James Gunn, the filmmaker who has had success with both Marvel and DC comic book movie adaptations, recently discussed the possibility of a Marvel-DC crossover movie in an interview with Empire Magazine. While discussions have been “very, very light and fun,” Gunn admitted that he has thought about the idea.
Gunn’s career in the comic book movie industry began with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) franchise, where he directed two installments of the Guardians of the Galaxy series. However, he was temporarily fired by Disney in 2018 due to past controversial tweets before being rehired in 2019 to direct the third Guardians of the Galaxy film. In the interim, he found a new home at DC and Warner Bros., where he directed The Suicide Squad and will be taking over as the architect of the DC cinematic universe.
James Gunn is the key
The idea of a crossover between Marvel and DC comics has long been a fan dream, but it has yet to come to fruition. In the comics, there have been several crossovers over the years, but they have generally been considered unsatisfactory due to creative differences and the desire to protect the two brands’ respective franchises.
However, with James Gunn’s success in both Marvel and DC properties, he could be the key to finally making a crossover happen. While it may be several years down the line, the fact that the idea has been discussed is a promising sign.
It’s important to note that there are no concrete plans for a Marvel-DC crossover movie at this time. James Gunn himself said that they have to establish what they’re doing in the DC universe first. Nevertheless, the possibility is exciting for fans who have long imagined what a superhero team-up between characters like Batman and Iron Man, or Superman and Captain America, would look like on the big screen.
Be sure to get the best seats in the galaxy opening weekend – opens all across the universe May 5 – tickets on sale now for #GuardiansoftheGalaxyVol3. #GotGVol3 pic.twitter.com/DI5dclSzob
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 4, 2023
In the meantime, fans can look forward to Gunn’s last Marvel project with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, set to hit theaters in May 2023. While the Guardians franchise may be ending, James Gunn has expressed interest in seeing the characters continue on in the MCU or possibly joining the Avengers.
As for a potential Marvel-DC crossover movie, it remains to be seen whether it will ever come to fruition. But with James Gunn at the helm of the DC cinematic universe, fans can at least be assured that the possibility is being discussed, and that’s a step in the right direction.
The history of Marvel and DC crossovers
While the idea of a crossover between Marvel and DC superheroes may excite fans, it’s worth taking a look at the history of such crossovers. Over the years, both comic book publishers have teamed up their respective characters for various crossover events, but the results have been mixed.
One of the biggest issues with these crossovers is that neither company wants to see their flagship heroes defeated in a fight. As a result, the battles tend to be tepid and unsatisfactory, with the stories often feeling forced and gimmicky.
However, there have been some enjoyable moments, such as the Amalgam Universe from the 1990s, which merged characters from both universes into unique, angsty, and entertaining new creations. But overall, the track record of Marvel and DC crossovers has been spotty at best.
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With that said, if anyone could pull off a successful Marvel-DC crossover, it might be James Gunn. The director, who has had success with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise and is now heading up DC’s film operations, has expressed interest in the idea, although he acknowledges that any discussions have been light and fun at this point.
Gunn’s success with Marvel has been largely due to his “kid playing with his action figures” ethos, which has made the Guardians movies a fun and exciting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. If he can bring that same sensibility to the DC universe, there’s a chance he could create a crossover that fans would actually enjoy.
Of course, any potential crossover is likely to be years away, as Gunn and his team at DC need to establish their own slate of films and characters first. But the fact that the idea is even being discussed is a sign of just how far superhero movies have come in the past few decades.
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In the meantime, fans can look forward to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which will mark the end of Gunn’s time in the MCU. While not all of the characters are expected to make it out of the film alive, Gunn has said that he would be happy to see any survivors continue on in the Marvel universe, whether in solo films or team-up movies like The Avengers.
Overall, the prospect of a Marvel-DC crossover is exciting, but it’s important to remember that these things are easier said than done. However, with James Gunn at the helm of both universes, there’s at least a chance that we could see something truly special in the years to come.
