DC Studios Developing Distinct Opening for Elseworlds Projects: James Gunn Reveals Plans
25 January 2025

DC Studios Developing Distinct Opening for Elseworlds Projects: James Gunn Reveals Plans

James Gunn has revealed that DC Studios is developing a distinctive opening sequence to help audiences distinguish between Elseworlds projects, such as The Batman, and main DC Universe films like the upcoming Superman. This innovative approach aims to bring clarity to DC's expanding multiverse of content.

The new DC Universe officially launched with Creature Commandos, while Elseworlds projects like The Batman continue to develop their own separate storylines. When questioned on the social media platform Threads about why animated series Harley Quinn and The Batman spin-off The Penguin don't carry the same DC Studios branding as Creature Commandos, Gunn provided insight into their strategic approach.


Understanding DC's Branding Strategy

"We felt it wouldn't be fair to put the DC Studios fanfare on Harley Quinn since it was developed long before us," Gunn explained. "The Penguin, which we had minimal involvement in developing, ultimately has a different DC Studios animation." He further revealed their plans to establish even clearer distinctions in the future: "We're currently working on the DC Studios Elseworlds opening."

What Defines an Elseworlds Project?

Elseworlds isn't a shared universe in itself but rather encompasses everything that exists outside the main DC Universe continuity. The Batman franchise serves as a prime example, with The Batman, The Penguin, and the upcoming The Batman 2 forming part of what's being called The Batman Epic Crime Saga. While these projects maintain their own internal consistency, they remain separate from the main DC Universe canon.


The Current State of the DC Universe

The main DC Universe currently maintains a focused slate of projects. Creature Commandos stands as the only released project thus far, with Superman set to mark the universe's true beginning when it debuts on July 11, 2025. Following Superman, audiences can expect new seasons of Peacemaker, the Lanterns series, and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.