James Gunn Subtly Critiques Marvel Ahead of DCU Launch: “I Prefer Less Prerequisite Viewing”

Marvel enthusiasts, even the die-hard ones, often feel that keeping up with all the content can seem like a daunting task. James Gunn is looking to change that perception with the new DCU.

After years of ups and downs with DC’s film lineup that never quite formed a unified cinematic universe, next week’s release of Creature Commandos marks a big shift. This project is the first to debut now that Gunn is at the helm as co-leader of DC Studios, kicking off the new era for the DCU. There are still plenty of lingering questions about the remnants of the old DCU, and in a chat with Collider ahead of Creature Commandos’ debut, Gunn shed some light on what officially counts as canon. He also shared his take on the idea of consuming every piece of a cinematic universe’s content like it’s a long list of assignments.

When queried about whether The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker will transition into the new DCU’s storyline, especially since Peacemaker’s second season is coming, Gunn clarified, “Peacemaker is simple. Everything in Season 1 is canon, except for the Justice League’s cameo at the end. You’ll see an explanation for that in Season 2. As for The Suicide Squad, it’s a bit more flexible.”

He continued, “We know Rick Flag Sr. is upset over his son’s death at Peacemaker’s hands. That incident is part of the history because it’s referenced in Creature Commandos, not merely because it was shown in The Suicide Squad.”

Gunn also delved into his passion for DC during his Collider conversation, saying, “What I love about DC isn’t just crafting a story. It’s about building this vast world. I don’t see the DCU as telling just one overarching tale involving a single big villain. As a viewer, I don’t want to feel obligated to watch everything. Instead, think of it as a cohesive universe, the DCU, where variations arise from the unique perspectives of different artists, directors, and production designers.”

We’re all aware that Gunn directed all three Guardians of the Galaxy films for Marvel, with the latest one heavily tied to the events in Avengers: Endgame. This might feel like a not-so-subtle jab at Marvel; after all, there’s quite an overwhelming amount to watch to piece together their intricate storylines.

Under Gunn’s direction, DC Studios is set to explore a diverse array of projects. The DCU will feature films involving iconic characters like Superman, Batman, Supergirl, and the Teen Titans, along with series such as Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, Lanterns, and Booster Gold. Plus, there’s the intriguing Elseworlds stuff, including The Batman 2 and the adventurous-sounding CGI/stop-motion/live-action Robins movie. It’s clear that Gunn isn’t shy about embracing variety.