James Gunn Reveals Surprising Inspiration Behind the New DC Universe

James Gunn is setting a very different tone for the future of the DC Universe, and it’s clear he isn’t trying to copy what Marvel has already done.

In a new interview with Omelete, Gunn explained how his approach to DC’s upcoming film universe is shaped by very different inspirations.

Instead of following Marvel’s path, where stories are grounded in real cities and connected closely together, Gunn is building something more fictional and spread out. He said the new DCU won’t be tied to real-world places like New York, and instead will feel like a separate, more mythic universe.

He revealed that one of his biggest influences comes from a major fantasy book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, written by G.R.R. Martin, which later became a popular TV show. That series, known for its complex world and many characters, helped shape how Gunn sees storytelling in a shared universe.

Gunn explained that the DCU won’t just follow one story. Instead, it will focus on separate stories that exist in the same world, with the idea that they might connect over time. He compared it to stories that follow different characters in different places, each with their own journey, that may eventually cross paths.

He also shared that the upcoming Superman movie will start with a unique intro that’s more like something you’d see in a sci-fi space film, giving fans a hint that this new DC world will feel very different from what’s come before.

“It’s not about telling just one story,” Gunn said in the interview. “We’re inspired by stories that take place in the same universe but focus on different people. That’s what makes it exciting.”

The plan is to let each film tell its own story, whether it’s Superman, Batman, or another hero, without forcing everything to connect right away. Over time, though, those separate stories may lead to larger crossovers, just like comic books often do.

This direction could help DC avoid the problems it’s had before with rushed connections and uneven tone. Giving each character room to grow before tying them all together may allow the universe to feel bigger and more natural.

Personally, I think this is a fresh and smart way to rebuild the DC Universe. It shows that James Gunn wants to make something that stands on its own, not just follow what Marvel did. What do you think of this approach? Let us know in the comments below!