What's Happening?
James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has confirmed that the novel 'Superman: Welcome to Metropolis' is not considered canon within the DC Universe. Gunn addressed this clarification on Threads, responding to a fan inquiry about the novel's status. The book narrates the story of Clark Kent's arrival in Metropolis, his work at The Daily Planet, and his encounters with Lex Luthor. Gunn emphasized that currently, only filmed media is considered canon due to the complexity of managing multiple storytelling mediums. This decision aligns with previous confirmations that other works, such as the animated short 'Krypto Saves the Day!', are also non-canon. The canon currently includes the Superman film released in July 2025 and Peacemaker Season 2, released in August 2025.
Why It's Important?
The clarification by James Gunn is significant as it delineates the boundaries of storytelling within the DC Universe, ensuring consistency and coherence across its media. By restricting canon to filmed media, DC Studios aims to streamline its narrative management, which is crucial given the expansive nature of superhero franchises. This decision impacts fans and creators alike, as it sets expectations for what constitutes official DC lore. The move may influence how future stories are developed and marketed, potentially affecting the commercial strategy of DC Studios as it navigates the competitive landscape of superhero entertainment.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, DC Studios plans to expand its universe with upcoming projects such as 'Lanterns', 'Supergirl', and 'Clayface', all slated for release in 2026. The studio is also working on a sequel to the successful Superman film, titled 'Man of Tomorrow', with production beginning in April 2026 and a release scheduled for July 2027. These developments suggest a continued focus on expanding the DC Universe through filmed media, while maintaining a clear canon structure.
