James Gunn Subtly Criticizes Marvel While Discussing New DCU Launch: “I Prefer Not to Do Homework Before Watching Everything”

Even the most die-hard Marvel enthusiasts might admit that keeping up with all the content feels like a bit of a chore. James Gunn is looking to change that perception with his fresh approach to the DC Universe.

After facing years of ups and downs at DC, with films that failed to form a cohesive and connected storyline, we’re finally seeing a new direction. Next week marks the debut of Creature Commandos, the first project under Gunn’s guidance as co-leader of DC Studios and the kickoff for the revamped DCU. However, there are still plenty of questions haunting the remnants of the previous DCU. In a recent chat with Collider, ahead of the Creature Commandos launch, Gunn shed some light on what’s considered canon and shared his thoughts on the obligation of staying updated with every part of a cinematic universe.

When he was asked whether The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker will fit into the new DCU, especially since Peacemaker’s second season is on the way, Gunn clarified, “Peacemaker is straightforward. The first season remains canon, except for the Justice League appearance at the end, which will be addressed in Season 2. The canon status of Suicide Squad is a bit more flexible.”

Gunn went on to explain, “We understand that Rick Flag Sr.’s anger over his son’s death at Peacemaker’s hands is a past event. This backstory is referenced to provide perspective, and while it forms part of the canon, it’s not necessarily tied to Suicide Squad. It’s more about its mention in Creature Commandos.”

Gunn also shared his passion for what he finds thrilling about DC, telling Collider, “A lot of DC’s appeal, especially for me, lies in the world-building rather than just storytelling. The DCU, in my vision, isn’t about creating a narrative stretched across multiple films and shows revolving around one antagonist. As a viewer, I don’t want to feel like I have homework to do by watching everything. Instead, it’s about crafting a connected universe that varies based on the artists, directors, and production designers involved in each show or film.”

It’s common knowledge that Gunn was at the helm for all three Guardians of the Galaxy films for Marvel, with the third movie being directly influenced by the events in Avengers: Endgame. So, this can be seen as a gentle jab at Marvel (and not without cause—there’s an overwhelming amount of content to track and comprehend).

Under Gunn’s direction, DC Studios certainly looks poised to offer a diverse array of projects. The DCU will naturally feature films about iconic heroes like Superman, Batman, Supergirl, and the Teen Titans, alongside shows like Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, Lanterns, and Booster Gold. There are even Elseworlds projects on the horizon, such as The Batman 2 and an intriguingly mixed-format Robins film that combines CGI, stop-motion, and live-action. One thing’s for sure, Gunn isn’t shying away from exploring variety in his new role.