James Gunn Throws a Light Jab at Marvel Ahead of New DCU Launch: “I Prefer to Skip the Homework Before Watching Everything”

Even the most die-hard Marvel enthusiasts will admit that keeping up with its vast array of content can feel like a daunting task. James Gunn, in his vision for the new DC Universe (DCU), is aiming to sidestep that overwhelming feeling.

After a tumultuous few years at DC, marked by a collection of movies that never quite formed a fully connected universe, the curtain is about to rise on a new era. Next week, Creature Commandos is set to debut, marking not only the first release under Gunn’s leadership but also the start of the revitalized DCU. Of course, many questions remain unanswered from the old DCU, and in a recent discussion with Collider prior to Creature Commandos’ premiere, Gunn took the opportunity to clarify a few things about the existing canon and share his thoughts on the necessity of watching every single piece of a movie universe.

When asked if The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker will remain canon in the new DCU, since Peacemaker Season 2 is confirmed, Gunn clarified, “Peacemaker is fairly straightforward. Season 1 is mainly canon, except for the Justice League’s cameo at the end, which will be addressed in Season 2. The situation with Suicide Squad is a bit less defined.”

He elaborated, “For instance, we know Rick Flag Sr. is upset because of Peacemaker’s actions leading to his son’s death. This incident shapes part of the backstory referenced in Creature Commandos but not strictly due to its portrayal in Suicide Squad.”

Gunn further expressed what excites him about DC, stating to Collider, “The real thrill for me lies in world-building, not just weaving stories. I don’t envision the DCU as a tale spread across multiple films and shows centered around a single villain. As a viewer, I shouldn’t need to treat it like homework by watching everything to understand it fully. It’s more about an interconnected universe within the DCU, influenced creatively by the various directors, artists, and production teams involved.”

It’s not lost on anyone that Gunn directed all three Guardians of the Galaxy films for Marvel, with the last installment heavily tied to the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame. So, his comments might be a subtle jab at Marvel—and a justified one—given how much there is to watch to truly grasp its storyline.

Moving forward, DC Studios under Gunn promises a diverse array of projects. The DCU lineup includes films about iconic characters like Superman, Batman, Supergirl, and even the Teen Titans, alongside shows such as Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, Lanterns, and Booster Gold. Then there’s the Elseworlds series too, like The Batman 2 and that intriguing CGI/stop-motion/live-action Robins film. Clearly, James Gunn has a penchant for variety.