DC Studios co-head James Gunn has revealed major new details about the future of the DC Universe, including Batman’s casting, Harley Quinn’s return, the Joker’s status, and the fate of several Suicide Squad characters.
During a special episode of The Suicide Squad official podcast, Gunn joined Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee for an extensive discussion about the future of DC Studios.
What began as a conversation about the movie’s place in DCU continuity quickly turned into a treasure trove of revelations.
Gunn addressed the upcoming Batman casting, David Corenswet’s Superman, Margot Robbie’s uncertain future as Harley Quinn, and the introduction of the Joker.
He also discussed the possible returns of Idris Elba’s Bloodsport, Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, and other familiar characters.
Perhaps the biggest surprise involved a major decision about The Suicide Squad and its official place within the DCU.
Here are the biggest revelations from Gunn’s conversation and what they mean for the future of DC Studios.
DCU Batman Casting Is Getting Closer, With Superman’s Age Playing a Major Role
One of the biggest revelations involved the DCU’s upcoming Batman.
Gunn confirmed the Dark Knight has not been cast, directly dismissing speculation surrounding the character’s rumored appearances.
“It won’t be too long before we’re casting, you know, Batman, who isn’t cast yet, by the way,” Gunn explained.
He also made it clear that Batman casting is approaching, although he stopped short of announcing a specific timeline.
Gunn expressed excitement about finding an actor who can bring something special to Bruce Wayne.
“One of the things that excites me about casting Batman is being able to, you know, pick a Batman who’s actually the best actor for that role.”
He explained that previous Batman casting decisions have frequently prioritized established movie stars rather than simply finding the best performer.
Age will also play an important role in the selection process, especially considering the long-term nature of DC Studios’ plans.
Gunn acknowledged the importance of casting someone who can continue playing Batman for years.
Perhaps his biggest revelation involved Batman’s relationship with David Corenswet’s Superman.
“Roughly, Batman and Superman are around the same age. I don’t think that they’re drastically different ages. They’re future best pals.”
The revelation suggests Gunn wants two heroes who can grow alongside each other throughout the DCU.
Rather than introducing a significantly older Batman, the filmmaker envisions Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent as contemporaries.
Gunn also reaffirmed that Matt Reeves’ Batman universe remains separate from the main DCU.
Robert Pattinson’s Dark Knight will continue existing within the Elseworlds continuity, leaving room for another actor to become the DCU’s Batman.
Harley Quinn Is Almost Certain to Return, but Margot Robbie Holds the Key
Gunn delivered one of his strongest statements yet about Harley Quinn’s future.
The filmmaker confirmed that he intends to use the character again, although Margot Robbie’s involvement remains uncertain.
“Harley is a character I’m almost certainly going to use in the DCU. And if Margot wants to play her, then I’ll bend over backward to explain that in the world.”
Gunn praised Robbie’s performance in The Suicide Squad, expressing his admiration for her talent and the character she helped bring to life.
However, he admitted he does not know whether the actress wants to return.
“I don’t know where Margot’s head is with all of this.”
Gunn explained that Robbie’s decision could significantly influence Harley Quinn’s history within the new continuity.
If she returns, he would work to preserve the character’s established story.
If Robbie chooses not to reprise the role, Gunn could introduce a new actress without maintaining every detail from the previous movies.
“Then I might go with somebody else where I don’t have to be attached to what happens to Harley in this movie.”
Gunn also emphasized the importance of Harley’s troubled relationship with the Joker.
He believes her abusive relationship with a man far more evil than herself remains an essential part of her origin.
While Harley Quinn’s return sounds increasingly likely, her casting remains unresolved.
The Joker Has Not Been Established in the DCU
Another major revelation involved Batman’s most iconic enemy.
Despite Batman already existing within the DCU, Gunn confirmed that the Joker’s place in the franchise remains undefined.
“We definitely haven’t established the Joker yet in the DCU at all. We’ve established Batman. We’ve already seen that he exists.”
Gunn pointed to Batman’s brief appearance in Creature Commandos as confirmation that the character exists.
However, he explained that the Joker has not received the same treatment.
“We’ve seen him in Creature Commandos for a glimpse, but we don’t know if Joker exists yet.”
The revelation becomes especially important when discussing Harley Quinn’s past.
Although The Suicide Squad references Harley’s former boyfriend, Gunn pointed out that the movie never explicitly names the Joker.
This gives DC Studios considerable freedom when developing Harley’s origin and introducing Batman’s greatest enemy.
Gunn did not announce plans for a Joker appearance, casting decision, or standalone project.
For now, the Clown Prince of Crime remains one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the new DCU.
The Suicide Squad Is Officially the First Canon DCU Movie
Gunn finally settled one of the most debated questions surrounding his version of the DC Universe.
His 2021 movie The Suicide Squad is officially canon.
“Not only is The Suicide Squad canon, but it’s the first canon film in the DCU.”
The declaration is especially significant because Gunn previously described the movie as something resembling a rough memory of events.
After reviewing the film and discussing potential continuity problems with Holland and Agee, Gunn concluded that the story fits within the DCU.
“That settles it then. I think that The Suicide Squad is within the canon of the DCU. It’s decided.”
The decision means major events from the film officially happened in the new universe.
These include Rick Flag Jr.’s death, the battle against Starro, and the actions of Amanda Waller’s Task Force X.
Gunn acknowledged that some continuity details may require flexibility, particularly Harley Quinn’s history.
However, he believes most of the movie works without significant changes.
The announcement also establishes The Suicide Squad as an earlier chapter in the franchise’s continuity.
While Creature Commandos and Superman helped launch the new DCU, Gunn’s earlier movie now officially belongs to its history.
Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller Still Has a Future Despite Her Spinoff’s Uncertain Status
Another major revelation involved Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller.
Gunn confirmed that he still has plans for the character, provided Davis wants to return.
“Yeah, I have plans for Waller if Viola would like to continue. We know what’s happening with her.”
He also provided an update on the long-discussed Waller television series.
“We were strongly developing a Waller show that we never greenlit because it just didn’t get to where it wanted to be.”
Although the project failed to receive approval, Gunn explained that it has not necessarily been abandoned.
Waller’s position within the DCU has already changed dramatically following Peacemaker.
After Leota Adebayo exposed her mother’s activities, Waller lost control of ARGUS.
Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. subsequently assumed leadership of the organization.
With Flag overseeing ARGUS and developing the mysterious Salvation operation, Waller’s eventual return could have significant consequences.
Gunn did not reveal whether Davis would return in a movie, television series, or another DCU project.
However, his comments suggest Amanda Waller remains an important character in the franchise’s future.
Idris Elba’s Bloodsport Could Return, and His Attack on Superman May Have Happened
Gunn also discussed bringing Idris Elba back as Bloodsport.
The character served as one of the central figures in The Suicide Squad, and Gunn remains interested in exploring him further.
“I like Bloodsport so much, I’d like to see the character return.”
He also expressed enthusiasm about working with Elba again, whether through Bloodsport or another DC role.
However, the biggest revelation involved Bloodsport’s connection to Superman.
In The Suicide Squad, Robert DuBois was imprisoned after shooting Superman with a kryptonite bullet.
With David Corenswet now portraying the Man of Steel, fans have questioned whether the incident could remain canon.
Gunn believes it could.
“I think it’s sort of interesting if Bloodsport took down David Corenswet’s Superman with a kryptonite bullet. It doesn’t bother me. I think it could have happened.”
He explained that an unexpected shooting would not necessarily contradict Superman’s first defeat in battle during his 2025 movie.
The timeline would require some adjustments, potentially placing The Suicide Squad around 2023 or 2024.
Although Gunn did not definitively confirm the attack happened, he made clear that it would not prevent the movie from being canon.
The revelation opens the possibility that Elba’s Bloodsport already has a significant history with Corenswet’s Superman.
Deadshot Could Eventually Join James Gunn’s DC Universe
Another intriguing revelation involved Deadshot, previously portrayed by Will Smith in David Ayer’s 2016 Suicide Squad.
Gunn confirmed that he wants the opportunity to use the character in the new DCU.
He explained that making the original Suicide Squad movie canon would introduce unnecessary complications.
The film includes Ben Affleck’s Batman and several other established DCEU characters.
Gunn specifically mentioned how those connections could limit his storytelling options.
“We can never use Deadshot, which I would like to be able to use that character at some point.”
His comments confirm an interest in bringing the deadly assassin into the franchise.
However, Gunn did not announce an upcoming appearance or reveal whether Smith could return.
Deadshot remains a potential addition rather than a confirmed future project.
King Shark Will Return in Creature Commandos Season 2
One of the clearest announcements involved King Shark.
Gunn confirmed that the fan-favorite character will return as a regular character in Creature Commandos Season 2.
“One of the characters in Creature Commandos, as set up at the end of the last season, is King Shark.”
Gunn also confirmed the animated series is already in production.
“So he’ll be a regular in Creature Commandos Season 2.”
According to Gunn, the second season is expected to arrive shortly after Man of Tomorrow, which takes place in 2027.
King Shark previously appeared in The Suicide Squad, with Sylvester Stallone providing his voice and Steve Agee performing on set.
His return continues the character’s journey within the new DCU.
However, Gunn did not confirm whether King Shark would also return in live action.
The announcement makes him one of the returning characters with an officially identified upcoming project.
Ratcatcher 2 Could Return Alongside Other Suicide Squad Survivors
Gunn also expressed interest in bringing Daniela Melchior back as Ratcatcher 2.
The character became one of the emotional highlights of The Suicide Squad, particularly through her relationship with Bloodsport.
“I would love to see Ratcatcher again,” Gunn explained.
However, he stopped short of confirming a specific project.
Gunn also suggested he would be interested in casting Melchior as another DC character if Ratcatcher 2 does not return.
His comments leave the door open for several surviving members of Task Force X to appear again.
With The Suicide Squad officially canon, those characters already have established histories within the new universe.
Death Will Have Lasting Consequences Across the DCU
Gunn also established an important rule for the franchise’s future.
Major character deaths will have lasting consequences.
When asked whether Jai Courtney’s Captain Boomerang could return following his death in The Suicide Squad, Gunn rejected the idea of simply resurrecting him.
“We also have the rule in the DCU that if you die, you die.”
Although comic book storytelling allows for unusual exceptions, Gunn does not want to undermine meaningful character deaths.
“Death means something in the DCU. It doesn’t mean the characters can just come back.”
The rule reinforces the consequences of Rick Flag Jr.’s death, which remains central to Peacemaker and Rick Flag Sr.’s story.
Gunn clarified that alternate-universe versions of characters are different individuals, allowing familiar actors to return without reversing established events.
The creative decision suggests future DCU stories will take character deaths seriously.
What James Gunn’s Latest Revelations Mean for the Future of the DCU
Gunn’s latest comments provide one of the clearest looks yet at where DC Studios is heading.
Batman casting is approaching, with Gunn envisioning a Dark Knight close in age to David Corenswet’s Superman.
Harley Quinn is almost certain to return, although Margot Robbie’s involvement remains undecided.
The Joker has not been established, leaving one of Batman’s greatest enemies open for a future introduction.
Meanwhile, Amanda Waller remains part of Gunn’s plans, King Shark has a confirmed return in Creature Commandos Season 2, and Bloodsport, Deadshot, and Ratcatcher 2 remain possibilities.
The decision to officially make The Suicide Squad canon also provides an important foundation for future stories.
Rather than abandoning every connection to the previous DC era, Gunn is preserving significant events while allowing room for new interpretations.
With Man of Tomorrow, Batman’s eventual introduction, and several major characters still waiting to enter the franchise, the DCU continues taking shape.
Gunn may not have revealed every secret, but his latest comments offer plenty of reasons for DC fans to pay attention.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
