DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has provided the first official update on the future of the Flash within the new DC Universe (DCU), confirming that while the character will appear eventually, fans should not expect his debut soon. This update comes ahead of Peacemaker Season 2 and follows the conclusion of previous Flash portrayals, including Grant Gustin’s Barry Allen from the Arrowverse and Ezra Miller’s Flash from the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), both of which ended in 2023.
The DCU launched its shared universe initially on television with Creature Commandos and made a significant impact on the big screen by introducing David Corenswet as Superman. Alongside this, the first DCU Flash appeared subtly in the form of Max Mercury, featured in a mural of the Justice Society inside the Hall of Justice. James Gunn’s recent comments shed light on the current status and future of Flash in this evolving universe.
James Gunn’s Insight on Flash and Wonder Woman’s Current Status
In Episode 6 of Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, Gunn was questioned about whether Wonder Woman and Flash exist within the timeline of Peacemaker’s first season. He responded with cautious ambiguity, stating those heroes are mentioned but it remains unclear if they are considered canon at this stage.
“Wonder Woman and Flash are mentioned in [Peacemaker’s classroom scene in Season 1, Episode 6] by the kids.” —Steve Agee
“Yeah, are they canon? I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see. I mean, they’ll exist eventually. Whether they exist now, I don’t know.” —James Gunn
This exchange marks Gunn’s first confirmed remarks about the DCU’s Flash, clarifying that the version of Flash portrayed by Ezra Miller, who appeared in Peacemaker’s Season 1 finale, is not part of the current DCU canon. This aligns with earlier announcements separating DCEU continuity from the new DCU timeline.
The mention of Wonder Woman also offers clues about her role moving forward, suggesting she will not be an established, older hero as previously seen in the DCEU. Gunn and DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran are reportedly developing a new Wonder Woman film, further underscoring the character’s fresh direction within the universe.
Timeline for Flash’s Debut and DCU’s Future Plans
The exact timing for the DCU’s Flash introduction remains uncertain, but James Gunn has stated that neither Flash nor Aquaman will appear in the DCU for at least the next two years. This delay seems strategic, given that Aquaman and The Flash were the last DCEU films released, and the DCU aims to shift focus toward other characters during this period.
This gradual rollout is also part of the broader plan to eventually form the DCU’s Justice League. Gunn’s assurance that Flash, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman will exist in the DCU provides hope that those classic heroes will surface in due course. Until then, some projects may offer subtle references or glimpses of these heroes, similar to Creature Commandos’ animated introduction of Batman.
The Flash is a critical figure in the DCU narrative, not only because of his link to the Speed Force and time travel but also due to his involvement in pivotal storylines like Crisis on Infinite Earths. It is reasonable to conclude that Gunn has long-term plans for integrating Flash into the DCU’s core mythology, even if those plans will be realized over time rather than immediately.
What Fans Can Expect from Peacemaker Season 2
Peacemaker Season 2 continues to bring back fan favorites such as John Cena, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, and Danielle Brooks. The new season is scheduled for release on HBO Max on August 21, 2025, and remains a key part of DC Studios’ content offering as the DCU expands its reach.
