James Gunn Compares DC’s Creature Commandos to Guardians of the Galaxy

James Gunn Compares DC's Creature Commandos to Guardians of the Galaxy

As a longtime comic book enthusiast and moviegoer who has witnessed the evolution of superhero franchises, I must say that James Gunn’s new animated series, Creature Commandos, is a refreshing blend of old-school charm and modern storytelling. Having been a fan of Gunn’s work since his days with the Guardians of the Galaxy, it’s clear to see the thematic similarities between these two oddball teams. However, as Gunn eloquently put it, the Creature Commandos are “Guardians without the sentimentality,” which makes for an intriguing and darker take on the superhero genre.


James Gunn’s new DC Universe will commence later this year with the animated series titled “Creature Commandos.” This team, comprised of detained supernatural beings, bears many resemblances to Gunn’s renowned cinematic superhero group, the Guardians of the Galaxy. However, according to the director, there is a significant distinction between these two groups. Derived from Task Force X (more commonly known as the Suicide Squad), the Creature Commandos represent Amanda Waller’s zombie team of anti-heroes.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly for promotion purposes, Gunn was questioned about the noticeable connections between the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Creature Commandos. The director acknowledged the thematic parallels, referring to both as “unconventional characters” or “moral gray area individuals.” However, Gunn emphasized that the main distinction between these two groups lies in their moral compasses. In other words, he suggested that while both teams may be unorthodox, they differ significantly in terms of their ethical standings.

I’m accustomed to handling unconventional individuals, whether they’re quirky or peculiar. That’s the essence of Guardians, while Creature Commandos is somewhat similar but without the emotional depth. Deep down, the Guardians are truly well-developed characters, unlike the creatures who may not always possess that quality.

James Gunn Explains How His New DC Studios Will Be Different From Marvel

James Gunn Compares DC's Creature Commandos to Guardians of the GalaxyJames Gunn Compares DC's Creature Commandos to Guardians of the GalaxyJames Gunn Compares DC's Creature Commandos to Guardians of the GalaxyJames Gunn Compares DC's Creature Commandos to Guardians of the Galaxy

As I pen this review, I find myself exhilarated by the fresh wave of excitement sweeping through the realm of DC Cinema. James Gunn and Peter Safran, now at the helm as co-CEOs of DC Studios, are spearheading a revolutionary transformation. They’ve taken it upon themselves to completely reshape the narrative timeline of the DC Universe, paving the way for a breathtaking new lineup of films and series that have been grouped under the captivating banner of the “Gods & Monsters” era.

In the interview, Gunn outlined the unique aspect of DC Comics compared to its main rival, Marvel. According to Gunn, DC Comics have a knack for presenting self-contained tales that coexist with their continuous, interwoven narratives. As Gunn and Safran redesign the DC Universe, stories not connected to this larger universe like Matt Reeves’ Batman world and Todd Phillips’ Joker-inspired series are still thriving independently (unlike Marvel).

What’s captivated me about DC Comics throughout the years is the balance they strike between consistent mainstay comics and unique, tonally distinct titles like ‘Watchmen’, ‘The Dark Knight Returns’, and ‘All-Star Superman’. This sets them apart from Marvel in a significant way. I aim to uphold this diversity within our studio, ensuring that each project reflects the individual vision of its creators.

It seems that James Gunn is successfully giving each project in his “Gods & Monsters” lineup its own unique spin, as evidenced by upcoming DCU projects. For example, there’s a horror-themed Swamp Thing movie, a Lanterns series inspired by True Detective, an uplifting Superman film, and a Paradise Lost show reminiscent of Game of Thrones. In line with the spirit of DC Comics, Gunn recently revamped the DC Studios logo, replacing the previous dark and moody design with a vibrant and bold one, inspired by the original DC Comics logo.

After the introduction of the Creature Commandos this December, the DC Universe is set to launch its initial full-length film, James Gunn’s unique take on Superman. Gunn has shared with fans that he completed filming a year prior to its scheduled release, providing ample time for the visual effects artists to perfect their work.

Creature Commandos
streams exclusively on Max, starting on December 5.

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2024-09-06 20:35