This summer, two blockbuster superhero films will compete for box office dominance as DC's Superman reboot debuts on July 11, followed two weeks later by Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25. While fans debate the Marvel vs DC rivalry online, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has made it clear he prefers celebrating both franchises rather than fueling internet conflicts.
When asked on Threads about The Fantastic Four amid the ongoing studio rivalry discussions, Gunn responded: "They release two weeks after us - there's room for both! I genuinely appreciate our colleagues at Marvel. Online debates will always exist, but I choose to focus on the excitement surrounding these films rather than engaging in fan wars."
Gunn brings unique perspective to this conversation, having directed Marvel's beloved Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy before helming DC's acclaimed 2021 The Suicide Squad. Now serving as DC Studios co-chair alongside Peter Safran, Gunn has written, directed and produced the upcoming Superman film, ushering in a new era for Warner Bros.' superhero universe.
The DCU already has multiple projects in development that will inevitably compete with Marvel releases. For instance, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow arrives June 26, 2026 - just five weeks before Marvel's Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Similarly, DC's HBO series Lanterns will premiere the same year as Marvel's Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 and Vision Quest on Disney+.
The immediate spotlight remains on July's superhero showdown between Superman and The Fantastic Four, both carrying massive box office expectations. Regardless of franchise allegiance, this represents an extraordinary month for comic book fans.
In a historic collaboration, Marvel and DC recently announced joint comic projects featuring Batman and Deadpool - their first official crossover in over 20 years. The companies will release two special one-shot issues in 2025 (Batman/Deadpool #1 and Deadpool/Batman #1), with more crossovers planned for 2026.
