James Gunn Doesn’t Want To Give ‘Justice League Unlimited’ A Legacy Sequel Like ‘X-Men ‘97’ – And That’s A Mistake

JLU-97
Morph in X-Men and John Stewart GL in Justice League Unlimited

The DC Animated Universe is being rebooted like everything else, leaving ample room for new ideas and a revival or two. However, despite Marvel’s success going the latter route with X-Men ‘97, DC Studios’ creative lead James Gunn isn’t interested in relaunching a popular team-up series in his vault.

Morph (J.P. Karliak) receives a surprise visitor at the X-Mansion in X-Men '97 Season 1 Episode 2 'Mutant Liberation Begins' (2024), Disney Plus
Morph (J.P. Karliak) receives a surprise visitor at the X-Mansion in X-Men ’97 Season 1 Episode 2 ‘Mutant Liberation Begins’ (2024), Disney Plus

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When pitched the idea of a Justice League Unlimited reunion on Threads, set maybe in 2007, Gunn said he wasn’t planning on returning to that well, though he had kind words for X-Men ‘97. “X-Men ’97 is fun because it’s unique and not desperately trying to follow the trends of everything around it. So I’d rather just keep doing that,” he posted in reply.

Arguably, Gunn is wrong that Marvel and Disney Plus aren’t following a trend. Without the spate of continual reboots, legacy sequels, and nostalgia bait deeply rooted in entertainment today, there wouldn’t be an X-Men ‘97 or a follow-up of any kind.

Screenshot 2024-Gunns UP-Threads
James Gunn (@jamesgunn) on Threads

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Moreover, he has a golden opportunity to give the same crop of nostalgic fans buying back their childhoods something that they would really want. That’s true for JLU as beloved as it is, but it also goes for something as celebrated and unforgettable as Batman Beyond, perhaps even more so.

Every time there’s been a shift in the leadership and the creative direction at DC Entertainment / Films / Studios, the idea of a Batman Beyond movie (or revival in some form) has come up. At one time, it looked like a sure thing with Michael Keaton in the picture. We know how that worked out.

Terry (Will Friedle) needs repairs in Batman Beyond Season 2 Episode 26 "Ace in the Hole" (2000), Warner Bros. Animation
Terry (Will Friedle) needs repairs in Batman Beyond Season 2 Episode 26 “Ace in the Hole” (2000), Warner Bros. Animation

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In the animation realm, there is precious little holding back a sequel or reinvention of either Batman Beyond or Justice League Unlimited. Some recasting is in order with Kevin Conroy and Arleen Sorkin gone, and Mark Hamill probably isn’t game for more Joker antics without them. 

But it can be done – as cold as that sounds – and has been done time and again with each animated feature and project. Never forget that George Newbern replaced Tim Daly as Superman and he remained the voice of the Man of Steel for years.

Batman (Kevin Conroy) and Superman (George Newbern) are amused in Justice League Unlimited Season 3 Episode 13 "Destroyer" (2006), Warner Bros. Animation
Batman (Kevin Conroy) and Superman (George Newbern) are amused in Justice League Unlimited Season 3 Episode 13 “Destroyer” (2006), Warner Bros. Animation

Regardless, most of the JLU cast can return like they didn’t miss a beat, and without interrupting Gunn’s current plans. As long as he can slap the ‘Elseworld’ or ‘multiverse’ or ‘standalone’ label on it, a reinvigoration can go forward if he allows the audience to eat their cake. 

X-Men proves they will certainly be seated to at least have a slice. [That is, of course, if they don’t screw it up. Sadly, in current year, they probably will – which you don’t need me to tell you.]

Magneto (Matthew Waterson) offers his side of his story in X-Men '97 Season 1 Episode 2 'Mutant Liberation Begins' (2024), Disney Plus
Magneto (Matthew Waterson) offers his side of his story in X-Men ’97 Season 1 Episode 2 ‘Mutant Liberation Begins’ (2024), Disney Plus

NEXT: ‘X-Men ’97’ Showrunner Beau DeMayo Gets The Boot From Marvel Studios Just Days Before Series’ Premiere, Deletes Social Media Accounts In Response

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