Before the Launch of the New DCU, James Gunn Playfully Criticizes Marvel: “I Prefer Not Having to Do Homework to Keep Up with Everything”

Even the most dedicated Marvel enthusiasts often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content they need to consume, almost as if it’s an obligatory chore. James Gunn, however, is aiming to steer the new DC Universe (DCU) in a different direction.

DC has certainly had its share of hurdles over the years, with a series of films that never quite gelled into a cohesive, interconnected universe. However, that’s about to change with next week’s debut of Creature Commandos. This marks not only the first project under Gunn’s dual leadership at DC Studios but also the initial release within the revamped DCU. Yet, there are still unresolved questions from the previous DCU era. In a recent interview with Collider, conducted before the premiere of Creature Commandos, Gunn addressed some concerns about what’s considered canon and shared his thoughts on the necessity of keeping up with every piece of content in a cinematic universe.

When questioned about the canon status of The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker within the new DCU—especially since Peacemaker is slated for a second season—Gunn elaborated, “Peacemaker is straightforward. Season 1 is essentially canon with the exception of the Justice League’s cameo at the end, and you’ll see a follow-up to that in Peacemaker Season 2. As for Suicide Squad, it’s a bit more flexible.”

He went on to explain, “We know Rick Flag Sr. is upset because Peacemaker killed his son, so we have that narrative to draw from—a reference point for prior events. This storyline becomes canon not because it was shown in Suicide Squad, but because it’s mentioned in Creature Commandos.”

Gunn also discussed what excites him about the DC franchise, telling Collider, “The real thrill for me lies in the world-building more than just crafting a singular story. I don’t envision the DCU as merely recounting a tale of a single antagonist across various films and TV shows. I don’t want audiences to feel they must complete ‘homework’ by watching everything. It’s more about creating a universe where different narratives coexist, shaped by the artists, directors, and production designers involved.”

Gunn’s experience directing all three Guardians of the Galaxy films for Marvel—especially the third installment, which heavily ties into Avengers: Endgame—might hint at a subtle critique of Marvel’s extensive viewing requirements. It’s a fair point, as keeping up can indeed feel overwhelming.

Under Gunn’s guidance, DC Studios promises a diverse array of projects. The DCU lineup includes films featuring iconic characters like Superman, Batman, Supergirl, and the Teen Titans, alongside shows like Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, Lanterns, and Booster Gold. There’s also the intriguing “Elseworlds” content, such as The Batman 2 and the intriguingly unique CGI/stop-motion/live-action Robins film. It’s safe to say that Gunn is committed to offering a wealth of variety in the new DCU.