The DC Universe‘s first Superman sequel is set to take place much sooner in the franchise’s in-universe timeline than it might seem. Superman‘s story set up a series of different plot threads for the DC Universe timeline to capitalize on later down the line – though some are set to be followed up on sooner rather than later.

In fact, the first DCU release that acts as a follow-up sequel to Superman‘s story is now very close to release, meaning the new cinematic world will soon get to expand on several of these story threads. Interestingly, said DCU installment is also set to have its story unfold as closely in-universe, too.

The DCU’s Next Release Takes Place Very Soon After Superman In The Franchise’s Timeline

The ending of Superman seemed inevitably set to tie into Peacemaker season 2 from the get-go. As the next DC Universe release in the franchise’s schedule – and a release that shares characters like Guy Gardner and Peacemaker himself with Superman‘s cast – some story overlap appeared inevitable, regardless of when the two releases were set in-universe.

However, it’s more clear than ever that Superman leads very much directly into Peacemaker season 2, given that DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn – who has worked on both projects – has confirmed that the 2025 show is set in-universe just a month after the events of the film. During the Peacemaker season 2 panel at 2025’s San Diego Comic-Con, Gunn stated:

“The show happens a month after the events of Superman… a lot of the characters return… in the first episode we have Guy Gardner and Maxwell Lord”

Given the DCU is only just getting set up, having two of its first releases be set in such close proximity allows the franchise to build its overarching timeline in a more focused manner. Since it seems the DCU will largely unfold from this in-universe point onward, fleshing out what this world is like now should pay off tenfold later.

Indeed, with Peacemaker expressing his distrust of and disdain for Superman on in-universe television before Kal-El defeated Lex Luthor and saved Metropolis from destruction – likely fixing his then-challenged reputation – having Peacemaker season 2 be set not long after means the antihero’s story can continue more directly from this point, and Superman‘s success can be capitalized on more immediately.

Peacemaker Season 2’s Story Teases Mean It Happening Right After Superman Makes Even More Sense

Peacemaker season 2’s story also looks to connect directly to Superman‘s own outside of simply having some of the same figures play key roles. First and foremost, it appears Peacemaker season 2 centers around the concept of pocket dimensions, which are shown to us in Superman via Lex harnessing them for his own nefarious devices, including a pocket prison.

The DCU’s pocket dimensions work essentially as separate realities between two different universes. This looks to be how Cena’s Peacemaker is able to find himself in a different universe – and seemingly take over the life of his alternate self – which the Peacemaker season 2 trailer underlines as a core part of its story.

Crucially, Superman also highlights the danger this storyline presents to the wider DCU, as pocket dimensions are shown to be capable of creating black holes that can devastate the fabric of reality. With there being a risk of this happening every time a pocket dimension is used, it’s easy to see the danger Peacemaker’s adventures hold.

Based on this, the fact that James Gunn has teased Peacemaker season 2 has “one big cameo” seems set to tie to Superman. With only a month between season 2 and Superman, it appears very possible figures like Mr. Terrific could be on the lookout for more dangerous rips in the universe, and come to solve any potential crisis.

The DCU’s Next Movie Also Looks Set To Take Place Soon After Superman

Following Peacemaker season 2, there are still a lot of DCU projects on the near horizon, albeit some time further away than the August 2025 show. While Lanterns and Clayface also seem set to expand the DCU in some fascinating ways, the privilege of being the next DC Universe movie goes to Supergirl.

Set for a June 2026 release, Supergirl looks as though it will also closely follow on from Superman in terms of its in-universe timing. Superman‘s ending appears to show Supergirl going back off into space to begin her own movie story, which – based on it adapting Superman: Woman Of Tomorrow – should kick off with Kara and Krypto exploring the cosmos.

Much as Peacemaker season 2 looks set to focus on the antihero’s life after his Superman cameo, it also appears Supergirl will do the same for its own hero. Supergirl’s Superman cameo suggests she’s been avoiding both Earth and confronting her past, which would be most poignant for the DCU’s story to address just shortly after her reunion with Kal-El.

Ultimately, there’s plenty of reason to hope all the next DCU releases happen in close succession in-universe timeline wise. Much in the way the MCU made its movies more interesting by setting each Phase’s films close to one another, hopefully the DC Universe‘s Chapter 1 continues to put its stories near one another in its timeline from Peacemaker season 2 onward.