The inspiration for the upcoming DCU films, Superman: Legacy and The Brave and the Bold, make them even more exciting ventures. James Gunn and Peter Safran have finally laid out their plans to relaunch the franchise, scathingly citing the major problems that continuously corroded the DCU from the inside. Importantly, they defined how their ambitious 2023 slate will be incorporated with The Flash effectively catalyzing the full reboot. There’s certainly a lot to look forward to in “Chapter 1: Gods & Monsters” from the rise of underrated, obscure characters like Booster Gold and the Authority to key roles to a return to form for DC’s legends, Superman and Batman.
These plans showcase the alternative approach they're taking compared to the previous regime, though the never-ending calls for the Snyderverse's return will likely persist. Aptly, the new DCU is making bold choices when it comes to style, genre, tone, and format to establish broad, yet cohesive foundations from which the franchise to grow further. Importantly, Gunn has already cited many specific inspirations for the upcoming projects, leading to an exciting uptick in comics sales. For example, Superwoman: Woman of Tomorrow will largely adapt the recent miniseries of the same name by Tom King. The other inspirations are quite interesting to consider as several draw from the work of the same writer.
Superman: Legacy's Grant Morrison Inspiration Is Perfect For Gunn's Reboot
Superman: Legacy is the first film of the new DCU, introducing audiences to a new Superman as Henry Cavill is out. Currently, it scheduled for release on July 11th, 2025 with James Gunn penning the script and possibly directing as well. Gunn has specifically cited Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s seminal All-Star Superman. Importantly this miniseries features Superman discovering that he is dying and working tirelessly to make the world better before his time is up. Morrison wrote All-Star Superman to tell a timeless story that breaks from the classic formula.
Aptly, Gunn and Safran have described Superman: Legacy as a story that will focus on Superman juggling his Kryptonian heritage with his life on Earth, thus signifying their plans to stray from telling just another origin story. All-Star Superman is perfect for the new DCU as it can help establish Superman entirely without any baggage from previous regime. Interestingly, given its story, this could similarly help reincorporate Superman’s best villain, Lex Luthor, too.
Significantly, Gunn knows better than to kill a headlining hero like Superman, especially in their first film - learning from the mistakes of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice - and so Superman: Legacy can’t solely adapt All-Star Superman. His internal struggles could point to What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice, & the American Way? by Joe Kelly as another possible source as it focuses heavily on Superman’s moral code and no-kill rule. Altogether, with this and the inspiring story Morrison developed in All-Star Superman, Superman: Legacy can make good on the Kryptonian's best trait - being a true symbol of hope in the DCU.
Why The Brave & The Bold's Grant Morrison Inspiration Is So Good
As for the new Batman, Gunn announced The Brave and the Bold, which can significantly distance itself from Ben Affleck’s tenure as the caped crusader and Matt Reeves’ The Batman, which will continue on as a DC Elseworlds property. The Brave and the Bold will be drawing from various runs by Morrison, of which there are many as from their 7 years writing for Batman. Most predominantly, it is inspired by Batman and Son that introduced Damien Wayne and their subsequent adventures in Batman and Robin As such, The Brave and the Bold will find Batman as a fully established hero with Damien as the new Robin.
What makes The Brave and the Bold really exciting is that it will reportedly feature other members of the Bat Family. That could include Nightwing, Batgirl - possibly giving Leslie Grace the opportunity she deserves following Batgirl’s cancelation - Red Hood, Tim Drake’s Robin and more. Intriguingly, Bruce Wayne might not be Batman in The Brave and the Bold were they to directly adapt Batman and Robin as it featured Dick Grayson wearing the iconic cowl alongside Damien. All in all, though, the DCU has a lot to draw from when it comes to Morrison and Batman, which means The Brave and the Bold has strong foundations to build upon.
While The Brave and the Bold and Superman: Legacy will have to differ somewhat in tone and aesthetic, they have a through-line thanks to Morrison’s creative vision. There’s something to be said about the DCU finding inspiration for their two most important characters in their work, and even if it’s subtle, this connection can be further developed into the uniting energy the new DCU needs to succeed.
What Other Series From Grant Morrison Would Be Perfect For The New DCU?
These choices somewhat signify Grant Morrison as a secret creative architect for these films. It’s exciting to consider how the other upcoming projects, from Paradise Lost, the Themysciran TV show, to Swamp Thing, and future ones could also find inspiration in their work. Aptly, Morrison is among the most prolific comic book writers and has written for a vast number of characters. Just for the announced projects, there’s plenty to draw from. For example, The Authority could take elements from Morrison and Keith Griffin’s The Authority: The Lost Year. In fact, The Authority has interesting prospects as it could then lead into a sequel adapting Superman and the Authority.
Morrison has also written significant runs for the Justice League, helping to relaunch the team with its modern and most recognizable roster. JLA can easily translate over the new DCU as they develop each individual member and gradually set the stage for the team’s arrival. A Justice League film, especially one inspired by Morrison’s JLA run, is a logical ending point for “Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.”
Alternatively, if the DCU wants to get weird, they needn’t look further than Morrison’s celebrated Animal Man series as it dissects free will and deconstructs the superhero genre with Morrison even writing themself into the story. That’s an exciting option, and it could be fun to see how it’s themes and structure could be reapplied to the movie business, yet it can’t feasibly happen until long down the line in the DCU. Nevertheless, it’s a great example of plethora of creative possibilities the DCU can draw on after Superman: Legacy and The Brave and the Bold thanks to Grant Morrison.
