James Gunn Confirms DC Universe Timeline & Gives Update On DCU Release Slate For 2026

New clarifications about the DC Universe timeline are revealed by James Gunn, as well as a better idea for the release slate in 2026. As several movies and TV shows are at various stages of development in the DCU’s Chapter 1: “God and Monsters” line-up, there will be a lot to look forward to in Gunn’s new reboot across the big and small screens. With the intention of having a more interconnected continuity than the DCEU had, that puts an even bigger focus on what the actual chronological timeline is like for the DCU.

As the DCU is getting ready for Superman this summer, fans are already getting a better idea of what to expect for DC Studios’ main continuity in 2026. Gunn was recently asked on Threads by a fan, “On HBO Max will you create a DCU timeline like how Disney+ has one for the MCU so you can watch in chronological order?,” to which the DC Studios co-CEO shared the following:

James Gunn Shares DCU Release Slate Update For 2026

Gunn shared that “as of now it’s basically as the movies and shows come out – although of course some of these feature flashbacks – Creature Commandos, Superman, Peacemaker, Lanterns, Supergirl,” which appears to reinforce the idea that Lanterns will indeed release before Supergirl. In December 2024, Gunn shared in an IGN interview that Lanterns and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow would be released close to each other, as he stated, “We’ll see when it comes out, but they’re around the same time.”

What James Gunn’s DCU 2026 Updates Mean

For the Lanterns TV show, since a series can often finish post-production quicker than a theatrical movie, it’s not too shocking that the Hal Jordan and John Stewart-centric project looks set to come out first, and also take place before Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. As Lanterns season 1 is currently filming, the premiere date for the HBO drama will likely be announced sometime in the fall. In terms of where in 2026 Lanterns will likely premiere, a spring launch would make the most sense, but only time will tell what the official plans will be.

It’s key to remember that the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow movie, which recently wrapped filming, had already been announced for its 2026 release date prior to the IGN interview in 2024, and was teased to release after Lanterns to begin with. Since Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is now in post-production – and there doesn’t appear to be any reason that would currently lead the film to move its release date – its place in the DCU’s chronological timeline remaining static also makes sense. That is why Gunn’s new comments add up about Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow being set sometime after Lanterns.

Our Take On James Gunn’s DCU 2026 Updates

Supergirl riding a horse in a comic image for Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow

With a better understanding of how the DCU timeline operates chronologically, it is interesting that the Clayface movie, which is coming out in September 2026 and is confirmed to be set in this franchise, wasn’t mentioned in terms of where that story fits into the continuity. Perhaps Gunn will clarify in the future where Clayface lands in the DCU timeline, despite it being set to release after Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Hopefully, as the DCU gets further into its run, more updates will emerge about when other movies and TV shows are set chronologically.