James Gunn clarified recent remarks about the connection between Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods (Shazam! 2) within the DC Universe (DCU). Despite both films featuring cameos from Peacemaker characters, Gunn confirmed that neither movie is considered canon to the newly established DCU at DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures.
Gunn expressed this plainly, stating,
“They’re not canon! I hate it!”
—James Gunn, Director and DC Studios Co-Head
This statement led to some misunderstandings, with fans assuming Gunn was criticizing the movies themselves. However, Gunn took to Threads to clarify his exact meaning.
Clarifying Misconceptions About His Comments
James Gunn explained that his dislike was not directed at Black Adam or Shazam! Fury of the Gods overall, but at how the Peacemaker-related characters, particularly the “11th Street Kids,” were integrated into those stories. He wrote,
“This is the kind of nonsense you have to look out for in these posts. I never said I hated either of those films – I said I didn’t like the way the 11th Street Kids were included, as I don’t think Harcourt was ever the warden of an underwater prison, and I don’t think Waller had anything to do with the Justice Society.”
—James Gunn, Director and DC Studios Co-Head
His remarks highlight Gunnar’s creative vision for the evolving DCU continuity and his careful consideration of character roles from prior projects like Peacemaker, which he also directs.
Context of DC Universe Development and Upcoming Releases
James Gunn and Peter Safran launched the DCU in December 2024, starting with the animated series Creature Commandos. This initiative introduced a fresh continuity, followed by Gunn’s Superman film, with Peacemaker Season 2 set to release on HBO Max in August 2025. Other new titles such as Lanterns, Clayface, and Supergirl are planned for 2024, marking a new phase distinct from the previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
The DCEU, which began with 2013’s Man of Steel and concluded with 2023’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, included several projects Gunn contributed to, like The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1. Now, Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods remain part of that older continuity but do not align with the current DCU storyline as defined by Gunn and Safran.
What This Means for Fans and the Future of DC Stories
This clarification confirms that while characters and actors may appear across different films and shows, the creative team distinguishes the DCU’s canon carefully. Fans should expect Peacemaker Season 2 and upcoming projects to follow the new DCU’s storyline, which separates itself from previous works like Black Adam and Shazam! 2. This separation emphasizes the evolving direction under Gunn and Safran’s leadership at DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures, setting a distinct foundation for future stories and characters.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer remains important to him. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
Q. What religion is James Gunn?
A. The redesigned, CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog in Gunn’s 2025 Superman adaptation took inspiration from Ozu. Raised in a Catholic family, Gunn talks about how prayer remains significant in his life. However, he also describes himself as “in some ways, anti-religion.”
