The new DC Universe is up and running. Last year’s “Superman” got the enterprise going in earnest, with DC Studios and Warner Bros. now moving full-steam ahead with James Gunn and Peter Safran’s plan for the franchise. That includes some projects that weren’t originally part of the plan, such as “Clayface.” It also means that some projects that were originally part of the plan, such as “The Authority,” are no longer happening. At least not anytime soon.
“The Authority” movie was first revealed when the DC Universe movie slate was announced in 2023. Based on the so-called “anti-Justice League” created by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch, updates on this one have been few and far between over the last few years. Now, taking to Threads to respond to some speculation about the project, Gunn cleared the air and explained why this one fell by the wayside. Here’s what he had to say about it:
“I would have never had time to do this and although I know this is a popular theory online I never had an intention of writing or directing ‘The Authority.’ The script wasn’t quite there but more importantly it didn’t work in terms of the larger DCU both in terms of the story and practical concerns. Maybe some day. Not soon.”
What’s interesting is that “The Authority” was Gunn’s passion project in the new DC Universe, yet it’s still being set aside for a while, if not permanently. All the same, as the co-head of DC Studios, Gunn has to be willing to amend the plan as things continue to evolve. Between the script not totally coming together and shifting plans, this movie no longer made sense.
The Authority no longer fits into the larger DC Universe plan
James Gunn has touched on how the DC Universe plans have shifted after the initial announcement. The first chapter of the new DCU was dubbed “Gods and Monsters,” with “Superman” serving as the first true cinematic building block. Though the animated “Creature Commandos” was technically the first official project in the universe, for the majority of people, David Corenswet’s debut as the Man of Steel represented the true changing of the guard.
Other parts of the original plan, such as James Mangold’s “Swamp Thing” movie and the “Waller” TV show, have also seemingly taken a back seat, even if they aren’t outright canceled. Meanwhile, stuff like a new “Wonder Woman” movie, which got a writer after the release of “Superman,” namely Ana Nogueira, has begun to take shape. Nogueira wrote “Supergirl,” which is due to hit theaters in June as the next major piece of the puzzle.
There’s also the previously mentioned “Clayface,” which recently dropped its first trailer and certainly wasn’t part of the original plan. Gunn has begun filming his “Superman” sequel, “Man of Tomorrow,” and has even shared a set photo recently. Not to sound like a broken record, but that too was not part of the original announcement.
This is to say nothing of “The Brave and the Bold,” which remains in development and will introduce the DCU’s new Batman. At some point, other movies have to be taken off the schedule to make room for what’s coming. The DCU needs Wonder Woman. It needs Batman. “The Authority” was an interesting prospect, but it’s easy to see how that might be lower on the priority list for Warner Bros. and DC Studios right now.
“Supergirl” hits theaters on June 26, 2026.
