10 DCAU Stories That James Gunn's DC Universe Needs To Steal

The DC Animated Universe has delivered some incredibly compelling narratives that James Gunn would be wise to adapt into his DCU reboot. The DC Animated Universe (DCAU) comprises the animated arm of the DCU timeline, usually offering interconnected adventures within a shared universe. With James Gunn and Peter Safran crafting the new DC Universe, there’s a treasure trove of DCAU stories that could elevate their cinematic world.

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James Gunn’s DCU is positioned as a fresh start, but it will still honor classic DC stories. The new first saga, Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, suggests a willingness to experiment with darker and more mature narratives. While the DCU isn’t strictly adapting previous continuities, it can take inspiration from the best DC has to offer. If Gunn wants to create a cinematic universe that stands the test of time, mining these stories for inspiration would be a smart move. The following arcs are ripe for adaptation.

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10

Bruce Wayne Mentors A Younger Batman

Batman Beyond

Batman Beyond revolutionized the Batman mythos by introducing Terry McGinnis, a rebellious teen who becomes Gotham’s new Dark Knight under an aged Bruce Wayne’s guidance. The series explored themes of legacy, responsibility, and identity in a cyberpunk Gotham filled with futuristic threats. This storyline would be a perfect addition to the DCU, allowing an older Bruce Wayne – perhaps played by Michael Keaton or another veteran actor – to train his successor.

The emotional depth of Bruce grappling with his past failures while guiding a new Batman would provide a fresh take on the hero. Terry McGinnis’ story also allows for a younger, more contemporary Batman who appeals to modern audiences while keeping Bruce’s legacy intact. Gunn’s DCU could use Batman Beyond as a bold departure from traditional Batman movies, introducing a world where Gotham’s protector is no longer the man behind the cowl.

9

Batman Stages A Justice League Walk-Out

Young Justice: Outsiders

One of Batman’s most shocking leadership moves came in Young Justice: Outsiders, where he orchestrated a mass resignation from the Justice League to combat corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency. This storyline brilliantly showcased Batman’s strategic mind and his willingness to make tough, controversial choices. In a live-action DCU, this could serve as a powerful statement about heroism versus government control, similar to Captain America: Civil War.

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If the DCU’s new Justice League faces interference from political powers, Batman leading a breakaway faction would create high drama and raise the stakes for superhero accountability. This plot could introduce the Outsiders, a team of covert heroes working under Batman’s guidance, allowing for new characters to enter the DCU. Gunn’s knack for character dynamics would make this story an electrifying and thought-provoking installment in the evolving DC cinematic universe.

8

A Noir Justice League Enact Brutal Justice

Justice League: Gods And Monsters

Justice League: Gods and Monsters introduced an alternate universe where Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman were darker, morally ambiguous figures. This version of the League ruled through fear, enforcing brutal justice while questioning the fine line between heroism and tyranny. A storyline like this in the DCU could explore alternate realities or the consequences of absolute power, akin to The Boys or Zack Snyder’s Justice League.

The film could introduce a parallel universe where the League operates without restraint, forcing the main DCU heroes to confront their own ideals. With Gunn’s penchant for exploring flawed, morally complex characters (The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker), a Gods and Monsters adaptation could provide a unique and subversive take on the Justice League. The concept also opens the door for an eventual Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover, tying multiple realities together in an epic, multiversal event.

7

Hawkgirl Betrays The Justice League

Justice League “Starcrossed”

One of the most gripping betrayals in superhero animation came in Justice League’s “Starcrossed” arc, where Hawkgirl was revealed to be a spy for the Thanagarian military. This storyline was a masterclass in emotional storytelling, forcing the League to question their trust in one of their own. If Gunn’s DCU introduces Hawkgirl early on, her betrayal could serve as a shocking twist in a future Justice League film.

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The idea of a hero torn between their loyalty to Earth and their alien heritage would provide rich drama, much like Captain America: The Winter Soldier’s political intrigue. This arc could also set up a Thanagarian invasion after her introduction in Superman (2025), leading to a large-scale war that tests the League’s unity. With Hawkgirl’s growing popularity, this storyline is ripe for a live-action adaptation in Gunn’s evolving DCU.

6

Superman Is Forced To Enter A Gladiator Tournament

Justice League “War World”

One of the best Superman-focused DCAU stories forced the Man of Steel into a brutal gladiator tournament. In Justice League “War World,” Superman is stripped of his usual allies and trapped in an alien coliseum. Superman had to rely on his wits and sheer willpower to survive against deadly extraterrestrial warriors. This premise would fit perfectly with James Gunn’s DCU, offering a high-stakes, off-world adventure that explores Superman’s strength beyond his raw power.

A “War World” storyline would also allow for an intense battle with Mongul, one of Superman’s most fearsome villains. While Superman’s moral compass ensures he doesn’t embrace the bloodshed, seeing him struggle against ruthless fighters would explore his resilience. The gladiator setting could also introduce lesser-known cosmic characters, expanding the DCU’s galactic scale in a way that feels different from traditional Superman stories.

5

Batman Assembles The Justice League Dark

Justice League Dark

The Justice League Dark animated movie brought together DC’s supernatural protectors, a team that James Gunn’s DCU desperately needs. This story saw Batman recruit characters like John Constantine, Zatanna, and Etrigan to face off against dark magical forces. Unlike the traditional Justice League, this team deals with demons, necromancers, and ancient curses, giving the DCU a horror-fantasy twist.

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Batman’s involvement ensures mainstream appeal, but the focus on supernatural heroes offers fresh storytelling opportunities. A live-action adaptation could introduce Swamp Thing, Deadman, and other occult heroes to the big screen, building upon The Brave and the Bold’s darker aesthetic. With horror maestros like James Wan or Guillermo del Toro potentially involved, Justice League Dark could set the stage for a unique corner of the DCU, where magic and terror reign supreme. It’s a team dynamic unlike any other in DC’s live-action history.

4

The Justice League Face Their Evil Variants

Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths

Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths is one of the most compelling multiversal stories in the DCAU, pitting the League against their evil doppelgängers from an alternate universe. The Crime Syndicate – Ultraman, Owlman, Superwoman, and more – serve as dark reflections of DC’s greatest heroes, challenging their morals and forcing them to face a world where power corrupts absolutely. James Gunn’s DCU will eventually explore the multiverse, and adapting Crisis on Two Earths would allow for an action-packed, philosophical battle.

Seeing Superman fight Ultraman or Batman clash with the nihilistic Owlman would provide a thrilling, high-stakes narrative. This concept also ties into The Authority, as the DCU could question whether absolute power ever remains benevolent. By presenting the Justice League with their worst-case scenario counterparts, James Gunn could craft an intense, cerebral blockbuster with moral complexity.

3

Batman Teams Up With The Suicide Squad

Batman: Assault On Arkham

While James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad was a hit, a follow-up inspired by Batman: Assault on Arkham could bring a fresh perspective. This DCAU film saw Batman reluctantly working with Task Force X to infiltrate Arkham Asylum, navigating a dangerous game between the Squad, Joker, and the Riddler. A live-action adaptation would create an exciting blend of crime thriller, black-ops action, and psychological horror.

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Batman’s presence would heighten the stakes for Amanda Waller’s team, as he has no patience for their reckless brutality. This dynamic could explore whether Task Force X remains an asset or a liability in Gotham’s underworld. With Robert Pattinson’s The Batman franchise keeping its own continuity, Gunn’s DCU could use a different Dark Knight to handle this crossover. Bringing Batman and the Squad together guarantees a unique blend of detective work, heist elements, and chaotic action.

2

A Victorian Batman Hunts Jack The Ripper

Gotham By Gaslight

One of DC’s best Elseworlds stories, Gotham by Gaslight, reimagines Batman as a 19th-century detective hunting Jack the Ripper. This gothic take on the Dark Knight offers a chilling, atmospheric mystery that could work as a standalone DCU film or as part of a Batman: The Brave and the Bold spin-off. James Gunn’s DCU is already embracing unique storytelling styles, and a Gotham by Gaslight adaptation would bring a period-piece horror vibe to the franchise.

A Victorian-era Gotham would allow for breathtaking cinematography, old-world detective noir, and terrifying psychological horror. A stripped-down, steampunk-inspired Batman could rely on deduction and hand-to-hand combat, making for a grittier, more intimate thriller. The film could also introduce historical versions of familiar characters, such as a primitive Joker or a Jack the Ripper-inspired Ra’s al Ghul. If the DCU wants to embrace variety, Gotham by Gaslight is a must.

1

Superman Faces Brainiac And His Origins

Superman: Unbound

Superman: Unbound gave Brainiac one of his best animated adaptations, emphasizing his terrifying intellect, unstoppable drones, and connection to Krypton’s destruction. The film explored how Brainiac had bottled Kandor, keeping a city of Kryptonians as specimens, and Superman’s mission to stop him before Earth faced the same fate. This storyline could serve as the perfect sequel to Superman (2025), showcasing Kal-El’s cosmic responsibilities.

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James Gunn’s DCU could elevate Brainiac to Thanos-level status, making him a long-term threat that builds across multiple films. His cold, calculated nature contrasts sharply with Superman’s warmth, making their ideological clash deeply compelling. Additionally, the introduction of Kandor could pave the way for Supergirl’s arrival. A Brainiac-centric movie would blend hard sci-fi with emotional depth, giving the DCU its definitive Superman-versus-Brainiac showdown from the annals of the DC Animated Universe.

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Batman Beyond

TV-Y7

Action

Adventure

Animation

Sci-Fi

8/10

9.4/10

Release Date

1999 – 2000

Network

The WB

Writers

Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Stan Berkowitz, Rich Fogel, Hilary Bader, Bob Goodman, Gerry Conway

Franchise(s)

DC Animated Universe

Cast

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- Will Friedle
- Kevin Conroy
Batman Beyond is an animated action-adventure television series set twenty years after the events of Batman: The Animated series. Bruce Wayne, now in his twilight years, continues to fight crime with new gadgets, suits, and tech – but his old age has revealed that even the Caped Crusader has limits. Enter Terry McGinnis, a teenager with athletic prowess and a strong sense of justice. When pursued by a gang one night, Terry is helped by the elderly Bruce Wayne – an event that leads to Terry’s training as the new generation Batman.

Seasons

3

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Young Justice

TV-PG

Animation

Action

Adventure

Superhero

8/10

8.5/10

Release Date

2010 – 2021

Network

Cartoon Network, HBO Max

Showrunner

Brandon Vietti, Greg Weisman

Writers

Brandon Vietti, Greg Weisman

Franchise(s)

DC Animated Universe

Cast

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- Jesse McCartney
- Khary Payton
Young Justice is an animated Superhero Sci-Fi television show created by Brandon Vietti and Greg Weisman. The series follows the Young Justice group of superheroes, including names like Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Superboy. Viewers will recognize voices from Jesse McCartney, Khary Payton, Jason Spisak, and Nolan North.

Seasons

4

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Justice League

TV-PG

Animation

Action

Adventure

13

7.9/10

Release Date

2001 – 2003

Cast

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- Carl Lumbly
  
  J’onn J’onzz
- Phil LaMarr
  
  Green Lantern
Justice League is an animated TV series where DC superheroes, including Batman and Superman, form a team to protect Earth from a variety of threats. Featuring voice talents like Kevin Conroy as Batman and George Newbern as Superman, the series explores themes of teamwork and heroism across its action-packed episodes. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on Cartoon Network starting in 2001.

Seasons

2

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