James Gunn Establishes New DC Universe Canon, Calls Previous Works 'Imperfect Memory'

DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn has clarified the complex canonical status of his previous DC projects, establishing that only content starting with the animated series “Creature Commandos” will be considered “pure canon” in the new DC Universe (DCU).

In a recent statement on Bluesky, Gunn addressed mounting questions about continuity in the DCU, particularly regarding his earlier works “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker.” The filmmaker introduced a nuanced approach to canon, describing his 2021 film “The Suicide Squad” as an “imperfect memory” while noting that “Peacemaker” remains “almost entirely consistent” with the new universe’s canon, barring its Justice League connections.

“Short answer: Only Creature Commandos forward is pure canon,” Gunn explained. To illustrate this point, he referenced a specific plot element: “Rick Flag Jr was killed because we heard Rick Flag Sr talking about it in Creature Commandos, not because we saw it in The Suicide Squad.”

Long answer: Only CC forward is pure canon; Peacemaker is almost entirely consistent with that canon other than the Justice League; The Suicide Squad has a lot of consistencies but I think of it as an imperfect memory. (2/2)
— James Gunn (@jamesgunn.bsky.social) 2025-01-20T17:42:03.366Z

This clarification comes as DC Studios launches its new era with “Creature Commandos,” which has received positive reception from both fans and critics. The statement helps establish the groundwork for upcoming DCU projects, including the highly anticipated “Superman” film starring David Corenswet, scheduled for release on July 11, 2025.

The new Superman project, which Gunn has been actively promoting, features an ensemble cast including Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Speaking to Collider about Corenswet’s performance, Gunn praised the actor’s dedication: “I’ve never worked in my entire life with such a rigorous actor. He challenged me on a daily basis to really get the most out of his character.”

The DCU’s upcoming slate includes several other major projects, such as “Peacemaker” Season 2, “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” starring Milly Alcock, James Mangold’s “Swamp Thing,” “The Authority,” and the Green Lantern series “Lanterns.