DC Studios boss claims DC is trying to ‘minimize audience confusion’ with new DCU

The next era of DC storytelling is ready to take off, with clear skies ahead for the future of the DCU, and it’s a journey we’re eager to embark on.

Change is afoot in the hallowed halls of DC Studios, where a rejuvenated universe of superheroes, anti-heroes, and everything in between is about to be unveiled to the world. Stepping away from past constructs, DC is focusing on an ambitious revamp, spearheaded by the debut of Superman: Legacy, a cinematic tapestry that signals a fresh, accessible approach to the much-loved DC Universe.

However, the first project in this metamorphosing landscape will not be a film at all, but an animated series. Creature Commandos, set to launch on the Max streaming service in 2024, will pave the way for a whole new generation of viewers to discover the thrill of DC storytelling.

What should I watch to prepare for the new DCU?

As part of the transformation, DC Studios’ leadership has articulated a distinct vision. Instead of deep, interconnected storylines requiring intensive prior knowledge, they’re now championing a more audience-friendly approach. Whether you’re a die-hard DC fan or a casual viewer, you’ll be able to enjoy any of the upcoming projects without any prerequisite binge-watching sessions. This bold move is intended to “minimize audience confusion and maximize their enjoyment,” as Safran succinctly put it to Vanity Fair.

Even as the DCU embarks on this exciting journey, it is not severing all ties with its past. Selected elements, primarily characters, and actors from past iterations, will find their way into this evolving world.

Fans of James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad will be delighted to know that some of their favorites will seamlessly transition into the new universe. Viola Davis, whose portrayal of the indomitable Amanda Waller left audiences spellbound, is set to return, but this time in her own TV series. John Cena’s Peacemaker, another standout character from The Suicide Squad, will also be back, reprising his role in the second season of his self-titled TV show in the new DCU.

The fresh face of the Blue Beetle also heralds this winds of change. Xolo Maridueña, starring in the upcoming standalone Blue Beetle movie, will continue to play his character in the revamped DCU. Gunn and producer Peter Safran’s decision to keep some elements, particularly specific actors and their roles, underscores their mission to balance the familiar with the new.

The next era of DC storytelling is ready to take off, with clear skies ahead for the future of the DC Universe, and it’s a journey we’re eager to embark on.