DC Universe boss James Gunn has revealed that the new franchise takes notes from Game of Thrones.
James Gunn and Peter Safran’s all-new DC Universe begins with Superman this Summer. If you’re expecting a franchise that takes inspiration from its biggest competitor, the MCU, think again. Turns out, Gunn turned to beloved fantasy drama Game of Thrones for tips on storytelling cues.
The DC Universe will kick off with Superman, moving onto numerous other projects such as Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Clayface, Wonder Woman, and so on. In fact, we’ve already got one project in the franchise in the form of Creature Commandos, which is terrific. It might seem like the franchise is gunning to be the next MCU, which is accurate in a sense, but in terms of how it will model itself, James Gunn sees it more as a Game of Thrones-esque foray.
“Game of Thrones, not just the show but the books, is what we’re using as a reference for the DCU,” he told Omelete. “The DCU is not the MCU. The MCU is kind of our world. It has New York, it has this city or that city, with superheroes in the middle. The DCU is a different universe. Slightly different, slightly transformed.”
“I also draw a lot of inspiration from Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and other stories that build different narratives within the same continuity. It’s not about telling just one story,” he added.
There’s a big clue here on how the big crossover events will occur in the new DC continuity. Game of Thrones took a slow and methodical route to bringing together characters — for instance, when Jon Snow and Daenerys shared screen time, it felt strange and hugely significant. Whereas Marvel’s first Avengers ensemble movie occurred just six films into the franchise.
In other words, don’t expect the Justice League to gather anytime soon.
The DC Universe begins with Superman, opening in cinemas on July 11. Will you be watching? Tell us in the comments down below!
