The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker DCU Canon Explained by James Gunn

Key Takeaways

Some elements of The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker are canon in the new DCU based on mentions in DCU projects.
Peacemaker Season 1 is mostly DCU canon except for the Justice League cameo.
Gunn considers The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker “unreliable memories” of DCEU events for storyline needs.

As a long-time DC Universe fan and someone who has followed the DCEU since its inception, I find James Gunn’s approach to the new DCU quite intriguing. It’s like he’s playing a game of Chess with the DC Universe timeline, picking and choosing which pieces from the old board fit best with his vision for the new one.

In the revamped DC Universe (DCU), both “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker” largely remain part of the continuity, despite other DCEU projects being discontinued. Notably, director James Gunn has provided a plausible rationale for why certain aspects from “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker” are consistent with the new universe, while others may not be.

When director Gunn unveiled his first list of DC Universe (DCU) projects under Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, it was evident that characters from The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker would be part of the rebooted series, even though other notable figures such as Henry Cavill’s Superman and Ben Affleck’s Batman were replaced. However, there was some confusion when Gunn made comments like one suggesting that Peacemaker season 1 wasn’t part of the DCU continuity. Later on, Gunn clarified that any DCEU events mentioned in DCU projects would be considered canon and further explained that while most of Peacemaker season 1 falls under the DCU canon, there is an exception with the Justice League cameo.

In a conversation with Collider to publicize the debut of the first DC Universe project, Creature Commandos, Gunn clarified that Peacemaker’s season 1 primarily takes place within the DCU, except for the brief Justice League appearance. On the other hand, The Suicide Squad offers more flexibility in its continuity. To illustrate this point, Gunn cited the instance where Peacemaker kills Rick Flag, stating that it is established as fact because it was referenced in Creature Commandos, not due to any occurrence within The Suicide Squad itself. However, Gunn also acknowledged that certain events from both The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker are considered canon, but others aren’t. To explain this inconsistency, he referred to The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker as “unreliable accounts” or memories of the DCU’s actual events.

In simpler terms,

The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker DCU Canon Explained by James Gunn

In essence, Gunn appears to selectively incorporate DCEU events into the DCU narrative according to the needs of the larger storyline. Yet, he doesn’t seem keen on adhering to every event from the DCEU. It’s worth noting that while Gunn is introducing characters and events from his DCEU projects to the DCU, Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle is one of the rare exceptions, as he will be part of an animated series within the DCU, making him one of the few (or possibly the only) non-Gunn DCEU characters joining the rebooted DC franchise.

Indeed, it’s clear that some fans are displeased with Gunn’s choice to reboot the DCEU. While not every person was a supporter of the DCEU, even some of its skeptics wished for actors like Henry Cavill to have another opportunity to portray Superman. Moreover, there are characters that many fans adore, including Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman. However, it’s possible that Gunn might not want to be limited by what previous directors and writers established, which is a reasonable perspective.

Fans can get a clearer idea of what to anticipate from Gunn’s DC Universe when the series “Creature Commandos” debuts in December, and it’s said that the “Superman” trailer will be out around the same time. Only time will show if Gunn’s approach is effective.

Peacemaker season 2 is scheduled to be released on Max in August 2025.

2024-11-29 00:43

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