Latest news with #ChapterOne:GodsandMonsters
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Jimmy Olsen spin-off series rumored to explore DC villains in crime anthology format
A new rumor suggests that DC Studios may be developing a spin-off series centered around Jimmy Olsen, played by Skyler Gisondo in the 2025 Superman film. The report, originating from insider ApocHorseman and shared via DCU Leaks on Discord, claims the series would take the form of a crime anthology. Each episode is said to feature a different villain from the DC Universe, with Olsen serving as the host and central narrator. The series would mirror recent successes like The Penguin, which built on Colin Farrell's portrayal in The Batman and earned critical acclaim and award nominations. This approach reflects DC Studios' growing focus on expanding its cinematic universe through character-driven spinoffs. Under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran, the studio appears committed to diverse storytelling formats and genres. Olsen, a fixture in DC Comics as Clark Kent's loyal friend and photojournalist, has starred in several titles like Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen. Known for his involvement in strange and adventurous plots, he has long been a beloved secondary character. In the 2025 film, Gisondo portrayed Olsen with a mix of classic charm and new elements, including a past relationship with Eve Teschmacher. His performance received praise for strong chemistry with the ensemble cast. According to the report, the rumored series would explore DC's criminal landscape through the lens of Olsen's investigative journalism. This concept aligns with Gunn's stated goal of blending genres and telling fresh stories within the DC Universe. While the series remains unconfirmed by DC Studios, its reported concept fits naturally within the studio's broader efforts to diversify storytelling under its Chapter One: Gods and Monsters slate, which includes Superman, Supergirl, Swamp Thing, and Clayface. If greenlit, the Jimmy Olsen series could offer fans a compelling new angle on the evolving DC narrative universe.
Mint
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Superman box office Day 3: David Corenswet's film beats Cavill's Man of Steel in opening weekend, mints THIS amount
James Gunn's 'Superman', the first film in the new DC Universe and starring David Corenswet in the titular role, has had an impressive start at the global box office. In just its opening weekend, the film has amassed a total of $217 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing opening for any solo Superman film to date. Domestically, the film has collected $122 million across the United States and Canada, topping the weekend box office charts. Internationally, 'Superman' earned an additional $95 million, contributing to its strong worldwide debut. With a reported production budget of $225 million, the film has nearly recouped its entire cost within its first three days in cinemas. This performance marks a significant improvement over its predecessors. Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel' (2013), which starred Henry Cavill, earned $190 million globally in its opening weekend. Prior to that, 'Superman Returns' (2006), starring Brandon Routh, opened with just over $100 million. Directed by James Gunn, 'Superman' also features Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and supporting performances by Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced. The film officially launches Gunn's reimagined DC Universe, kicking off 'Chapter One: Gods and Monsters'. On the other hand, for Batman, director Matt Reeves has wrapped up the script for the sequel of the 2022 much-loved film led by Robert Pattinson. With strong word of mouth and early audience enthusiasm, 'Superman' is now poised for a promising run at the global box office.
Euronews
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Explaining the viral irony of The White House's 'Superman Trump' post
The release of the new Superman movie has kicked off a new era for DC Studios, dubbed 'Chapter One: Gods and Monsters', and audiences worldwide have responded to the cinematic call. James Gunn's bold and boisterous take on the beloved superhero opened last week and has already taken $217m at the global box office ($122m of which in the US and Canada) - stats which should make Warner Bros. breathe a heavy sigh of relief following the lackluster performance of some of its previous DC comic book adaptations. Not sure how the studio feels about the fact The White House got in on the action by sharing a meme of Donald Trump as the Man of Steel... The image posted by The White House was captioned with: 'THE SYMBOL OF HOPE. TRUTH. JUSTICE. THE AMERICAN WAY. SUPERMAN TRUMP'. The character is quintessentially American and his latest big screen iteration has driven some right-wing commentators in the US into a tizzy over some of its real-life geopolitical parallels. They even described it as 'woke' after Gunn described the superhero from Krypton as 'an immigrant'. We refer to these aspects in our review of Superman, in which we wrote: 'The 'silliness' of Gunn's approach feels bold in these current times – and the director knows what he's doing. He clearly understands that superhero fatigue has settled in; his reset doubles down on the fun factor without shying away from some real-world mirroring. This may not be anything new for Superman films, but the inclusion of xenophobia laced with cancel culture (aided by social media bots / monkeys) and the contentious Middle Eastern geopolitical dispute with obvious – but not overplayed - topical parallels to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine conflict is a bold touch. You can almost hear nose-bleedingly annoying comments about Superman going 'woke' - the pithy last defence of those who never tire of shouting at clouds. But that's what Superman has always been: an alien humanitarian who fights for justice and for whom 'kindness is punk rock'.' Read the full review here. Many social media users picked up on a glaring irony at the heart of Trump being portrayed as Big Blue, considering the Trump administration's anti-immigration agenda, which has led to wide protests over the ICE raids this year. "Superman was an illegal immigrant growing up on American farm and a hero from a comic book. Trump is a total opposite of Superman, a Superloser," posted AI creator Mario Pawlowksi, while the press office of California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed Gunn's comment by posting: "Superman was an undocumented immigrant." Other reactions ranged from embarrassment to despair: 'I guess they thought we weren't enough of a laughingstock to the rest of the world already.' Another X user urged James Gunn to sue The White House... One posted another meme implying that the Trump equivalent of Superman's Achilles heel, the glowing Kryptonite, were the Epstein Files. Then there were plenty of comments on the 'new normal', with Zeteo editor-in-chief and CEO, Mehdi Hasan posting: 'Just imagine the response if the Biden White House had posted something like this. But Trump is graded on some kind of never-seen-before curve and this craziness is normalized." This is not the first time that the official account of The White House has posted memes or AI-generated images of Trump. Earlier this year, to mark Star Wars Day (May 4th), the account posted an image of Trump as a jacked Jedi. The image went viral, with many also pointing out an obvious irony to the post: Trump was holding a red lightsaber, an element even the most casual Star Wars fans can recognise as being the chosen colour of the villainous Sith Lords – not the benevolent Jedis. Trump also shared another image this year which garnered much criticism: a version of his as the pope, posted after he jokingly stated he should succeed the late Pope Francis. Republicans against Trump reposted the image on X, calling it 'a blatant insult to Catholics and a mockery of their faith', while former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi wrote on X: 'This is an image that offends believers, insults institutions and shows that the leader of the global right enjoys being a clown. In the meantime, the American economy risks recession and the dollar loses value.'
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Batman DCU movie The Brave and the Bold gets update from James Gunn
James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has shared a new update on The Brave and the Bold, the DCU's upcoming Batman film. The movie is one of two Batman projects currently in development, alongside Matt Reeves' The Batman 2, though only The Brave and the Bold is part of the core DC Universe. Speaking to GamesRadar+ while promoting Superman, Gunn confirmed that development is progressing. 'We're working on a script. We have a screenwriter who's hammering away at it,' he said. 'I'm very involved, and so we'll see what happens next. I wish I had more news for you, but I don't.' The film will introduce a new version of Batman for the DCU and focus on the relationship between Bruce Wayne and his son, Damian Wayne, who will appear as Robin. It is part of DC Studios' Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, which sets the foundation for the restructured universe. Andy Muschietti, director of The Flash, has been tapped to helm The Brave and the Bold. While no casting announcements or screenwriter details have been revealed, Gunn's close involvement suggests the project is a key pillar of the new DC slate. Importantly, Robert Pattinson will not portray Batman in this film. His version of Bruce Wayne remains exclusive to Matt Reeves' Elseworlds storyline, which operates independently of the main DCU. Reeves' sequel, The Batman 2, is set to begin filming by the end of 2025 and is scheduled for release on October 1, 2027. Gunn added that he currently has the script for The Batman 2 in his possession and plans to review it soon.
Mint
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘Superman' Review: David Corenswet, James Gunn's Man of Steel rises in a world that's forgotten how to fly
James Gunn's 'Superman' is not just the beginning of a new DC Universe—it's a bold statement, an emotional reset, and a love letter to everything Superman stands for. As the first film in the DCU's 'Chapter One: Gods and Monsters', Gunn manages to strike a fine balance between comic-book spectacle and grounded, heartfelt storytelling. It's safe to say: Superman is back—and this time, he's got a point to make. When Gunn was announced as the new head of DC Studios, replacing the much-discussed Snyderverse, the reception was mixed. Snyder's darker, mythic take had its loyal fanbase. But Gunn, known for bringing heart to unlikely heroes (Guardians of the Galaxy), has made it clear that his Superman would be different—softer, more relatable, and, importantly, political. That decision could've gone wrong. The direction is tight, focused, and packed with charm. Gunn injects the film with a tone of optimism and warmth without ever slipping into cheesiness. There's a sense of 'classic Superman' in how Clark Kent is portrayed, but it's filtered through a very modern lens. Yes, there's alien tech, world-ending threats, and a flying dog named Krypto (who, hilariously, refuses to listen), but it all feels rooted. You believe in this world, and more importantly, you believe in this Superman. The story itself is a clever mix of grounded reality and superhero fantasy. On one hand, we have a plot full of larger-than-life elements—the Hammer of Bovaria, Lex Luthor's twisted schemes, and dimension-hopping escapades. But on the other, Gunn uses this canvas to comment on real-world issues. From immigration to fear-mongering, from media manipulation to moral choices, the film reflects the state of our very own planet. Superman, an alien immigrant, becomes a mirror for how we treat the 'other' in our society. A standout moment comes during the film's final act when Lex Luthor—played with chilling charm by Nicholas Hoult—explodes in rage, accusing Superman of being a threat simply because he's not human. Superman's calm reply—that every day, he just tries to do the right thing—is Gunn's thesis in a nutshell. It's subtle, not preachy, and it works. David Corenswet's Superman is the heart of the film. While fans were initially divided about him replacing Henry Cavill, Corenswet makes the role his own. He's confident yet kind, strong yet clumsy. His Clark Kent is every bit the awkward journalist, while his Superman is a beacon of hope. This version isn't weighed down by existential dread—he flies lighter, laughs easier, and feels more human than ever before. The supporting cast is just as strong. Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane is smart, driven, and never sidelined. In fact, one of her best moments involves her convincing Mr Terrific to rescue Superman—then joining him on the mission herself. She's not a damsel. She's a partner. More of their dynamic would've been welcome, but what we get is excellent. Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Hoult's Lex Luthor deserves particular praise. He plays the role with a restrained menace, but also moments of vulnerability that make you question your loyalty. That kind of layered villainy is rare, and it adds depth to the story. He also brings this certain pettiness to Lex which makes his take on this character very definitive. Nicholas Hoult in a still from 'Superman'. But the unsung heroes of the film are Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell as Jonathan and Martha Kent. They're not A-listers, but their performances feel the most grounded. Their warmth, concern, and quiet wisdom feel real—like your own parents trying to guide you through the madness of life. They're arguably the best screen Kents we've ever had, and yes, that's including Kevin Costner and Diane Lane. Edi Gathegi and Isabela Merced were also equally good as Mr Terrific and Hawkgirl but Nathan Fillion's Green Lantern with that absolutely insufferable bowl-cut (comic accurate) was a cherry on top. Technically, the film is top-tier. The cinematography is crisp and colourful, perfectly capturing both the grandeur of Superman's powers and the intimacy of his human moments. The action scenes are brisk and clear, never overwhelming. The musical score shines especially in the final showdown between Lex and Superman. Their themes shift with each camera cut—similar enough to hint at shared complexity, yet different enough to underline their opposing ideologies. If there's one thing this 'Superman' gets right above all else, it's pace. From the moment he crash-lands in the ice to the climactic battle, the film wastes no time. It moves with purpose and never drags. Gunn doesn't over-explain or overstuff—he trusts the audience to keep up. In short, 'Superman' (2025) is the hopeful reset DC needed. It's fun, emotional, action-packed, and politically aware without ever losing the joy of watching a superhero in action. It gives us a Superman we can believe in again—one who isn't afraid to smile, stumble, or stand up for what's right, even when it's hard. And really, isn't that exactly what we need right now?
