James Gunn’s Batman & Superman DCU Movie Name Choice Makes Me Want The Crossover Now Already

Less than a year out from Superman's release, I can't stop thinking about James Gunn's title for the Big Blue Boy Scout's hypothetical crossover with Batman. This Labor Day, Gunn posted a photo of Superman, Batman, and Robin on Instagram wishing followers a "World's Finest Labor Day." Naturally, the comments turned toward the DC Studios co-CEO's work. One commenter asked an important question: "Hi Mr Gunn, in the hypothetical case that a movie starring only Superman and Batman (teaming) came out, what would you call it? Superman and Batman or Batman and Superman?"

Rather than "ranking" Superman and Batman, Gunn revealed the perfect answer: "World's Finest." Back in 1941, Batman, Robin, and Superman met for the very first time in comic form. The title of that crossover is, you guessed it, World's Finest. Since Gunn's post, I can't help but eagerly await a Superman and Batman movie that hasn't even been announced yet.

James Gunn's Batman & Superman DCU Movie Name Choice Is A Perfect Crossover Film Title

The DCU Could Pay Tribute To The Heroes' Comic Legacy

Naming a Superman/Batman movie "World's Finest" presents a unique opportunity. Most modern DC films have gone for a grittier tone, to varying results. However, Superman is the kind of character who thrives on positivity. Henry Cavill's portrayal of the character was amazing, but it wasn't what I wanted from Superman. Similarly, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice featured a Batman paranoid about the fallout from Superman's arrival on Earth and partially drew from The Dark Knight Returns. Again, the film wasn't for everyone, though I'd argue it isn't without its merits.

Even so, "World's Finest" has a more positive connotation. Not only was that title used for the first Batman and Superman comic crossover, but DC has continued using it over the years. In fact, the phrase is now shorthand for the heroic duo and is sometimes expanded to include Wonder Woman. If Gunn chooses that title, then he'd simultaneously be honoring Superman and Batman's comic legacy and setting the tone for a lighter take on their friendship.

DCU's Batman & Superman Team-Up Is Sure To Be Different To DC's Entire Movie History

A "World's Finest" Movie Would Be Optimistic

Batman and Superman are opposites, famously so. Their powersets are different, as are their outlooks on life. Naturally, their film adaptations wouldn't have much in common. Watching The Dark Knight and Superman Returns back-to-back might give you whiplash, even though they came out within two years of each other. For most of their cinematic history, Batman and Superman were separate. Superman was, mostly, treated with levity, while Batman has been campy, realistic, and gritty across quite a few reboots. Gunn has his work cut out for him to balance those tones, something that Zack Snyder never got a handle on.

While Snyder aimed for a darker take on the heroes, Gunn's DC universe appears to be built on comic accuracy.He brought back Superman's briefs, but more importantly, he also set out to introduce Batman's children. Both decisions indicate a strong interest in bringing the characters from the page to the screen as we've never seen them before. A "World's Finest" movie would be a first step in bridging the different tones of each hero. After all, the best adaptations of Superman and Batman together don't attempt to change either character but instead lean into their differences.

A DCU Batman & Superman Movie Doesn't Look Like It'll Happen Soon - But I'm So Excited For When it Could

Superman Releases Next Year, Launching The DCU

Unfortunately, we won't see a "World's Finest" movie from Gunn anytime soon. The DCU launches later this year with the Creature Commandos series, followed by Superman in 2025. After that, the next few movies include Supergirl, The Brave and the Bold, and Teen Titans, among others. With so many films already announced, a potential Batman and Superman movie wouldn't come out until 2027 or 2028 at the earliest.

Based on the upcoming movies, it appears that Gunn's universe will individually introduce the heroes prior to teaming them up, setting his universe apart from the DCEU. That being said, Superman is still a group affair. The film will introduce Mr. Terrific, Hawkgirl, Metamorpho, and one of several Green Lanterns.

Supporting characters aside, Superman is a re-introduction to the character. David Corenswet will be playing a younger, less experienced Superman who is "the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way." Additionally, Rachel Brosnahan will star as the ever-spunky Lois Lane, perhaps the best casting in a Superman movie to date, and Nicholas Hoult will portray supervillain Lex Luthor. Though Superman has all the right ingredients to be a success, a lot is riding on the film. If we're ever to see a "World's Finest" movie, James Gunn needs to get the DCU off to a good start and keep the momentum going.