Gunn Unveils Game-Changing DC Universe Continuity: Embracing a New Era Beyond DCEU

Summary

James Gunn clarifies that the DC Universe canon does not begin until the Creature Commandos next year, and "nothing is canon" until then.

Certain actors will return to play their characters from earlier narratives, and certain aspects of the storyline may align with previous DC movies, TV series, and animated works. It remains uncertain whether any undisclosed DCEU actors will also be a part of the ongoing DCU.

James Gunn has provided new updates on what is and isn't DCEU canon, addressing the confusion surrounding the new DC Universe. After a decade of inconsistency, the DCEU franchise will come to an end in 2023 with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Under the leadership of Gunn and Peter Safran, DC Studios will be launched, marking a fresh start for the DC Universe with Chapter 1, "Gods and Monsters."

Despite the upcoming releases of various DC Universe movies and TV shows, there has been uncertainty about which elements will carry over from the DCEU and remain canon in the new continuity. Gunn engaged with a confused fan on Threads, reiterating that the DC Universe truly begins with Superman: Legacy.

Gunn mentioned that the upcoming movie titled Creature Commandos, set to release next year, will establish the official canon for the DC Universe. He referred to it as an appetizer, giving fans a taste of what's to come. Following this, the highly anticipated Superman: Legacy will allow audiences to delve even deeper into the DC Universe, serving as the first official movie from DC Studios. Gunn acknowledged that the current status of the DC Universe may be confusing for some, as no previews or teasers have been revealed yet for the upcoming continuity.

In a subsequent response, Gunn further explained that certain actors will reprise roles they have previously portrayed in other narratives, and certain aspects of the storyline may remain consistent with the numerous films, television series, and animated projects derived from the DC universe. Nonetheless, Gunn emphasized that the canonical timeline of the DC Universe will only commence with the debut of the Creature Commandos television show and Superman: Legacy.

In response to JakeAtron57's query about the involvement of the Blue Beetle at this juncture, Gunn reiterated that Xolo Maridueña will return as Jaime Reyes, joining Viola Davis' portrayal of Amanda Waller and John Cena's representation of Peacemaker.

How James Gunn's DCU Comments Affect 2023 DC Movies' Canonicity

Despite Gunn's recent clarifications about the DC Universe, there is still some uncertainty regarding the impact on the canonicity of the DC movies in 2023. The Flash and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom are both part of the DCEU, with The Flash being considered a financial disappointment and rumors suggesting that Jason Momoa will play a new character in Gunn's DC Universe, potentially marking the end of his Aquaman franchise after December. However, if Momoa continues to portray Aquaman, there is a possibility that his DC Universe counterpart could have similar traits while allowing Gunn to reshape his character arc. On the other hand, Blue Beetle is the only movie that can be explicitly set in the DC Universe, as it does not contain any visual references to the old DCEU besides mentioning Superman and Batman. These verbal references can easily be replaced with David Corenswet and the actor who is cast as the Dark Knight, without requiring any retrospective changes.

Despite the recent Hollywood strikes, it's commendable that Gunn has managed to share some updates on his upcoming projects in the DC Universe. The year 2024 is expected to bring greater clarity to the DC Universe, as anticipation builds for what lies ahead. As the Writers Guild of America strike concludes and the SAG-AFTRA strike follows suit, there is hope that development on all the forthcoming projects in the DC Universe will be able to resume.