Even die-hard Marvel enthusiasts might admit that keeping up with the avalanche of content feels a bit like homework. James Gunn is taking a different approach with the new DC Universe.
After several turbulent years at DC, with films that never quite connected into a single, cohesive storyline, we’re finally seeing a fresh start under Gunn’s leadership. Next week marks the debut of Creature Commandos, the first release from the DCU under Gunn, setting the stage for this revamped universe. Yet, fans are still curious about what ties remain with the previous DC projects. In a recent chat with Collider, just before Creature Commandos premieres, Gunn shared his vision for what counts as canon and his views on audience engagement with cinematic universes.
In response to questions about whether The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker will be canon within the new DCU framework—particularly since Peacemaker’s second season is on the horizon—Gunn clarified, “Peacemaker is straightforward. The first season is canon, except for the Justice League’s appearance at the end, which will be addressed in Season 2. Suicide Squad, on the other hand, has a bit more flexibility.
“We know Rick Flag Sr. is upset over his son’s death at Peacemaker’s hands, providing a reference point to past events. This situation remains canon because it’s brought up in Creature Commandos, not necessarily because of its depiction in Suicide Squad.”
Gunn also shared his excitement about the scope of DC, explaining to Collider, “What draws me to DC is the expansive world-building, beyond just crafting stories. I don’t see the DCU as a saga told across multiple films and shows about a single major villain. As a viewer, I don’t want to feel like I’m obligated to watch everything to understand the narrative. The DCU is a unified world, but it will have different flavors depending on the creators involved in making the content.”
It’s well-known that Gunn directed the entire Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy for Marvel, with the last installment closely tied to Avengers: Endgame. Perhaps this perspective nods slightly at Marvel’s tendency to tie viewers into vast narrative webs—an understandable critique given the extensive viewing required to grasp every detail.
Under Gunn’s stewardship, DC Studios is set to offer a broad array of projects. The DCU will include films centered around iconic characters like Superman, Batman, Supergirl, and the Teen Titans, along with series such as Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, Lanterns, and Booster Gold. Additionally, there are Elseworlds projects, like The Batman 2 and an intriguing hybrid film combining CGI, stop-motion, and live-action elements featuring Robins. Clearly, Gunn is embracing variety in his vision for the DCU.
