The road to “Gods and Monsters” is becoming clearer—and more connected than ever.
As the DC Universe (DCU) prepares to launch its ambitious reboot with Superman this summer, co-CEO James Gunn continues to offer fans clarity on what’s shaping up to be a defining era for superhero storytelling. The timeline for the DCU’s interconnected universe—officially titled Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters—has been a hot topic for months. And now, thanks to new comments from Gunn and updated production milestones, we’re getting a clearer picture of how the pieces fit together, especially going into 2026.
A New Timeline, A New Philosophy
Unlike the fractured continuity of the DCEU, Gunn’s DCU aims for tight interconnectivity between its movies and TV shows—an MCU-style strategy with a bold DC twist. Recently, a fan asked Gunn via Threads whether HBO Max (now rebranded as Max) would eventually include a chronological DCU timeline feature similar to Disney+’s MCU layout. Gunn’s response was straightforward but revealing:
“As of now it’s basically as the movies and shows come out – although of course some of these feature flashbacks – Creature Commandos, Superman, Peacemaker, Lanterns, Supergirl.”
This small but significant statement reaffirms that Lanterns will debut before Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow—a timeline that had previously been speculated but not confirmed. It also hints at how viewers should experience the evolving saga: in the order of release, with flashbacks adding layered context to the unfolding mythology.
The Springboard: Creature Commandos and Superman
The journey begins with Creature Commandos, the animated series expected to hit screens before Superman lands in theaters this summer. As the first official project of the DCU, it sets the tone for the rebooted universe, followed closely by Superman, which will introduce audiences to David Corenswet’s take on the Man of Steel.
This film is more than just a flagship—it’s a thematic cornerstone. Gunn’s Superman is expected to embody the hopeful, heroic spirit that will anchor this new continuity across formats.
2026: The Year Of Expansion
While 2025 focuses on establishing the universe’s foundations, 2026 is shaping up to be the year when the DCU expands into cosmic, mythological, and morally complex territory.
- Lanterns (HBO series): Currently filming, this Max Original follows Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they uncover a terrestrial mystery with galactic implications. Given that TV series can wrap post-production faster than major theatrical films, a spring 2026 debut for Lanterns seems likely.
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (film): With filming wrapped and post-production underway, this movie has held onto its 2026 release date from the beginning. Based on Tom King’s critically acclaimed comic series, it introduces a more jaded and fiercely independent Kara Zor-El—offering a sharp contrast to her cousin Superman’s idealism. Set after the events of Lanterns, Supergirl’s journey is expected to further flesh out the cosmic dimension of the DCU.
- Clayface (film): Scheduled for September 2026, Clayface has been confirmed to exist within the mainline DCU continuity. However, Gunn has remained tight-lipped about where it fits into the timeline. The character’s morally gray narrative could mark a turning point in the franchise’s tone—further bridging grounded psychological drama with comic-book spectacle.
What This Means For Fans
While flashbacks and nonlinear storytelling will certainly have their place, Gunn’s approach prioritizes simplicity and coherence. The “watch as it comes out” method keeps things clean—at least for now—offering a manageable entry point for casual viewers and a structured canon for diehards.
With Lanterns likely launching in spring 2026, followed by Supergirl and Clayface, the DCU is pacing itself for a strategic rollout. Gunn and co-showrunner Brad Caleb Kane are clearly laying long-term groundwork—giving each title space to breathe while still contributing to a larger, unified narrative.
The clarity James Gunn continues to bring to the DCU is refreshing. After years of scattershot continuity, Warner Bros. Discovery appears committed to delivering a well-mapped and narratively rich superhero universe. And with 2026 looking stacked, fans will soon witness how this vision unfolds across formats and genres—from space-faring Green Lanterns to emotionally driven Kryptonian drama and tragic villains like Clayface. As the DCU takes flight, one thing is clear: a new dawn is here—and this time, it’s built to last.
