James Gunn, co-head of DC Studios, has revealed that author George R.R. Martin’s iconic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, has significantly influenced the structure and tone of his evolving DC Universe. Gunn emphasized that Martin’s books, with their deeply developed worlds, rich narratives, and complex web of connected and disconnected characters, are among the biggest influences on his vision for the DCU, second only to the actual DC Comics themselves.

A surprising connection was also uncovered regarding one of Peacemaker’s biggest storylines. While discussing the second season’s finale, Gunn mentioned that the concept of “Salvation,” the prison colony introduced in the series, originated from an idea Martin helped develop decades ago. This idea, later adapted into the DC Comics arc Salvation Run, proposed a world where metahuman criminals were exiled to an inescapable planet, forced to form their own desperate society.

Martin once compared this concept to the colonization of Australia, initially a penal colony that evolved into a thriving nation, highlighting human adaptation, order-building, and culture formation in isolation.

Gunn also confirmed the completion of a new draft for Man of Tomorrow, the sequel to Superman. He noted that while the Peacemaker Season 2 finale connects to the film in some ways, it ultimately stands as its own story. The overarching theme of overlapping narratives, distinct tones, and morally gray characters found in A Song of Ice and Fire remains a major driving force behind Gunn’s creative approach to the DC Universe.

In a full-circle moment, George R.R. Martin himself recently praised Gunn’s Superman film. In a post on his blog, Martin described the movie’s hopeful tone and classic heart, calling it “one of the best Superman movies in a long time… maybe ever.” He specifically lauded Rachel Brosnahan’s performance as Lois Lane, considering her among the best ever, and declared Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor as “far and away the Best Luthor of All Time.” Martin also commended David Corenswet’s take on the Man of Steel, expressing hope for his return in future films.