James Gunn confirms Enchantress canon in the ongoing Peacemaker series, which blends characters and events from both the original DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and the newly established DC Universe (DCU). In the third episode of Peacemaker Season 2, titled Another Rick Up My Sleeve, viewers saw an important reference to June Moone, the Enchantress, linking her presence to the current DCU despite her origins in the earlier DCEU films.
The episode features a flashback showing Rick Flag Jr., portrayed by Joel Kinnaman, involved in a complex romantic situation, including a relationship with June Moone. This reveals that although events from the 2016 Suicide Squad film are somewhat separated by the cinematic universes, the character June Moone still exists within the framework of the current storyline. James Gunn, speaking on the official Peacemaker podcast with Kinnaman, confirmed that the Enchantress continues to be part of the new DCU canon, though potentially in a different incarnation than shown before.
Origins and Evolution of the Enchantress Character
The Enchantress first appeared in 1966 in Strange Adventures #187, created by Bob Haney and Howard Purcell. June Moone, a freelance artist, became possessed by a mystical force granting her supernatural powers, enabling her to transform into a powerful witch. Over time, the character has shifted roles, appearing both as a hero and a villain in various comic storylines. By the 1980s, she was established as an original member of the modern Suicide Squad.
In the 2016 Suicide Squad film, Cara Delevingne portrayed June Moone as an archeologist who becomes possessed by the Enchantress, transforming into a rogue supernatural force. Instead of assisting Task Force X, the government’s covert operations team, she aligned herself with her demonic sibling, Incubus, aiming to devastate humanity. The remaining Suicide Squad members defeated the Enchantress and freed June from her control by the film’s end.
The Controversy Surrounding the Original Suicide Squad Film
While the 2016 Suicide Squad earned $749.2 million worldwide on a $175 million budget, it faced significant criticism. The film holds a notably low 26% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting mixed to negative reviews. Even David Ayer, the film’s director, has publicly stated that the movie was heavily altered during post-production editing, limiting his creative control and contributing to the divisive reception.
Despite these controversies, the character of the Enchantress remains a compelling figure in the extended DC narrative. With the Peacemaker series bridging characters and timelines from both the DCEU and the DCU, her inclusion signals an effort to maintain continuity while developing new story arcs within the evolving universe.
Peacemaker’s Second Season Expands the DCU Universe
Peacemaker, currently streaming on HBO Max, continues to explore the complexities of the DCU with fresh content that references earlier DCEU elements. The confirmation of June Moone’s presence in the new canon ensures long-time fans will recognize familiar faces while new viewers can discover evolving storylines. As the series progresses, viewers can expect more details on how these characters fit into the larger multiverse that James Gunn is crafting.
This blending of past and present storylines highlights the flexibility of the DCU and its capacity to incorporate diverse characters and histories, keeping the narrative dynamic and engaging for a wide audience.
