James Gunn's DCU Reboot: How the Past (DCEU) Becomes the Present!
James Gunn's DCU Masterplan: Making DCEU Canon Work
The new DC Universe (DCU) is almost here, kicking off in less than two months. DC Studios' James Gunn however addressed a big issue concerning how this relaunch could incorporate earlier DC Expanded Universe (DCEU) elements without breaking continuity. There is the challenge: How does that fresh start make all that prior DCEU stuff work within the overall story? Gunn's clarification came at New York Comic Con where Gunn spoke with various journalists to talk about what to expect within DC Universe Chapter 1: "Gods and Monsters" – and we’ll see that while it mostly represents a huge and unprecedented reset, those hints that something could survive the reboots were discussed. The fact is, Gunn clarified some ambiguities – but added some additional details which make this even more complex to truly discuss!
For example: Peacemaker season 2 is carrying forward into the DCU from the HBO Max series— showing that continuity might just survive across franchises. So what happens? This whole question regarding continuity is what Gunn addressed: "We learn that other things that have happened in the past in other media have still happened. There are references to things that happened in the past. And those references then become canon in the DCU because we mention them."
Decoding Gunn's Words: A Subtle Approach to Canon
That statement means the DCU is not going to completely retcon every DCEU element. There’s a selection process here. That statement demonstrates an intention – creating canon continuity using the subtle yet extremely clever methods to convey existing plot points; and bringing that past into this new reality without overdoing things, using references sparingly and integrating some very specific narrative elements. That subtle inclusion creates the sense of continuity. The fact is; most DCEU plots simply will not really matter. A smart choice: Avoiding overwhelming changes, choosing continuity based only upon elements that genuinely could carry forward with some sort of logical reasoning!
For instance, characters who worked extremely well like Viola Davis' Amanda Waller (in her Waller series) is highly likely to retain the majority of her DCEU history; making this specific continuity incredibly smooth. The same cannot be said for others.
Here are additional details for better comprehension: It seems clear this is intended to work specifically around lesser-known DC characters like Weasel or Rick Flag Jr. This suggests those more major plotlines regarding heroes might mostly get completely ignored and ultimately unused; something which would’ve completely and irrevocably harmed the ability of building this new franchise from the ground up. The massive scope and reimagining suggests these choices were deliberate attempts to carefully develop and rebuild from existing continuity which many DC fans already associate those iconic heroes.
Gunn's DCU Vision: A Fresh Start with Carefully Chosen References
Let’s be absolutely certain what's NOT being carried forward. None of the Justice League actors from those previous DCEU movies are returning for this DCU relaunch, this point shows deliberate attempts to restart this franchise. The inclusion or even existence of those related DCU counterparts to previous heroes is not addressed directly; suggesting many more unanswered questions which require far more examination; further making many other plots entirely uncertain which should give everyone interested more things to really think about, considering everything currently known and stated.
The overall message? A fresh start and it really will make it easy to forget all the complicated plots from before. It's easier this way; creating a brand-new path for existing and also newly created heroes! That Creature Commandos debut in December will definitely clarify additional points! Many answers however remain uncertain. Only time and more detailed updates later will confirm additional points and further elaborate those creative design decisions being undertaken within that DCU master plan. Expect an incredibly amazing yet unpredictable and evolving storytelling process over the coming years, showing yet again that restarting franchises from the ground up remains a successful storytelling and audience-building strategy!
Conclusion: The DCU’s Selective Memory!
Gunn's DCU approach: Selective memory. Most of the DCEU gets erased; some elements survive by simply being named. This leaves behind many unanswered questions! It gives Gunn total freedom in rebooting that vast universe while maintaining some vague but still effective level of continuity; and it is this approach and level of thoughtfulness in these early choices and development choices that made audiences curious about future productions and this brand-new, upcoming DCU! It makes this exciting yet surprising reset far more intriguing for various audiences. Only the upcoming future installments will add answers which audiences continue to curiously await and eagerly anticipate. Those careful decisions really emphasize the potential inherent in these deliberate choices that made the new DCU approach unique and exciting.
