Why James Gunn’s New DC Universe Is Already So Complicated

With the current (extraordinarily disappointing) launch of “Joker: Folie a Deux,” there’s nothing standing between the previous DC and the brand new DC Universe, which kicks off later this yr when the animated “Creature Commandos” arrives on Max. Then DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran’s plans kick into excessive gear subsequent summer time when Gunn’s new “Superman” film hits theaters. What are these plans, precisely? An ever-growing listing of films and TV reveals has already been confirmed, and put merely, the DC Universe is getting a reboot. Sadly, there’s nonetheless some confusion in the interim.

The best factor could be for Warner Bros. and DC Studios to say “we’re beginning over fully contemporary. Nothing from the previous DCEU counts, however every thing going ahead does.” Sadly, it is not so easy. Sure tasks that had been within the works earlier than are going to be ushered in as a part of the longer term. That has muddied the waters a bit for the typical viewer — and even for individuals like me who’re steeped on this stuff day in, time out. Lately, throughout New York Comedian Con, Gunn, who’s finest identified for steering Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy, tried to clear up some confusion in regards to the new DCU canon (through Comicbook.com). This is what Gunn needed to say about it throughout a DC-focused panel:

“There are references to issues that occurred prior to now, and people references then change into canon within the DCU as a result of we point out them.”

Gunn has tried to elucidate this prior to now as nicely. “We’ll be utilizing some actors from the previous, we’re not utilizing different actors from the previous, however every thing from that second ahead can be related,” Gunn mentioned in early 2023. Whereas revealing the preliminary DC Studios slate, Gunn defined that each one DCU tasks will share a multiverse together with motion pictures, TV reveals, and even video video games. From “Superman” ahead, it is a courageous new world. However what in regards to the components of the previous that can be compelled to mix with the brand new? How is all of that going to work? Gunn’s new feedback, sadly, do not paint a clearer image.

Finally, it looks as if nearly every thing is being totally rebooted. The shared universe that began with Zack Snyder’s “Man of Metal” in 2013 is not any extra. David Corenswet is our new Superman. Ben Affleck will not be Batman. There can be a brand new Surprise Girl. All the things will share a “multiverse,” which is why Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” universe is technically a part of the brand new DCU despite the fact that Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne will not be in the identical universe as Corenswet’s Superman. And that is simply the tip of the iceberg in the case of attainable factors of confusion for the informal viewer.

Gunn’s personal “Suicide Squad” universe is coming alongside for the experience as nicely. Gunn directed 2021’s “The Suicide Squad” in addition to a number of episodes of its spin-off sequence “Peacemaker.” These tasks had been fairly firmly related to the DCEU. So, how does “Peacemaker” season 2 slot in? How are these items which are “references to issues that occurred prior to now” abruptly canon? How does that work in apply? Possibly the films and TV reveals themselves will reply this, however for now, this method raises way more questions than it solutions. 

The questions definitely do not cease there. Is Viola Davis enjoying the identical Amanda Waller from 2016’s “Suicide Squad,” which explicitly consists of Affleck’s Batman? Or is she one other Amanda Waller from elsewhere within the multiverse? Is that going to be messy for brand spanking new audiences? Is not this purported to be a contemporary begin?

Is Waller going to be like Judy Dench’s M within the “James Bond” movies, the place she performed the character for each Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig’s 007? Regardless of the case, for the second, this all nonetheless feels somewhat bit messy. With this December’s “Creature Commandos” additionally that includes characters from the previous, reminiscent of Weasel, it is most likely going to get messier earlier than the image will get extra clear. That might be an issue that Gunn and Safran might want to cope with.

The actual fact of the matter is that DC has been on one heck of a chilly streak. “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” “The Flash,” and “Blue Beetle” all bombed final yr, with “Aquaman and the Misplaced Kingdom” majorly disappointing. “Joker: Folie a Deux” might go down as one of many largest comedian guide film bombs ever when all’s mentioned and accomplished. Mercifully, “Joker 2” is not related to DC Studios, so Gunn and Safran at the very least get to technically disown that dumpster fireplace. However it should be acknowledged that DC is in a nasty spot with most of the people.

That being the case, I am sympathetic to Warner Bros. having to make “The Batman Half II” as a result of “The Batman” was an enormous success. That challenge cannot be deserted simply because it could be simpler for Gunn to start out over with a brand new Batman. It is unhealthy timing, sure, however WB has to do what’s finest for the underside line. In addition they have to just accept that it makes issues messy. Equally, Gunn is now the co-head of the complete DC enterprise. It is comprehensible that he desires to convey his “Suicide Squad” sandbox with him, however that makes it tougher to make clear the character of this reboot.

The primary chapter of this DCU reboot, dubbed “Gods and Monsters,” is stuffed with promise. Gunn crushed the “Guardians” trilogy. In his fingers, “Superman” seems like a house run. A James Mangold “Swamp Factor” film, lesser-known properties like “The Authority” getting the large display therapy, a “Booster Gold” present coming to TV … that is simply the tip of the iceberg, however it all feels ripe with potential. None of that issues if audiences who’ve already disregarded DC lump these tasks in with what got here earlier than.

If informal viewers see John Cena’s Peacemaker or Davis as Waller, will they assume it is simply extra of the identical? Possibly this feels like nerdy nitpicking in some methods. Possibly it’ll all work itself out and make sense as soon as these tasks begin debuting. However for this to work the way in which they want it to, it is essential that it is smart, and it is essential that it is easy for audiences to know. The period of comedian guide motion pictures being computerized important viewing for the plenty appears to be behind us, so these tasks want to face on their very own two toes with out requiring a lot — if any — homework. This is hoping Gunn can crack that code.

“Superman” hits theaters on July 11, 2025.