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

DC Studios co-chief James Gunn recently revealed that the upcoming film adaptation of The Authority has been placed on the back burner. This surprising announcement comes two years after the project was unveiled as part of the DC Universe's Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters reboot. Initially described as a "big movie," The Authority, featuring the notoriously brutal superhero team from the WildStorm Universe, has apparently encountered significant hurdles.

Gunn cited the project's complexity and the success of Amazon's The Boys as contributing factors to the delay. He explained that adapting The Authority in a landscape already shaped by similar, successful properties presents unique challenges. Further complicating matters are the numerous established characters within the DCU, whose stories Gunn and his team are committed to continuing and intertwining. As a result, The Authority is currently taking a lower priority.

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It's worth noting that Angela Spica, aka The Engineer, a powerful member of The Authority, is slated to appear in the upcoming Superman film. The Engineer's abilities, including self-duplication, technopathy, genius-level intellect, and radio-induced telepathy, make her a formidable addition to the DCU. For a deeper dive into The Authority characters, check out IGN's article, "Who Are the Authority: The WildStorm DCU Characters Explained."

Other Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters projects have also faced setbacks. Gunn mentioned that Waller, a spin-off of Peacemaker, has experienced delays. However, he expressed optimism about Booster Gold, stating it's progressing well. Similarly, Paradise Lost remains a high priority, with the pilot currently in the writing phase.

Regarding Swamp Thing, DC Studios is prepared to wait for director James Mangold's availability. While Mangold's commitment to other projects has caused a delay, Safran emphasized that Swamp Thing isn't crucial to the overarching narrative of the DCU.