DC Studios' The Authority Project Put on Hold: James Gunn Clarifies Involvement and Future Plans
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn recently addressed a popular theory regarding the development of The Authority in the DC Universe. Gunn clarified on social media that he was not involved in writing or directing the movie, dispelling rumors that had circulated online. He also revealed that The Authority project has been put on hold due to script and logistical issues within the larger DC Universe.
The news comes as a disappointment to fans who were eagerly anticipating The Authority's debut in the DCU. Gunn had previously hinted at discussions with a potential creator for the project, but it seems that those plans did not come to fruition. The film was initially announced as part of the first chapter of DC Studios' slate, alongside other DCU features like The Brave and the Bold, Superman, Supergirl, and Swamp Thing.
The Authority, created by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch, is a superhero team that first appeared in 1999 under DC Comics' Wildstorm imprint. The team consists of characters like Jenny Sparks, Jack Hawksmoor, The Engineer, Apollo, and Midnighter, originally from Stormwatch. While The Authority won't be making its debut in the DCU anytime soon, its planned inclusion has already been woven into the shared universe's narrative.
María Gabriela de Faría's portrayal of Angela Spica/The Engineer in the 2025 film Superman was intended to set up her role in The Authority. Her character's appearance in Superman and the upcoming sequel, Man of Tomorrow, was meant to establish her connection to the superhero team. Man of Tomorrow is set to be released in theaters on July 9, 2027, further expanding the DCU's cinematic universe.