In an exchange on Threads, DC Studios co-CEO and filmmaker James Gunn has confirmed he’s actively writing a sequel to his 2025 Superman reboot.
James Gunn confirms he’s writing the sequel to Superman – Threads: @JamesGunn
The revelation came in response to fans inquiring about his post-release plans, with Gunn quipping that his downtime involves “Peacemaker press!! And sequel writing!!!”
When pressed further by a user asking when he would tease the follow-up, Gunn cheekily replied, “I JUST DID!”
This casual social media drop has ignited conversation among DC fans, marking a subtle yet significant announcement for the burgeoning DC Universe.
Superman in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
The thread began with a user asking if Gunn had time to relax after Superman’s theatrical debut on July 11, 2025, and the ensuing press tour. Gunn’s response not only highlighted his ongoing work on Peacemaker Season 2 but also slipped in the sequel tease, which fans quickly interpreted as referring to a Superman follow-up rather than other projects.
While Gunn has previously hinted at a non-traditional sequel—describing it as a project where Superman plays a “very important” role but not a straightforward Batman vs. Superman or World’s Finest team-up—this marks his most direct confirmation of script development.
Superman and Lois Lane kiss while flying in the trailer for James Gunn’s Superman – YouTube, DC
Notably, this isn’t an official greenlight for production, and Gunn hasn’t explicitly stated he’ll direct, though his hands-on involvement in the DCU makes it highly probable. In recent interviews, Gunn has expressed enthusiasm for expanding the franchise, noting discussions about potential crossovers and affirming that a sequel announcement could come soon.
Box Office Triumph: Crossing the Half-Billion Mark
The timing of Gunn’s tease comes as Superman continues to soar at the global box office. As of July 31, 2025, the film has grossed $296.7 million in the United States and Canada, with an additional $214.1 million from international markets, pushing its worldwide total to $510.8 million.
Nicholas Holt as Lex Luthor in Superman – YouTube, DC
This milestone makes it the highest-grossing superhero film of 2025 so far, surpassing Marvel’s Thunderbolts ($382.1 million) and Captain America: Brave New World ($415.1 million). It has also outpaced Zack Snyder’s 2013 Man of Steel in domestic earnings.
Domestically, Superman opened to $125 million— the third-biggest debut of the year—and has held steady, dropping just 54% in its second weekend to $57.2 million, buoyed by positive word-of-mouth and an “A-” CinemaScore. Internationally, results have been far softer, with major hits coming from countries like China which don’t seem to be giving this new take on an old classic the time of day.
Krypto the Super Dog in Superman – YouTube, DC
This success positions Superman as a cornerstone for DC Studios’ Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate, signaling a potential turnaround for the brand after a string of underperformers in the prior DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
Mixed Reception: Praise for Heart, Critique for Gunn’s Signature Style
While Superman has earned acclaim for its sincere, idealistic portrayal of the Man of Steel—boasting an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54% on Criticless—it’s not without detractors.
James Gunn sits for an interview – YouTube, GQ
David Corenswet’s earnest performance as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan’s sharp Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult’s menacing Lex Luthor have been highlights, with the film’s embrace of comic-book absurdity earning cheers for its charm. However, a recurring criticism centers on “too much James Gunn” permeating the project.
Gunn’s signature quirky humor, honed in films like Guardians of the Galaxy, has been called mismatched for Superman’s traditionally noble, inspirational archetype. Reviewers have pointed to tonal inconsistencies, where slapstick gags and “dumb doggie humor” undercut serious moments, such as scenes of civilian peril or emotional depth.
James Gunn attends the European Premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3” in Disneyland Paris on April 22, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by StillMoving.Net for Disney)
Some fans echo this, feeling the script is overstuffed with ideas, leading to a “jam-packed” narrative that sacrifices coherence for spectacle. The Critical Drinker on YouTube described it as a “beautiful James Gunn mess,” appreciating the absurdity but lamenting its uneven seriousness.
This “Gunn overload” extends beyond the screen to the marketing campaign.
Warner Bros. mounted an aggressive, omnipresent blitz, including record-breaking trailers, global stunts, and digital tie-ins aimed at younger audiences. However, Gunn himself became a focal point, often featured more prominently than the stars in promotional materials, interviews, and social media pushes.
Fans have critiqued this approach, arguing it overshadowed Corenswet and Brosnahan, with some trailers and behind-the-scenes footage emphasizing Gunn’s vision over character-driven spotlights.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: (L-R) Sean Gunn and James Gunn attend the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 World Premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on April 27, 2023. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Disney)
This director-centric strategy has fueled debates about whether it diluted the film’s star power.
Looking Ahead: A James Gunn Superman Sequel on the Horizon
Gunn’s confirmation of sequel writing demonstrates DC’s confidence in the franchise’s future. While not a direct Superman 2, Gunn has teased it as an “indirect” follow-up, potentially incorporating elements from the broader DCU, such as spin-offs or team-ups.
Given Gunn’s dual role as writer-director on the original and his leadership at DC Studios, his return to the helm seems likely, though unconfirmed.
David Corenswet as Superman in Superman (2025), DC Studios
Cast members, including Corenswet and Brosnahan, have expressed openness to sequels, with Gunn hinting at TV spin-offs to expand the universe.
As Superman continues its theatrical run—now eyeing a domestic finish around $340-360 million and global totals potentially exceeding $700 million—the sequel tease positions DC for sustained momentum. Whether Gunn can address criticisms by refining his tone or doubling down on his unique flair remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Man of Steel is back, and his story is far from over.
How do you feel about James Gunn writing the Superman sequel? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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Gunn needs to give the writing job to someone else. Preferably someone that doesn’t have ADHD.
“Box office soar?” The movie’s nearly completely stalled. Total ticket sales have dropped so drastically it will be a miracle if it earns $600 million and that would still be a net loss of $150-300 million.