking it as the first film from the DCEU after Gunn was designated as the co-CEO of the DC studios along with Peter Safran. It was Peter Safran who disclosed the new cast members to Vanity Fair, and he also serves as the producer of the film. The film will hit theatres on July 11, 2025.

    On Wednesday, taking to Twitter, Gunn penned a brief note welcoming the cast onboard, “Welcome to the cast of Superman: Legacy: Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Meanwhile, Nathan Fillion earlier collaborated with Gunn for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and The Suicide Squad. The actor’s upcoming film, titled Skincare, is in the post-production stage.

    Isabela Merced’s best-known acting credits include Transformers: The Last Knight, Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Sweet Girl, among others. The actor has a slew of films in the pipeline, including Madame Web and Turtles All the Way Down.Edi Gathegi is currently seen in the third season of Apple TV+’s sci-fi drama For All Mankind. 

  • James Gunn to direct Superman: Legacy

    By Express News Service

    James Gunn took to Twitter to officially announce that he will be directing Superman: Legacy which will release on July 11, 2025.

    Yes, I’m directing Superman: Legacy to be released on July 11, 2025. My brother Matt told me when he saw the release date he started to cry. I asked him why. He said, “Dude, it’s Dad’s birthday.” I hadn’t realized. pic.twitter.com/ohQNV8nI4g
    — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 15, 2023
    James will also be penning the script of the upcoming feature, which he began before he assumed the position of co-head at the DC Studios in November.

    “It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks that kindness is old-fashioned,” Peter Safran, co-head of DC Studios, had said earlier, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

    In a long thread on Twitter, James shared how he did not realise that the film’s release date will coincide with his father’s birthday, who he lost three years ago. “It has been a long road to this point. I was offered Superman years ago – I initially said no because I didn’t have a way in that felt unique and fun and emotional that gave Superman the dignity he deserved,” he wrote.

    He continued that however a little less than a year ago, he could see “a way in” which would centre on Superman’s heritage and finally chose to write the script. While he was initially hesitant to direct, Peter had coerced him into doing it.

    “Just because I write something doesn’t mean I feel it in my bones, visually and emotionally, enough to spend over two years directing it, especially not something of this magnitude. But, the long and the short of it is, I love this script, and I’m incredibly excited as we begin this journey,” James wrote.

    However, it is to be noted that Superman will not be played by Henry Cavill who portrayed the character in Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. 

    James Gunn took to Twitter to officially announce that he will be directing Superman: Legacy which will release on July 11, 2025.

    Yes, I’m directing Superman: Legacy to be released on July 11, 2025. My brother Matt told me when he saw the release date he started to cry. I asked him why. He said, “Dude, it’s Dad’s birthday.” I hadn’t realized. pic.twitter.com/ohQNV8nI4g
    — James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 15, 2023
    James will also be penning the script of the upcoming feature, which he began before he assumed the position of co-head at the DC Studios in November.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “It focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way. He is kindness in a world that thinks that kindness is old-fashioned,” Peter Safran, co-head of DC Studios, had said earlier, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

    In a long thread on Twitter, James shared how he did not realise that the film’s release date will coincide with his father’s birthday, who he lost three years ago. “It has been a long road to this point. I was offered Superman years ago – I initially said no because I didn’t have a way in that felt unique and fun and emotional that gave Superman the dignity he deserved,” he wrote.

    He continued that however a little less than a year ago, he could see “a way in” which would centre on Superman’s heritage and finally chose to write the script. While he was initially hesitant to direct, Peter had coerced him into doing it.

    “Just because I write something doesn’t mean I feel it in my bones, visually and emotionally, enough to spend over two years directing it, especially not something of this magnitude. But, the long and the short of it is, I love this script, and I’m incredibly excited as we begin this journey,” James wrote.

    However, it is to be noted that Superman will not be played by Henry Cavill who portrayed the character in Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League.
     

  • James Gunn responds to criticism of casting Marvel actors in DC films 

    By Express News Service

    James Gunn’s fans recently conveyed their concern that he may cast Marvel actors in the DCU. Responding, he said,

     “As I’ve always done, some will be brand new faces, some will be actors I’ve worked with before & some will be actors you know who I’ve never worked with.

    What matters most is the actor fits the role & they’re easy to work with.”  

    James Gunn’s fans recently conveyed their concern that he may cast Marvel actors in the DCU. Responding, he said,

     “As I’ve always done, some will be brand new faces, some will be actors I’ve worked with before & some will be actors you know who I’ve never worked with.

    What matters most is the actor fits the role & they’re easy to work with.” 
     

  • James Gunn clarifies on rumours of ‘Green Lantern’ series being cancelled

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: American filmmaker James Gunn has shared a clarification about the fate of HBO Max’s ‘Green Lantern’ series which has been in development for years now.

    According to Deadline, a USA-based entertainment news outlet, after a publication said that the show had been cancelled and would no longer proceed, the new co-head of DC Studios refuted the story and labelled it “false”.

    Greg Berlanti, the producer of ‘Arrow’, has been working on the Green Lantern series since 2019. It was reported that the show’s focus had changed in October of this year.

    Guy Gardner and Alan Scott would have been the series’ main characters, and Finn Wittrock and Jeremy Irvine would have played those parts, respectively. However, the refocus would be on John Stewart, one of DC’s first Black superheroes and one of the longest-serving Green Lanterns, reported Deadline.

    Back in 2019, along with ‘Strange Adventures’, ‘Green Lantern’ was confirmed to be in development. The DC properties will be made just for the streaming service, according to Berlanti, and would be “unlike anything seen on television.”

    At the time, Berlanti said, “An anthology series of cautionary tales set in a world where superpowers exist, and, in what promises to be our biggest DC show ever made, we will be going to space with a Green Lantern television series, but I can’t reveal any more about that just yet.”

    It was revealed in August that ‘Stranger Adventures’ would not be moving forward at the streamer.

    HBO Max and DC have undergone numerous changes in 2022 as the Warner Bros. Discovery merger proceeds and the new co-presidents of DC Studios, Gunn and Peter Safran, lay forth a new era for the DC Universe, as per Deadline.

    WASHINGTON: American filmmaker James Gunn has shared a clarification about the fate of HBO Max’s ‘Green Lantern’ series which has been in development for years now.

    According to Deadline, a USA-based entertainment news outlet, after a publication said that the show had been cancelled and would no longer proceed, the new co-head of DC Studios refuted the story and labelled it “false”.

    Greg Berlanti, the producer of ‘Arrow’, has been working on the Green Lantern series since 2019. It was reported that the show’s focus had changed in October of this year.

    Guy Gardner and Alan Scott would have been the series’ main characters, and Finn Wittrock and Jeremy Irvine would have played those parts, respectively. However, the refocus would be on John Stewart, one of DC’s first Black superheroes and one of the longest-serving Green Lanterns, reported Deadline.

    Back in 2019, along with ‘Strange Adventures’, ‘Green Lantern’ was confirmed to be in development. The DC properties will be made just for the streaming service, according to Berlanti, and would be “unlike anything seen on television.”

    At the time, Berlanti said, “An anthology series of cautionary tales set in a world where superpowers exist, and, in what promises to be our biggest DC show ever made, we will be going to space with a Green Lantern television series, but I can’t reveal any more about that just yet.”

    It was revealed in August that ‘Stranger Adventures’ would not be moving forward at the streamer.

    HBO Max and DC have undergone numerous changes in 2022 as the Warner Bros. Discovery merger proceeds and the new co-presidents of DC Studios, Gunn and Peter Safran, lay forth a new era for the DC Universe, as per Deadline.

  • James Gunn shoots down claim Gal Gadot was ‘booted’ from DC Universe

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: Filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran scrapped several ideas from the past regime like Henry Cavill’s return as Superman and Patty Jenkins’ take on ‘Wonder Woman 3’.

    Many fans have speculated that with the axing of the third installment of the ‘Wonder Woman’ film, Gal Gadot had been “booted” from DC.

    However, Gunn provided some clarity about Gadot and where she currently stands, reports ‘Deadline’.

    “I’m not sure where you’re getting that we ‘booted’ Gal,” Gunn replied.

    Gunn’s response could be interpreted in two ways: Gadot is still working with DC for a future Wonder Woman appearance or Gadot left DC on her own accord amid the shakeup.

    Jenkins’s treatment for ‘Wonder Woman 3’ was rejected by the new regime at DC as it did not fit the plans Gunn and Safran have for the DC Universe.

    “I never walked away. I was open to considering anything asked of me. It was my understanding there was nothing I could do to move anything forward at this time. DC is obviously buried in changes they are having to make, so I understand these decisions are difficult right now,” Jenkins said in a statement.

    Prior to news that ‘Wonder Woman 3′ was not happening under Jenkins’ direction, Gadot shared a hopeful message about sharing with fans the “next chapter” of the superhero.

    “A few years ago it was announced that I was going to play Wonder Woman. I’ve been so grateful for the opportunity to play such an incredible, iconic character and more than anything I’m grateful for YOU. The fans. Can’t wait to share her next chapter with you,” Gadot shared on social media.

    Gunn has been getting a lot of backlash over his decisions as the DC Universe goes into a new direction. ‘The Suicide Squad’ director addressed fans in a series of tweets calling out the “disrespectful outcry.”

    “Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story & best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years. Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts & integrity & always with the story in mind,” he tweeted.

    Gunn continued, “We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig, & we knew we would sometimes have to make difficult & not-so-obvious choices, especially in the wake of the fractious nature of what came before us.”

    LOS ANGELES: Filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran scrapped several ideas from the past regime like Henry Cavill’s return as Superman and Patty Jenkins’ take on ‘Wonder Woman 3’.

    Many fans have speculated that with the axing of the third installment of the ‘Wonder Woman’ film, Gal Gadot had been “booted” from DC.

    However, Gunn provided some clarity about Gadot and where she currently stands, reports ‘Deadline’.

    “I’m not sure where you’re getting that we ‘booted’ Gal,” Gunn replied.

    Gunn’s response could be interpreted in two ways: Gadot is still working with DC for a future Wonder Woman appearance or Gadot left DC on her own accord amid the shakeup.

    Jenkins’s treatment for ‘Wonder Woman 3’ was rejected by the new regime at DC as it did not fit the plans Gunn and Safran have for the DC Universe.

    “I never walked away. I was open to considering anything asked of me. It was my understanding there was nothing I could do to move anything forward at this time. DC is obviously buried in changes they are having to make, so I understand these decisions are difficult right now,” Jenkins said in a statement.

    Prior to news that ‘Wonder Woman 3′ was not happening under Jenkins’ direction, Gadot shared a hopeful message about sharing with fans the “next chapter” of the superhero.

    “A few years ago it was announced that I was going to play Wonder Woman. I’ve been so grateful for the opportunity to play such an incredible, iconic character and more than anything I’m grateful for YOU. The fans. Can’t wait to share her next chapter with you,” Gadot shared on social media.

    Gunn has been getting a lot of backlash over his decisions as the DC Universe goes into a new direction. ‘The Suicide Squad’ director addressed fans in a series of tweets calling out the “disrespectful outcry.”

    “Our choices for the DCU are based upon what we believe is best for the story & best for the DC characters who have been around for nearly 85 years. Perhaps these choices are great, perhaps not, but they are made with sincere hearts & integrity & always with the story in mind,” he tweeted.

    Gunn continued, “We were aware there would be a period of turbulence when we took this gig, & we knew we would sometimes have to make difficult & not-so-obvious choices, especially in the wake of the fractious nature of what came before us.”

  • James Gunn wants Ben Affleck to direct a DC film 

    By Express News Service

    After the announcement of Henry Cavill not reprising his role as Superman in the new film, American writer-filmmaker James Gunn has hinted that Ben Affleck would be a possible option for directing the film.

    While James took to Twitter to announce that a new Superman film is in development and that Henry will not reprise his role as Superman, he also revealed that Ben could be a possible director of the film.

    ALSO READ | James Gunn in talks with WB for new DC movie

    Replying to one of the tweets that raised the question, James replied in his tweet, “Met with Ben yesterday precisely because he wants to direct and we want him to direct; we just have to find the right project.” James also confirmed that while he will be writing the film, it is yet to be known who will direct it. 

    After the announcement of Henry Cavill not reprising his role as Superman in the new film, American writer-filmmaker James Gunn has hinted that Ben Affleck would be a possible option for directing the film.

    While James took to Twitter to announce that a new Superman film is in development and that Henry will not reprise his role as Superman, he also revealed that Ben could be a possible director of the film.

    ALSO READ | James Gunn in talks with WB for new DC movie

    Replying to one of the tweets that raised the question, James replied in his tweet, “Met with Ben yesterday precisely because he wants to direct and we want him to direct; we just have to find the right project.” James also confirmed that while he will be writing the film, it is yet to be known who will direct it. 

  • Henry Cavill confirms he is not returning as Superman after James Gunn announces new film 

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Henry Cavill on Thursday announced he will not be returning as Superman in the upcoming DC films.

    Cavill confirmed his departure from the role, which he has essayed since 2013’s “Man of Steel”, in a post on Instagram.

    The news comes almost two months after he announced his comeback as Superman.

    “I will, after all, not be returning as Superman.

    After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life,” the actor, who last appeared as Superman in 2017’s “Justice League”, wrote.

    Warner Bros hired “Guardians of the Galaxy” filmmaker James Gunn and veteran executive Peter Safran as co-chairmen and CEOs of the newly formed DC Studios in late October.

    Since then there have been reports that the whole Zack Snyder-created DC Universe could be done away with, including “Wonder Woman.”

    “The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build.

    I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes,” Cavill added.

    The Hollywood star shared the post hours after Gunn announced he is writing a new feature film about Superman.

    The filmmaker said the upcoming movie will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, “so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.”

    “Peter & I have a DC slate ready to go, which we couldn’t be more over the moon about; we’ll be able to share some exciting information about our first projects at the beginning of the new year.

    Among those on the slate is Superman.

    In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.

    But we just had a great meeting with Henry and we’re big fans and we talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future,” Gunn wrote on Instagram.

    Further details about the new DC Studios slate will be announced in January.

    LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Henry Cavill on Thursday announced he will not be returning as Superman in the upcoming DC films.

    Cavill confirmed his departure from the role, which he has essayed since 2013’s “Man of Steel”, in a post on Instagram.

    The news comes almost two months after he announced his comeback as Superman.

    “I will, after all, not be returning as Superman.

    After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn’t the easiest, but that’s life,” the actor, who last appeared as Superman in 2017’s “Justice League”, wrote.

    Warner Bros hired “Guardians of the Galaxy” filmmaker James Gunn and veteran executive Peter Safran as co-chairmen and CEOs of the newly formed DC Studios in late October.

    Since then there have been reports that the whole Zack Snyder-created DC Universe could be done away with, including “Wonder Woman.”

    “The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build.

    I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes,” Cavill added.

    The Hollywood star shared the post hours after Gunn announced he is writing a new feature film about Superman.

    The filmmaker said the upcoming movie will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, “so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.”

    “Peter & I have a DC slate ready to go, which we couldn’t be more over the moon about; we’ll be able to share some exciting information about our first projects at the beginning of the new year.

    Among those on the slate is Superman.

    In the initial stages, our story will be focusing on an earlier part of Superman’s life, so the character will not be played by Henry Cavill.

    But we just had a great meeting with Henry and we’re big fans and we talked about a number of exciting possibilities to work together in the future,” Gunn wrote on Instagram.

    Further details about the new DC Studios slate will be announced in January.

  • James Gunn in talks with WB for new DC movie

    By Express News Service

    Following the success of The Suicide Squad and the recent Peacemaker series, James Gunn is reportedly in talks to do another DC project.

    It was earlier reported that James Gunn, who received international acclaim by directing MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy, might return to direct another Marvel film. Now, after speculations about him directing a DC film, his future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains unclear at the moment.

    The untitled DC project is supposedly a collaboration between Gunn and Shazam! producer Peter Safran. Gunn and Safran are currently in talks with executives from Warner Bros. Even though details regarding the DC project are shrouded in mystery, reports suggest that it might be more than just one film. 

    Peter Safran is known for producing films like The Conjuring, Annabelle, The Nun, Aquaman, and The Suicide Squad.

    James Gunn is currently busy working on the second season of the Amazon Prime series Peacemaker, starring John Cena in the titular role.

    (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express)

    Following the success of The Suicide Squad and the recent Peacemaker series, James Gunn is reportedly in talks to do another DC project.

    It was earlier reported that James Gunn, who received international acclaim by directing MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy, might return to direct another Marvel film. Now, after speculations about him directing a DC film, his future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe remains unclear at the moment.

    The untitled DC project is supposedly a collaboration between Gunn and Shazam! producer Peter Safran. Gunn and Safran are currently in talks with executives from Warner Bros. Even though details regarding the DC project are shrouded in mystery, reports suggest that it might be more than just one film. 

    Peter Safran is known for producing films like The Conjuring, Annabelle, The Nun, Aquaman, and The Suicide Squad.

    James Gunn is currently busy working on the second season of the Amazon Prime series Peacemaker, starring John Cena in the titular role.

    (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express)

  • James Gunn wraps up ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3’, teases appearance of ‘unannounced actor’

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: Writer and director James Gunn had announced the wrap on ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ on May 7.

    According to People, James Gunn announced that the filming for the third (and final) instalment of the Guardians of the Galaxy series has come to an end.

    The photo shows Gunn, 55, sitting next to the cast members of the ‘Marvel’ movie, including Chris Pratt, Pom Klementieff, Gunn’s brother Sean Gunn, Karen Gillan, and Dave Bautista.

    Gunn wrote in the caption, “And that’s a picture wrap on the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy.” “I love this amazing cast & crew & their beautiful talent & kind souls. I’m a lucky human to have them on the journey with me for nearly a decade,” added the director.

    James also teased, “And yes Zoe (Saldana) was with us but the only picture I have with her has an unannounced actor with us!”

    The first two films in the series Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) have generated total revenues of over USD 1.6 billion worldwide. The final instalment of the franchise ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ will premiere on May 5, 2023.