James Gunn’s upcoming role at DC Studios is already showing signs of Marvel influence, especially with the debut of the Superman poster. Fans have noticed the visual similarities to Marvel’s branding, particularly drawing comparisons to the color palette and design of the original Iron Man poster. Even more striking is the new DC Studios logo, which closely resembles the format Marvel has used for years, with a comic book logo followed by the word “Studios” framed by two lines. This rebranding, along with Gunn’s decision to drop the “E” from DCEU, reflects his desire to move away from the previous Justice League era and create a fresh identity for DC.
Gunn’s approach to storytelling also mirrors the way Marvel has operated under Kevin Feige, albeit with Gunn putting his own spin on things. While Feige has focused on plot development as a core element of the MCU, Gunn has expressed a deeper commitment to character-driven stories. He has emphasized the importance of emotional grounding in superhero films, something he feels Marvel has started to lose in recent years. In a 2023 interview, Gunn remarked on superhero fatigue, citing the lack of emotional depth in spectacle-driven films as a primary cause.
Given his success in shaping Guardians of the Galaxy into one of the MCU’s most beloved franchises, many are curious to see if Gunn can replicate that success at DC Studios, particularly with Superman. While his rebranding efforts and aesthetic choices may draw from Marvel, Gunn’s character-first approach might provide the distinction his new universe needs. We’ll have to wait until Superman premieres in 2025 to see if his plans for DC Studios can deliver on the promise of revitalizing the superhero genre with heartfelt stories that resonate emotionally with audiences.