Forget about the Justice League but James Gunn may have his eyes set on a Terrifics live-action for DCU. The DC Studios co-CEO’s latest cryptic hint has fans excited over the possibility of a Mr. Terrific-led ensemble featuring Plastic Man, Metamorpho and Phantom Girl.
It’s starting to look like Gunn’s DC could introduce a Fantastic Four-Esque ensemble for Chapter 1’s Gods and Monster – or at least that’s what the fandom is hoping for since the DCU architect posted The Terrifics issue #25 cover photo. The image also shows Justice League characters from the likes of The Flash to Green Arrow alongside villains like the Joker.
The Gunnverse remains in the spotlight with fans hoping to hear more casting updates on the A-list character titles like Superman: Legacy. While the director has been busy working side by side for Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and for WB’s DCU – the filmmaker has also remained active on social media to debunk rumors whilst also dropping hints about what the future holds like a potentially Terrifics movie.
Gunn has hinted at a Mr. Terrific project since he took on the job and began mapping out the 10-year DCU roadmap. But a possible Terrifics movie being greenlit for development has both critics and fans enthusiastic. If true, some DCU fans are hoping James Gunn could develop the project to be released before MCU’s Fantastic Four.
DCU fans want Terrifics live-action to be developed before MCU’s Fantastic Four
For those unaware, The Terrifics has been considered to be DC’s version of Fantastic Four. The DC Comics ensemble has its version of Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, The Human Torch and The Thing in Mister Terrific, Phantom Girl, Metamorpho and Plastic Man – each of their powers sharing similarities with the Marvel counterpart. Furthermore, other heroes like Blue Beetle have also made appearances with the Terrifics.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) March 29, 2023
If we get a Terrifics movie I’ll absolutely lose my mind, they’re so cool https://t.co/m7Y3K9ZKR7
— Ollie🏹 (@TheQuiver_) March 29, 2023
A Terrifics movie isn't a bad call AS LONG AS it's made BEFORE the Fantastic4 movie.
Otherwise, don't even bother; it'll just be seen as "DC copying Marvel once again"- which ironically in this case is blatantly true -. pic.twitter.com/yowYvLyexZ— Mariano Navarro (@MarianoPNavarro) March 29, 2023
Terrifics would go hard I can't lie https://t.co/8WIqbDPUYd
— D🅰️hz🅰️n (@D4hz4hn) March 29, 2023
Oh it’s The Terrifics, this must the Mr. Terrific project I heard about https://t.co/x4Qc6ugY4o
— KC Walsh (@thecomixkid1) March 29, 2023
Imagine if we get The terrifics before Fantastic Four in MCU ? 💀
— FutureSex//LoveSounds enjoyer (@MaxCobain04) March 29, 2023
As someone who has been championing The Terrifics for literal years now, I will cry if they make it into the DCU. https://t.co/tKbqYYiSdO pic.twitter.com/5SavDMfAJr
— Jenna Anderson (@heyitsjennalynn) March 29, 2023
Okay James, a Terrifics movie when??? pic.twitter.com/tVs0E02wiY
— Ryan Anderson ➡️ @WonderCon Day 2! (@Ryans_Ramblings) March 29, 2023
The weird thing to me in doing The Terrifics as a IP for the DCU is that its tied so hard to a time where the F4 were absent and DC was making fun of them for it but quickly after that wasn't reality the team faded into unpopularity and the book got cancelled pic.twitter.com/YjPdShab9g
— Caio (@Foreverheroics) March 29, 2023
Btw both of the beetles Jaime and Ted do appear in the Terrifics. I loved the run, so would recommend. pic.twitter.com/oGh3aQj43M
— Blue Beetle Updates (@Bluebeetlenews) March 29, 2023
Any Terrifics content would be funny as it was basically DC saying ‘fine, we’ll do FF’ at a time when Marvel wouldn’t. https://t.co/qs1qVSNxyq
— Dave Flynn (@Dave_K_Flynn) March 29, 2023
the Terrifics is so Gunn-coded it’s not even funny 😭😭 https://t.co/IT4HUbnURP
— croc 🦦 (@Croc_Block) March 29, 2023
James Gunn’s posted about The Terrifics. We might get to see them in live action…I am so fucking excited
Art by @DocShaner pic.twitter.com/4Z3mNFEA9J
— Matches Malone 🦇 (@cell_0801) March 29, 2023
he’s teasing the terrifics. https://t.co/jS95uEw6wh pic.twitter.com/aBmnTh9x5W
— toren (@ybtoren) March 29, 2023
If we get the Terrifics I’m going to be VERY HAPPY. That book was incredible! https://t.co/yb6P8pLh72
— Kevin (@KVILReadsComics) March 29, 2023
sooooo The Terrifics confirmed for Chapter 1? 👀 either way I'm excited! Can't wait!!! https://t.co/4kSTBIfEHJ
— Sid (@geeky_Sid0rk) March 29, 2023
The terrifics front and centre? I knew they would have a huge role to play tbf
Plastic man is perfect for this universe and Gunn already confirmed Mr Terrific https://t.co/oT5vkl6W9C
— AFC_Dexter (@HugoHouse7) March 30, 2023
James Gunn dropping a picture where The Terrifics are front and center makes me scream profusely!!!!!!!!!!!
LIKE………??????!!!!!!!!!!!! PEAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/4goCo5kayw
— Triforce Spirit Activate 🗡️🛡️ 🏹 (@TheVideoGamHer) March 29, 2023
It seems like DCU could entertain different superhero factions from the likes of Justice Society to the Justice League and The Authority. Shazam! Fury of the Gods post-credits scene even hints at the existence of multiple ensembles in the cinematic universe. The Suicide Squad director has long indicated his plans to explore obscure DC characters like Deadman and Lobo whilst keeping the focus on the trinity – Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
Gunn’s Superman: Legacy alongside Brave and the Bold and Paradise Lost has assured Chapter 1 will first unleash the franchise’ most-known superheroes. But it also could serve as a platform to introduce the lesser-known characters before launching them with their standalone projects.
So far, Gunn has only addressed 10 projects from DCU’s Gods and Monsters. There are hopes to see the DC Studios heads address their slate at April’s CinemaCon. Even so, the movies and TV shows announced in February are yet to sign on creatives and cast members. Nonetheless, plans seem to be in motion with even rumors of DC Studios writers’ room Drew Goddard in talks to helm a DC film.
