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- What Is DCU Canon Is Important
- A Rich DC History in ‘Creature Commandos‘
- Circe Is an Amazon, Setting up ‘Paradise Lost’
- Sgt. Rock in the DCU
- Rick Flag Sr. Likely Has It Out for Peacemaker
- Has the Conflict for ‘Superman’ Been Revealed?
As a seasoned comic book enthusiast and film critic hailing from the bustling city of Metropolis itself, I must say that the DC Universe has finally found its footing with the captivating debut of “Creature Commandos”. Having grown up with Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman as my childhood heroes, it’s a delight to witness this fresh take on their interconnected world.
Back in 2024, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the unconventional beginning of the DCU. Unlike previous cinematic universes that kicked off with blockbuster films featuring well-known characters such as Iron Man, Superman, or Godzilla, James Gunn opted for a fresh approach. He launched his new shared universe by creating an adult-rated animated television series centered around a relatively unknown property, the Creature Commandos. This series has already garnered praise from both critics and fans, suggesting that the franchise is off to a promising start. Interestingly enough, the show is littered with subtle nods and references hinting at a larger DC Universe that Gunn intends to expand upon in the future.
The fact that Creature Commandos was given the green light came with the understanding that it would serve as an introduction to a common universe, marking its place as a starting point for this franchise. Unlike Man of Steel initiating the DCEU or Iron Man commencing the MCU, neither film were guaranteed to be part of a larger universe at the time; they functioned more as standalone entries with subtle hints about a broader world, much like other comic book movies that were further developed later. In simpler terms, Creature Commandos immerses viewers into this new superhero universe, while primarily focusing on a self-contained story, it also provides enough clues and hints to suggest where the franchise may be heading next in the DCU. Here are some of the most significant signs pointing towards the future developments following Creature Commandos.
What Is DCU Canon Is Important
In the opening of the first episode of “Creature Commandos”, viewers are provided with some background information on the DC Universe. A reference is made to Amanda Waller’s daughter, who exposed her operations related to Task Force X, a plot point from the Season 1 finale of “Peacemaker”. Later, during the discussion about The Weasel, Amanda Waller discloses that this character was one of the rare survivors from the “Project Starfish” incident. This information brings a somber moment as Rick Flag Sr., whose son, Rick Flag Jr., perished on that mission in “The Suicide Squad”, lowers his head upon hearing it. The death of Rick Flag Jr. is revisited later in the episode when Rick Flag Sr. shares this personal loss with Princess Ilana Rostovic.
It’s confirmed that the stories of “The Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker” fall under James Gunn’s version of the DC Universe, but it doesn’t automatically mean that the rest of the DCEU is included. Characters like Harley Quinn, Amanda Waller, Rick Flag Jr., and Captain Boomerang reappear in “The Suicide Squad,” but the film doesn’t explicitly reference events from the 2016 version. This means “The Suicide Squad” can fit seamlessly into the DCU without any problems, and the only link between the two “Suicide Squad” films is that they share the same actors. It’s significant because certain scenes in “Creature Commandos” suggest some major shifts within this DC Universe.
A Rich DC History in ‘Creature Commandos’
In “Creature Commandos,” you’re immediately plunged into the heart of the action, where a group of monstrous beings, previously held captive by Amanda Waller and now part of Task Force M (also known as The Creature Commandos), find themselves in new roles. “Episode Two: The Tourmaline Necklace” delves into the backstory of a character named The Bride, crafted by Victor Frankenstein in 1831 upon the request of Eric Frankenstein. Interestingly, The Bride spurns Eric’s affection but develops feelings for Victor himself.
In this scenario, the anger that overtakes Eric results in him taking Victor’s life, sparking a chase spanning centuries as Eric Frankenstein persistently follows the Bride, who continually manages to evade him. The intriguing backstory of these characters offers ample opportunities for DCU creators to introduce them into stories set in various time periods. For instance, they might be depicted surviving the Titanic disaster, engaging in battles during World War II, and adopting the trendy fashion styles of the 1960s.
As a passionate filmgoer, I can’t wait for upcoming episodes delving into the backstories of other characters, offering an intricate tapestry of the DC Universe’s history. This narrative thread promises to establish the roots of the Creature Commandos, setting the stage for their connection with future character origins. The trailers hint that Will Magnus, creator of the Metal Men, will play a significant role in shaping G.I. Robot’s past. The unique positioning of the Creature Commandos as peripheral characters offers us a captivating perspective to peek into diverse corners of the DC Universe and gain a comprehensive understanding of its history.
Circe Is an Amazon, Setting up ‘Paradise Lost’
One of the projects James Gunn announced during his DCU Chapter One – Gods and Monsters plan was a streaming series titled Paradise Lost. The series was described as a prequel before the birth of Wonder Woman that would explore the politics and history behind the Amazons and their homeworld, Themyscira. Little information has been revealed about the project since then, but Creature Commandos might have set up the series in a big way. Circe, voiced by Anya Chalotra, is established at the beginning of Creature Commandos as a rogue Amazonian sorceress. Notably, the news broadcast revealing Circe’s attack on the nation of Pokolistan says she “claims to be the rightful heir to the throne of the mythical, perhaps real all-female island-nation of Themyscira.”
There are a few details to pour over there. The first is that Circe claims to be the true heir to the throne of Themyscira, which could be a storyline that unfolds in Paradise Lost. With the DCU set to have actors both voice and portray their characters in live-action, it seems like Anya Chalotra’s Circe will have a part to play in the upcoming Max series.
It’s interesting to note that while discussions about Amazon and Themyscira abound, neither the news station nor Amanda Waller mention Wonder Woman. In the DCEU, it remains uncertain if the wider world is aware of Wonder Woman’s island home of Amazons. However, a clue suggesting they do know comes from Shazam! Fury of the Gods, where Shazam appears to recognize that Diana is a demi-goddess. This could imply that post-Justice League, details about Wonder Woman’s origin and home are disclosed. If this is true, the continued mythology surrounding Themyscira in relation to Wonder Woman movies suggests that these films may not be part of the DCU and will not influence Paradise Lost.
In light of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s decision to scrap Patty Jenkins’s planned Wonder Woman 3, and with Gal Gadot unlikely to reprise her role, an intriguing twist has arisen in the new DC Universe. At present, there seems to be no active Wonder Woman character. As various DCU projects like Creature Commandos, Superman, and Lanterns appear to bypass superhero origin stories, it leaves us wondering how they will introduce or reintroduce Wonder Woman. Will the DCU retell her origin anew or will they have her debut already established in a future project? In essence, Creature Commandos sets forth numerous questions about this universe within its first minute.
Sgt. Rock in the DCU
In a recent development, it’s been announced that director Luca Guadagnino and actor Daniel Craig will be teaming up again following their work on “Queer” for an adaptation of DC Comics’ “Sgt. Rock.” Sgt. Rock is a World War II character who has long been sought to bring to the silver screen, with directors like Guy Ritchie and Francis Lawrence having previously attempted this. The trailers for “Creature Commandos” seem to suggest that Sgt. Rock will make an appearance, as part of his combat unit, Easy Company – a group that G.I. Robot also fought alongside in the past.
The upcoming series is expected to delve deeper into G.I. Robot’s background, including his time serving with Easy Company. It might also offer hints about what viewers can expect in the Sgt. Rock series. G.I. Robot may make an appearance in the proposed Sgt. Rock film, although some find it unusual given Guadagino’s style. The presence of both G.I. Robot and Eric Frankenstein within the same episode suggests that the DCU’s portrayal of World War II includes metahumans and advanced individuals fighting alongside regular soldiers. This could imply that Sgt. Rock will be a unique kind of war film.
Rick Flag Sr. Likely Has It Out for Peacemaker
Over the course of only two episodes of Creature Commandos, the show effectively develops the bond and emotions between Rick Flag Sr. and his son. It is revealed that Rick Flag Sr. became a father at the age of 16, which allows for 59-year-old Frank Grillo to portray the father of 45-year-old Joel Kinnaman. Throughout the series, it’s clear that Rick Flag Sr. held his son in high regard, and his passing appears to have had a profound effect on him.
The return of Peacemaker in Season 2 brings increased tension, as John Cena’s character, Rick Flag Sr., has been confirmed to appear. Given that Peacemaker was responsible for the death of Rick Flag Jr., the upcoming season promises an intriguing exploration of this dynamic. It is possible that Rick Flag Sr. remains unaware of the truth behind his son’s demise in Corto Maltese, or the identity of his killer. He may believe his son perished on the mission, but not at Peacemaker’s hands. The guilt Peacemaker feels over his actions could lead to a revelation to Rick Flag Sr., or he might uncover the truth independently. Regardless, it seems a confrontation between Peacemaker and Rick Flag Sr. is imminent, with potentially lethal consequences for one of them.
Has the Conflict for ‘Superman’ Been Revealed?
The film “Creature Commandos” marks the beginning of the DCU, but it’s “Superman” that truly kicks off this new universe. This fresh interpretation of DC characters and villains is eagerly awaited by fans worldwide in 2025. However, details about the movie’s storyline remain scarce. Notably, Nicholas Hoult portrays Lex Luthor in this production, but no other main antagonist has been officially announced yet. This leaves many speculating how this Superman film will differ from previous Lex Luthor-centric stories like “Superman: The Movie”, “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace”, and “Superman: Returns”.
In the debut of “Creature Commandos,” it’s made clear that Circe maintains a force, referred to as “The Sons of Themyscira.” This squad appears to be modeled on internet bullies and the alt-right movement, with symbols and arguments reminiscent of contemporary discussions. Notably, this is the same faction responsible for James Gunn’s dismissal from Marvel Studios during the production of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” This unexpected turn led him to direct “The Suicide Squad” instead, and later he was reappointed to complete his “Guardians of the Galaxy” series and serve as co-head of DC Studios.
It’s possible that Superman might find himself not only engaging Lex Luthor in a physical conflict but also waging a battle of ideologies among the general public. Lex Luthor could exploit the masses, portraying Superman as an untrustworthy entity to fear and stirring up their baser instincts through false information. This narrative might align well with Clark Kent’s profession as a reporter, where he will strive to maintain truthfulness in an era characterized by brief and attention-grabbing news headlines.
In simpler terms, Superman may strive to prove his capabilities for improvement and uphold faith in humanity’s goodness. The Creature Commandos series could imply that Superman dives into the complexities of American politics in 2025, redefining what “Truth, Justice, and The American Way” stands for today. With only two episodes aired so far, one can only imagine the intriguing insights and hints that await fans as the season progresses. Creature Commandos is currently available on Max for streaming.
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2024-12-17 02:02