DC Studios co‑head James Gunn has labeled Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman the franchise’s “diamond characters,” while suggesting that lesser‑known heroes could be “turned into diamonds.”
Key points
- Gunn labels Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman as the DCU’s core “diamond characters.”
- Smaller heroes like Krypto, John Stewart and Peacemaker may receive elevated, standalone stories.
- The DCU will blend standalone films with larger narrative arcs, allowing entry at any point.
- “Superman: Man of Tomorrow” is scheduled for July 9, 2027.
James Gunn, co‑head of DC Studios, used the social platform Threads to reiterate his earlier roadmap for the DC Universe, describing Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman as the franchise’s “diamond characters,” according to a Variety report (https://variety.com/2026/film/news/james-gunn-batman-superman-wonder-woman-dcu-1236933827/).
He explained that the term refers to core heroes around which the broader narrative is built, while smaller characters such as Krypto, John Stewart and Peacemaker could be “turned into diamonds” – meaning they may receive more prominent, possibly standalone, stories within the same universe.
Gunn clarifies the DCU roadmap
Gunn also reminded followers of his January 2023 comments that the DCU would feature a mix of standalone projects (he cited the upcoming Clayface film) and larger narrative arcs (the forthcoming Superman Saga), emphasizing that each piece should work on its own with or without seeing everything else.
Responding to criticism that his approach lacks a single crossover event, Gunn defended the flexibility of the DCU, likening it to the long‑running “Star Wars” model that tells stories across movies, shows, games and books without requiring a single linear path.
What ‘diamond characters’ mean for the franchise
He noted that the next DC film, “Superman: Man of Tomorrow,” is slated for a July 9, 2027 theatrical release, and that fans can expect the “diamond” strategy to shape its development.
These comments echo the 2022 Warner Bros. Discovery town‑hall where Gunn and fellow co‑head Peter Safran first outlined an eight‑ to ten‑year plan for the DC brand, covering tone, filmmaker freedom, cross‑genre influences and the focus on both flagship and emerging characters.
Upcoming Superman: Man of Tomorrow
Variety reported the statements and linked to Gunn’s deleted and existing Threads posts, indicating the studio’s ongoing effort to communicate its long‑term vision to audiences.
Reader questions
What does James Gunn mean by “diamond characters” in the DCU?
Gunn says “diamond characters” are the flagship heroes—Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman—who anchor the franchise, while other characters can be “turned into diamonds” by giving them more prominent, possibly standalone, roles.
When is “Superman: Man of Tomorrow” expected to hit theaters?
The film is slated for a July 9, 2027 release, as noted in Gunn’s recent comments.
How does Gunn’s roadmap differ from a traditional crossover plan?
Gunn argues the DCU will allow individual stories to stand alone without needing to lead to a single crossover event, similar to how “Star Wars” has operated across multiple media for decades.
Source: variety.com
