James Gunn refutes claim that certain characters are too niche for the DC Universe

The anticipation for James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe has been steadily growing for over a year. While the official launch of the multimedia franchise has yet to happen, it will kick off with the premiere of the new Gunn-created animated Suicide Squad spin-off TV series, Creature Commandos, on December 5 on Max. Despite this exciting development, Gunn has been facing criticism from some comic book readers and superhero fans, and he is not shying away from addressing these concerns.

In response to a fan’s comment on Threads suggesting that Gunn is catering only to hardcore comic book readers with projects like Sgt. Rock and Swamp Thing, Gunn defended his choices. He emphasized the popularity and significance of characters like Swamp Thing, stating that the character has a rich history in comics, successful film adaptations, and a TV show, making him a well-known figure in the DC Universe.

Gunn also explained his decision to skip retelling Batman and Superman’s origin stories, pointing out that these iconic characters are already widely known. As a filmmaker who successfully brought lesser-known comic book characters to the forefront with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Gunn is no stranger to introducing new faces to audiences.

DC Studios currently has a mix of projects in development, ranging from obscure characters like Creature Commandos and The Authority to well-known figures like Superman and Swamp Thing. Gunn and Safran seem to be balancing the lineup with a variety of heroes and villains, including upcoming movies centered on the Teen Titans and Batman villains like Bane and Deathstroke.

While it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to the diversity of characters in the DC Universe, it’s clear that Gunn and Safran are aiming to create a balanced mix of both niche and popular figures. Only time will tell if their approach will resonate with viewers, but it’s a strategy that holds promise for the future of the franchise.