James Gunn On Future Of R-Rated Films From DC Studios: “Whatever Is Worthy Of The Story, That’s What We’re Going To Do”

James Gunn is not discarding making R-rated projects at DC Studios if the story merits it.

As Gunn and Peter Safran build their version of the DC Universe, the filmmakers are not shying away from continuing to take risks in their storytelling.

In a new interview, Gunn revealed he would not wait and see how a project does as it’s been proven with 2021’s The Suicide Squad film and HBO series Peacemaker, audiences have responded positively to them.

“We’re not about that. We’re not about ‘See how it does.’ We’ve got one opportunity to take these characters and really press forward and do what we believe,” Gunn told Collider. “I am a great believer that if we tell good, authentic stories, if a movie does well or doesn’t do as well, if you keep with that same philosophy, that you’re going to build a universe that people are going to love and want to be a part of for a long time.”

Gunn continued, “It’s not about testing out to see if this thing works. It’s just about telling a story. If a story is going to be R-rated, we’re totally okay with that. If it’s going to be PG, PG-13, or G, I don’t care — whatever is worthy of the story, that’s what we’re going to do.”

The Superman director noted that he has several projects at DC Studios that are R-rated noting the success of Deadpool & Wolverine saying “people love that character” and “people love that format.”

“You know Peacemaker is unrated, basically,” Gunn added. “So, we have all sorts. I like the idea of doing all sorts of different things.”

Gunn and Safran’s DC Universe will officially start with the premiere of Creature Commandos on December 5 on Max. The director has also finished filming Superman, which will hit theaters in July 2025.