How To Watch James Gunn's DCU In Order

Clayface isn't out yet and is set to release on October 21, 2026, but considering it's a prequel, it could be compelling to watch right before starting an official chronological rewatch. Clayface also appears in animated form in Creature Commandos, and Gunn has already revealed that it's the same character, with his canon story being similar despite the different mediums. That's partly why watching this before Creature Commandos can be interesting to see how they differ.

The character might also have ties to Batman. While we don't have our version in Gunn's universe yet, we could have this on the back burner for when the time comes. There's also a good chance that it can be viewed in order of release, based on whether there will be any sort of post-credits scene reveal. But for the viewers who are a bit squeamish, note that Clayface features body horror, and it might not be scaredy-cat friendly.

Creature Commandos is an absolute blast and one of the new animated adult series that should be on everyone's radar, especially DC fans. With incredible voice acting from the whole cast and a number of characters we haven't had much focus on previously, it shines with riveting animation and clever writing that uniquely expands Gunn's DCU.

These stories are darker and more inherently character-driven, giving us ample time to get to know the misfits we're set to follow. Perfect for anyone who loves The Suicide Squad (2021) and Peacemaker, it's a great animated series to get a wild sense of what Gunn's vision looks like.

Peacemaker is one of the most unexpected superhero shows, with how hilariously it brings to life the most unexpected group of anti-heroes. A lot like Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), it stands out because of the cast and their delightfully weird chemistry. This one's a little different in that the first season should be watched before Superman, whereas the second should be after.

John Cena is incredible as the titular character, and Gunn's vision particularly shines in a dark and quirky manner. It's a show too many slept on or didn't realize it'd be part of the larger DCU universe, so with more attention on the franchise, now's the perfect time to revisit it. Unexpected in more ways than one, there are so few words to describe how delightful it is. (I, for one, thought I wouldn't like it and ended up loving it.)

While Blue Beetle is essentially isolated storytelling and a complete standalone, it could be a good watch between Peacemaker Season 1 and Superman (2025). We have confirmation that Xolo Maridueña will be reprising his role in Man of Tomorrow (2027), and it'll definitely be worth getting to know him in some capacity before popping into the movie next year.

The movie's fun and exciting, but also a solid movie for younger audiences and teens. It didn't garner as much attention during its initial release, but it's a solid character journey where performances are concerned. Maridueña delivers an outstanding performance throughout and fits into the universe so seamlessly that it's going to be really exciting to see everything he can bring to the character going forward.

In a lot of ways, Superman feels like the beginning of James Gunn's DCU because its popularity is what drew people to care about his perspective on the beloved stories. David Corenswet's Clark Kent has the nostalgia and heart so many of us fell in love with in Tom Welling's version during Smallville (2001). Not to mention that the open romance with Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane drew in audience members who typically steer clear of superhero movies.

From a narrative perspective, Superman set the stage for what this universe could look like and how it'll appeal to various fans. You don't have to have deep knowledge of the comics to easily follow along, and that clarity matters for the viewers who can feel isolated when the stories feel like they're in on a secret only die-hard fans would know. Lastly, Gunn's way of telling an honest and universal underdog story works to add the necessary relatability that makes Clark Kent so easy to root for. 

We tend to underestimate just how desperately people want to see authentic depictions of kindness on their screens, and in every way, that's the heart that makes this new universe so broadly appealing. Whether you've ever loved Superman or not as a superhero, this version is the best thing we've had since the late Christopher Reeve's donned the cape.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow might not have gained the same critical or fan reception as Superman, but make no mistake in thinking it's not a worthy follow-up. It is. Full of heart and zeal, it gives us insight into Kara Zor-El's grief through a lens that we don't often get to see with women, let alone girls. It paints a harrowing picture of what it's like to lose so much and still be expected to give every part of yourself to the world while you mask your pain.

It might not have had the same visual effects or grounded narrative to draw viewers in, and there are elements it could've improved upon, but it's also not a movie anyone should skip. Its relevance in James Gunn's DCU means that we not only get a bigger understanding of how various powers work, but also of how these characters can come together when there's a larger fight in the future. 

Lanterns is a narrative gem that's rightfully being compared to Watchmen (2019), which showrunner Damon Lindelof was also a part of. Starring Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Kelly Macdonald, and more, it takes viewers back to the origin of the Lanterns and broadens our understanding of what their sacred vow has always represented. Admittedly, it's a bit harder to follow for viewers who might not have extensive knowledge of the comics. Still, it's the kind of superhero-based series that can simultaneously appeal to a wide variety of viewers.

It's grounded, gritty, and dark in a way that makes waiting for a new episode almost impossible as we wonder what new revelations will come up. Viewers can likely watch Lanterns toward the beginning of the story as opposed to the end like this, but considering the show's not over and time jumps are common, who knows where it'll fit with the DCU later down the line. As of right now, however, being part of the weekly conversation on social media is a whole lot of fun.

As of right now, the theatrical release date for Man of Tomorrow is set for July 9, 2027. David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult are set to return and reprise their roles as Clark Kent and Lex Luthor. We can also expect Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane to return as well. There are rumors that we'll also see Gunn's Wonder Woman in this movie, but her casting hasn't been announced yet despite circulating fan favorites making headlines.

There's much still kept under wraps, but we'll likely be getting a team-up with Clark and Lex as they fight against Lars Eidinger's Brainiac in what's sure to be a whole lot of fun if nothing else. There's also a good chance that Man of Tomorrow will be vastly different tonally from Superman, but given everything we've seen from Gunn so far, it's hard to imagine a drastic shift. Surely, some of his classic traits in humor will still be sprinkled throughout.