James Gunn’s DCU Suddenly Looks A Lot Like The Snyderverse

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James Gunn’s plans for the DC Universe are starting to resemble the previous vision led by Zack Snyder. Once the movie Superman is released in 2025, Gunn’s DC Universe will be the main setting for all future DC films, with any exceptions clearly labeled as separate, alternative stories.

This change in direction moves away from the often-debated films of the DC Extended Universe, now commonly called the “Snyderverse” because of Zack Snyder’s significant early influence. The Snyderverse started with Man of Steel and concluded with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, even though that final film felt quite different in style and story from the original vision for the DCEU back in 2013.

James Gunn’s new DC Universe is building its own distinct world with fresh characters and stories, setting it apart from the previous DC Extended Universe. However, as the first chapter of the DCU, ‘Gods and Monsters,’ unfolds, some surprising parallels to the DCEU are becoming apparent.

Snyderverse Collaborator Junkie XL Will Score Supergirl

The upcoming DCU film Supergirl, directed by James Gunn, is scheduled to be released globally on June 26, 2026. As the movie finishes post-production, more information is being revealed. Recently, it was announced that Junkie XL (Tom Holkenborg) will be composing the film’s musical score (according to Film Music Reporter).

It’s notable that composer Holkenborg, also known as Junkie XL, has created fantastic music for several Zack Snyder films within the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). He previously collaborated with Hans Zimmer on the score for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and later worked on Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Now, Junkie XL is moving from the DCEU to the new DC Universe (DCU) with the Supergirl project.

Junkie XL’s Scores Were A Huge Part Of The Snyderverse

Everyone’s been discussing Holkenborg’s work on the Snyderverse films, but his move to the new DC Universe is especially interesting given how prominent he was in those previous projects. His score for Batman v Superman is remarkably distinct – unlike typical superhero movie music, it doesn’t strongly reflect the styles usually associated with either Batman or Superman.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League brought back the original musical score by Junkie XL. Many felt it was a significant upgrade from the music Danny Elfman composed for the 2017 version of the film.

Junkie XL’s music became closely associated with Zack Snyder’s films, like Batman v Superman and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Now, surprisingly, he’s going to play a key role in a major movie for the new DC Universe, which is replacing the old DCEU.

Junkie XL Is Not The Only Snyderverse Alumni Returning In Supergirl

To further connect the upcoming Supergirl movie to the style of Zack Snyder’s previous DC films, Jason Momoa is joining the cast. He previously starred as Aquaman in those films, including a second solo movie. This time around, Momoa will play Lobo, a bounty hunter who travels the galaxy, in Supergirl.

With another creative from Zack Snyder’s previous DC films now working on the new Supergirl movie, it’s becoming clear that the new DC Universe (DCU) is taking inspiration from the earlier, long-paused Snyderverse. It’s currently unknown if the two will share even more elements beyond this.

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2026-02-07 17:13