James Gunn Just Answered A Fan’s Question About The DCU’s Timeline That Is Already Sparking Theories In My Brain

by

James Gunn enjoys hinting at future projects, and his recent interaction with a fan about the DC Universe timeline has sparked a lot of excitement around *Peacemaker* Season 2 (coming to HBO Max in 2025). It seems like this exchange might be a clue to something bigger happening in the DCU, and fans are already buzzing with theories.

While watching Episode 5 with his wife and *Peacemaker* actress Jennifer Holland, James Gunn used Threads to invite fans to chat with him. He then posted:

Getting ready to start the Episode 5 watch party with @jenniferlholland! We’re starting in one minute – who’s joining us?

One fan took their shot. They asked:

Hi James Gunn! I really enjoyed episode 5. I was wondering if any of the upcoming DCU projects will be set in different time periods – maybe something in the early 1800s?

Gunn, never one to overexplain, gave a direct (and instantly brain-igniting) response. He replied:

Yes there are and will be.

My imagination immediately starts running wild! If James Gunn is being truthful-and he generally is-we could see a DC Universe movie set in the past. Let’s explore what this might mean for the direction of upcoming DC films.

The Early 1800s Might Be More Than a Throwaway

It might seem like a small point, but DC Comics has a fascinating history in the 19th century. It’s full of unusual and visually exciting characters. If James Gunn decides to explore this era for a future DC TV show or movie – beyond what’s already planned for the first phase of the DC Universe – here are a few intriguing options that would make great adaptations.

  • Jonah Hex (1838 – onward) – A scarred Confederate-turned-bounty-hunter, Hex is basically Clint Eastwood in a cursed comic. Westerns are due for a comeback, and Hex deserves a better shot than that 2010 movie gave him.
  • Max Mercury (1838) – A speedster before The Flash, Max got his powers from a Blackfoot shaman and spent decades hopping time. Myth-meets-mysticism. It’s superhero folklore.
  • The Phantom Stranger & Jack the Ripper (1888) – A demonic Ripper meets DC’s creepiest cosmic guardian. Imagine a Victorian horror miniseries that ends in a rat-filled London sewer. Yes, please.
  • The Atom Meets Edgar Allan Poe (1849) – Ray Palmer time-travels and teams up with Poe to solve a gold heist. Gothic, quirky, totally ready for a prestige series.
  • Lady Jane (1851) – Burned alive and reborn as a plant elemental. She later joins the Parliament of Trees. Think: a Gothic Swamp Thing prequel with a touch of Crimson Peak.
  • Bat Lash (1847–1860s) – A charming rogue gambler with a heart of gold (and a gun). His stories are romantic, chaotic, and weirdly poetic. Picture a Tarantino Western with superhero vibes.
  • Swamp Thing in the Old West (1872) – Yup, even he shows up. In a weird frontier-era tale involving Native heroes, cults, and magical amber. It’s as eerie as it is epic.

This is only a small glimpse of the fascinating historical worlds DC Comics provides. There are plenty of great stories to choose from, making a DC story set in the past not just achievable, but also a great idea right now.

Why A Period Piece Works Right Now

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is vast, but it generally avoids stories set in the past, particularly in the American Old West. This is an opportunity for DC to differentiate itself. James Gunn has emphasized that the DC Universe will focus on strong storytelling, and exploring different time periods – like the Wild West or Victorian London – could be a great way to achieve that, moving beyond typical modern-day superhero settings.

A DC Universe story set in the 1800s would be a really unique and exciting addition to the upcoming superhero films, and I’d love to see it happen. Hopefully, James Gunn is already exploring older comics, because looking to the past could be the key to the DCU’s future.

Read More

2025-09-23 23:42