James Gunn’s DCU direction is revealing a more complex and unexpected path following the Superman movie release. With the debut of Peacemaker season 2, starring John Cena, the storyline introduces the exploration of alternate dimensions and hints at a larger, interconnected DC Universe narrative that expands beyond traditional heroics.
Growing Distrust of Metahumans Shapes the Early DC Universe
In the latest Superman film by James Gunn, Lex Luthor manipulates public fears around metahumans to turn sentiment against Superman. He manages to secure government approval for PlanetWatch, a program designed to contain and control metahuman activities, ultimately taking Superman into custody after releasing a provocative message from Kal-El’s biological parents urging him to conquer Earth.
Superman, meanwhile, encourages his metahuman allies to intervene in Boravia‘s invasion of Jarhanpur, escalating tensions. The movie’s climax includes a conversation between the Secretary of Defense and ARGUS director Rick Flag Sr. (played by Frank Grillo), who acknowledges a shift in power, stating that
“metahumans are now making the rules”
.
This apprehension toward metahumans carries over strongly into Peacemaker season 2. The opening episode reveals multiple recent metahuman escapes from Belle Reve and Arkham Asylum, causing alarm within ARGUS leadership. A news report highlights the urgency:
“There has to be a solution. This is the third metahuman escape from Belle Reve or Arkham in the past two months. We’ve got to find a way to protect people from what is rapidly becoming an existential threat.”
The anxiety is echoed by Maxwell Lord, CEO of LordTech and financier of the Justice Gang, who confirms that public trust in metahumans continues to deteriorate. These ongoing fears suggest a pervasive struggle with how metahumans are perceived across this emerging DC Universe.
The Emerging Narrative of Gods and Monsters
This growing hostility toward metahumans appears to be the core conflict shaping the first extended plotline of James Gunn’s DCU, tentatively titled Gods and Monsters. In a surprising departure from traditional DC portrayals where heroes are embraced figures, this new chapter paints a world where metahumans are widely feared and distrusted.
Interestingly, this theme aligns more closely with Marvel’s long-standing narratives involving superheroes, such as the X-Men saga and the Civil War event that demanded government registration of heroes. Traditionally, DC heroes like Batman and Superman have enjoyed broad acceptance and integration within societal systems of justice. James Gunn’s approach turns this expectation on its head by focusing on a public that fears these powerful beings rather than revering them.
This prevailing mistrust could become a defining element for the first era of the DCU, presenting a darker, more conflicted reality for heroes who must not only battle threats but overcome public suspicion and fear.
Building Trust: The Role of the Justice Gang and ARGUS
Currently, the DCU has not yet introduced a fully-fledged Justice League. Instead, the Justice Gang exists as a potential precursor, operating from the Hall of Justice, which appears newly established. This group may eventually evolve into the iconic Justice League, gaining public admiration and easing societal anxiety about metahumans.
Maxwell Lord’s efforts to expand the Justice Gang’s membership, even while dismissing Chris Smith’s Peacemaker, suggest an agenda to create a more inclusive and respected metahuman team. This evolution could bridge the gap between public fears and the recognition of heroes as protectors rather than threats.
Meanwhile, ARGUS remains a powerful force in controlling metahuman matters. Rick Flag Sr. is focused on avoiding another incident like the one triggered by Lex Luthor’s manipulation in Superman, largely driven by his personal vendetta against Chris Smith for killing his son in 2021’s The Suicide Squad. This obsession might hinder ARGUS’s wider containment efforts, potentially allowing figures like Amanda Waller, who is currently under congressional scrutiny and removed from her position, to reclaim influence through shifts in agency priorities.
Significance and Impact on the Future of the DCU
The emerging storyline centered on metahuman distrust offers a thought-provoking new direction for the DC Universe under James Gunn’s guidance. It challenges audiences to reconsider familiar characters through the lens of societal fear and political maneuvering, adding layers of complexity to superhero storytelling.
Superman’s example in the 2025 film shows that metahumans can be a positive force, yet the broader environment depicted in Peacemaker season 2 suggests that winning public trust will be a difficult and ongoing struggle. This shift sets the stage for rich character development and intricate conflicts in upcoming episodes of Peacemaker and future DCU projects.
With new episodes of Peacemaker season 2 releasing on HBO Max each Thursday, fans can expect these themes to deepen as the series progresses, offering insight into how public perception and government agendas might redefine heroism in the DC Universe going forward.
