James Gunn Reveals The Fate Of Multiple DC Actors
James Gunn recently confirmed which DCEU actors will reprise their roles once he reboots the superhero movie franchise with fellow DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran. Responding to a curious fan on Threads, the filmmaker said that Xolo Mariduena will continue his role as Blue Beetle, Viola Davis will remain as Amanda Waller and John Cena is still the actor portraying Peacemaker.
James Gunn has confirmed that Xolo Mariduena (Blue Beetle), Viola Davis (Amanda Waller), and John Cena (Peacemaker) will reprise their DCEU roles in the rebooted DCU.
The news isn’t surprising, as Gunn previously mentioned that Mariduena will reprise his role as Blue Beetle in the DC Universe, despite the superhero film’s mediocre performance at the box office, with over $70 million in domestic earnings and $125 million worldwide.
Per Deadline, a second season of Peacemaker on Max is currently in development.
Gunn also confirmed that the new DC canon doesn’t officially start until the Creature Commandos series debuts, with Superman: Legacy serving as the first movie. “Nothing is canon until Creature Commandos next year – a sort of aperitif to the DC. And then a deeper dive into the universe with Superman: Legacy after that,” he wrote.
“It’s a very human drive to want to understand everything all the time, but I think it’s okay to be confused on what’s happening in the DCU since no one has seen anything from the DCU yet,” Gunn continued.
“Some actors will be playing characters they played in other stories, and some plot points might be consistent with plot points from the dozens of films, shows, and animated projects that have come from DC in the past. But nothing is canon until CC and Legacy.”
Gunn appears eager to launch the DCU, and his remarks suggest a departure from strict adherence to the established groundwork laid by previous DC films, even if certain characters reprise their roles. Nevertheless, Aquaman 3 may still materialize if Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom achieves a level of success akin to its predecessor.
Director James Wan has recently affirmed that the second film leaves room for a potential follow-up featuring the popular DC character. “If and when there is a third one, that’s what it should be,” Wan told Entertainment Weekly. “It should be growing these characters because I think we’ve set up certain things in a good place in the second movie that you can definitely draw upon in a third.”
The New DCU
Creature Commandos is set to kick off Chapter One of the DCU, led by Gunn and Safran, under the title Gods and Monsters. It marks the first entry of five new Max series, contributing to the rejuvenated television lineup of the new interconnected DC Universe. Gunn also assured fans that the recent strikes, which have gripped Hollywood in recent months, have had no adverse impact on the series.
He says that DC’s Creature Commandos will meet and exceed fan expectations. Additionally, the show’s star, Frank Grillo, who portrays Rick Flag Sr., the leader of the titular group, has affirmed that the series is still on track for its expected premiere in 2024.
Superman: Legacy will chronicle the early life of the titular DC character as he balances life as a superhero and mild-mannered Clark Kent. The movie stars David Corenswet as the Last Son of Krypton alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Isabela Merced stars as Hawkgirl, with Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, and Anthony Carrigan as Metamopho. The film hits theaters on July 11, 2025.
“Some actors will be playing characters they played in other stories, and some plot points might be consistent with plot points from the dozens of films, shows, and animated projects that have come from DC in the past. But nothing is canon until CC and Legacy.”
-James Gunn, on the connections between the DCEU and the DCU
Gunn and Safran unveiled the complete lineup of movies and television shows for the reimagined DCU in January, following their appointment at DC Studios three months prior. The cinematic roster comprises titles such as The Batman, The Brave and the Bold, The Authority, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, and a reimagining of Swamp Thing.
The DC television series roster includes the Peacemaker spinoff, Waller, Paradise Lost, Booster Gold, and Lanterns. As James Gunn’s vision takes shape, it’s clear that the DCU is set to captivate audiences with its imaginative storytelling and iconic characters.
