The future of beloved characters in the DC Universe (DCU) remains uncertain, as director James Gunn has indicated that no one is safe from potential death in upcoming projects. During a recent interaction on Threads, Gunn responded to a question about whether key characters, including Lois Lane and Green Lantern, could meet their end in the evolving narrative of the DCU. His answer was straightforward: “Sure. These are stories. People die in stories.”
This comment aligns with Gunn’s track record of making bold narrative choices in his previous films. Notably, characters like Groot from the *Guardians of the Galaxy* series and Yondu, played by Michael Rooker, faced significant fates, showcasing Gunn’s willingness to take risks with character arcs.
The new DCU, which officially launched in December 2024 with the animated series *Creature Commandos*, has already garnered attention. Following this, the much-anticipated *Superman* film, featuring David Corenswet as the iconic superhero, premiered in July 2025. The next installment in the DCU lineup is *Peacemaker* Season 2, starring John Cena. The first three episodes are currently available on HBO Max, with new episodes released weekly until the season finale on October 9, 2025.
Gunn’s comments about character mortality resonate with fans, especially considering the multiverse concept that allows for the return of characters even after their deaths. For instance, Joel Kinnaman‘s character in *The Suicide Squad* was killed off, yet he reprises his role in *Peacemaker* due to this narrative device.
Upcoming releases in the DCU are already generating buzz. Following *Peacemaker* Season 2, the next project slated for release is *Supergirl*, directed by Craig Gillespie, featuring Milly Alcock. This film is set to arrive on June 26, 2026. Following that, James Watkins‘s *Clayface* film will debut on September 11, 2026. Additionally, a television series titled *Lanterns*, featuring Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, is also on the horizon for 2026.
The only other confirmed film in the DCU at this stage is *Man of Tomorrow*, where Corenswet will reprise his role as Superman alongside Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.
As the DCU continues to expand, the stakes for its characters rise, leaving fans eagerly speculating on who may survive and who may meet a more tragic fate. The direction of these stories under the guidance of Gunn and his creative team promises to keep audiences engaged and guessing as they navigate the complexities of the multiverse and character development.
