A bit like “Game Of Thrones”: James Gunn explains how the new DC universe differs from the MCU

Marvel vs. DC: Even if those in charge repeatedly stress that there really isn’t any competition, the relationship between the two superhero universes is often described as a full-fledged rivalry. While the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) that started with “Man Of Steel” will end in 2023 and then the new DC Universe (DCU) will start with “Superman: Legacy”, the (alleged) rivalry between Marvel and DC is also increasing passed a new phase. Therefore, the question is obvious: How will the DCU differ from the MCU?

The previous DCEU films stood out from the Marvel competition with a decidedly dark tone and extreme stylization (particularly in Zack Snyder’s films) and with their colorful mix of genres, age ratings and directing styles (from “Birds Of Prey” to “The suicide squad”). But what has James Gunn planned, after his time with Marvel (with “Guardians Of The Galaxy 1-3”), who now oversees the DCU and directs the first movie in the new universe with “Superman: Legacy”?

This question was asked by James Gunn on the podcast posed by DC star Michael Rosenbaum, who once played the villain Lex Luthor on the Superman series Smallville (and was named “dear Lex Luthor” by Gunn on the podcast). Gunn emphasizes in his answer that he does not believe in tonal differences between the two universes (e.g. dark DC vs funny Marvel). On the contrary, the DCU and MCU should position themselves much more broadly in terms of tonality. But there is a big difference:

Real superheroes and fictional cities

“If you look at the MCU, there are very few traditional superheroes,” Gunn said. “Before Spider-Man, there was never a man with a secret identity in the MCU. Captain America is a soldier despite wearing a mask. Iron Man came out in his first movie because they don’t want to deal with all that secret identity stuff.”

The DCU, on the other hand, has a bigger fantasy element to it because the DC superheroes are so larger than life, Gunn said. “To me, Superman and Clark Kent are two different characters and you have to find a way to deal with it that is as down to earth as possible for this DC world.” And that’s a good clue, because Gunn cares not only about the characters, but also about the world they populate:

“What I love about DC and what excites me is that it’s an alternate world. It’s Gotham City and Metropolis and Star City and Bludhaven, cities in another reality. It’s a bit like Westeros [wo ‚Game Of Thrones‘ spielt], in a way. I love that at DC we can build our own real world and not just throw a bunch of superheroes on Earth.”

In a good two years, we’ll know exactly what that looks like on the big screen: James Gunn’s “Superman: Legacy“ will be shown in German cinemas from July 10, 2025.