Ahead of the New DCU Launch, James Gunn Playfully Critiques Marvel: “I Prefer Not to Do Homework for Every Film”

Trying to keep up with every new Marvel release sometimes feels like a chore, even for die-hard fans. James Gunn seems to recognize this sentiment and is aiming for a fresh approach with the new DC Universe.

The DC brand has seen its ups and downs, with a series of films that never quite gelled into a unified world. However, the game is about to change. Next week marks the launch of “Creature Commandos,” the first endeavor under Gunn’s co-leadership at DC Studios and the inaugural project for the reimagined DCU. Yet, there are still numerous questions left from the previous era of DC films. In a candid chat with Collider ahead of the “Creature Commandos” debut, Gunn addressed these uncertainties, discussing what’s considered canon and sharing his thoughts on the expectation to consume every single piece of a cinematic universe.

In response to whether “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker” will hold their place in this new DCU, Gunn shed some light: “Peacemaker is pretty straightforward. Season 1 sticks as canon, barring the Justice League cameo at its conclusion, which we’ll revisit in Season 2. As for ‘Suicide Squad,’ things are less defined. We can confirm Rick Flag Sr. is still brooding over Peacemaker’s deadly actions against his son, which is acknowledged in ‘Creature Commandos,’ but not solely because it emerged in ‘Suicide Squad.'”

Gunn opened up about what excites him about the DC world, stating, “What captivates me about DC isn’t just stitching together stories; it’s the whole world-building aspect. I don’t envision the DCU as one continuous narrative where you must see everything to comprehend the plot. The DCU will be a cohesive but flexible universe, with variations shaped by the unique artists, directors, and designers involved.”

Gunn’s time with Marvel, especially after directing the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy, has positioned him to make a subtle critique of their sometimes overwhelming universe. After all, “Guardians 3” was heavily tied into the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” a requirement that can be quite taxing on audiences needing to keep up with every storyline.

Under Gunn’s guidance, DC Studios is gearing up for a diverse array of projects. The revamped DCU will host films featuring iconic figures like Superman, Batman, and Supergirl, as well as teams like the Teen Titans. At the same time, series such as “Creature Commandos,” “Peacemaker,” “Lanterns,” and “Booster Gold” will expand the universe on TV. Additionally, there are fascinating standalones under the Elseworlds banner, like “The Batman 2” and an eclectic hybrid film mixing CGI, stop-motion, and live-action centered around the Robins. If anything, Gunn is certainly bringing a rich tapestry of variety to the table.