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 follows the project's inclusion in Gunn and Peter Safran's Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters DC Universe reboot two years prior. Initially described as a "big movie," The Authority, featuring the notoriously brutal WildStorm superhero team, has apparently encountered significant development 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, particularly in balancing the overall narrative and ensuring the film's unique identity. Further complicating matters are the numerous beloved characters already established in the DCU, whose stories are ongoing and need to be integrated. As a result, the film is currently less of a priority.

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It's worth noting that Angela Spica, also known as The Engineer, a powerful member of The Authority, is slated to appear in the upcoming Superman film. Possessing the abilities of self-duplication, technopathy, genius-level intellect, and radio-induced telepathy, The Engineer is arguably the team's most formidable member. For a deeper dive into The Authority and its members, see IGN's article, "Who Are the Authority: The WildStorm DCU Characters Explained."

The Authority isn't the only project experiencing setbacks within the Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters lineup. Gunn mentioned that Waller, a spin-off of Peacemaker, has faced some delays. However, he expressed optimism regarding Booster Gold, describing its progress as strong, and confirmed that Paradise Lost remains a high priority, with the pilot script currently under development.

Regarding Swamp Thing, Safran indicated a willingness to accommodate director James Mangold's schedule, acknowledging his commitment to other projects. While acknowledging the project's importance, both Gunn and Safran emphasized that Swamp Thing isn't integral to the overarching narrative of the DCU.