For anyone out there who might be confused about the future of DC Universe projects, James Gunn completely understands the challenge of keeping apprised on the latest developments.
Gunn, who stepped in last year as co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, took to Threads on Wednesday to address fan questions about development for the new DC slate now that the writers strike has ended. This included responding to an inquiry from months ago regarding whether actors from previous DC projects will reprise their roles, in addition to whether the new universe will commence with Superman: Legacy, which has Gunn directing David Corenswet as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. But up first is the animated series Creature Commandos.
“Nothing is canon until Creature Commandos next year — a sort of aperitif to the DCU — & then a deeper dive into the universe with Superman: Legacy after that,” Gunn replied. “It’s a very human drive to want to understand everything all the time, but I think its okay to be confused on what’s happening in the DCU since no one has seen anything from the DCU yet.”
He continued, “And, yes, some actors will be playing characters they’ve played in other stories & some plot points might be consistent with plot points from the dozens of films, shows & animated projects that have come from DC in the past. But nothing is canon until CC and Legacy.”
Creature Commandos is the first piece to Gunn and Safran’s previously announced Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters saga of their DCU. Viola Davis is set to reprise her role as Amanda Waller in the animated Max series launching in 2024 that also includes voice actors Frank Grillo, Maria Bakalova and David Harbour. Additionally, Davis will star on the live-action Max series Waller, which is among the titles planned for this first chapter.
In response to a fan asking how Blue Beetle, the Warner Bros. film that debuted theatrically last month starring Xolo Maridueña, would factor into the new plans, Gunn replied, “Xolo Maridueña will continue playing Blue Beetle in the DCU, as Viola Davis will Amanda Waller, and John Cena will Peacemaker.”
This confirms hints Gunn has dropped previously about the fate of DC characters who have already been introduced to filmgoers. In an Instagram post last month, Gunn wrote that Maridueña’s superhero, Jaime Reyes, will “be an amazing part of the DCU going forward!” The executive also said during a June episode of the Inside of You podcast that he planned to focus on the second season of Cena’s Max series Peacemaker once work on Superman: Legacy had been completed.
Gunn’s remarks follow a tough stretch for DC films, with Shazam! Fury of the Gods, The Flash and Blue Beetle all having underperformed at the box office this year. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hits theaters Dec. 20 as the final movie from the studio’s previous regime.
