James Gunn has been candid about his ambitious plans for the DC Universe. Now, after a lot of speculations he has made it clear that ‘The Suicide Squad’ does not officially exist within the new DCU canon.
While certain characters and events from the 2021 film will play a role in upcoming projects like ‘Creature Commandos’ and ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, Gunn emphasized that these references are plot tools, not evidence of shared continuity.
“It’s A Balancing Act”: James Gunn Explains Why ‘The Suicide Squad’ Is Not Canon
During a recent interview with Collider, Gunn addressed all the confusion around ‘The Suicide Squad’. He explained how the events of the film will be referenced in the new DCU’s first release ‘Creature Commandos’. However, it would not imply any canon. He highlighted that Rick Flag Sr., whose narrative ties to the death of his son, Rick Flag Jr., is essential to the upcoming animated series.
“We know that Rick Flag Sr. is angry because his son was killed by Peacemaker,” Gunn explained. “That gives us a touchstone to build his character, but it’s important to note that this connection exists as part of Creature Commandos’ story. It doesn’t retroactively place The Suicide Squad into the DCU canon.”
Gunn further clarified that this approach allows the new DCU to incorporate beloved characters without being constrained by previous films. For example, ‘Peacemaker’, portrayed by John Cena, remains part of the DCU. However, Gunn also acknowledged that certain scenes, like the Justice League’s cameo in ‘Peacemaker’ don’t align with the DCU’s direction.
“It’s a balancing act,” Gunn said. “We can take what works and reframe it for the DCU while leaving behind what doesn’t fit the new vision.” While this approach might frustrate fans hoping for seamless integration, the DCU’s identity will hinge on its ability to reference past material without being tethered to it.
James Gunn Wants The New DCU To Be Accessible To All Fans
As part of his DCU vision, James Gunn is determined to avoid the complex connected universe of superhero films. Unlike the MCU which relies heavily on interconnected storylines, the DCU will focus on creating a connected universe that doesn’t demand extensive knowledge of every film or show.
“I don’t want fans to feel like they have homework,” Gunn said. “The DCU should be approachable, whether you’re watching one show or following the entire slate.” Moreover, this philosophy is evident in the diverse lineup of DCU projects set to launch in the coming years.
In case you missed it: James Gunn Reveals What Really Sets DC Studios Apart From Marvel
Chapter One: ‘Gods and Monsters’ begins with ‘Creature Commandos’ on December 5. This will be followed by ‘Superman’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow’, and ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2. Each project promises to stand on its own while contributing to the larger universe.
“It’s a connected universe, but each piece will reflect the creative vision of its team,” Gunn said. However, this emphasis on individuality doesn’t mean that the projects are being rushed. “There’s no fixed timeline. We’re taking our time to get it right. A great script is the foundation of a great film, and we won’t compromise on that,” Gunn stated.
