The DC Universe kicked off with a successful 2025, already delivering some unforgettable superhero moments. The announcement that James Gunn and Peter Safran would head the new DC cinematic universe was made in 2023, but 2025 marks its first official year, with three projects released. While the DCU's future is an ambitious one, it is off to a strong start.
2025 saw them bring DC's biggest icon, Superman, back to the big screen, while Gunn also showcased his love of quirkier characters with the animated series Creature Commandos. Also retconning season 2 of Peacemaker so that it would now exist as part of this new universe, the DCU is gradually building its own rich superhero universe.
There's plenty of excitement ahead, but these 2025 moments already made the DCU a success.
Season 2's credit sequence - Peacemaker
Given that Peacemaker was created by James Gunn, it's not surprising that he decided to officially fold it into the new DCU. While some things needed to change about the show, Gunn wisely kept the one fan-favorite aspect with the opening credits' dance number. However, fans were treated to a new song and elaborate dance for season 2.
Like the first season, this credit sequence features Peacemaker and the various characters featured in the series all performing a wild dance number with completely deadpanned expressions. The song "Oh Lord" by Foxy Shazam makes for a catchy tune and helps Peacemaker once again become one of the few shows where you never skip the intro.
Lois Lane interviews Clark Kent - Superman
Superman was a big test for the DCU, with James Gunn having to put his own stamp on perhaps the most iconic superhero of all time. While the movie delivered on the thrills fans of the genre expect, it also made some bold choices. For instance, within this summer blockbuster, Gunn includes an extended conversation scene between two characters that ends up being one of the most compelling moments.
With Clark Kent and Lois Lane already in a relationship, he decides to put aside his secret identity so Lois can interview Superman. It is a fun idea that ends up being a complex, revealing, and rich moment between these iconic characters. The moments of humor, tension, and genuine debate create these strong characters the cinematic universe can begin to be built off.
GI Robot's Backstory - Creature Commandos
After tackling Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, it felt uninspired for James Gunn to explore another misfit team of anti-heroes in Creature Commandos. However, the animated series ended up being a delightful, bombastic, and darkly comedic ride with some amazing new characters. One of the best parts was that each episode would highlight one of these "monsters" and their stories.
Perhaps the most entertaining character of them all was GI Robot, a robotic soldier who fought the Nazis in World War II. His flashback shows the joy and purpose he found in fighting alongside his fellow soldiers and searching for a place to belong when the war was done. However, this leads to the hilarious sequence in which GI is taken in by a new group, only to discover they are neo-Nazis. The bloody mayhem that ensues proves that Gunn and his team are willing to push boundaries.
Mister Terrific takes on Luthor's goons - Superman
Mister Terrific was likely the least well-known hero in Superman, but he has emerged as a fan-favorite already. In fact, despite this being a Superman movie, Mister Terrific lands the movie's best action sequence. As he and Lois infiltrate Lex Luthor's compound, Terrific uses his advanced tech to take out the hired goons with ease and coolness.
The camera work and use of music make this a classic James Gunn action sequence that is so much fun. It immediately cements Mister Terrific as a spectacular addition to the DCU while also showing how impressive he is without having any superpowers. He went from a little-known character to one fans will be eager to see return.
The Justice Gang steps in - Superman
Superman spent considerable time addressing the complexities of being a superhero in a world where good and evil are not so clear-cut. One subplot involves Superman trying to intervene as a powerful country threatens to invade their vulnerable neighbor. However, when Superman is preoccupied in the climax and unable to save the day, he gets to see that he's not the only hero in the world.
The Justice Gang makes a crowd-pleasing entrance, deciding that Superman was right to stand up for the little guys, no matter the complicated politics of it all. Green Lantern Guy Gardner is especially entertaining in the sequence, nonchalantly knocking aside tanks with a giant green middle finger.