James Gunn names Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman as DCU's key characters

James Gunn posted on Threads on Tuesday, saying Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman are the “diamond characters” of the new DC Universe (DCU) and that supporting heroes such as Krypto, John Stewart and Peacemaker could “turn into diamonds” as the franchise expands. The comments came after Gunn’s earlier outline of an eight‑to‑10‑year plan for the DCU, which he first outlined in January 2023 and has been refined through recent casting announcements and the release of “The Flash” and “Blue Beetle.”

Gunn’s roadmap matters because the DCU is still finding its footing after a series of box‑office misses and mixed critical reception. Warner Bros. Discovery merged its film and TV divisions in 2023 to create a single, cohesive universe, but internal leadership changes and budget cuts have slowed progress. Fans have been clamoring for a clear vision, especially after the surprise success of “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” and the streaming hit “Peacemaker.” Gunn’s description of “diamond characters” signals which heroes will anchor the franchise’s biggest projects, while the “turn into diamonds” phrase hints at a tiered strategy for elevating secondary characters into larger roles over time.

Industry analysts note that the three “diamond” heroes already have massive global recognition and lucrative merchandising pipelines. Their upcoming films—“Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “Superman: Legacy” and “Wonder Woman: Paradise Lost”—are slated for release between 2025 and 2027, each with multi‑year development budgets. Meanwhile, Krypto’s animated series, John Stewart’s new “Green Lantern” movie, and a live‑action “Peacemaker” sequel have received green lights, suggesting they will be upgraded to feature‑film status or crossover events within the next few years. Critics have praised Gunn’s willingness to be transparent, but some warn that over‑promising could strain the studio’s resources.

The next step for the DCU will be the rollout of Gunn’s first “diamond” film, “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” slated for a summer 2025 release. Warner Bros. Discovery plans to use that launch to test a unified marketing approach across theatrical and streaming platforms. If the film performs well, it could accelerate the promotion of the supporting characters, turning them into the next generation of “diamond” draws and solidifying Gunn’s long‑term vision for a stable, interconnected DC universe.