James Gunn Criticizes Marvel’s Complexity as DCU Launch Approaches: “I Want to Avoid Needing Homework for Every Film”

It’s safe to say that even the most dedicated Marvel enthusiasts might find the constant stream of content overwhelming, almost like an obligatory assignment. James Gunn aims to change that narrative with his fresh take on the DCU.

After a turbulent period where DC’s releases never quite gelled into a unified cinematic universe, we’re now on the brink of something new. Next week heralds the debut of “Creature Commandos,” marking the first installment under James Gunn’s co-leadership at DC Studios. This project sets the stage for the revamped DCU. However, there’s a bit of confusion lingering from the previous DCU efforts. In a recent discussion with Collider, just ahead of the “Creature Commandos” launch, Gunn shed some light on these uncertainties. He addressed what’s considered canon in this new venture and shared his thoughts on the necessity, or lack thereof, of consuming every piece of content a cinematic universe offers.

When queried about whether “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker” would hold their places in the new DCU, given the existence of “Peacemaker” season 2, Gunn clarified, “Peacemaker is straightforward. Season 1 remains canon, except for the Justice League’s cameo at the end, which will be addressed in Season 2. ‘The Suicide Squad,’ though, is a bit more flexible.”

Gunn elaborated, “We know Rick Flag Sr. harbors resentment due to his son’s death at the hands of Peacemaker. This backstory provides context for what happened, making it canon because it’s referenced in ‘Creature Commandos,’ not merely because of its appearance in ‘The Suicide Squad.'”

In discussing his fondness for the DC universe, Gunn illuminated his perspective during the Collider interview: “What excites me about DC is the world-building aspect, beyond just shaping narratives. I don’t envision the DCU as merely a storyline extending over several films and shows revolving around one nemesis. I’m not interested in making the audience feel like they need to complete assignments by watching everything. It’s a cohesive universe, the DCU, but it’s varied according to the creative artists, directors, and designers behind the scenes.”

It’s worth noting that Gunn’s history with Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy, particularly the influence of “Avengers: Endgame” on the third installment, hints at a subtle critique of Marvel’s sprawling narrative, which sometimes demands viewers to consume a wide array of titles to fully grasp the plot.

Under Gunn’s leadership, DC Studios is clearly gearing up for a diverse lineup. The upcoming DCU slate will spotlight iconic characters like Superman, Batman, Supergirl, and the Teen Titans, with series such as “Creature Commandos,” “Peacemaker,” “Lanterns,” and “Booster Gold.” Additionally, unique projects like “The Batman 2” and the intriguingly ambitious CGI/stop-motion/live-action “Robins” film are on the docket. Gunn’s approach certainly leans towards variety and keeps the audience guessing.