The James Gunn DC superhero teams initiative has rapidly expanded the newly rebooted DC Universe by introducing five distinct superhero groups tasked with protecting multiple universes. While fans continue to await the arrival of a new Justice League iteration, these teams are already active, especially with two highly anticipated projects set for release in 2025.
The latest addition surfaced in Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 3, which revealed the Top Trio—an alternate Earth-based team operating through a quantum storage portal located in Chris Smith’s closet. This team consists of the alternate-universe Smith family members: Chris Smith as Peacemaker, his father Auggie Smith who assumes the identity of Blue Dragon, and his brother Keith Smith known as Captain Triumph. Their collective mission and longevity within the DC Universe remain unclear, but their introduction marks the latest step in expanding this interconnected heroic community. Prior to this, four other teams have already been established under Gunn’s creative direction.
Established and Emerging Teams Within the Rebooted DC Universe
Task Force X: The Suicide Squad’s Ongoing Legacy
Task Force X first appeared in the 2016 Suicide Squad film and was rebooted in 2021’s The Suicide Squad, presenting a live-action ensemble of antiheroes and villains under ARGUS’s command. The 2021 iteration sent the team on a covert mission to Corto Maltese to dismantle Project Starfish, culminating in the defeat and death of the alien entity Starro the Commander. This squad featured prominent characters such as Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, John Cena’s Peacemaker, and Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag Jr. Despite substantial casualty rates within the team, its potential return in future installments remains a possibility, indicating ongoing integration within the DCU storylines.
Creature Commandos: Supernatural Soldiers in Animated Form
Kicking off James Gunn’s new DC Universe efforts was the December 2024 launch of Creature Commandos on HBO Max, an R-rated animated series. Following the events of The Suicide Squad, this team is dispatched to the war-torn nation of Pokolistan to safeguard Princess Ilana Rostovic from the Amazonian antagonist Circe. Headed by Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., the group’s members also include Indira Varma as Bride, David Harbour as Frankenstein, Alan Tudyk portraying Dr. Phosphorus, and Sean Gunn voicing both Weasel and G.I. Robot. Plans for a refreshed roster in the upcoming second season suggest Creature Commandos will maintain a central role under the direction of leaders Amanda Waller and Rick Flag Sr.
Justice Gang: A Precursory Force Before the Justice League
Before the formal introduction of the Justice League itself, the DCU featured the Justice Gang in the Superman film. Led by Maxwell Lord, this lesser-known group actively supports Superman during his conflict with Lex Luthor. This team’s lineup includes Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, also known as Green Lantern, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific. Both Hawkgirl and Guy Gardner return in Peacemaker Season 2’s initial episode, where Chris Smith’s character seeks membership, highlighting their continued relevance within the broader narrative.
Green Lantern Corps: Reintroducing Iconic Intergalactic Defenders
Scheduled for a 2026 debut, the Green Lantern Corps will mark James Gunn’s first live-action adaptation of this iconic group since the 2011 Green Lantern film. Their arrival in the DCU comes via the series Lanterns on HBO Max, infusing the universe with their signature green rings and potent cosmic abilities. The show confirms the inclusion of key members such as Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart and Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan, with Hal mentoring John during his early days within the Corps. This marks a significant expansion of the DCU’s cosmic side and promises to broaden its mythos substantially.
Peacemaker’s Ongoing Quest Amid Expanding Dimensions
Peacemaker Season 2 stands as the third installment in James Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe after the launches of Creature Commandos and Superman. Featuring John Cena in the titular role, alongside Jennifer Holland, Danielle Brooks, Steve Agee, and Frank Grillo, the season follows Peacemaker’s pursuit of heroism while confronting alternate dimensions and seeking revenge tied to Rick Flag Sr. The series’ first three episodes are currently available for streaming on HBO Max, maintaining viewer engagement with the evolving DCU landscape.
The introduction of these diverse teams under James Gunn’s leadership reflects a deliberate strategy to build a layered and interconnected superhero universe that embraces both terrestrial and cosmic threats. By weaving characters from established franchises with new faces and crossover possibilities, the DC Universe aims to deliver fresh narratives filled with tension, hope, and uncertainty. As these teams develop through upcoming films and series, audiences can anticipate increasing complexity and collaboration that will shape the future of the DC superhero mythos.
