Tag: James Gunn

James Gunn Debunks Rumblings Of A 'Joker' Series With Barry Keoghan In Development
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James Gunn Debunks Rumblings Of A ‘Joker’ Series With Barry Keoghan In Development

Not too long ago, there was a buzzy rumor about a “Mr. Freeze” movie being in development. Well, it didn’t take long for DC Studios‘ co-head James Gunn to take to the internet and pour cold water all over that one. Another project is being rumored that would see Barry Keoghan (“Saltburn”) reprise the Joker role from “The Batman” in a new series (not unlike “The Penguin“).

Gunn has now also disputed that tidbit as well on his official social media account.

“Turn on threads, and everyone is asking me about this. No, there is absolutely no truth to this. A Joker series is not being discussed, nor has [it] even come up at this time. Sorry,” Gunn announced on Threads.

Fake DC Comics project rumors will have a much harder time these days because Gunn will be asked about them directly by fans and will quickly denounce the bogus ones. Waiting until Gunn has chimed in before getting too excited as well could help ease the disappointment.

Keoghan’s return as the Joker has yet to be made official, although, given he’s currently residing in Arkham Asylum (a series was once in development in that setting) alongside The Riddler, a potential appearance in the next two films from writer/director Matt Reeves wouldn’t be entirely surprising. Even more interesting is the existing relationship between Barry and Colin Farrell (Oz Cobb, aka The Penguin), as the two Irish actors have previously worked together on “Killing of A Sacred Deer,” and “The Banshees of Inisherin” (the two had been living together during that shoot). In theory, having them work off each other as two Batman rogues would be something I’m sure many fans of their acting would like to see down the road (wishful thinking, it may be).

“The Penguin” is about to wrap up its first season on HBO/Max, and “The Batman: Part II” is set for release in theaters on October 2, 2026. Fans will just have to be patient to see if more series are indeed on their way to expand Reeves’ Gotham and Batman universe further.

SOURCE: JAMES GUNN VIA THREADS

'Lanterns': Aaron Pierre Officially Lands John Stewart Role
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‘Lanterns’: Aaron Pierre Officially Lands John Stewart Role

DC Studios co-head James Gunn has officially confirmed multiple trade reports that British actor Aaron Pierre (“Rebel Ridge”) has landed the role of John Stewart in the upcoming “Green Lantern” reboot series “Lanterns.” Pierre joins previously announced co-star Kyle Chandler, who will play the infamous Hal Jordan. A cosmic DC Comics hero who was played by Ryan Reynolds in the ill-fated live-action film directed by Martin Campbell.

This wasn’t the actor’s first brush with the comic book genre as Pierre had been once attached for a co-starring role in Marvel Studios’ “Blade” reboot before ultimately exiting the film. He also appeared in the “Superman” prequel series “Krypton” that was developed by David S. Goyer.

The new series set to air on HBO is said to be directly part of the new DCU that will be launched with “Creature Commandos,” “Peacemaker” season two, and Gunn’s “Superman.” There is an expectation that Pierre’s version of Stewart will eventually crossover into feature films and possibly a new “Justice League” incarnation down the road.

SOURCE: JAMES GUNN

James Gunn Squashes 'Mr. Freeze' Movie Development Rumor: "There's No Truth To It At All"
Posted on in Film News, News

James Gunn Squashes ‘Mr. Freeze’ Movie Development Rumor: “There’s No Truth To It At All”

Superhero project rumors can come from all different places, and a new one making the rounds online from Production Weekly (picked up by various geek circles and websites over the week) claimed that Matt Reeves (“The Batman,” “The Penguin”) was producing a “Mr. Freeze” film. Days later, the studio revealed that the rumor wasn’t true, and over the weekend was officially debunked by DC Studios‘ James Gunn.

The studio executive chimed in on the DC project rumor on threads where he admittedly liked the idea of a Freeze project but would go on to say, “There’s no truth to it at all.” Gunn has been one of the more vocal studio presences online and goes out of his way to interact with fans on social media. That includes responding to and debunking/confirming the various rumors about his projects at DC Studios.

“It’s not a bad idea, so I wouldn’t say never, but no, there’s no truth to it at all,” Gunn said in response to the rumbling on Threads (See below).

There is a possibility that the upcoming Bane/Deathstroke film (“Suicide Squad 3”?) in development at DC Studios (first reported by THR last week) could have led to the incorrect entry in Production Weekly, but I think it’s more a case of folks needing to exercise caution with reposting their information which can be fabricated or at best, very inaccurate.

Fans have been curious to see if Reeves would attempt to use Freeze in his more grounded take on Gotham City with “The Batman” films led by Robert Pattison, and that has led to speculation about him potentially showing up in the upcoming sequel. Although it has mostly come off as wishful thinking from the fan community rather than something that is 100% going to happen.

I’m sure we’ll end up seeing Mr. Freeze at some point, but this rumor seems to be dead for the time being, and we don’t exactly know when/where the Batman rogue will make his grand return to live-action.

SOURCE: JAMES GUNN VIA THREADS

Posted on in Film News, News

James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Reboot Adds Wendell Pierce In Perry White Role As Production Begins In Atlanta

This week marks the production start of James Gunn‘s first big DCU installment with his “Superman” reboot. Cameras are rolling in Atlanta as the writer/director posted a teaser image of the new costume (See below) and a new addition to the cast has been revealed by The Hollywood Reporter. They’ve learned that “The Wire” and “Jack Ryan” actor Wendell Pierce has landed the role of Perry White, the boss of Lois Lane and Clark Kent at The Daily Planet.

The rest of the cast of Superman consists of David Corenswet (Clark Kent/Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen), Sara Sampaio (Eve Teschmacher), Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific), Terence Rosemore (Otis), Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho), Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl), Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner/Green Lantern), and María Gabriela de Faría (The Engineer).

We’re still waiting on who Gunn has selected to play Ma and Pa Kent, the adoptive Earthbound parents of Clark. There is also a chance that the DCU’s new Supergirl actress Milly Alcock (“House of The Dragon”) might be teased or appear in the upcoming flick before her solo movie.

“Superman” is set to be released on July 11, 2025, in that same month we’ll be getting “Jurassic World 4” from Gareth Edwards (“Rogue One”) and Marvel’s highly-anticipated “Fantastic Four” reboot.

SOURCE: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Posted on in Film News, News

‘House Of The Dragon’ Star Milly Alcock Among Contenders In The Mix For The DCU’s New Supergirl

Director James Gunn‘s “Superman: Legacy” has a lot riding on its broad shoulders as the film will not only usher in the brand new version of the Man of Steel for the DCU but will be the first big entry into the newly formed studios’ cinematic universe that will be fleshed-out in the first phase over the next couple of years. With that in mind, another big superhero is about to join that new universe and one that many had suspected could be introduced in “Superman” Legacy” as Gunn attempts to cram as much world-building into his upcoming superhero pic as humanly possible.

It sounds like Clark’s cousin from Krypton is indeed appearing in the DCU film before getting her own feature film, “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.” DC Studios is reportedly now looking at actresses to play Kara Zor-El. Those candidates up for the new Supergirl role according to Deadline include actresses Milly Alcock (“House of The Dragon”), Emilia Jones (“CODA”), and Meg Donnelly. The outlet also alludes to screen tests for the studio are likely going to happen within the next month or so, suggesting they don’t have a frontrunner. The assumption is that whoever is selected will be introduced in “Legacy,” given the proximity to the production in Atlanta, before moving on to “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” as that project has yet to secure or announce a director. However, how large of a cameo/role Supergirl could have is up for debate until Gunn chimes in on the report.

A great group of young actresses who could all make a large impact playing Supergirl, the part had been more recently played by Sasha Calle in “The Flash.” But as this news has been announced, it would mean that Calle will no longer be playing the part as DC Studios attempts to reset and recast a majority of these DC Comics roles. This likely means we’re going to learn a lot more about what their plans are concerning the solo film that has been in development for nearly a year now at DC Studios. Screenwriters Oren Uziel and Ana Nogueira are said to be currently writing the solo film’s script.

“Superman: Legacy” is still on track to hit its July 11, 2025, release date with a fantastic cast that consists of David Corenswet (as Clark Kent/Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luther), Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho), Isabel Merced (Hawkgirl), and Nathan Fillion (Guy Gardner/Green Lantern).

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Posted on in Film News, News

Nicholas Hoult Set To Play Iconic DC Comics Villain Lex Luthor In James Gunn’s ‘Superman: Legacy’

After being in the mix to play Bruce Wayne/Batman in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” and losing the more recent role of James Gunn‘s new Superman, British actor Nicholas Hoult has landed the key villainous part of DC Comics supervillain, Lex Luthor. Deadline first reported the casting update. This comes after both Alexander and Bill Skarsgard were linked for being in the running alongside Hoult to play Luthor in “Superman: Legacy.”

The rest of the cast consists of David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Venezuelan actress María Gabriela de Faría playing a villain called The Engineer, Nathan Fillion features as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Isabela Merced set to play Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi will play Mister Terrific, and Anthony Carrigan takes on the role of Rex Mason/Metamorpho.

Hoult is no stranger to comic book roles after playing Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast in the “X-Men” prequel films that launched with Matthew Vaughn’s “X-Men: First Class” and ended with “Dark Phoenix.” Previously, the cinematic version of the Lex Luthor role had been played by Gene Hackman, Kevin Spacey in “Superman Returns,” and more recently Jesse Eisenberg played the DC Comics baddie in the lackluster “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”

The last version of Luthor was slowly putting together his own team, The Legion of Doom, with Joe Manganiello’s Slade Wilson, aka, Deathstroke being his first major acquisition in a post-credit scene. It remains to be seen if Lex’s Legion will be part of Gunn’s future plans for the DCU alongside “Creature Commandos” and “The Authority.”

“Superman: Legacy,” the first big live-action feature film from DC Studios’ new reset DCU, will be released on July 11, 2025.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Posted on in Film News, News

‘Lobo’: Jason Momoa In Talks With DC Studios To Play Foul-Mouthed Alien Bounty Hunter, Might Show Up In ‘Superman: Legacy’ Before Solo Pic

Despite “Aquaman & The Lost Kingdom,” the upcoming sequel to the billion-dollar hit “Aquaman,” being on the way this December, it looks like actor Jason Momoa (“Dune,” “Game of Thrones”) is now seeking another big comic book role at DC Studios. In a new report from Variety, the outlet claims that Momoa’s time as Aquaman is ending and is already in talks to play another DC Comics character. That being Lobo, a beefy alien biker and bounty hunter who can go toe-to-toe with Superman but has some antihero traits similar to that of both Marvel’s Wolverine and Deadpool. Gruff appearance and lots of witty one-liners ready to go, a character that would most likely suit Momoa’s entire aesthetic more than Aquaman or any other hero or villain in comics.

Speaking of the Man of Steel facing off with The Main Man, they also suggest it is unclear if his first appearance would be in James Gunn‘s “Superman: Legacy” or in a hypothetical solo adventure. As far as we know there hasn’t been any active development on the new incarnation of the “Lobo” movie, which had been in the works a long time ago.

Momoa may return, just not as Aquaman. Sources say the actor has engaged in talks to play Lobo, either in the 2025 reboot ‘Superman: Legacy,’ written and directed by Gunn, or in a standalone film.

Ages ago, a solo “Lobo” movie had been in development at Warner Bros. predating either Momoa or Gunn’s involvement with the current run of comic book movies. At one point, Joel Silver was producing and had Guy Ritchie (“Aladdin,” “Snatch”) attached to direct with various suitors aiming to play Lobo at different times such as Jeffrey Dean Morgan (“Watchmen,” “The Walking Dead”) during the Ritchie version and “Black Adam” actor Dwayne Johnson (Eyed a mangled Sgt. Rock incarnation as well) back with Brad Peyton when it once looked like he was going to direct.

However, a leaked version of the “Lobo” script made its way online and seemed to focus on alien fugitives making their way to Earth as Lobo was in pursuit of them in his capacity as a ruthless bounty hunter. Making his way to Earth to collect his newest bounties.

Since then, there really hasn’t been any talk of bringing Lobo to the big screen and we’ll wait for some official word from Gunn/WB before getting too excited about the prospect of Momoa as Lobo. It would be nice to see DC Studios branch out with a couple more cosmic projects since Lobo is a character that can be explored in outer space and on Earth. The former is the preferred setting given how few non-Earthbound films we’ve seen from Warner Bros. since they started churning out modern DC projects.

Momoa had been previously outspoken that one of his dream roles would be playing Lobo, so, this might be a solid way to transition the actor into the newly formed DCU. The hard reset on the DCEU seemingly is the reason as other actors playing “Justice League” members (Momoa, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, and Ezra Miller) aren’t expected to reprise their roles either. This comes after some misleading statements suggesting that Gadot would be involved with a third “Wonder Woman” movie and a wave of untrustworthy online rumors claiming that Affleck would be getting multiple new projects as Batman. Clearly, the Affleck nonsense has been put to rest.

In fact, none of the stars cast by Zack Snyder for 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and 2017’s “Justice League” — including Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller and Momoa — will reprise their roles in the new DC universe in character.

Gunn has clarified the three existing characters carrying over to the DCU are John Cena’s Peacemaker, Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, and Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle. Limiting the carry-over characters, including ones that Gunn helped mold, might be sort of an olive branch to fans potentially upset that the Snyderverse is being expelled for the new rebooted cinematic universe.

I’m sure we’ll end up hearing soon from Gunn on these new tidbits.

SOURCE: VARIETY

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‘I Am Groot’ Director Kirsten Lepore Open To Tackling Next Live-Action ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ Installment

Earlier this year, with “Guardians of The Galaxy Vol.3” we saw what could potentially be the final Marvel Studios film from writer/director James Gunn as the filmmaker is going off to shoot “Superman: Legacy” next year alongside running DC Studios and developing more DCU projects that he’ll end up making himself like “Creature Commandos.” Marvel is still looking to mine the cosmic side of the MCU with the Skrulls revealed to be on Earth in “Secret Invasion,” “The Marvels” releasing in November as we’ll see the return of the Kree Empire as villains, and an upcoming “Nova” project also in the works focusing on the space hero after the destruction of the Nova Corps. at the hands of Thanos.

The Disney+ original “I Am Groot” has returned with a second season focusing on the little rascal in quirky/inventive shorts, and seems like director Kirsten Lepore (“Adventure Time”) after tackling two seasons of the animated shorts would be willing to fill Gunn’s seat as director on the next “Guardians of The Galaxy.” While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, it was brought up about the potential of Lepore continuing the franchise by helming the next “Guardians” installment.

“Yeah, I’m open to it, for sure. Years ago, I was like, ‘I definitely want to do live-action!’ I was trying to move into live-action, and now, I think I’m more at peace. I don’t even want to say ‘at peace’ because I’m not settling. I love animation so much. I think I better understand what I bring to animation because it does take a really specific type of person to direct it. I’ve been doing it for so long and I feel very comfortable in that space, and I feel good at it. So I really enjoy working in animation — and I would be totally happy to work in animation for the rest of my life — but I would also be very curious to experiment with live-action,” Lepore responded when asked about directing the next “Guardians of The Galaxy” feature film.

It’s not like “Guardians of The Galaxy Vol.3” didn’t leave room for more installments it ends with Peter Quill on Earth trying to reconnect with his grandfather and homeworld. Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) is now the team’s leader with Groot (Vin Diesel), Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), Cosmo (Maria Bakalova), Kraglin (Sean Gunn), Phyla (Kai Zen), and Blurp on the new roster going on missions.

Lepore isn’t exactly unfamiliar with feature films after having been the animation director on the Oscar-nominated animated film “Marcel The Shell With Shoes On,” and worked as a VFX artist on recent Best Picture winner “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” Having someone with an effects background might be sort of an asset if more than half the members of the new Guardians lineup are going to be digital characters. Marvel has hired directors from within the studio that have previously worked on MCU projects. Seeing Lepore recruited for a hypothetical “Guardians of The Galaxy 4” after already working closely with the studio on “I Am Groot” (already working with Diesel and Cooper) wouldn’t be all that shocking.

“I Am Groot” is currently streaming on Disney+ and you can watch the series trailer below.

SOURCE: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

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Giancarlo Esposito Teases Early Talks With James Gunn About A Movie Role In The DCU

Actor Giancarlo Esposito has been getting multiple second-winds thanks to his renewed popularity from shows like “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” allowing him to continue exploring various genres such as sci-fi fantasy with playing a minor Imperial villain in “The Mandalorian” series (Each season having varying levels of screentime). But he seems to be embracing calls from the internet to take on comic book roles within the worlds of Marvel and DC.

While speaking with a crowd at Comic Con Panama, the actor revealed (See video below via Mint Doom on Twitter) that he’s had an early chatter with DC Studios co-head James Gunn about potentially joining the newly reset DCU, which had officially kicked off earlier this month with “Blue Beetle.” However, a character wasn’t declared nor were the subjects discussed in that talk assumed to have taken place before the strikes.

“I have been talking to James Gunn about the possibility of being in a movie – so who knows?”

What we do know is that Gunn is on the hunt for actors to play multiple roles in “Superman: Legacy,” but the names being mentioned for someone like Lex Luthor have been attributed to actors like Alexander Skarsgård, Bill Skarsgård, and previous Clark Kent hopeful, Nicholas Hoult. Fans might want to pigeon-hold the actor to only being right for villains, but Esposito seems to be keen to rebuff that notion. Planet).

In the past, Esposito has mused about a personal desire to play more heroic comic book characters such as Professor Charles Xavier from the “X-Men.” While fan sites/accounts have made massive leaps about Esposito taking certain roles, none of that has actually been backed up by more credible sources like the studios themselves or trades. More or less when the actor has on occasion brought up characters, it has been his personal reaction to internet fan-castings and not likely something he’s actually been offered.

Things like this might not even materialize into a role and could simply be a meeting of the minds that goes nowhere. Then again, we could see him being a good fit as a more cheerful version of, Perry White, Clark and Lois’ boss at the Daily Planet. There are also multiple other high-profile DCU projects in the works as well such as “The Brave & The Bold,” a second season of “Peacemaker,” an animated project focused on the “Creature Commandos,” and even more on the horizon.

SOURCE: GIANCARLO ESPOSITO AT COMIC CON PANAMA

Posted on in Film News

James Gunn Says ‘Superman: Legacy’ Is Inspired By ‘All-Star Superman’

I’ve been onboard the James Gunn train concerning his reboot of the Superman franchise and even going back to suggesting days before he was announced as overseeing DC Studios with partner Peter Safran that he should just make Man of Steel 2. While actor Henry Cavill is officially out as the DCU’s Superman, giving the character a new film is still very much a priority. We already know that Superman: Legacy is being written by Gunn and will likely begin shooting by next year as the release date of July 2025 would suggest.

Another nifty little tidbit has been revealed Gunn in a tweet (confirming as the studio head and screenwriter) that Superman: Legacy will be inspired by the Grant Morrison-penned comics, All-Star Superman. What exactly is being taking from those stories is unknown at the moment or could be simply being a tonal thing but it’s not that much of surprise given they used Frank Quitely’s artwork when the film was finally announced earlier in the week during the Gods & Monsters slate presentation.

The series revolves around Superman, who is dying due to overexposure to the Sun, as he accomplishes many heroic feats (The Twelve Labors of Superman) and attempts to make peace with the world before his imminent death.

There are also claims being made by The Hollywood Reporter that the new actor being looked at to play the new Clark Kent will be someone around 25 years of age. Although, don’t expect names announced anytime soon as Gunn has stated they won’t be looking at actors until he completes the superhero pic’s script. Interestingly enough, rumored “contender” Jacob Elordi is exactly 25 currently before his birthday in June.

A director hasn’t been officially announced, even though, there are good signs that Gunn could decide to do it himself as he only directs movies he writes. With a release date of July 11, 2025, Gunn and his team at DC Studios have plenty of time to figure out who is going to wear the boots and cape.

SOURCE: DC STUDIOS/JAMES GUNN