James Gunn Explains What DCEU Events Will Still Be Canon in the DCU

by

Key Takeaways

  • Gunn’s DCU is a new start for the DC movie/TV franchise, but events in Snyder’s DCEU may still be canon.
  • The DCU reboot includes characters from Gunn’s The Suicide Squad.
  • DCEU events become canon in DCU if mentioned in new projects like Creature Commandos.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of comic book-based video game experiences under my belt, I must say that James Gunn‘s DCU reboot has piqued my interest like never before. The intricate web of continuity and the potential for unexpected connections between the old DCEU and the new DCU is akin to solving an epic RPG puzzle.

James Gunn’s revamped DC Universe signifies a new chapter for the DC film and television empire. However, the head of DC Studios provided perhaps the most straightforward explanation regarding which elements from Zack Snyder’s DCEU remain canonical.

As a die-hard DC fan, I’ve been excited about the rumored reboot of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), which kicked off with Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel back in 2013 and concluded with The Flash movie featuring Ezra Miller. But, things got a bit puzzling when characters from Gunn’s Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, originally part of the old DCEU, started popping up in upcoming projects like Creature Commandoes and Peacemaker season 2.

At New York Comic-Con 2024, James Gunn was present to publicize the upcoming DCU animated series, “Creature Commandos,” which marks the initial project in the DCU. Despite his assertion that his “Superman” film serves as the genuine launch of the new franchise, he used this event to discuss how events from the DCEU may become integral to the DCU if they are referenced in the upcoming projects. In simpler terms, Gunn hinted that occurrences depicted in “Creature Commandos,” such as the death of Rick Flag Sr.’s son and other past DC media events, could be considered part of the DCU’s history since they are mentioned within the series.

Gunn also addressed the DCU’s aesthetic. Marvel Studios’ MCU and even the DCEU to an extent tended to have the same tone and aesthetic, even if some projects delved into different genres (Captain America: The Winter Soldier has been likened to political thrillers and Wonder Woman 1984 arguably stepped away from the darker tone of Snyder’s DCEU movies). Some fans wondered if DCU directors and showrunners must adhere to a single aesthetic, but Gunn shot down this notion. “Every single project that comes out of DC studios is going to be its own thing,” Gunn explained. “It’s a connected universe, but we’re not imposing any overall aesthetic.”

In summary, Gunn’s comments suggest that any DCEU events referred to in a DCU movie or series are considered canonical. However, elements from the DCEU that aren’t mentioned can potentially become canon at a later point but only officially so when it is confirmed in a DCU production. For example, since new actors will be playing Superman’s supporting characters in the DCU, it seems likely that events involving Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman won’t be considered part of the current canon anymore. Fans should anticipate that Gunn’s upcoming DCU may incorporate elements from past DC media based on what best fits his storytelling requirements.

Read More

2024-10-26 15:23