The DC Universe is rapidly evolving under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. Since taking charge of DC Studios in late 2022, the duo has worked to build a cohesive cinematic and television universe that properly connects characters and stories for the first time since the DCEU began.
This new continuity, formally titled Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, launched with Superman, and now Gunn has teased more projects that are nearly ready to move forward.
Speaking with GQ, Gunn explained that several new movies and one series are currently in advanced stages of development. While none have officially been greenlit, studio executives are reportedly enthusiastic about their progress.
Gunn mentioned “two really cool scripts” for upcoming DCU films and one television project whose delay is purely due to budget discussions.
The director of Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad also noted he’s now fully focused on pre-production for Superman: Man of Tomorrow, the cornerstone of his new cinematic universe. Production begins this April, making it one of DC Studios’ most ambitious relaunches since its restructuring.
For fans who once endured years of uneven continuity and canceled plans under the DCEU banner, Gunn’s commitment to careful scripting and long-term story cohesion comes as a relief.
He and Safran have repeatedly emphasized that no project enters production until its script meets both narrative and tonal consistency standards.
This meticulous approach ensures that Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters builds a connected universe with clear direction, something that has eluded DC for nearly a decade.
What’s Next for the DCU
So far, DC Studios’ announced lineup includes several major films and series. Among them are Superman: Man of Tomorrow, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Lanterns, Paradise Lost, and The Brave and The Bold, which will introduce the DCU’s version of Batman and Robin.
Potential New Films
Speculation about the two “really cool” movie scripts centers on possible revivals and fresh additions. One might be The Brave and The Bold, especially given Gunn’s emphasis on family-centered heroes.
However, several insiders suspect that Clayface, a lesser-known villain whose development was teased in 2024, could lead one of the projects.
Another strong possibility involves the rebooted Wonder Woman. Since the 2023 announcement only referenced a prequel TV series titled Paradise Lost, fans have been waiting for news of Diana Prince’s return to the big screen under a new creative vision. A fresh script for a standalone Wonder Woman movie could easily be among those Gunn referenced.
Meanwhile, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow remains on track for its June 2026 release. Based on Tom King’s acclaimed comic storyline, it will introduce a more grounded and mature version of Kara Zor-El, further expanding the Kryptonian mythology alongside Man of Tomorrow.
The Mystery Series
Gunn also revealed that one television project is close to approval, but is held up by financial logistics. While he didn’t name it, much speculation points toward The Authority or Booster Gold, both previously listed as part of Chapter 1’s long-term planning.
Another candidate could be a continuation of Creature Commandos, the animated show expected to connect directly to live-action DCU storytelling. Gunn has often praised what the animation team achieved, and expanding its serialized format to include crossover storylines seems likely.
Given Gunn’s proven skill in merging humor, heart, and action, whichever show receives the go-ahead will likely become an essential bridge between movie releases.
Superman Takes Center Stage
The movie serves as the tonal foundation for the entire DC Universe, grounded in optimism, moral conviction, and human empathy, distinguishing it from the darker DCEU approach.
James Gunn (Credit: BBC)
David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent, while Rachel Brosnahan portrays Lois Lane. Gunn has promised a balance of classic heroism and modern authenticity. “Superman,” he said in earlier discussions, “is the moral center of our universe.”
How this version of the character shapes the future DCU will be crucial. From thematic consistency to cameo set-ups, Man of Tomorrow must succeed both critically and commercially if DC Studios hopes to maintain its long-form vision.
Currently, Gunn’s team is also overseeing Lanterns, the highly anticipated HBO show following Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Set for release next year, it is developed as a detective-style story that introduces key cosmic elements of the universe.
Alongside Supergirl, which arrives in mid-2026, the trajectory appears designed to balance galactic-scale adventure with grounded storytelling.
The Future of “Gods and Monsters”
When James Gunn first announced Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters in early 2023, he clarified it represented only part of DC Studios’ full vision. The strategy involves long-term worldbuilding akin to the early phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with interconnected projects complementing standalone properties.
This approach marks a deliberate shift away from the DCEU’s loosely tied releases. Gunn’s method resembles serialized storytelling, where television and film coalesce to create a consistently evolving continuity rather than competing sub-franchises.
Since Peacemaker season 2 is currently wrapping with only two episodes left to air, the series remains the most immediate part of this connected slate. Gunn continues to write and direct several key episodes himself, ensuring its humor and tone match his larger DCU narrative.
As of now, Lanterns and the Supergirl movie are next in the queue, with The Brave and The Bold and Swamp Thing following later. However, Gunn’s new remarks suggest multiple unannounced titles have entered serious planning stages, potentially doubling the number of DCU stories revealed in 2023.
A Promising New Era for DC Studios
After years of inconsistent storytelling and unfinished crossovers, DC Studios is finally finding stability. Fans who had grown wary of abrupt cancellations and creative clashes are once again hopeful.
Gunn’s transparency about progress and process has helped rebuild trust, something Warner Bros. desperately needed after past missteps.
This consistency is also paying off commercially. The success of Superman sparked new investor confidence, reenergizing DC’s ecosystem on both film and streaming platforms.
The studio’s collaboration with HBO on serialized content ensures a steady release rhythm designed to maintain fan engagement year-round rather than in bursts tied solely to major blockbusters.
Gunn’s stance that “no project is greenlit until the script is perfect” speaks volumes about his vision. By refusing to rush development, he’s cultivating creative longevity rather than fast revenue. It’s a philosophy that could define DC Studios’ future and finally set it apart from its predecessors’ turbulent reputation.
As Man of Tomorrow approaches production, the excitement surrounding the DCU’s new phase continues to build.
Whether the two mystery films or the nearly approved series make headlines next, one thing is certain: Gunn’s unified DC Universe is growing faster than expected with the potential to become the superhero franchise fans have been waiting for, finally.
Jason Statham has built his career on relentless action, raw charisma, and a commitment to authentic stunt work. In 2026, that legacy continues with Shelter, a high-intensity thriller directed by Ric Roman Waugh, known for Angel Has Fallen and Greenland.
The movie will premiere on January 30, 2026, setting the stage for one of Statham’s biggest career years.
The story centers on a solitary man living by the sea who rescues a young girl from drowning. That single act, meant to save a life, quickly spirals into chaos, as violent strangers begin hunting him down. What follows is a brutal chain of events that forces the recluse to confront his buried past and rediscover the fighter within.
Statham portrays a man haunted by decisions long left behind, adding emotional depth to his famously rugged persona.
Early reports suggest that Shelter brings a slower, more methodical intensity compared to his usual fast-paced set pieces. It is said to balance human drama with carefully choreographed action scenes and the kind of grounded storytelling that connects older thrillers with modern cinematic polish.
The supporting cast includes Naomi Ackie, Bodhi Rae, and the legendary Bill Nighy, each playing roles that anchor the story’s balance of heart and suspense.
Black Bear Pictures, which is distributing the film, has shown total confidence in the project. Benjamin Kramer, the company’s U.S. distribution president, praised both Statham and Waugh, saying the combination “promises to make Shelter a must-see event.”
After years of high-octane success, Statham’s Shelter may showcase a different side of the actor, the weary warrior torn between peace and violence.
2026: Jason Statham’s Triple-Threat Year
While Shelter hits theaters in January, it is far from Statham’s only major release in 2026. The action veteran has two other projects confirmed for the same year, ensuring a blockbuster-laden schedule for fans.
Mutiny: A Summer of Revenge and Redemption
Another starring vehicle for Statham, Mutiny, was originally set for an early 2026 release but was delayed to the summer season to allow post-production refinements. Directed by Simon West, Mutiny follows Cole Reed, a loyal employee who becomes the scapegoat for his boss’s murder.
As law enforcement and assassins close in, Reed must go on the run to clear his name while uncovering a deeper plot of betrayal.
The film stars Annabelle Wallis, Jason Wong, and Roland Møller alongside Statham. Unlike his franchise hits, Mutiny presents a self-contained thriller, described as a mix between The Fugitive and Safe. It promises hand-to-hand action, elaborate escapes, and classic Statham grit.
By delaying the release, producers are giving the project a major marketing push to compete in a crowded summer lineup, aiming for both critical traction and commercial success.
The Beekeeper 2: Statham’s Revenge Saga Continues
The biggest of them all could be The Beekeeper 2, the follow-up to 2024’s surprise box-office powerhouse that grossed $162 million worldwide. In the original film, Statham played Adam Clay, a quiet beekeeper who turns out to be a member of a secretive organization of assassins operating under the same name.
Jason Statham (Credit: NBC)
The sequel is currently in production and brings back Jeremy Irons, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Bobby Naderi, and Jemma Redgrave. The new cast additions include Shang-Chi star Pom Klementieff, Grown-ish actress Yara Shahidi, and wrestling icon Adam Copeland (Edge).
The mix of seasoned actors and energetic newcomers reflects the project’s ambitious tone, promising bigger action and an expanded mythology for the “Beekeeper” universe.
Exact plot details remain under wraps, but insiders suggest it will dive deeper into Clay’s mysterious organization and set the stage for potential spin-offs. Statham’s involvement as both lead actor and co-producer signals that this franchise may become his next defining role after The Transporter and The Mechanic.
Why Statham Still Rules the Action Genre
In an era where most large-scale action is dominated by superheroes and CGI-heavy blockbusters, Jason Statham remains one of the last true movie stars, consistently delivering raw, physical thrillers to mass audiences.
His ability to draw box office numbers without relying on flashy visual effects or franchise crossovers is increasingly rare in modern Hollywood.
Statham’s on-screen formula is simple yet powerful: practical fight choreography, clear emotional motivation, and old-school heroism wrapped in modern style. Even in an age driven by comic-book adaptations, he thrives on bringing realism and practical stunts back to theaters.
In 2023, he anchored four major action films: Fast X, Meg 2: The Trench, The Expendables 4, and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre.
Each showcased a different shade of his persona, from brooding antihero to charismatic anti-establishment enforcer. Now, three years later, Shelter, Mutiny, and The Beekeeper 2 could redefine the maturity of his late-career phase.
Ric Roman Waugh’s involvement in Shelter further strengthens Statham’s brand. Waugh, who once worked as a Hollywood stuntman, shares Statham’s respect for authenticity in action filmmaking. Together, they create a credible alliance between artistry and adrenaline.
Benjamin Kramer’s statement rings true Statham continues to operate “at the top of his game.” His consistency in physically demanding roles, combined with subtle character wor,k keeps him relevant beyond the genre’s usual shelf life.
The Future of Statham’s Legacy
Looking ahead, 2026 feels like a turning point for Jason Statham. He’s no longer just the former competitive diver who transitioned to action movies; he’s now a global symbol for grit and endurance.
His continued partnership with top-tier directors like Guy Ritchie and Ric Roman Waugh marks an era of creative balance where heart meets high-octane spectacle.
If Shelter performs as projected, it could signal the start of more emotionally driven projects for the actor. Meanwhile, Mutiny and The Beekeeper 2 will keep fans supplied with the energy and intensity that define his style. Collectively, these three films cement 2026 as Statham’s most ambitious year since his major 2023 streak.
At 58, he shows no signs of slowing down. Industry insiders have hinted at future collaborations with franchise powerhouses and potential new brand partnerships extending beyond film. His ability to headline back-to-back projects while maintaining performance quality proves unmatched discipline and passion.
Ultimately, Jason Statham stands as the modern answer to the 1990s action icons who inspired him a star whose appeal crosses borders and generations. His name alone still guarantees audiences a high-stakes spectacle packed with precision, grit, and charisma.
As The Beekeeper 2 continues filming and Shelter heads toward its January release, excitement builds for the year ahead. Statham is not reinventing himself, but refining his craft, proving once again that pure action still has a place in modern cinema, especially when it’s driven by one of its last true greats.
