With the launch of the new DC Universe, co-head James Gunn has continued to explain what went behind the reboot that is reshaping DC’s cinematic future. In doing so, he has made some surprising clarifications about what’s canon, what’s not, and what’s still to come.
Most recently, Gunn has confirmed that Aquaman (at least the version known from the DCEU) is not yet part of the DCU canon. Additionally, he may not be a part of the canon for quite some time. At the same time, he has also opened up about a particularly intense deleted scene from ‘Superman‘. This was a scene that featured Lex Luthor at his most terrifying.
Aquaman’s Future Remains Uncertain In The DCU
For anyone wondering about the status of the King of Atlantis in James Gunn’s newly minted DC Universe, the answer is clear: Aquaman, as fans know him, isn’t canon. Not yet. On the debut episode of Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, Gunn joined cast members Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee to break down ‘Peacemaker’ season 1. The conversation eventually landed on the recurring Aquaman joke (Peacemaker’s claims about Aquaman’s relationship with fish).
Related: “It Was A Total Bummer”: James Gunn Tells The Real Story Behind Henry Cavill’s Superman Exit
However, Gunn’s commentary quickly took a serious turn. “Is Aquaman canon? We don’t know. I don’t think Aquaman is canon,” Gunn admitted. “It’s unlikely that Aquaman is a famous hero in the DCU as Superman and Peacemaker Season 2 are happening.” With those words, he made something abundantly clear: Aquaman hasn’t made his mark in the new continuity.
Unlike Superman, who has already had his DCU debut in David Corenswet’s well-received portrayal, Aquaman remains off the grid. This is particularly notable given that Jason Momoa’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was the final film in the now-defunct DCEU. He confirmed that Momoa’s DCU future lies elsewhere, as Lobo, the infamous intergalactic bounty hunter, is set to appear in ‘Supergirl’. This all but confirms that a new Aquaman will eventually be cast.
James Gunn Talks About The Darkest Deleted ‘Superman’ Scene
While Aquaman waits for his debut, Superman is already setting the tone for the DCU. In a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Gunn revealed that he shot and ultimately cut a harrowing scene from Superman involving Lex Luthor. The scene, which still exists in a trimmed-down version in the final film, involves Superman surrendering himself to LuthorCorp’s sinister PlanetWatch branch in exchange for his kidnapped dog, Krypto.
In case you missed it: James Gunn Claims Supergirl Being “A Total Mess” In ‘Superman’ Was The Point
During this moment of vulnerability, Luthor coldly executes Malik Ali, a kind-hearted falafel vendor who had earlier helped Superman. The version seen in the final cut keeps the camera at a distance, with the act implied rather than shown. However, Gunn originally shot a more graphic version. It was a close-up of Malik’s headshot, blood pooling under his body, and Luthor staring down at him.
“Lex shoots the guy in the head… blood is pouring out onto the platform, and Lex looks down and sees the blood is about to get on his shoes.” Another character, Ghurkos, tries to object to what’s happening, only to be shut down with a simple, terrifying “No?” from Lex. Gunn eventually decided to cut the graphic version during early post-production. It never made it to test audiences, and for good reason.
He explained that while the scene added weight, it also risked tipping the tone too far into something darker. It wasn’t about sanitizing the violence; it was about maintaining emotional impact without indulging in brutality. Moreover, his comments this week about Aquaman and Superman demonstrate that the DCU isn’t just being thrown together. It’s being built.
