Memorandum
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- Derek Weston via IGN Articles
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Gunn defends DCU stories that stand alone without setting up crossovers
ReGunn defends DCU stories that stand alone without setting up crossovers
DC Studios co-chairman James Gunn says films like Clayface should be judged as standalone stories rather than as setups for future crossovers, drawing a comparison to Star Wars.
DC Studios co-chairman James Gunn has defended the DC Universe's approach to interconnected storytelling, saying he does not want films like Clayface to exist merely to "set up" future crossovers. His comments come as the bloody, R-rated body horror film, which brings the story of Matt Hagen, played by Tom Rhys Harries, into theaters, has drawn criticism from some DC watchers who argue that smaller stories have not been used effectively to build toward bigger projects.
Clayface entered the DCU with a more adult tone, and reviews have been solid. IGN gave the film a 7/10. Still, a segment of the fan base has complained that executives including Gunn and co-chairman Peter Safran have not done enough to use standalone releases to lead into larger tie-in productions. Gunn responded directly on Threads, replying to a fan who was defending the cinematic universe.
"I couldn't agree more," Gunn wrote. "DCU is just an alternate universe; we can enter at any location or time and tell THAT story. I dislike the idea that individual stories aren't meaningful unless they lead to something else." He added that it is "strange" to see people not understanding this, noting that Star Wars has taken a similar approach for decades. He acknowledged that Disney's sci-fi franchise may not have the tonal variety of the DCU, which has moved between serious drama, action, comedy and, most recently, horror.
In a follow-up post, Gunn said the DCU still has connective tissue holding its projects together. "The Superman Saga starts with Superman and travels into Man of Tomorrow and onward, and contains many characters we've introduced in other stories," he wrote. "But that doesn't mean those other stories only exist to set up what's happening there. I would love people to be seeing Clayface because it's a great, fun horror movie unto itself, not because of where else Clayface will show up three movies from now."
The DCU officially began with the animated series Creature Commandos before moving to theaters with Superman. Peacemaker Season 2, Supergirl, Lanterns and Clayface followed. Standalone Wonder Woman and Batman films are planned, while projects such as The People v. Gorilla Grodd appear further along, with crossover moments so far mostly limited. Some viewers have been excited about Clayface in part because it promises to weave into the universe through a new Gotham City, with footage showing one of DC's most iconic locations.
Gunn also used social media to update fans on other projects. Creature Commandos Season 2 will arrive after Man of Tomorrow's premiere next year. A small group has now seen director's cuts of the Superman sequel, and Gunn described the process as "exciting" as he works to recut the film over the week and screen the latest version for a few new eyes every Friday. The Elseworlds sequel The Batman Part 2 remains on track for its February 18, 2028, release date despite recent behind-the-scenes changes.
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