The mastermind behind the new transformation, James Gunn, confirms that several of the animation projects currently being considered go beyond the DCU
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has recently clarified that while they have several animated projects in the works, Not all of them will be linked to the New DC Cinematic Universe (New DCU). This revelation came during the 2024 Annecy International Animation Festival, where Gunn shared details about the upcoming adaptation of Creature Commandoshighlighting that DC Studios will not limit its animation to a single narrative.
Gunn and his colleague Peter Safran, also co-head of DC Studios, They have been clear from the beginning about the importance of animation for their future plans. The premiere of Creature Commandos will mark our first foray into the New DCU, but, according to Gunn, this doesn’t mean all future projects will follow this pattern.
“It’s a cornerstone of the legacy we’re honored to carry forward at DC Studios and plays an integral role in our vision for future storytelling,” Gunn told festival attendees. This approach reflects a dedication to expanding and diversifying DC’s reach across multiple platforms, enriching the user experience. At the helm of DC, Gunn and Safran aim to align film, television, animation and video games under one banner, promoting unity and consistency across the DC universe. This integrated effort is crucial to developing a coherent, multifaceted narrative that resonates with a global audience.
The versatility of DC characters
What this means in practical terms is that characters will be able to move freely between animation, video games and cinema maintaining its coherence: same character, same story, same actor. For example, Viola Davis will reprise her role as Amanda Waller in the animated series, and Frank Grillo will do the same with his characterRick Flag Sr., who will also make the jump to live action in the second season of Peacemaker in Max.
The new series picks up right after the end of the first season of Peacemakerleaving Waller with “his hands tied operationally”meaning it can no longer risk human lives on clandestine and morally questionable missions. Instead, recruits a group of misfits, not unlike the Suicide Squad and Peacemaker. “They are literally monsters, and I’m excited for you to meet them. Creating this show has been one of the great joys of my life,” Gunn said.
Cast and screening of Creature Commandos
The cast of the animated series, which will potentially also participate in live-action projectsincludes Frank Grillo como Rick Flag Sr., Maria Bakalova like Princess Ilana Rostovic, Indira Varma like The Bride, Zoe Chao like Nina Mazursky, Alan Tudyk como Dr. Phosphorus, David Harbour like Eric Frankenstein, and Sean Gunn like GI Robot and Weasel, with Steve Agee reprising his role as John Economos and Anya Chalotra in Circe’s.
Since its first appearance in Weird War Tales #93 In November 1980, the comic book series featured Frankenstein’s monster, a werewolf, a vampire, and a gorgon. to fight Nazis during World War II. This series has the honor of being the first DCU project that Gunn and Safran approved and will also be the first from DC Studios that we will see on screen.
This announcement underscores DC Studios’ commitment to exploring new frontiers in animation, ensuring that animation entertainment is diverse and engaging, while also forming part of a larger story within its unified DCU. With projects like Creature CommandosDC Studios not only delves into innovative genres and formats, but also sets a precedent for future creative explorations in its vast universe.
