James Gunn exit: 16 DC new and returning shows could be affected

Projects with stronger prospects

Creature Commandos season 2 appears likely to proceed. Its first season earned a 93% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, and work on the next season is well underway. Gunn said it would arrive on HBO Max after Man of Tomorrow, in the second half of 2027.

Mister Miracle is also expected to reach screens in 2027. Tom King, who wrote the acclaimed comic, is the showrunner; DC has announced Josh Hutcherson as Mister Miracle and Mackenzie Davis as Big Barda. Darkseid is also set to make his DCU debut in the series.

Uncertainty around live action

The People v. Gorilla Grodd is in a less secure position, though production has wrapped. That makes shelving it a financial concern, but Warner Bros. Discovery previously shelved the Batgirl movie, which starred Michael Keaton and Brendan Fraser. The series could still be at risk if the new leadership considers its tone unsuitable for live-action DC.

Lanterns season 2 is also uncertain. Its first season set viewership records and earned a 92% critics’ score, but some fans objected to its grounded detective approach. The season ended with loose ends and set up John Stewart for Man of Tomorrow, yet the show has not been renewed.

Other shows face questions

A third Peacemaker season appears unlikely. Gunn said at the end of season 2 that no active plans existed for another, and the show is closely tied to his creative vision.

The Penguin season 2 looks unlikely as well: no significant progress toward a new season occurred while Gunn was still in charge. The article says Skydance is looking at franchises and suggests Matt Reeves’ Batman plans could end with The Batman - Part II in 2028. A live-action Poison Ivy series, reported to be in development with The Penguin creator Lauren LeFranc, may also face challenges as DC shifts focus toward bigger characters.

Harley Quinn, an animated series starring Kaley Cuoco, predates Gunn’s tenure and has had a long run on HBO Max in its own universe. The available details do not say whether it will continue under the new leadership.