The Launch of DC Universe: A New Beginning or a Risky Move?
Exploring the launch of the DC Universe, its connection to the DCEU, and the potential risks and benefits of Creature Commandos as the kickoff project.
The Origins of the DC Universe
The DC Universe’s first release will have the opposite problem that the first movie of the DC Extended Universe had, which can be good for the new franchise. The DCEU was Warner’s first attempt at creating a connected superhero universe with characters from DC Comics. Although the DCEU had some successes, as were Man of Steel and Wonder Woman, it failed to meet expectations and connect with the audience, resulting in other branches covering DC Comics characters (those of Matt Reeves’ The Batman and Todd Phillips’ Joker) and a complete reboot.
creature commandos coming to the new dcu slate-1
Led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, the DC Universe will feature a united continuity and story across live-action movies, TV, animation, and video games, and though it’s keeping some characters from the DCEU, the DC Universe will be fully rebooting most characters and introducing new ones. Kicking off this new, massive universe will be the TV series Creature Commandos, which is facing the opposite problem to the DCEU’s first movie, Man of Steel – and though this can be a risk, it could also be beneficial to the DC Universe and one character, in particular.
Creature Commandos: A Risky Start
Instead of kicking off with a movie, the DC Universe will start with an animated TV series that will introduce a one-of-a-kind team. Creature Commandos is an adaptation of the team of the same name that debuted on Weird War Tales #93 in 1980. Creature Commandos is a team of military superhumans composed of a human leader, a werewolf, a vampire, a Frankenstein’s monster, and a gorgon. The DC Universe’s version of the Creature Commandos will be assembled by Amanda Waller (voiced by Viola Davis) and will be led by Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), accompanied by Bride of Frankenstein (Indira Varma), amphibious scientist Nina Mazursky (Zoë Chao), the radioactive Doctor Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk), Eric Frankenstein (David Harbour), G.I. Robot, and Weasel (both voiced by Sean Gunn).
Given the darker tone of Creature Commandos, the series will be aimed at a mature audience, and this, along with the team being lesser known, is what puts it at risk of repeating Man of Steel’s problem. Superman is integral to the world of DC, but Man of Steel was a darker take on Superman that ended up being quite divisive among fans, and while Creature Commandos are the opposite of Superman and aren't that well-known, they are also bringing a darker and weirder tone to the DC Universe. As the project that will mark the beginning of the DC Universe, Creature Commandos will set the tone for the rest of this universe, and while it’s an interesting choice, it’s also a weird way to kick off a massive connected universe that is set to bring other, more popular characters later on.
Creature Commandos and the Future of DCU
On the other hand, Creature Commandos marking the beginning of the DC Universe can be good for this universe’s first movie: Superman: Legacy. The DC Universe will introduce a new Superman (David Corenswet) and explore a younger version of the character during his days as a reporter as he goes on a journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human family. With an adult animated TV series like Creature Commandos arriving before Superman: Legacy, the latter is likely to look less intense and adult regardless of the plot and tone in comparison to the series – and with this, Superman: Legacy would be avoiding the problems that led to Man of Steel’s divisive reception.
David Corenswet above the Superman logo next to Henry Cavill as the DCEU's Superman
The DC Universe won’t be holding back with its first project, and while this is risky after seeing how it all turned out with the DCEU, it could also be just what this new universe needs to succeed and avoid the DCEU’s biggest problems.
