DC Studios co-chief James Gunn recently revealed that the highly anticipated The Authority film has been placed on the back burner. This comes as a surprise, considering the project was announced two years ago as a key component of the DC Universe's Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters reboot. Gunn described The Authority, the brutally effective superhero team from the WildStorm Universe, as a "big movie" at the time.

However, the project has apparently encountered significant hurdles. Gunn cited the immense success of Amazon's The Boys as a contributing factor, stating that adapting The Authority in a landscape already shaped by similar, ultra-violent superhero narratives presents unique challenges. He explained that the shifting overall story and the need to create a distinct identity in a crowded market have made it the most difficult project to develop within the Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters slate. The integration of established characters from other projects further complicates matters, leading to the decision to temporarily shelve the film.

One character from The Authority, the technologically gifted Angela Spica (The Engineer), is slated to appear in the upcoming Superman: Legacy. The Engineer, known for her self-duplication abilities, technopathy, genius-level intellect, and radio-induced telepathy, is arguably the team's most powerful member. For a deeper dive into The Authority characters, check out IGN's article, "Who Are the Authority: The WildStorm DCU Characters Explained."

While The Authority faces delays, other projects within Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters are progressing at varying paces. Gunn mentioned setbacks for the Waller spin-off, but expressed confidence in the progress of Booster Gold and Paradise Lost. The latter, according to Safran, is a high priority, with the pilot currently being written.

Regarding Swamp Thing, DC Studios is adopting a patient approach, allowing director James Mangold to complete other projects before returning to the film. While acknowledging Mangold's talent and their willingness to wait, Gunn and Safran clarified that Swamp Thing is not crucial to the overarching narrative of Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.