Despite James Wan’s Aquaman becoming the highest-grossing film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) with $1.15 billion worldwide, director James Gunn has confirmed that this success will not carry over into the new DC Universe (DCU) continuity. On the premiere episode of Peacemaker: The Official Podcast with James Gunn, Gunn explained that Aquaman is not part of the DCU canon, clarifying fans’ confusion about which stories fit into the current universe.
In the first episode of the podcast, there is a lighthearted exchange between Peacemaker and hospital janitor Jamil about Aquaman. However, Gunn noted that this segment is the only part of that episode which is not considered canonical within the DCU.
Gunn’s Commentary on Aquaman’s Canonical Status
Regarding Aquaman’s inclusion, Gunn stated,
“Is Aquaman canon? We don’t know, but I don’t think Aquaman is canon,”
and further clarified,
“It’s unlikely that Aquaman is a famous hero in the DCU as Superman and Peacemaker Season 2 is happening.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios President
At the time of his statement, the video of this podcast episode was made private and is no longer publicly available, which adds to the scarcity of official clarification on the topic.
Separation Between DCEU and DCU in Storytelling
James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad and the first season of Peacemaker exist within the DCEU framework, while Peacemaker Season 2 is firmly part of the newly established DCU. This clear distinction has led Gunn to address ongoing confusion among fans regarding which films and series belong to each universe.
Gunn has also verified that other DCEU films, including Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods—which featured Peacemaker characters Emilia Harcourt and John Economos—are not considered part of DCU canon. The podcast has become a platform for Gunn to walk viewers through the transition and explain these choices as he revisits Peacemaker Season 1 in detail.
Future Plans for Justice League Members in the DCU
While metahumans in the DCU have been active for three centuries before Superman’s arrival, Gunn indicated fans will need patience before seeing major Justice League figures such as The Flash and Aquaman reappear. He has outlined a plan that places these characters’ DCU introductions at least a few years into the future, separate from their 2023 solo outings in the DCEU.
The Reasoning Behind the DCU’s Fresh Start
The DCU was created to provide a fresh, cohesive universe following the unpredictable run of the DCEU. Given this goal, it is unsurprising that Aquaman is excluded from the new continuity. Incorporating Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Arthur Curry while excluding other DCEU heroes would have caused inconsistencies, especially considering casting changes for key characters.
For instance, Gal Gadot is not slated to return for the DCU’s inaugural Wonder Woman film; a new actor will portray Batman in The Brave and the Bold, and David Corenswet has been cast as Superman. Additionally, Momoa now stars as the cosmic bounty hunter Lobo in the DCU’s upcoming Supergirl movie, further reinforcing this reset approach.
Box Office Performance and Its Impact on Canon Decisions
Though the first Aquaman film was a massive hit, its sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, earned only $440.2 million against a $200-215 million budget and received poorer reviews. This decline in commercial success and critical reception may have influenced the decision not to integrate Aquaman into the DCU storyline.
In contrast, some franchises have successfully transitioned into new cinematic universes. The Deadpool series, for example, started as a standalone within 20th Century Fox’s X-Men films and later was folded into the Marvel Cinematic Universe following Disney’s acquisition of Fox. That transition worked partly because audiences embraced Deadpool’s existing characterization. For Aquaman, rebooting after a few years represents a cleaner, more strategic creative direction.
Clear Distinction Between Universes for Fans and Storylines
James Gunn’s Peacemaker and his stewardship of the DCU emphasize differentiating which stories belong to which universe. By setting clear boundaries around the canon, Gunn helps fans understand that not every past DC film will influence new narratives.
What This Means for the DCU Moving Forward
The decision to separate Aquaman and other DCEU films from DCU canon reflects a broader strategy to reimagine and unify the DC franchise under Gunn and Safran’s leadership. This reset permits fresh storytelling possibilities and new character interpretations without being restricted by prior continuity.
As the DCU gradually introduces fan-favorite heroes in the coming years, audiences can expect a distinct cinematic experience shaped by this clean slate approach, with new actors, narratives, and creative visions guiding the franchise’s future.
