DCU Film The Authority 'On the Back Burner,' as James Gunn Points to Difficulty 'Getting It Right in a World With The Boys'

DC's upcoming film adaptation of The Authority faces production hurdles, according to DC Studios co-chief James Gunn. Initially announced as a major project within Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters, the film, based on the notoriously violent WildStorm superhero team, has been placed "on the back burner."

Gunn cited several challenges during a DC Studios presentation, highlighting the difficulty in developing the story in a landscape already saturated with similar content, particularly Amazon's The Boys. He acknowledged the influence The Authority had on subsequent projects, adding to the complexity of crafting a unique and compelling narrative. Further complicating matters are ongoing projects featuring characters DC Studios wishes to integrate into future storylines.

"Honestly, Authority's been the one that's been the hardest," Gunn stated, "both because of the shifting overall story and because of getting it right in a world with The Boys and a world with all the things that The Authority influenced that came out after it."

DC Universe: Upcoming Films and TV Shows

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While The Authority is temporarily sidelined, Angela Spica, aka The Engineer, a powerful member of the team, is slated to appear in the upcoming Superman film. The Engineer's abilities—self-duplication, technopathy, genius-level intellect, and radio-induced telepathy—make her a formidable character.

Other Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters projects have also faced setbacks. Waller, a spin-off of Peacemaker, experienced delays, while Booster Gold is progressing well. Paradise Lost remains a priority, with the pilot currently in development. The Swamp Thing project is on hold, pending the availability of director James Mangold, but its absence won't impact the overall narrative.